How to Save on Mens Jewelry in Store

If you decide to go shopping inside of a retail store, always ask to see the pieces that are on sale. There's no reason to pay full price, especially when most items go on sale at least one or two times before they leave the store. Most items that are on sale are probably just pieces that didn't sell or that went out of style. This doesn't mean they don't look good, it just means new merchandise needed to be displayed. Most stores keep these items in the back or in clearance/sale sections of their store.

Also ask about store cards and coupons that are available. Signing up for a card may only require a few minutes of your time and can result in getting a discount on your first purchase. These savings options can mean getting authentic designer pieces without using your entire savings account to buy them.

Benefits of Saving Money:

- Nobody is going to know how much you paid for a designer piece of jewelry, so why break the bank? You can get brand new or almost brand new jewelry for really great prices if you just search around.

- Most jewelry items go on sale at some point, especially when they are about to go out of style. There is no reason to pay full price on these products when they will just be marked down later on. Even when they go on sale and out of style they still look great!

Best gift for engagement anniversary

People save up for months to purchase an engagement ring for that special person. Once the purchase is made, then something incredibly special must be planned in order to mark the once in a lifetime event. While there are many classic methods by which to offer the engagement ring, everybody wants to be original. Here are some ideas for those people looking to steer away from tradition for a moment to ask for someone’s hand in marriage.

Romantic park picnic

What better way to indulge in romance than with a cozy and personal picnic in the park? A less common way to offer an engagement ring, it’s a personal environment without many distractions. Change things up by playing a cute song on the guitar (if you’re musically inclined) and propose to your love as you offer up that shiny ring. 

Serenade with a surprise gift

The serenade is a powerful means of conveyance for those with true intimate and romantic intentions. If you are not as musically profound as you would like to be, there is no shame in hiring a musician to write a custom song only for your love interest. Think about having it recorded or played live as you offer your engagement ring.

Engagement cake

We’ve all heard about the birthday cake. We’ve also heard of the dreaded divorce cake (yes, it’s true). But a totally new idea is the engagement ring cake. So why not create your own tradition and custom and have a special cake baked just for your special someone with the ring atop it in the frosting. The event is unforgettable, while being truly unique and sincere.

She proposes!

It is the 21st century after all. A truly unique era, the confinements of traditional method are no longer as applicable as they once were. It’s not just the men who need to get down on one knee any longer -- if you are a motivated and proactive woman, why not ask your man to marry you? Buy a matching set so that you both can flaunt a flashy engagement ring. Then pick a time, place and special method of forever vowing your love and propose to your man. Switch the roles and catch him off guard—and if he really loves you, he’ll agree to marry you.

Top Designer Rings for you Beloved

Gents, pay close attention. There is a common misnomer that’s about to be cleared up. It is the belief that designer diamond rings are meant only for engagements. In actuality, they make for fantastic gifts, no matter the reason. So before you write them off as that one time gift-giving item, review these classic occasions where the gift of a designer diamond ring fits the bill quite nicely.

Her Birthday

If you really want to earn extra brownie points, then give designer diamond rings some consideration for her birthday. Now, it’s still fair to reserve this gift for a really big birthday, like the big three-zero, or a champagne birthday. But there’s no way you can go wrong with such an amazing gift.

Mother’s Day

All mothers are incredibly special, so much so that they have their own holiday. During this day, we, as loving children, set aside an entire day to give our undivided devotion and attention to our dearest mothers. Giving your mother a designer diamond ring that lasts a lifetime is the best way to show her how much you love her.

Holidays

There’s no better time than the holidays to offer designer diamond rings to that special person in your life. With an entire year to do your shopping, you have plenty of time to find exactly what you are looking for. Nothing makes a woman smile more than a gift that lasts forever.

Arrival of a Newborn

Did your significant other just give birth? Is she still recovering in the hospital and waiting to come back home? What is a better welcome home gift, or more warranted than a designer diamond ring? Show her that she means the world to you by offering her a sparkling diamond ring.

Anniversary

Anniversary presents can be difficult to figure out. Designer diamond rings are a failsafe gift for those in need of an idea. There is an old saying that says that you shouldn’t try to fix what isn’t broken. So you simply can’t go wrong by sticking to a tried and true anniversary gift classic like the diamond ring

Get-well gift

Receiving a designer diamond ring while battling an illness or injury is a heartfelt motivator. If the special person in your life is bed ridden, bring that smile back by offering a sparkler that turns his/her frown upside down.

Top 5 Mens Wedding Jewelry

Are there times when you question your personal style? Do you ever feel out of place when you walk into a room – like you’re either under dressed, or overdressed? If so, you might want to consider a fashion makeover. Of course, trends are hard to keep up with, so it is important to choose classic staples when investing in your wardrobe and accessories. The right men’s fashion jewelry can be such a staple. But before racing out to make your new purchase, read up on the following recommendations.

The Designer Watch

A designer watch is a necessary staple and a must-have item of men’s fashion jewelry. Your watch is like an expression of who you are and what you stand for. So go big. Go bold. And make sure that the watch you wear reflects who you are, or at least who you want to be in the future.

The Flashy Bracelet

Don’t forget to compliment your wrist with something flashy, especially if you choose not to wear a watch. When it comes to bracelet selection, there are many options to choose from, ranging from sterling silver to gold. Choose something that suits your personal style, and wears well with your wardrobe staples.

The Chain Necklace

The chain necklace is a classic piece. Stunning even by itself, it can also put the finishing touches on nearly any type of outfit. So be sure to add this quintessential piece of men’s fashion jewelry to your shopping list. Look for white gold, silver and yellow gold, so that you have accessorizing options with various outfits.
Fashion conscious men should also consider the following options:

Cufflinks

Cufflinks compliment any outfit that calls for a button-down shirt. For the formal attire-flaunting fellow, these men’s fashion jewelry add-ons are nearly necessary amenities for completing a modern business look

Tiepin

For the worker that must wear a tie, a tiepin is a mandatory men’s fashion jewelry staple. It provides a personal touch for the wearer, and makes an outfit a little more memorable.

How to easy buy a Engagement ring online

The offering of an engagement ring on a bent knee is quintessential with the moniker of romance, and it is something that most people will only ever experience once in their lifetime. The process of acquiring the right designer engagement ring involves personal time and extensive shopping.

On the other side of the equation is cost. Seeing as the standard retail markup on jewelry exceeds 200%, this generally means that shoppers have to stomach shelling out a few months of salary to acquire the engagement ring they desire -- in the cut and style they want to offer. Thanks to the accessibility of the Internet and online jewelry stores, this mantra is quickly becoming outdated. Here are some of the reasons why it’s easier and more affordable to shop for and buy a designer engagement ring online.

More Selection

Selection is everything, especially when it comes to a once in a lifetime occasion like an engagement. Thanks to online stores, one can find an ample selection of nearly every cut, stone, metal and style imaginable. High-resolution imagery brilliantly displays the finest of details and couture of the engagement rings available.

Lower Prices

The Internet has ushered in a new era of wholesale pricing for aware consumers. Since online stores have far less of an overhead budget than retail storefronts do, they are able to pass wholesale savings on to the consumer. Shoppers are now able to get a gorgeous designer engagement ring for a much lower price.

Custom Orders

In some cases, it is possible to have a custom engagement ring designed. It is a little costlier, and only available throughout certain sellers, but it is a possibility. This is especially helpful for shoppers that are a little more particular than others.

Convenience

Ease and accessibility are list toppers here. It’s easier to shop online. One does not have to go anywhere, nor leave the house. Online shopping can be done at anytime, and in pajamas if one so desires. Orders are drop shipped directly to mailboxes, negating the need to even leave home to pick up the coveted designer engagement ring.

Reasons why online shopping is good

The Internet has streamlined modern day living.

Testament to this are the infinite offerings available online. From shopping for and buying car insurance, to getting quotes on new homes, to finding that rare accessory that completes the perfect outfit, online shopping has changed the way that we think about, find, bargain for and purchase many modern day desirables, products and services. The same equation can be applied to shopping for designer rings online. The following reasons serve to better illustrate why:

More selection.

Online shopping offers more selection. With countless online stores, and millions of inventory items, these online retailers simply have more to offer than a local store does. When one can easily access any online, the selection and options are limitless.

Better prices With online shopping,

you can take advantage of price reductions. This is because you are essentially enjoying wholesale pricing on retail items. Online shopping for designer rings is no exception—making your purchase online will save you money.

Facilitated purchasing experience.

It is simple to shop for designer rings online. You can find more items and faster. You can shop in your pajamas or sweat shorts if you so desire. All you need is your computer and an Internet connection. Items that you order can be directly shipped to your home, and many online stores offer free shipping with orders over a certain dollar amount.

Wish list shopping.

Wish list shopping is an additional feature to online shopping. You can easily track items in the wish list section of most online stores. This makes it easy to shop for gifts far in advance, and to remember what you were shopping for. Rather than succumbing to impulse purchasing, you can wish list shop for weeks or months prior to that special occasion, and easily find items by logging into your account at the given online store.

More ideas..

The efficacy behind shopping for designer rings (or any item involving jewelry) is that ideas can be difficult to come by. When online shopping for designer rings, you are exposed to different ideas from around the world at various merchant portals. You can also read the professional blogs that are generated by these companies.

Luxury Mens' Rings

Luxury men’s rings can make for exceptional gifts for him, ladies. There are so many reasons to offer luxury men’s rings as wonderful presents, and you may even have a special day coming up soon where he could be wowed by you presenting to him a dazzling ring. Some obvious considerations include: anniversaries, engagements, weddings, birthdays, graduations, retirements and Father’s Day. No matter the reason why you are considering giving luxury men’s rings, the purpose of this article is to divulge to you palpable and creative methods of offering that ring you spent time shopping for and buying. The following ideas can help you arrive at a decision or hopefully inspire creative ideas of your own.

• Classic and Sincere: There is something to be said about that romantic occasion. While rare and quite often fleeting in adult life, it’s part of the axiom of fantabulous reasons why we love being in relationships; like those sincere moments where you are enjoying the sunset and offer him that ring, assuring him that he means the world to you.

• In the Cheesecake Slice: This idea is commonly used for men offering women engagement rings. But who says that you can’t turn the tables here? If you plan on dining out, you can always talk to the restaurant beforehand. That ring atop his cheesecake slice will wow him out of his seat and make him blush with joy.

• At the Bottom of a Milkshake: This idea emanates from the 50s, where its moniker is rooted. What is more romantic that drinking a milkshake together with two straws? Why him finding luxury men’s rings at the bottom afterwards.

• On a Romantic Outing: Nothing screams romance more than, well, romance. What better or more suiting occasion to offer luxury men’s rings? The next time you do something romantic, take it up a notch with that fancy ring. For example, say you enjoy a really nice night out on the town, during that long walk on the beach, you could read him a sweet poem and then offer him the ring.

• Tied to a Kite: This is an old-school idea that is lots of fun. Plan a romantic escape to a hilly park nearby. Pack a gourmet picnic lunch with a nice bottle of wine. Fly a kite and be sure to tie the ring to the end with a small bell. When he investigates why the kite is making so much noise, he will find the bell and then the ring.

Mens' Designer Rings Forever

Men love getting presents. Get them men’s designer rings, and they will love you forever more. Often when people think about giving jewelry gifts, they usually overlook the male side of the juxtaposition. But this side matters equally as much. Certainly, men wear far less jewelry than women do, at least in most cases. This also means they receive much fewer jewelry gifts as well. What better way to end the stereotyping than by offering him men’s designer rings and more often? Here are some suiting occasions to do so eloquently. And keep in mind that there are many more reason to get him jewelry, these are just the list-toppers.

On His Birthday – The obvious occasion to get him men’s designer rings is on his birthday. A birthday is a really special occasion where you celebrate the life of a person that you love and cherish. An engraved ring will show him that he means the world to you.

Father’s Day – Dads have a big set of shoes to fill as well, moms. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are very important holidays during the year. If you have a man in your life who is an excellent father, let him know on his day with men’s designer rings.

Wedding Anniversary/Anniversary – Perhaps the most suiting time to offer him men’s designer rings is on the anniversary of your relationship or your marriage. Some women like to offer men’s designer rings after they have been proposed to, as their way of putting an engagement ring on his finger.

Retirement – He worked his entire life to retire and provide. Now let him know that it was entirely with merit. One of the most popular reasons to give men’s designer rings is actually for retirements.

Graduation – Whether it is from high school or from college, graduation marks a pivotal point in a man’s life. It denotes academic accolades and most certain achievements and recognition. Show him how proud you are of him with men’s designer rings.

Token of Affection – Of course, you never have to really have any reason for offering men’s designer rings other than to demonstrating a strong showing of your love and biding affection for the man you call your man. So even if there is not something like aforementioned coming up on the agenda, don’t hold back. Give the gifts of love when you desire, and he will be enamored with you as a result.

Five Romantic and Fitting Situations in Engagement Ring

The wondrous, invigorating affair of asking for one’s hand in marriage is a life changing event that will have resoundingly romantic and intimate imagery that replays in your head over and over again as you age. It’s one of the most special of all moments in the existence of any happy couple. Do you ever recall hearing your grandparents tell you about how they first met, and when your grandfather popped the question to your grandmother, and how gleeful they were and how glowing the memory is in their minds…decades later? If you want to enjoy the same serendipitous memories, all you need is some starter ideas on how to offer that delightfully sparkling Crown Ring engagement ring to her.

Five Romantic and Fitting Situations to Offer a Crown Ring Engagement Ring

1.      Hide it in her dessert. This is a classic and ever so romantic method of really wowing her. Phone the restaurant ahead of time, and meet with the manager. Reserve a romantic, quiet table and then make sure that the staff is in on the ploy. When she goes to eat her dessert, a Crown Ring engagement ring awaits her.

2.      At the bottom of a champagne glass. Order champagne at the end of an intimate dinner with your new fiancé to-be. When she is not looking, drop the ring in her champagne glass. When she realizes upon drinking it, the look on her face will be priceless.

3.      On a paddleboat. If you want to have an old country time engagement affair, then hit the park with paddle boats. Pack a gourmet picnic lunch and enjoy a few hours of time together. Offer her the ring in the middle of the pond (while you are both on the boat), and read her a sweet, endearing poem as you place it on her fin ger.

4.      Engagement hike. If you both are outdoor lovers, then why not celebrate your love outdoors? Tackle that big mountain that you’ve both been eyeing. Then, after you climb the last precipice, present her with the ultimate Crown Ring engagement ring.

5.      Traditional engagement. It’s tried and true for a reason. If your lover is more about the formal approach, then go for the bend on one knee custom. A Crown Ring engagement ring will dazzle her either way, and it’s a great way to celebrate your biding love and to announce your intentions for marriage.

Five Popular Choices for Carlex Designer Diamond Rings

There is just something about the sparkly couture of a diamond. It turns heads, it offers a more fashionably sensible appearance, and it always produces a big, ear-to-ear smile on the recipient of such quaint, affectionate gifts. There are numerous suiting situations that one can use to offer Carlex designer diamond rings. While many people think that a diamond ring is reserved for the sole purpose of an engagement band, there is a plethora of other situations where one can gift such jewelry for other reasons. We shall cover five different options that have become increasingly popular for offering Carlex designer diamond rings during the present day.  

Five Popular Choices for Carlex Designer Diamond Rings

·         The Promise Ring: A promise ring is in general a popular preceding element of what is to come later: the engagement ring. Many men and women offer a promise ring to their significant other as strong demonstration of the strength of the relationship and their confidence in the validity of it, while ultimately moving towards the desired goal of matrimonial unity.

·         The Engagement Ring: Of course, Carlex designer diamond rings are fabulous for engagement rings and feature the most sought after cuts, sizes, selection and styles. When shopping for an engagement ring, one wants to ensure they are receiving a fair market value, while also being able to offer an exception style that will make the moment truly memorable.       

·         The Affectionate Gift: One of the most popular reasons to give Carlex designer diamond rings is just out of the sheer element of a display of affection. Nearly since man first walked this planet, gifts have been offered to others to show that they are cared for. A diamond ring is the surest way to let another person know that they are dear to your heart.

·         The Men’s Promise Ring: Who says that only women get a promise ring? Ladies, if you have a special man in your life, there are promise rings for men that you can consider offering. A newer practice that your man surely won’t object to — adding another stylish piece of jewelry to his growing collection.

·         The Men’s Engagement Ring: Lastly, you have the men’s engagement ring. These tend to be less extravagant than their feminine counterparts. There are tons of styles to choose from. You will be pleasantly surprised at the classy and tasteful styles that Carlex designer rings have to offer.

Luxury Men’s Rings – Five Gift-Giving Scenarios Revealed

Men’s fashion is evolving to wearing stylish jewelry. Men love to wear jewelry as much as women do, they just wear a more masculine type of jewelry. From earrings to piercings to luxury men’s rings, jewelry is a new hit with men young and old. Before you ever opt to shop for or purchase any luxury men’s rings for your male partner, make sure that you find out what his ring size is prior to your purchase. You may be wondering, ‘How do I figure out his ring size without revealing that I am getting a special gift for him, and being obvious about it?’ This is a good question and the answer is simple: ‘borrow’ a ring he sometimes wears without letting him know. Have a jeweler measure the size, and you can get a solid good idea of his ring size. Now that you know that, what occasions are ideal for offering him luxury men’s rings? We’ve got you covered there as well.

Luxury Men’s Rings – Five Gift-Giving Scenarios Revealed 

1.      His birthday. This one is a no-brainer. There are so many different things that you could get him for his birthday. But when you consider luxury men’s rings, they are something he will see every day and as a result be reminded of you.

2.      Father’s Day. If you have a father in your life and you really want him to know that he is super special, luxury men’s rings easily fit the bill for Father’s Day. Show him that he is the top dad in the world by getting him something truly special and intimate.

3.      Anniversaries. He is generally the one that’s shopping for jewelry for you to commemorate your anniversary with. Why not turn the tables on him by offering him luxury men’s rings?

4.      The Holidays. No matter what winter holiday you happen to celebrate in December each year, the fact of the matter is that his eyes will light up with joy when he opens that gift and it reveals the luxury men’s rings that you bought for him.

5.      Graduation. No matter if your son just graduated from middle school, high school or college, or you partner has graduated from an institution of higher learning by, say, earning his Graduate degree, luxury men’s rings are a traditional and appropriate offering.

6.      Bonus Tip: Retirement. Here is one more suiting occasion, when he retires. Help him to celebrate the end of his working life with luxury men’s rings.

Top 10 Reasons to Shop for Designer Men’s Stylish Jewelry Online

Do you like to stay on top of the latest and greatest fashion trends for men’s style? Chances are that if you do, it can be fairly difficult knowing where to shop at to find the greatest selection and the sweetest bargains on men’s stylish jewelry. The stop and go world of the present day leaves little room for free time when you factor in the craziness of your work schedule combined with family time and recreation. Thanks to the internet, more people are able to shop online for clothing, accessories and men’s stylish jewelry in their spare time, and be able still stay on top of the current fashion trends without running out of time in the process. If you have ever wondered what the top reasons were behind using the power of the online shopping and deal finding to net yourself men’s stylish jewelry that will make you the weekend star with the ladies, perhaps the following top ten reasons can get you in the know before the fashion police come banging down your front door.

Top 10 Reasons to Shop for Designer Men’s Stylish Jewelry Online

1. More convenient. Simply put, it’s convenient to shop online. You don’t have to go anywhere, and you can do it in your pajamas if you so choose.
2. Better selection. Why limit yourself to the cramped space on store shelves when you are trying to find the men’s stylish jewelry that you want? Online stores have virtually unlimited space in their warehouses, which translates into more selection for you.
3. Greater bargains. In the upside down financial world of today, a penny saved is indeed a penny earned. Generally speaking, online men’s stylish jewelry is a much greater value.
4. Door front shipping. Once you have placed your order, it is conveniently mailed directly to your front door.
5. Easy returns. Most online vendors – at least the ones worth shopping at – offer very reasonable returns policies.
6. Price/item comparison. With online shopping, you can effortlessly compare competing merchants and similar selections.
7. One-of-a-kind coupons. If you take your time and look around, you can generally find shopping cart coupon codes that offer you another amenity.
8. Wish list shopping. Newer sites offer wish list features that allow you create shopping lists of items you intend to buy in the near future.
9. Staying ahead of the fashion curb. The sites that offer the men’s stylish jewelry that you want can help keep you in par with the latest and greatest fashions and styles.
10. Monthly newsletters. Stay informed of deals, values and new arrivals by signing up to monthly newsletters.  

Why Do Women Wear Wedding Bands on Their Right Hand?

Have you ever wondered why wedding bands are worn on the left hand of the bride? It’s actually a lot more of a commonly pondered question that you may think that it is at first thought. There are some prominent reasons for this, the most popular of which is a theory that emanates from the 16th Century, where the Tudor belief purported that the ring finger on the left hand was connected directly to a person’s heart via a vein, and that this vascular promiscuity represented a noble claim to a person’s heart.

It was the then founded tradition for a couple that was engaged to be wed to place wedding band on the left hand ring finger of the fiancé, or the bride-to-be, which allowed them to celebrate their union, and that also represented to other potentially interested romantic prospects that this heart was “spoken for” and had already been courted and won (back in those days, brides who wore wedding bands were generally from royalty or wealth, and the presence of a ring on their finger signified that they were indeed taken). It wouldn’t be until centuries later that men would also start wearing wedding bands on the fingers.

Today, it’s not uncommon for women to wear wedding bands on their right hand, however. There are a number of reasons behind this ideology, and most stem from cultural or lifestyle differences between people. What follows are some other common instances of why people may wear wedding bands on their right hand.

• Gender Equality has been a prominent force in today’s society. Some women simply earn more than men – unlike in the older days – and wear wedding bands on their right hand to show economic independence.
• Gay and Lesbian Marriages: A newer concept that is finally being recognized by many countries also commonly switches the hand as a sign of independence and cultural recognition.
• Heirloom: Some people have family heirlooms that are wedding bands and wear them on the right hand as a memorial.
• Cultural Differences: Some cultures and countries believe that wedding bands should be worn on the right hand. This is a tradition followed in countries like Poland, Greece, India and Colombia.

What to do with the Engagement Ring during the wedding ceremony?

It might not be the most difficult part of your wedding to plan, but the question of what to do with the bride’s diamond engagement ring during the ceremony arises frequently. For many an auxiliary question is how the bridal set should be worn after the ceremony? That might influence the placement of the wedding and engagement rings during the wedding itself.

Traditionally engagement and wedding rings are worn together on the left hand, especially if they are a set. The wedding ring is usually first, and closest to the heart, and the engagement ring is worn on top of it. This means that the engagement ring will have to be taken off or changed to the right hand for the ceremony. That way the groom can place the wedding ring in its intended order. After the ceremony the engagement ring can be replaced on the left hand above the wedding ring, if so desired.

Superstition holds that the wedding ring should never be taken off, and if it is not put on first it will have to be removed every time you want to clean or store the engagement ring. Not all women want to wear the engagement ring every day, especially if their job prohibits one, or there is a baby who can be easily scratched.

Of course not removing the ring at all can be very inconvenient, especially if you have the type of skin that becomes irritated under the band after washing your hands. In a blog post on “The Knot”, one woman went even further when she said she takes the whole bridal set off and substitutes a simple gold band at work. She is a nurse, and she does this for safety reasons. Another woman wrote that she was a firefighter and since she intends to remove her engagement and wedding rings only for cleaning or very dirty chores, her fiancé (also a firefighter) designed a set that was capable of withstanding some very damaging situations.

The question of whether the diamond engagement ring should be removed for the ceremony becomes irrelevant if the wedding band is a wide stand-alone ring with or without diamonds. In that case the decision will have already been made that the engagement ring will always be worn on the right hand.

A variation on placement is the engagement ring first and the wedding ring second, the rational being the order that the rings were given and received. The engagement ring would then be left on during the ceremony and the wedding ring placed on the ring finger of the left hand, above the diamond.

The order the rings are worn in, or whether they are ever taken off, is a decision made at the discretion of the couple, and is no indication of how long the marriage will last or how sincere their love is.

Diamonds, love and friendship

 “A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but Diamonds are a girl's best friend.”
- as written by Leo Robin, and performed by Mae West.

A diamond should never be a girl’s best friend. The man who placed the ring on her finger, solidifying a promise to love her ‘til death did them part, should be both the lover and the best friend.

It is not the diamond that is the symbol of eternal love; it is the never ending circle that is the band upon which the stone is mounted. A diamond engagement ring is meant to be more than a sparkling accoutrement.

In an atmosphere where materialism often outweighs human commitment, it is refreshing that the custom of pledging marriage with a ring is still the norm. Part of love is made up of private moments, and part of it thrives when it is declared openly.

Many cultures through history have expressed the bonding of a couple through symbols. The circle, which has no beginning or end, also represents the sun, the moon at its fullest, the earth, and eternity. In ancient times a circle of reeds was used create the circle of the wedding band.

A diamond engagement ring is a symbol, not just an adornment. The husband to be has made a pledge and his wife to be has accepted that pledge and has added one of her own. The realization of those pledges is worn on the woman’s hand, first the engagement ring, followed by the wedding ring.

It should also be mentioned that engagement rings for men are gaining popularity. The ring is usually in the form of a band similar to a man’s wedding ring, but has a diamond, or multiple diamonds, set flush with the surface, and mounted on the front face of the ring. In the Nordic countries engagement rings are common for both the bride and the groom.

The commercialization of diamond engagement wedding rings originated with the De Beers Company near the beginning of the 1900’s. Bigger was better. Expensive was even better. The promotion added an element of materialism to the act of betrothal.

There are few things in the world more beautiful than a high quality gemstone set into a spectacular ring. But an engagement ring should also represent the emotional connection between the couple; the friendship and love. Without that, as Malcolm Forbes has said:

“Diamonds are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their jobs.” 

Buying a “manly” wedding band

No so many years ago wearing jewelry was considered “unmanly”.  Men did not even wear wrist watches; they consulted their trusty pocket watch. WWII changed all that. Men were issued wrist watches, and many soldiers started to wear wedding bands to remind them of their family back home. Most certainly no one was going to accuse a man in uniform with a gun as being unmanly.

Today the practice of wearing both a time piece on the wrist and rings on their fingers has continued. Chain link bracelets and necklaces have been added to the list of acceptable jewelry for men.

But men’s jewelry is very different from women’s. As a general rule, a man chooses his jewelry according to practicality and his life style. While a woman would choose her engagement and wedding ring for their beauty, a man is interested in how his watch and wedding ring will stand up in terms of his job and hobbies. If he is a jeans and boots kind of guy, bling-bling will look totally out of place. However, a man who is CEO of a large company and spends more time in the boardroom than working in the engine of his car might want to express his standing with a tasteful array of diamonds on his wedding band.

A male characteristic is linear thought. He is logical, and thinks in a straight line. He considers strength a valuable asset, having sprung from a line of hunter/gatherers that dates back to prehistoric times. He is practical. When family, friends or co-workers approach him with a problem his initial reaction will be “what can I DO?” That’s the premise of the Venus and Mars theory. A man might secretly see himself as a high steel worker, a cowboy, or any job that seems to be the epitome of manly. He envisions himself as a “man’s man”.

Many jewelry manufacturers and jewelry designers have woken up to the unique tastes that men exhibit in clothes and accessories. The traditional plain yellow gold man’s wedding ring is still a viable choice, but there is also a huge assortment of high-end designer rings that are comfortable to wear, durable, and as attractive as any work of art.

A man’s wedding ring need not be only a symbolic expression of his marital status; his wedding ring can represent his tastes and personality as well as his commitment to a relationship. Today’s designers of men’s wedding rings can explore new materials and textures, interesting structural forms, and inclusion of high quality gemstones if so desired.  A man’s wedding ring should match the man.

New Trends in the men’s luxury jewelry market

One would think that during the recession the sales on luxury items in general would
drop. But high end jewelry and car markets did the exact opposite.

While the overall car market fell, luxury car sales rose by 10% or more during 2008, one of the hardest hit years.  GM’s numbers were down (24%) along with the standards Honda (almost 13%) and Toyota (11%) also experiencing a loss in sales. During the same time period Mercedes increased their market share 24%, Audi 17% and BMW an amazing 50%!

Part of the reason is that there is no substitute for quality and prestige. Another is that luxury car manufacturers introduced some less expensive models opening the market to a large income level.

Men’s jewelry also over performed in the downturn, doubling since 2007.  As in the case of car manufacturers, there were some externals involved. For many men the competitive business atmosphere caused them to become more aware of their appearance. “Dress for success” became an important lifestyle goal.

This trend has continued unabated until the current time. Men now represent a rise of 10% in the jewelry buying public. And they are making up their own minds about what they want to wear. A jewelry manufacturer of high end wedding bands for men noted that 4 out of 7 men choose their own wedding ring without help, with 3 being somewhat influenced by their future wife.

The styles and shapes that men are attracted to are very specific.  The same manufacturer explained that they were drawn to the architectural design of their men’s wedding bands, as well as the mechanical complexity of the rings.  Quality of craftsmanship is also a buying factor. Is the infrastructure of the wedding ring solid; is it well executed; and how professional is the finishing? A man’s wedding ring is more dependent on the lines and finish than a woman’s ring which can also rely on the brilliance of the diamond to carry the “look”.

Will this trend in the men’s high end jewelry last?

Michael Fisher, the Editor of the men’s section at Sylesight, is a trend-forecasting specialist. He explains that men will not necessarily spend on wardrobe pieces, “but an accessory to express their individuality? Sure.” (Time Business). He also explained that business men buy luxury jewelry (such as wedding rings) at the end of a recession to show that they are part of the recovery. Men tend to buy one excellent piece instead of mix and match cheaper items, so they are willing to pay the extra to have a luxury high end piece, especially in a wedding ring that will be worn for years.

Valentine’s Day gifts for women-A Great Tips for Guys

It’s that time of the year again…Valentine’s Day.  For most guys a drug store box of chocolates or a bouquet of spring flowers along with a sappy card is their standby. But what do candy and floral arrangements have to do with love?  These are consumables, definitely not representative of relationship of substance.

The key is the depth of the feelings, and the commitment to each other; in other words, the essence of the relationship. Has Valentine’s Day caught you in a new relationship, maybe just casually dating?  Obviously the gift in that case is going to be less expensive, and less in your face love sick.

If you are dating steadily, but have not yet gotten to the point of making a decision about a long term commitment, then a delicate heart pendant or maybe a romantic couple’s weekend at a spa would be suitable. The experience might even kick the relationship up to the next level.

Valentine’s Day, more than any other special occasion, is the time to solidify a relationship that has proven to be enduring. A promise ring would become a keepsake that she will treasure even after it is replaced by an engagement ring. Promise rings can be any style, but they should be genuine (as is your love), and heart shaped gemstones are particularly meaningful. For a change, an eternity style band in candy colorful combinations might be perfect. I have seen a collection called “Bonbon” with colored gemstone set into various colors of gold, and these rings look good enough to eat.

Is this Valentine’s Day the big one? Is this going to be the day when you solidify your promise with an engagement ring? One gentleman I know covered all bases: a box of chocolates, a romantic card, and a bouquet of roses with an engagement ring tied onto one of the stems. The ring was totally unexpected, and desperately wanted, so he made one lady very happy.

The most popular engagement ring currently is made from white gold or platinum with a diamond or multiple diamonds. The style and color of metal has gone through changes over the years, from yellow gold with colored gemstones, to the modern favorite. Some careful probing of your lady love or her friends might give you a clue as to what her tastes are.
The wedding is always a special day by itself, you don’t need Valentine’s Day to exchange those rings.

But down the line, either on the day of your anniversary or on Valentine’s Day, you should think back on how special she has made your life, and recognize your mutual love with a sparkling eternity or anniversary ring. Some claim the eternity ring has a solid circle of diamonds symbolizing love that lasts forever, and the anniversary ring  is made with a half circle of diamonds. Most people use the terms interchangeably. Whatever the name, the ring is always an expression of enduring love.

What does this tell you about buying a Valentine’s Day gift for the woman in your life? Take a look at your relationship and make your choice appropriate to the status of your relationship.

Which type of Jobs are available for jewelry designer’s

If you are looking for a generic looking model engagement or wedding ring, you can find sites online where you can “build your own ring” or order from their selection of common styles.  Jewelry stores will also have empty settings ready for you to pop a center diamond into Slot A, and maybe some smaller stones into Slot B.

But at the level of high end original designer jewelry, especially for men, the jewelry designer has a very important job. He or she has to craft a model that is attractive to the eye, original, and structurally sound. These rings are not made to be mixed and matched, although some changes can be made without compromising the art of the design. For example, a man’s wedding ring can be complete with or without diamonds, but has to translate what is masculine in taste and appearance into a luxury wedding band that he will wear with satisfaction for years.

 Inspiration is often found in a variety of places. Sometimes a line or shape will attract the designer’s eye. The hard work starts when he or she tries to translate that unique vision into a ring. Inspiration and creativity are the foundation of a good design, but there are other elements that have to be addressed for a successful ring design.

 The lines of the wedding band would have to be established. Women’s bridal jewelry can be ornate and delicate or bold and modern. But a man’s wedding band presents the designer with a more limited choice in line. How then to create a unique model?

Adding texture to the metal is one choice in the designer’s options. Composition is also an important consideration. In the composition various different components can be brought together to fashion a new and exciting design for the wedding ring. Because a man’s wedding ring must meet and satisfy certain standards of use, the composition must take into account the infrastructure required to give a man’s wedding ring its strength and durability. Unlike other forms of art, a ring must exhibit functional soundness. The design must also have comfort built into it. This is an item that will be worn every day for years.
Color can change a man’s wedding band from bland to vital. The different colors or metal available, especially in 18k gold, allow the designer to create different “looks” while remaining true to the form of the ring.

Analysis of the use of the wedding ring is important. A physically active man who uses his hands a great deal will be looking for a design that will be quite different from the CEO of a major corporation.  The size and shape of the hand must be considered for band width and weight. Can the ring be offered in more than one band width, or would that negatively affect the design?

It is obvious that a designer for men’s wedding rings, or any jewelry, has a great deal to consider when creating a high end ring. Good designers have to create a piece of art while working within the limitations of manufacturing and the human element. Not an easy job, but some jewelry designers do it very well.

What is Difference between an anniversary ring or an eternity ring?

There is often confusion between an anniversary and an eternity band. While there are some differences in meaning, the terms are often transposable.
The eternity ring symbolizes the love the couple has for each other; a love without end. For that reason the eternity ring is a continuous circle with all sides being equal, the diamonds set completely around the ring.

 An anniversary band is commonly designed to have diamonds set on half of the band.  Because of the exclusively front facing stones in the anniversary ring, the ring can be designed with some variation in shape on the front of the ring. However, traditionally the rings have a symmetrically sized band.
Because an eternity ring with high prongs would be very uncomfortable, these rings are usually channel set or have very low standing prongs.

You can see excellent examples of channel set rings, with both a full diamond band, and a front facing diamond configuration at CrownRing.  This is a Montreal-based manufacturer of bridal jewelry who produces a wide selection of beautiful engagement, wedding, and anniversary/eternity rings. They supply retail outlets all over North America and parts of Europe with bridal jewelry that is renowned for original designs and excellent craftsmanship.

 CrownRing does not differentiate between anniversary rings or eternity rings. Rather their classification is “Channel Rings” and “Full Eternity” Bands.

For simplicity’s sake, we will use the terms anniversary and eternity rings interchangeably, as most people do today. 

At what point does a husband consider buying such a ring for his wife? Or the other way around, as companies such as CrownRing also manufacture men’s anniversary rings. Going back to the original terms for a minute, the eternity ring was not gifted at any special time or occasion, while the anniversary ring was usually reserved for an anniversary of the marriage. It was not necessary to wait until the diamond anniversary (60^th), this ring was appropriate at any time.

Today that has also changed. Anniversary and Eternity rings are also commonly given to mark the birth of a child, or any other important milestone in the marriage.  They are a reminder, and a declaration of the continuing love between a couple. Wearing the ring on the same finger as the engagement and wedding rings is an affirmation of the vows said at the beginning of the marriage.

CrownRing has a large selection of engagement, wedding, and anniversary rings. You can browse their catalogue online and then find the outlet closest to you that carry their collections.

The Big Star-a Diamond Engagement Ring

On December 15^th, 2011, Jason Tarwick proposed to Britney Spears. For the mega-star, this was a long awaited event. On December 16^th she introduced her diamond engagement ring at a Las Vegas soiree for her new finance’s 40^th Birthday party. Las Vegas and Britney have a long standing marital history. That is where she married her first husband in a drunken ceremony. That marriage lasted mere hours.

With expectations of this marriage having more staying power, the process has been traditional. Tarwick asked her father for her hand in marriage (in this case, an actual legal necessity as she is under conservatorship), shopped for days for the perfect engagement ring that would express his true feelings for Britney.

The minute pictures of the diamond ring hit the tabloids, a controversy broke out. You see, by celebrity standards, it was very modest, a mere 3 carats. But from the smile on Britney’s face it was better than any Taylor or Kardashian million dollar bobble.

Jewelry expert Michael O’Conner explained to one tabloid that the size of the diamond was a very well thought out choice.

“I heard that Jason didn’t want a giant center diamond since he was concentrating on the quality of the stone and the beauty of the platinum setting…the royal treatment continues all the way around the finger with platinum set diamonds throughout the entire ring.”

Neil Lane was the designer for this special engagement ring, and despite its conservative size it still cost in excess of $90,000. The center stone is of excellent quality, and the band is set with 90 small round diamonds.

Jewelry designer Lane said of Jason’s choice of a tiara-style setting:

“Jason is a romantic and when I asked him to tell me about Britney and what the ring would represent to them so I could find inspiration, his response was always the same…she is his princess.”

T his seems to be a case of love and taste overriding size and flash, proving once again that big isn’t always best. Minya Oh, the author of “Bling Bling: Hip Hop’s Crown Jewels” was surprised, in a very positive way, at the modest appearance of the engagement ring.

"The setting is a tiny crown but both that and the thin diamond-studded band are done so delicately, from afar the focus is still on that bright white center stone. Nothing about the ring overwhelms her hand, and nothing screams, 'Please believe my relationship is real!' “she added, "This is the kind of an engagement ring a pop icon has when they're ready for something that means more than just the ring."

There cannot be a better sentiment when it comes to a diamond engagement ring. Hopefully for Jason and Britney that “rings” true. They are certainly off to a good start.