Posts Tagged ‘diamonds’

Proposal Etiquette: How to Not Screw it Up

You’ve been dating long enough to know her 30 minute get-ready-for-bed routine and you have so many of her dirty clothes, extra toothbrushes and hair ties at your house that it’s time to pop the question. You’ve learned, despite her little quirks, that she is the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with and it’s time to ask. First of all, congratulations!

Many men can be commitment-phobes, so making this first step is monumental. You want to make sure that when you do ask, however, that it is a memorable and special moment in both of your lives. You’ll be telling this story to your grandchildren, remember!

Recent studies have shown that 80-85% of women were “disappointed” in the way they were proposed to. That may sound a bit daunting and suggests that there are some non-appreciative women out there. With the right amount of preparation, planning and intuition, you’ll be just fine. Guys tend to agonize over exactly how to propose, and some websites suggest planning everything down to the very last minute. Talk about nerve-wracking! You should spend enough time preparing for your proposal, but a proposal will have varying degrees depending on how intricate your idea is. Make sure to take it seriously because your girlfriend will. We’ve created some basic do’s and don’ts when you do decide to take the plunge, and finally, some good proposal ideas based on common personality types.

Do your homework. Just like you did your homework on the engagement ring, you’ll need to consider what type of girl she is and make sure your proposal reflects that. If she’s traditional and romantic, a crazy or loud proposal may make her reconsider her answer. If she’s shy, a huge public proposal may not be the way to go. By taking the time to think about your future fiance, you’ll demonstrate that you care about her on an intimate, personal level. Mushy? Yes, but women are bonkers for this kind of stuff.

You may also need to be creative in arenas such as the setting and the date. Perhaps consider asking on the day of your first date, a holiday that has special meaning to the two of you, or even New Years to start the year of right! Whatever location you select, make sure it holds some personal value.

Do make it a surprise. Women live for surprises. A proposal is exciting news for everyone, but telling her best friend or your mother will almost guarantee a spoiled proposal. Try to stay calm and not let your nervousness give away your plans.

Do’s, Don’ts and Proposal Ideas Cont’d

Do tell her why you want to marry her! Instead of stumbling through those four words, why not add a personal touch to your proposal? Tell her why you know she’s the one for you, what it is about her that you’re so in love with. It will only mean so much more.

Do Share the News. Even if your new fiance is the gossip queen of the city, make sure you share the news with your circle of guy friends-after all, they now owe you a few round of drinks at the bar.

Now that you have a few things to keep in the back of your mind of what to do when you propose, make sure you heed the following “don’ts” to ensure a smooth proposal.

Don’t make it public. This is essentially the reverse of the “do make it a surprise.” If you must tell anyone, make sure they either physically cannot speak or are at least 1000 miles away from your girlfriend and live in a hobbit hole.

Don’t hide the engagement ring in food. Please! Do.Not.Do.This. Sure, it’s all over the big screens, but the actors KNOW what is coming. Your girlfriend will not. Picture a huge ice cream sundae with a beautiful ring sinking into the whipped cream while your girlfriend unknowingly inhales it. You’ll either be visiting the doctor or the dentist by the end of the night.

Don’t make the proposal too complicated. The more that is involved, the better chance there is that something will go wrong.

If you’re still having trouble creating a proposal idea of your own, here are some based on some common personality types.

For the Romantics:

1. Send her one rose per day for 11 consecutive days so that on the 12th day, she’ll be expecting the last rose to complete the dozen. Instead, show up with a dozen more roses, an engagement ring and ask her to marry you. Or, if you can’t wait 12 days, send her one rose per hour for 11 consecutive hours and on the 12th hour, show up with a dozen roses, an engagement ring and a proposal ready.

2. Bring her back to the spot where you went on your first date. Tell her that ever since then, the relationship has grown so much and you hope that she feels the same way. Then ask her to marry you.

3. Propose to her on Christmas. Put the ring in a box and hang it like an ornament on the tree. After all the presents have been opened, tell her there is one more special gift for her. Direct her to the ornament, and get down on your knees to propose.

4. Book a room for the two of you at a fancy hotel. Decorate it with flower petals that lead to the bathtub. Give her a robe and ask her to look in her pocket. After she finds the ring, propose, then give her a relaxing massage in the tub.

5. Buy a piece of jewelry for her and engrave “marry me” on it and present it to her.

For some audio-video help, check out this link to some good, bad and scary proposals:

Cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/relationship-advice/crazy-wedding-proposal-videos. Guys, just please don’t make it as unbearable as the last video on here.

For the Adventurers:

1. Arrange with a local adventure guide for a private hot air balloon ride for just the two of you (and the pilot). Schedule the time so that it covers either sunrise or sunset. Some companies provide a full meal with a table setting and the works. Present the diamond in a box as the dessert at the end of the meal.

2. Take her bungee jumping. When she gets to the top, reveal the letters “Will you marry me? Jump for yes!” at the bottom.

3. Plan for a trip to an aquarium with your girlfriend. Pre-arrange a show in a large scuba tank and arrange a mock presentation of some-sort. Bring along a scuba slate and write “will you marry me” and present it to her on the other side of the scuba tank.

a. For a better idea, visit this link for a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORE3-iqqnlE

Do drop to one knee! We’re not living in the 1950s, but it’s what every girl wants to happen!

Andy Moquin is an experienced jewelry veteran, he has spent over 20 years designing wedding rings, engagement rings, and custom jewelry. After selling more than $30,000,000 in diamonds he now spends most of his time educating consumers, you can visit his website at Wedding Rings Engagement

Why Diamonds Are So Coveted To Grace Bride’s Fingers

Diamonds. Diamond rings for brides and wedding ceremonies.

In spite of the fact that diamonds themselves are little more than crystallized carbon , carbon being one of the most common and basic components of the earth’s globe itself , why have diamond gemstones become such a standard in our society , an expression , testament and show of love and commitment itself , when after all these gemstones are simply little more than rocks from the grounds and their it might be seen , plenty of alternative gemstones and other minerals which could well provide the same function and do the same job and effort ?

Diamonds are among the hardest substances known to mankind. The origins of the word itself are from the Greek term “Adamas”, meaning unconquerable. They were formed as a result of tremendous heat and pressure, from the time of earth’s beginning, most stones being estimated at being at least a billion years old in age, by trusted and respected gemologists in the diamond and gemstone trades as well as geologists

Diamonds overall are held to be rare. Long ago diamonds were only available in one place on earth – that was what is now the country and region of India – on the Asian subcontinent. Only the most powerful of the time period, and the most wealth could afford them – the royals and royalty itself. Thus the initial impression and the prestige afforded to these gemstones. Next overall diamonds are not only valuable they are relatively rare.

To extract each carat of diamonds – a carat of diamond weight works out generally in the ranges of one hundredth and forty two of an ounce – fully in most cases fully more than one tons of soil and rock must be dug up or mined and processed. It takes a lot of earth to be moved for that bride to have that diamond ring on her precious finger. Next in line – are the sizes of the “rocks” themselves? Most diamond gemstones found and mined are tiny overall , only the smallest and tiniest percentage and percentages – perhaps one in thirty thousand are carat sized yet never mind have any of the more special and restrictive qualities so prized in diamond trades – by jewelry and gemstones professionals themselves , never mind brides , groom , their family and the wedding parties themselves.

These stats and statistics comprise on reason, and one of the reasons why diamonds are so valuable, so treasured and cost what they do in the jewelry and precious gemstones marketplace and mark places of the United Sates and the world. Another reason and reasons are the delicate, precise and special cutting process. Generally more than half of the diamond is lost when “cutters” fashion that rough stone into that beautiful gem – of great value and intrinsic beauty. First a “bruter” determines the basic shape of the stone itself. The “bruter” is he person most familiar with “rough diamonds” and the best way and ways to obtain fully maximum size and beauty in the final outcome and outcomes.

When the “bruter” is finally done his work, and completed the full process, the next gemstones professional in line a “blocker” works to “round” out the entire piece? Then the “brillianteer” will strive to add the “facets “that will give the diamond its “fire” and “brilliance”. The bruter and blocker must each and together as members of the jewelry trades professional team to get the most from the diamond gemstone while following scientifically determined proportional guidelines. The simplest least slightest of miscalculation may leave that valuable and precious diamond looking dull and simply lifeless. The brillianteer must ensure that all “facets” (58 in the traditional round brilliant cut” line up most perfectly or risk losing the fire that makes a diamond and diamonds so very special.

Each and every diamond gemstone involved in the diamond selection, cutting and polishing process is so special, most unique, one of a kind and even rarer. Each has its own special life, history and traits. Thus it is no secret that diamonds grace the hands of beautiful women around the globe, and across all cultures and families.

Amy U. Goodman
Winnipeg Wedding Catering
Bay Area Zodiac
BC Canada Lottery

Posted: November 6th, 2011
Categories: Marriage
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Diamond and Engagement Ring Tips and Advice

Numerous couples nowadays are purchasing their loose diamond online, and their engagement ring setting at a retail jewellery store or from a different online shop.

What’s the strongest way to set your loose diamond into your engagement or diamond solitaire ring setting? Here’s How…….

Things You’ll Require:

* Your loose diamond plus your engagement ring setting

Step 1

Don’t try to set the diamond yourself. Select a localized jewelry maker or a jewellery repair shop near you. Before you go, visit the store to make for sure that they have a bench jewelry maker on the premises and that she will be available when you come in.

Don’t take your loose diamond and engagement ring setting to a shop that sends repair work off the premises. If the jeweler you choose has “while you hold service,” it’s always more adequate to see the actual setting being performed on the premises while you wait. The total work is quite amazing. It takes about 30 minutes to set a diamond, and the labor cost should be between $35 and $60, depending on the size of your diamond.

Step 2

Your diamond engagement ring may already have the “head” attached to it. The “head” is the small, but very powerful part of your ring that features your diamond securely in place. If your engagement ring has an unset head on it, and it is made to fit your loose diamond, setting it will be fast and easy. The jeweler can determine this when he examines your ring. If it is not a fit, then you may have to pay for the alloy cost of a new head (about $40, calculating on sizing of your diamond).

The bench jeweler will determine that the supplied head is the right size for your diamond. Using a mixture of jeweler’s instruments; including pliers to slenderly open up the head to accommodate the size of your gem, setting burrs used to notch “seats” into the head so your diamond rests properly inside the head, and cupping tools used to complete off the tips of each prong.

The trained bench jewelers main objective is to securely set your diamond inside the chosen head. Think of a head holding a diamond being similar to placing a tennis ball in your hand and absorbing it tight. The prongs holding your diamond firmly in the head are very like to your thumbs wrapping tightly around the top of the tennis ball, which in this example is your diamond.

Step 3

When your rock is complete, analyze the quality of their work before you depart the store. The prongs should be uniform, absolutely round at the points and evenly spaced around the outside of your diamond. Not too high to snag on clothing, but not so low that they won’t securely hold your diamond. If they are large and off shape, have them fixed on the spot. If the prongs are too tiny, the diamond won’t be held firmly and you could loose it.

Check to be sure that the diamond is secure in your engagement ring setting before exiting the store. First, use your thumbs, tighten your grip on the diamond girdle and try to turn it. Also, use a pair of jewelers tweezers and do the same test. If the diamond moves, even somewhat, then they need to reset it. A diamond that is not absolutely tight in its setting will eventually drop out.

Tips & Words Of Advice

* While numerous people choose a six prong setting, most experts agree that a four prong setting is less likely to cause a diamond chip than a six prong setting. Most chips occur from the impact of a prong being hit, rather than the diamond girdle being hit instantly.

* Make sure that your diamond isn’t switched during the setting process. Today, most certified diamonds are micro-engraved on the girdle with a unique I.D. number that matches the number on your certification. Borrow a 10-power loupe from the jeweler and look at the number before your diamond is set and after your diamond is set.

* If your diamond does not have an I.D. engraved on the girdle, it still has a unique fingerprint of inclusions and symmetry when viewed with a jeweler’s loupe. Analyze and recall the pattern before your diamond is set and check for it again after your diamond is set.

Guy Richman is a diamond expert, author, and entrepreneur. He advises men and women on their loose diamond purchases. As well as sells high quality handpicked loose diamonds at the best prices on his website guysdiamonds.com. He also provides luxury news, and luxury products at guysluxury.com

Posted: October 29th, 2011
Categories: Marriage
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Why Its Important to Avoid Blood Diamonds in Engagement Rings

Discover why its important to avoid blood diamonds when designing Calgary engagement rings. Socially aware couples can design their rings and still listen to their social conscience. Here is an overview of the conflict free diamonds situation.

The desire to consume coming from down inside the heart of darkness, the argument says, commands people to make forced laborers of other people, even guiltless boys and girls. The end justifies the means, the aggressors say. The means pertains to the means of production, in this instance. Those infernal gods of colonialism may get blocked off for good from countries that want to market their own natural resources. In the interim, humankind disapproves of diamonds gathered up during military conflicts.

Authorities in Canadian governing body and authorities elsewhere have taken a two pronged approach to the problem of blood diamonds. They take measures to encourage diamond producers to adopt humane methods to collect gemstones. These governments have also tried to collapse completely the blood diamond trade. An investigation by a Canadian political official, in the year of 2002, sparked the United Nations into action. The final result is a diamond certification scheme still used today.

Gemstones

Groups of persons should be made conscious of the state of affairs regarding war diamonds. Canada trades its own diamonds. Pink colored variants are available in Australia. Synthetic adamant can be manufactured. Hopefully numerous people will order from a credible supplier.

Various negative aspects arise when relying on a published certificate. First, conclusive evidence that a diamond is conflict free is somewhat hard to obtain. This suggests that most buyers never totally know if their diamond came from a war zone or not. Newly espoused couples ought not to fear. Nothing stops them from expecting jewelry makers to furnish written corroboration of the conflict free status of their diamonds.

Some people will probably dread asking for certification. An easier way is to ask what year the diamond was extracted from the Earth. The KP certification covers the periods of time from 1990 to present. So if the diamond was extracted during the 1980s or earlier then people are able to claim that they are fairly certain their diamond was not mined during the current wars in Africa.

Latest News Releases

Incidents are showing up since 2010 that suggest war diamonds are being offered again. Some observers think that the KP has become lax. The KP commission does not have to do all the work by itself. It can call upon consumers of jewelry. Consumers can refuse to acquire war diamonds make their price fall. Then perhaps the factions may consider treating their diamond workers well.

People have renewed their calls for the UN to be more strict on industries that do not compensate their diamond workers. These vocal activists for a fair trade certification process point out that certification is all above board. Also they claim that several governments and diamond producers acknowledge that improvements can be made in the area of labor practices. Also activists believe that troubles with blood diamonds have not gone away yet.

Paramount Rationale Is Elimination Of Forced Servitude

The guiding concern for the creation of the KP system ought to be remembered. Do humans of conscience want to order products made by slaves? Historical accounts document wealth accumulated using a population forced into servitude. Rubber, sugar, and cotton are a few commodities that created great wealth but not for servants. It seems improbable that in the 21st century accusations have been hurled at certain industry production practices in Africa and China.

Historical records also hold instances of humans gently persuading industry and providing assistance. Industries sometimes need assistance to profitably changeover to civilized production processes. The KP commission is an example of a cross section of people coming together persuading and assisting. Diamond producers and distributors are allowed to voluntarily join a certification scheme. An organization of governmental along with non governmental parties enforces regulations for their group members. Individual members have veto authority over provisions they find too counter productive.

Discover why its important to avoid blood diamonds when designing Calgary engagement rings. Socially conscious couples no longer have to forgo wearing diamonds. Select carefully using the tips found in this article.

Public knowledge on blood diamonds have prompted a code of ethics enforced by Canadian Jewellery Directory. When buying Charlotte Town engagement rings ensure the jeweller is part if CJA.

Posted: October 27th, 2011
Categories: Relationships
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Diamond Wedding Rings: The Brilliance of Your Wedding Day!

Do you know the time in our lives when we like to prepare ourselves with the best of the best of the best? There is a vital part in our lives wherein we like to take control, arrange, organize and want everything to fall perfect according to our wishes and desires. If you haven’t guessed it till now then it is clear marriage is right now not on your mind. Getting ready for your wedding is the most loveliest part of our lives maybe because that is the only day when we are treated as ‘Kings’ and ‘Queen’s and we tend to feel that the whole world cares for us. There is nothing more to life than love, if wedding is that ritual which seals the love between two souls for the rest of our lives. Love is that gesture which keeps us going on in this tough world and a happy marriage with the support of our loved one, sees to it that we can overcome all the difficulties of our life. When we think about our wedding celebration, everyone would like to keep it as genuine as possible and the most unique way to achieve the same would be to have a great wedding band which symbolizes the love and respect which have for your partner.

Wedding bands or wedding rings mark the beginning of a life-long relationship, wherein each one vows to be at the side of the other through thick and thin and through all the trials and tribulations life can offer. A unique wedding ring will make your spouse proud and will appreciate your efforts in making his/her day a grand one. The modern trends in wedding rings are quite sophisticated and chic and will impress everyone out there who is waiting to make a difference.

Eternity wedding rings have become the fashion statement of today and today’s jewelry designs on diamonds and wedding rings is quite incredible. Diamond eternity rings are the pride of its owner, which completely magnifies the personality of who is wearing it. They are made of diamonds intricately woven around the ring thus giving it the dazzling sparkle from all angles. Apart from eternity rings and wedding bands, diamond anniversary rings are also become the style of the era wherein people like renew their vows and appreciate the existence of their respective spouses in their lives. Exquisite varieties of diamond rings are widely available wherein people have a wide collection to choose from according to their likes and budget.

When you gift your spouse a diamond wedding ring, you give her a lovely reminder of your love which comes alive every time she looks at it, which thoroughly conveys to your spouse the love which is their in your heart. The newest fashion quotient in the wedding market is the stylish sapphire and diamond rings wherein velvety sapphires intermingled with magnificent diamonds totally add class and elegance to your love life. And if you think, diamonds are only reserved for men, come out of that notion and discover the amazing array of diamond rings exclusively for men which is a beautiful way to convey to your handsome that your love too is eternal.

Diamond wedding rings are becoming the trend of the era wherein the brilliance of diamonds sparkles magnificently through your happy and prosperous married life.

The author explores the increasing trend for diamond wedding rings in today’s weddings which has definitely become a part of marital ceremonies and rituals.

Posted: July 5th, 2011
Categories: Marriage
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The Love That Sparkles in Diamond Wedding Rings!

It is rightly said that a human’s life is governed by three major events – birth, marriage and death. For our birth and death, we are in no position to celebrate and rejoice and hence, our wedding is the only important occasion of our life wherein we plan and celebrate and rejoice every moment of that wonderful day. We start planning our weddings right from the time we attain a bit of consciousness, dreams and desires which gets piled up over the years and which are realized on the great day wherein we are joined by the better half of our life. For a woman, a wedding is more than just the occasion but the day on which she wants everything she has ever desired for and the most important thing which matters to her is the wedding ring. A wedding ring makes her lovely wedding day all the more special and becomes the precious item of her life which she clings onto at every moment. Any wedding ring wouldn’t match the brilliance of a diamond wedding ring which will surely brighten your day and after all, diamonds are a woman’s best friend, right?

The utilization of diamond wedding rings over the years have considerably increased and they have become a token of true love in the recent times. Actually, wedding rings are considered as the final gift amongst the series of gifts which also starts with an engagement ring more precisely known as the betrothal present. The tradition of gifting rings varies drastically and has often been found to match with the publicity of the marketing trade wherein a series of gifting rings have started the first one being the pre-engagement ring, the eternity ring which is to denote the renewal of a lasting marital relationship and lastly the trilogy ring which represents the past, present and the future of the continuing relationship.

Wedding bands remind us every day and at every instance of our life the special person who is in our life and who has really attributed for the happiness and tranquility which exists in our lives. With the popularity of diamonds as wedding bands and rings, a wide assortment of diamond dealers and experts are available who create the ideal wedding ring for you. Most of these jewelers custom-make your ring with great precision as your desires and create the prefect ring to make your day an amazing one. The diamond eternity rings is a wonderful way to celebrate the great relationship you are in which totally makes up your life and an absolutely ravishing way to celebrate the same is with the help of a diamond eternity ring. Diamond eternity rings have a very classy and elegant look with the diamonds positioned in such a manner that they surround the entire ring and hence you can view the magnificent sparkle from all angles. These rings perfectly symbolize the eternal love which you share with your loved one and makes the celebration as a milestone in your life.

Always remember that you meet that special somebody only once in your life and hence to create a sensational moment on your wedding day would be only with a simple and elegant diamond ring which is the best way to mark your wedding day.

The author is very interested in learning about the diamond wedding rings and eternity rings which have become popular in the recent age.

Posted: May 13th, 2010
Categories: Marriage
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Looking After Your Diamond Engagement Ring

Diamond may be the hardest naturally occurring material known to man, but that doesn’t mean you can avoid cleaning it and making sure it looks its best now and for the generations to come. There are some basic steps for making sure you look after and acre for your diamond which you should understand and practice when you have been given a diamond engagement ring.

Basic Cleaning and Care Tips

Here are some basic tips to keep your diamond engagement ring in perfect condition:

-Clean your diamond engagement ring at least once a week to ensure the diamond and metal retain their sheen and sparkle;

-Remove your ring before you start on household chores or working in the yard – this will stop it from accumulating dirt, getting scratched and even worse, loosing it;

-Make sure you arrange insurance for your ring, not just in case of loss or theft but for repair if it becomes damaged or the diamond setting becomes loose;

-Never wear your ring when engaging in sports – you can injure another player as well as damage it;

-Make sure you have your ring appraised by a professional who will certify the value of the ring which will help you in the event of a claim on yoru insurance policy;

-Don’t take your ring off or place it near the sink, the bathtub or drains;

-Don’t wear your ring while you are applying make-up or using skin creams and lotions;

-Never wear your ring while swimming, whether in the pool, lake or the sea because the water will cause shrinkage of your finger and the ring can slip off;

-Store your engagement ring in a separate box apart from other jewelry because it will scratch other items or be damaged by them; and

-Never wear your engagement ring while using chemicals such as bleach or cleaning agents because they can cause discoloration.

How Do I Clean the Ring?

It is a myth that you can use ordinary soap and water to clean your ring – many ladies think their ring is getting a good clean when they are washing their hands, but this is far from the case. Soap and water will help to dull the ring and the diminish the attraction and beauty of the ring.

To clean your diamond engagement ring you will need a mild detergent (don’t use a concentrated detergent) and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Using plenty of water, make a weak detergent solution and immerse the ring – take the toothbrush (and be sure it has soft bristles) and use this to work free dirt and grime which has accumulated in and around the setting. If you are really keen, you can buy a specially created cleaning solution from almost any jewelry retailer. If you are confident, you can use ammonia to clean the ring and gemstone but, you must be extremely careful that your stone does not have any fracture within it because this will cause the stone to appear cloudy and misted over.

Lawrence Reaves buys

Where Did the Idea of Marriage Come From?

A white wedding in a church with a horse and carriage may be every young woman’s dream, however the concept of marriage as a union between a man and woman (and sometimes between men and women – note the plural) has its roots several thousand years before Christianity. Marriage is also a universal concept which has developed in numerous cultures around the world even though they have not had direct contact with each other.

So how has the idea of a man and woman setting up a union come about?

First off, where did the word marriage come from? Well “marriage” first originated in the English language in the mid-13th Century, and came from the Old French “marier” but, the French themselves had stolen it from the Romans – “maritare” being Latin for “to marry”.

The oldest written reference to the institution of marriage comes from Hammurabi’s Code of Ancient Mesopotamia (broadly covering modern day Iraq), and where the first permanent cities were established. This takes us back to around 1800 B.C., almost 4,000 years ago, however the custom of marriage certainly pre-dates even this.

Marriage came to Europe via the Ancient Greeks, but there were no set rules or procedures to be followed to create a lawful union. All that was required was mutual consent of bride and groom and that both acknowledged each other as their respective spouse. It is from the Spartans (of the 300 fame) who started the European tradition for men to marry in their 30′s and women as early as possible. The logic was that the men would have completed (and survived) military service (and this was a time when living to your 40′s was considered to be “old age”), while for women, if you wanted a virgin when you married it was considered best to marry a woman as young as possible.

More importantly, the Ancient Greeks also set the very clear pattern of marrying for position, wealth and power. The idea you married because you loved someone was irrelevant – sentimentality or feelings did not come into what was a commercial transaction between families looking to advance or protect their own positions. Upon becoming a wife, a Greek woman lost practicality all of her rights which has taken over 2,000 years to reverse (and is still continuing in most parts of the world today).

The neighboring Romans adopted the custom from the Greeks, though they added a further layer of legality and ceremony to the concept. There were several different forms of marriage in the Roman Empire and which version was used depended on whether the woman was to join her husband’s family or remain associated with her own. A “free” marriage allowed the wife to own her own property and retain her own family’s name, but more importantly, she (and her original family) kept any property she owned or inherited within her own family. It was more traditional for a woman to be simply “transferred” to her husband and his family; the wife lost her right to inherit property from her old family and found herself under the total authority of her husband and his family.

Christianity arose out of the ashes of the Roman Empire, however it was not until this radical, new religion was over 100 years old that the idea of a religious implication was developed in connection with marriage. Until then, and for a long time afterwards, Christians married in much the same way as everyone else – a family arrangement, usually negotiated without any pretense of emotion or love between the parties. As Christianity gained traction in the Roman Empire, it became clear that this “moral” religion should take a stand that marriage should bein accordance with the laws of God and not simply an expedient business deal.

By the 12th Century, it had become compulsory for wives to take their husband’s surname and additional layers of legality and ceremony were added. By the mid-16th Century, the bride and groom had to have the consent of a number of people to get married – usually their parents and the Church, but if you were a noble or a landowner, you may have needed the permission of the King! The Church’s permission was integrated into the ritual because it opposed the formation of marriages by children, sometimes even babies, by their families. We ought to thank the Church for the fact that free-will became an established feature of modern Western marriage. Before the Church, you married who your parents or patriarch told you to marry!

Lawrence Reaves bought the engagement ring for Mrs. Reaves (and each subsequent diamond gift) from Danforth Diamond.

Posted: April 23rd, 2010
Categories: Marriage
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New Wedding Trends For 2010

For those getting whose 2010 New Year resolution is to get married, thoughts will be turning to what to wear, where to get married and the legion of details and arrangements which go along with the happy day. Here we are going to take a brief look at some of the fashions and trends which are emerging for weddings this year.

The Wedding Dress

Last year saw long-flowing dresses in the romantic style emerge as the most popular choice and this is set to continue. Soft fabrics with subtle floral designs are favoured and complemented with sashes, waist bands and ruffles. Bodices adorned with zircon or pearls are also extremely popular.

Dress styles are refined with strapless gowns continuing as the most popular variant. Fashion houses continue to push the modified A-line skirt, which is flared at the bottom and tapers to a slim line waist. Common alternatives are ball gowns and tea-length dresses but, the most notable development is the introduction of color, even black though color is usually more muted in tone using colors such as soft brown or platinum.

Accessories

Long wedding trains are out but veils are in as are faux fur shawls and wraps ( not real fur). Velvet, satin and pashmina are also popular but for warm weather lighter fabrics such as lace, organza, chiffon and tulle provide the best dress accessory and especially for bare arms and shoulders.

On the jewelery front, pearl necklaces and earrings are extremely popular followed by rhinestones and crystal. Crystal broaches set in the hair are also used to accent the entire effect and may also be worn on the dress.

Hair Style

There is no clear fashion when it comes to hair styles; the popular choices remain loosely pulled back for long hair. Hair adornments are popular, especially broaches and hair pins or less often, silk or lace flowers. Tiaras, combs and headbands remain popular but the trend is to become smaller and let the dress be the focus of attention with the bride’s outfit.

Wedding Bouquet

The great majority of bouquets are made by gathering flowers and tying them with a wide satin ribbon. Occasionally, the bouquets is “glammed up” by using beads, brooches, pins, pearls and other stones but a more notable development is the increasing adoption of a “rustic” look. Starfish, shells, feathers, pinecones and other natural objects are increasingly being used to complement the ensemble.

When it comes to the flowers themselves, roses dominate and there is no change for 2010. It is not uncommon to see lilies, hydrangea and orchids and less commonly, tulips though the overall style is a loose, casual style attempting to give a “just picked” appearance which differs from previous seasons. Vivid flower colors are very popular and are contrasted with the dress.

Reception Decorations

A more casual look is being sought after by using centrepieces of matching colors and tones, but variety is introduced by using different sizes and arrangements. There is greater use of natural materials such as lime and lemons, shells and pine cones and less commonly, sea glass or acrylic ice as vase fillers. Tables are further adorned using Chinese lanterns and flowering vines while the humble balloon remains as popular as ever. Disposable cameras are increasingly popular and provide a spontaneous and interesting record of the event.

By Jill Renee – president of DanforthDiamond.com, a leading authority on diamonds, engagement rings and wedding ring sets. Danforth Diamond provides wisdom and advice to help you choose the right ring at the right price. Visit DanforthDiamond.com or call 877.404.RING

Posted: February 25th, 2010
Categories: Marriage
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The Things You Need to Know When Purchasing Diamond Engagement Rings

Are you in a relationship right now? Are you all set to pop the very important question to your partner? Then, it’s time for you to look for the perfect ring – a diamond engagement ring. Diamond engagement rings are probably the most well-purchased engagement rings to date. But if you are in the search for the perfect one, you need to ensure of some things and this article will help you with that.

Purchasing diamond engagement rings might sound quite a tasking job to do but it is actually simple. All you need to do is follow simple instructions as to how you could purchase one and the things that needs to be taken note of.

Diamonds are one of the loveliest gems there is. It is well-loved by many due to its durability – it is very hard, even harder than sapphire or ruby. For a fact, only a diamond could cut another diamond so just imagine how hard it is and this is one of the many reasons why most couples prefer to have diamond rings – it is an eternal marriage symbol.

To buy diamond engagement rings could be quite pricey but it is, for sure, is a big investment. The value of a gem quality depends on these key factors: color, size, clarity, correct proportions and cutting quality. The large ones are way rarer than the small ones which make them more valuable and precious. Its value or price does not go up in simple steps as well as its size.

Nowadays, you need not worry about going to people-packed malls just to shop for the right diamond engagement ring since you could just do it online. The good thing about it is that you won’t have to hassle yourself in walking from one shop to another just by clicking and clicking some sites in the internet. To shop online is very convenient since it saves you from walking and being in crowds plus, it’s way cheaper compared to the ones in the mall. You get to be part of various online sales too.

There are types of engagement rings and these are the following: diamond engagement rings platinum, diamond solitaire engagement rings, vintage engagement rings, diamond engagement rings platinum, antique engagement rings, designer engagement rings, cheap engagement rings and discount engagement rings.

You have to ensure that in buying diamond engagement rings you need to, of course, take note of your personal style or your taste. Spend some time in really thinking hard about it since buying diamond engagement rings needs some serious thinking – make sure you just don’t like it, but love. Some diamond engagement rings would come in various colors: white gold, yellow gold or platinum.

The yellow gold has 14K or 18K carat. 14k has more alloys in the mixture which makes it harder than that of 18k gold that’s why it doesn’t scratch that easily. So, if you’re quite a busy person, then diamond rings are the ones that you might want to purchase. Most importantly, check out the quality of the diamonds that you are about to purchase. Make sure these are certified diamonds since you get to spend a lot of money for it, plus, it is for your special one.

Looking for that perfect Diamond Engagement Ring? Here at Sziro Jewelry, you have lots of quality Diamond Engagement Rings to choose from!

Posted: November 6th, 2009
Categories: Marriage
Tags: , , , ,
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