Antique Engagement Rings Gets Better In Ages

Antique engagement rings are a unique and beautiful alternative to a new ring. The tradition of giving separate rings for the engagement and the marriage started in Victorian England. The first DeBeers diamond minds in the late 1800s helped increase the popularity of engagement rings.

The earliest diamonds were not nearly as brilliant as today’s rings. The first mine cut diamonds were not very clear. This improved in the early 20th century with the European cut diamonds. These are often found in rings from the Art Deco period. Diamond cutting continued to improve and evolve into the brilliant cut that is still used today.

Larger stones are found in Victorian rings. While these diamonds don’t have the clarity of newer rings, the stone is generally larger. Rings became smaller throughout the early 1900s and into the Great Depression. Overall, the quality of the diamond affects the price. Clarity isn’t as important in antique rings as it is in new ones. The value depends more on the demand for specific rings.

The most popular vintage rings are from the Victorian Era through the 1940s. Distinct styles, settings and stones can be seen in rings from each period. Victorian rings are generally yellow or rose colored gold. The stone can be a diamond, but pearls were just as common in this time period. Edwardian rings have a filigree design in the rings. Some may have Jewish or Christian designs in the filigree.

Art Deco rings of the 1920s are generally platinum, white gold or silver. Bezel settings are common in these rings. The setting makes the smaller diamond appear larger. Rings became smaller and less ornate in the 1930s and 1940s. Platinum became less common during the war years and yellow or white gold was commonly used in rings. Carvings on the shank and settings helped make the center stone appear larger.

Where to Find Antique Engagement Rings

There are several good places to find antique rings. Antique stores often carry jewelry. Some dealers are more knowledgeable than others about the details and value of rings from each period. In some cases, you ca get a really good deal. Some stores under sell jewelry because they don’t know its true value. The ring may not come with a certificate. If not, have it independently appraised for insurance.

Jewelers sometimes carry vintage pieces. A good jeweler will be knowledgeable about the value of the ring. You may not get as good a deal, but will have the peace of mind of knowing that you have a quality ring. You will be given a certificate for the diamond when you buy from a jeweler.

Estate sales are a good place to find antique wedding jewelry. You can usually arrange to view the items the day before the estate sale. Read about the value and characteristics of antique rings to help determine the value of the ring. Inspect the ring carefully before the sale to decide how high you will bid. You can find information in books at the library or on the internet.
Caring for Antique Engagement Rings

Antique diamond jewelry will retain its beauty for years, if you care for it properly. Before you purchase the ring, have the jeweler inspect the prongs carefully to be sure the stone won’t come loose. You don’t want to lose your diamond. Take the ring to the jeweler for professional cleaning and inspection once or twice a year.

Romantic Ways To Propose To My Girlfriend Movies Best

Here are some of the "Romantic Ways To Propose To My Girlfriend" That Launches In The Movie Line. Cinema goers actually leave their hearts on these movies because of the beautiful proposals scenes. Now everybody is dreaming to have this kind of proposal too.

Walk The Line - When June Carter (Reese Witherspoon) told Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) that the only time he was allowed to speak to her was when they were onstage, she probably didn’t have a public proposal in mind. “I have asked you 40 different ways, and it’s time you came up with a fresh answer…You’re my best friend. Marry me,” Johnny says to June, mid-duet. He tells her—and the audience—that he won’t finish the song until she says yes. Cue the kiss.


Serendipity - Sure, Sara (Kate Beckinsale) ends up with Jonathan (John Cusack), but it’s her proposal from boyfriend Lars (John Corbett) that makes this list. Done wrong, the scene could have been really cheesy: The millions of rose petals on the floor…the candlelight room…the fireplace…the big box with a note that read “Open Me!!”…the boxes inside boxes…the Annie Lennox song in the background…the snow falling outside…. And to be honest, it was cheesy, but in a totally I-wish-that-were-me kind of way.



Stepmom - Some girls want the Tom Cruise-Katie Holmes engagement story at the Eiffel Tower. Those who dream of something a bit more intimate can relate better to the bedroom proposal in Stepmom. Luke (Ed Harris) wakes up Isabel (Julia Roberts) one morning with a kiss and a ring box. Instead of a ring, though, there’s a spool of thread in it. He ties the thread around her finger and says he let the thread break once and he’ll never do it again, before sliding the ring down the thread and onto her finger


Sweet Home Alabama - What woman’s heart didn’t melt when Andrew (Patrick Dempsey) took Melanie (Reese Witherspoon) to Tiffany’s—after-hours, no less!—and got down on one knee right in the store? As if that weren’t romantic enough, the scene really entered fantasyland when he gestured to every diamond around and said, “Pick one.” Average guys didn’t stand a chance after that one.


Love Actually - The English flick was filled with more romantic gestures than even Cupid could stomach, but the most aww-worthy of all occurred when Jamie (Colin Firth) proposes to his summer housekeeper in the restaurant where she worked.“Beautiful Aurelia,” he said in broken Portuguese. “I’ve come here with a view to asking you to marriage me…Of course I don’t expecting you to be as foolish as me, and of course I prediction you say no, but it’s Christmas, and I just wanted to…check.” “Thank you,” responds Auriela (Lúcia Moniz). “That will be nice. Yes is being my answer.” “You learned English?” asks Jamie. “Just in cases,” she says.

In her shoes - Foodies, rejoice! Popping the question at a fancy restaurant isn’t all that original. But slipping the ring on a piece of shrimp and rotating the plate so she can see it? That definitely gets points for creativity, and it’s just how Simon (Mark Feuerstein) proposed to Rose (Toni Collette) in this novel-based chick flick.


Gone with the wind - The honesty between Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) and Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) makes this sexy proposal scene steaming hot. No matter how much the bullheaded Scarlett protests, Rhett refuses to take no for an answer. “I shall never marry again,” the widow tells him. “Oh yes you will,” he retorts, “and you’ll marry me.” And she does.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding - There’s a reason this rom-com was so successful: its real-girl feel. Toula (Nia Vardalos) leads such a low-key lifestyle that it’s only appropriate for Ian (John Corbett) to propose to her in bed. No grand gestures, no bed of roses—simply the two of them sharing their love for each other. Who could say no to that?

Cheap Engagement Rings With High Quality

If you want to find affordable engagement rings that don’t look like you compromised on quality they can be found in a variety of places. You just need to know where to look and what to look for. You can put together an engagement ring that will dazzle her and appraise for much more than you paid for it.

Ways to Save Money on an Engagement Ring

There are many ways to have cheap engagement rings and yet still have it be every bit as special – maybe even more so. One of the simplest and most affordable ways is to pass along a family heirloom.

An engagement ring that once belonged to your great grandmother for instance will help to carry on the tradition of long and happy marriages. If your great grandmother’s ring is too small, you can have it resized to fit the new bride.

Taking a family heirloom and making it your own is also a way to create affordable engagement rings with your own unique touches. The diamond may have been small if it was pre-war era, so you can replace it with a larger carat ring. Antique jewelry is often a custom in both Jewish and Christian traditions. To use a vintage style ring today is more than modern; it is a real trend setter.

Another way to save money on an engagement ring and still have the high quality ring is to choose silver over gold for the setting. Ounce for ounce, sterling silver is much less expensive than gold. Many women also prefer silver jewelry to gold, so choosing ring of silver will match her other jewelry.

One more thing you can do to save money on an engagement ring is to buy the gemstone and setting separately. Often in travelling people will find inexpensive gemstones, even diamonds that are very high quality. Buying the stone, even before you have met the person you intend to give it to is thinking ahead. Then, to make the ring truly intended for your intended, pick the setting out together or surprise her with something you know she will like.

Showing Off Your Affordable Engagement Ring

Who says an engagement ring has to have diamonds in it? There are many other beautiful precious gem stones that can represent your commitment. In fact many celebrity couples don’t choose a traditional white diamond. Think of Princess Diana with her sapphire and it will get you thinking out of the box.

Sometime a large single diamond is much more expensive than smaller ones. You can compromise on size to get higher quality for the same money and vice versa. Also, the three stone diamond engagement ring has become very popular and can be a much more affordable engagement ring. Even alternating diamonds with other stones can cut costs, but not beauty.

Having found the perfect ring, it is time for a celebration! You can have an engagement party for all of your friends to celebrate having given the ring and set the date for the wedding. Make it a night full of music and song and it will be a wedding party to remember.

5 Romantic Proposals That Works Perfectly

Here are 5 fun and romantic ideas for getting down on one knee and asking for your girlfriend's hand in marriage. Romantic proposals in the spring time are perfect as thoughts turn to love.

1. Does your sweetie love fast food? Talk to the general manager of her favorite restaurant about putting the romantic words, "I love you, will you marry me?" on their outside sign. Swing by and pick your honey up for lunch, take her there and get down on one knee.

2. Does your love like stars? Name a star after her, take her to a romantic place in your city as the sun is setting. When the stars come out, tell her you named a star for her and hand her the certificate. Make sure the certificate is wrapped in a box large enough to hold the engagement ring box. As she's opening it, get down on one knee. This is very romantic as the stars glow in her eyes.

3. If your girlfriend loves poems, purchase a book of romantic poetry. Wrap it up, and give it to her to open. Inside you will have written your own romantic poem in which you declare your love for her and ask her to marry you.

4. If your sweetheart likes birds, this is nest building time for them! Find a bird's nest, wrap her ring box in her favorite colored paper, and place it in the nest. Say "honey, look at this neat bird's egg". When she comes over, hand her the box and get down on one knee.

5. Are there ponds or lakes near your city? If your sweetie loves ducks, take her to the lake. Pack a romantic picnic lunch with sandwiches, her favorite snack and candy, and your favorite drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Bring along some bread in a bag to feed the ducks. Have her wrapped ring inside and hand the bag to her. Get down on one knee and toast to your love as you're ending your picnic.

Romance should be light, airy and fun. Proposals are an important day in every couple's life and should be memorable, fun and tailored to both of your interests and hobbies to make it even more special.

Famous Diamond Engagement Rings Of Famous Celebrities

What better way to show the world that you are in love than by the act of giving and receiving a diamond engagement ring ? With many actresses and other famous women sporting bigger and sparkier diamond rings, celebrity engagements have become a delight for the jewelry lover. The size of the diamond is not necessarily the key as to what makes some of these rings so famous and recognizable, rather it seems to be a combination of the engagement ring itself and the famous lady it is associated with.


Celebrities and other famous people influence the look and style of many aspects in fashion and also set trends. Diamond engagement rings are no exception to this rule. The following is a partial list of the famous ladies and their equally famous engagement rings:

Royalty

Queen Elizabeth II received an engagement ring from Prince Phillip that was made from diamonds from his mother's tiara. Grace Kelly was given a 12 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring from Prince Rainier. Lady Diana was engaged with a ring made of an 18 carat blue oval sapphire that was circled by fourteen diamonds.
Actresses

Elizabeth Taylor was engaged to her third husband, Michael Todd, with an emerald cut diamond that weighed almost 30 carats. However, she is more known for her other pieces of jewelry, one more striking than the other: the 39 carat Krupp diamond, the 69.42 carat pear-shaped Taylor-Burton diamond and the 17th century heart-shaped Taj Mahal diamond.

Priscilla was engaged to Elvis with a 3.5 carat diamond engagement ring that was circled by another 21 smaller diamonds and diamond chips.

Sharon Stone was given a three diamond, 3 1/2 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring by Phil Bronstien.

Catherine Zeta-Jones promise to Michael Douglas was finalized with a 10 carat antique marquise diamond estimated at almost $2 million.

Pop stars

Madonna received from Guy Ritchie an antique Edwardian three-stone diamond ring with a decorative platinum band. The Neil Lane ring was supposed to represent their family: mother, father and son Rocco.

In the case of Toni Braxton, drummer Keri Lewis designed a stunning 4.5 three-stone diamond ring with an oval-shaped center stone and 2 heart-shaped diamonds on the sides.

Paris Hilton, even though not a pop star but a diva anyway, received 2 diamond engagement rings from billionaire Paris Latsis, a $5 million 24 carat canary diamond ring and a $2.1 million 15 carat white diamond ring.

Britney Spears has two engagement rings also: one that she bought for herself before the wedding, a $40,000 4 carat cushion-cut diamond ring with a platinum pave setting, and one that she received 9 month after the marriage from husband Kevin Federline.

Christina Aguilera became engaged to Jordan Bratman after he presented a $54,000 20-carat diamond engagement ring designed by jeweler Stephen Webster.

Whitney Houston sports a stunning 4 carat oval-shaped center stone with trillions on the sides which she received from Bobby Brown.

Of course there is the very famous pink diamond ring that Ben Affleck gave to Jennifer Lopez. This 6 carat radiant shaped pink diamond quickly caught the attention of the public and has become a highly sought after replica. It is completed with a platinum band as well as three baguette white diamonds on each side. The pink diamond engagement ring is reported to have been purchased for $1.2 million in 2002. The ring, while easily identified is also very feminine and modern looking.



Some replicas are styled as more antique engagement rings. These rings have an everlasting quality and symbolize tradition and heritage. The recent engagement of Camilla Parker Bowles in February of 2005 featured such an antique engagement ring. The platinum ring has an emerald-cut center diamond with three diamond baguettes on each side. This ring originally belonged to the Queen Mother and is believed to be valued at over $1 million.

Romantic Ways To Propose - Most Romantic Places

A romantic proposal is every girl's dream, and boy's. Show me any girl who wouldn't want to be swept off her feet by the most romantic proposal ever, and I will show you a girl who wished never to be married. Life time dreams of most girls and boys are to one day meet mister or miss perfect, and get proposed to by him or her, get married and live happily ever after. Yes, believe it or not, girls nowadays do propose to their boyfriends too.

Boys and girls, when it comes to popping the question, would you rather be spontaneous with little fanfare, or would you make it elaborate and memorable at a place he or she will remember forever? Remember that romantic ways to propose will even be remarkable if it will be done in the right place.

It has been written thousands of time, and if you're a movie buff you must have seen it hundreds of times, you know, the ring inside the desert romantic proposals in a restaurant. There are several other memorable movie places, but for real; are there really 10 most romantic proposals places? Here are probably the most talked about places known by many:

1. Eiffel Tower in Paris
2. Empire State Building in New York
3. City landmarks - most big cities have city landmarks that often attract couples for romance
4. Restaurants - usually couples favorite
5. Movie Theater
6. Winery
7. Beach Resorts
8. Adventure Sites - bongi-jumping
9. Mountain Top
10. Flower Gardens

As you can see, there is no end to romantic proposals places people can choose from, and certainly there is limit to thousands if not millions of proposal ideas out there. Question though is, how do we come up with these rankings, and how do we know that the ten list above are the top 10, or if Eiffel Tower should be the number one on this list? I don't know, and I believe you probably don't know either. As far as I'm concerned, your most romantic proposal place should be wherever pleases you - and that does include your favorite places in your own house.

Secrets Of Buying Your Diamond Engagement Rings

The diamond can be selected first or last, there is no right or wrong order. Some people prefer to choose their diamonds first and then find a setting that will accentuate its beauty. Others choose to pick out the setting initially and then search for a diamond, or diamonds, that will adorn that setting. And there are still others that find it much easier to buy diamond engagement rings that is already finished completely.

Diamonds all look beautiful. Even cheap diamonds can look elegant and classy. If you want your diamond engagement ring to look as elegant as you've always dreamed it would be the most important thing is to locate a fine setting. It's this choice of setting that will determine whether the finished product is a worthy purchase. Your choice of diamonds and setting is very important because ideally you won't get a second chance at choosing your diamond engagement ring.

Many women choose diamond engagement rings that have three stone settings. These rings will usually include one center diamond and two smaller offset diamonds. Three stone settings are very popular and can include either prong or bezel settings which can be made of 14k or 18k yellow gold, white gold or platinum.

Some women prefer classic solitaire settings that may include 4 to 6 prongs, bezel or cathedral settings. There is a wide assortment of solitaire settings. As a general rule the more prongs you have the safer the diamond engagement ring sets. You certainly don't want to lose a diamond because one of the prongs breaks off. So this is something to consider when choosing your setting.

When shopping for a diamond it's important to purchase a certified stone. A certified diamond has been evaluated by an independent expert that will give it a quality rating for its cut, color, clarity and carats. This is the surest way to purchase a high quality diamond. After finding a center diamond and complimentary diamonds to your liking the next step is to find that beautiful setting you've always dreamed of.

Another thing to consider when shopping for a diamond engagement ring is the current trend. Many women will end up purchasing a style of ring that is currently popular only to find out 10 years later that it's no longer in style. You have to remember that this wedding ring will be worn forever hopefully so choosing a classic style may be more to your liking.

It's also smart to consider the practicality of the engagement ring. If you plan on wearing the ring daily it may be wise to purchase a sturdier ring that can withstand the daily rigors of your job or activities. You should determine the amount of wear and tear your ring will endure and select a ring that is up to the punishment.

Other things to consider are the metal your wedding band or engagement ring will be made from. Some women prefer the look of yellow gold while others prefer white gold. Some forego gold altogether and go with platinum, a very popular style these days. Or you can go with a combination, a two-tone gold with some yellow and some white. It's purely a personal preference.

But something to consider is that two-tone gold may be easier to match with other jewelry that you may wear. Another question that brides-to-be often have a hard time deciding is whether or not they should buy a name brand ring or not. It's usually fairly easy to find comparable rings cheaper if you do not go with a name brand. On the other hand it's sometimes nice to be able to flaunt an expensive name brand ring. The choice is yours.

Unique Marriage Proposals

If you find a romantic wedding proposal which you like, please don't simply copy the idea in its entirety. The best wedding proposals are always the ones which are unique and special to the couple involved. Unique Marriage Proposals capture hearts of women like no other.

Having said all that though, I hope these romantic wedding proposals give you some inspiration for your lady's special moment.

1. Get her three red roses and hand them to her saying that the first one is for the past, the second the present and the third which has the ring tied to it is the future.

2. Arrange for a day a spa followed by a photo shoot in your best outfits. During the shoot go down on one knee and propose, you'll have the moment forever! Then you can go for a meal at the best restaurant in town followed by a night at a 5 star hotel.

3. Tell her to meet you in the park at lunch time. Show up a few minutes late riding a horse and donning a suit of armour! You can then offer to be her prince. Perhaps you could have a friend in some nearby bushes ready to play Holst's "Jupiter" as you arrive.

4. Rent a limousine and pick her up from work. Give her a red rose and her favourite outfit to change into. Drive to a nice restaurant where they can serve you in the limo. Propose for desert over champagne.

5. Recreate your first date! Go for a walk past where you first met! Eat the first meal you cooked for her where you had your first ever picnic. While listening to your special music, propose to her drinking champagne.

6. Scope out a nice peaceful spot perhaps with a lake or river! Blindfold your girl and take her there. When you reveal your setting, have a nice picnic set up with your favorite music. You could keep some champagne in the water.

7. Create a candlelit pathway leading up her driveway, up to her front door and into her living room or bedroom. When she follows the path, she'll find you on one knee!

Celtic Engagement Rings - A Beautiful Ring For You

Irish traditions are rich and full of both whimsy and sentiment. This is especially true when it comes to weddings and marriage. The Irish symbolize beautifully the real meaning of marriage with their wedding rings. Celtic engagement rings and wedding bands have a style all their own, but still lend themselves to adding your own personal touches. An antique gold ring with the telltale woven pattern is the perfect symbol of the blending of two lives.

Designing Your Celtic Engagement Rings

Once you’ve decided you love the tradition of the Irish wedding ring, you can design your own engagement ring and wedding bands to incorporate those styles.

First you begin with the precious metal that will hold the pattern and any gemstones. Rings can be fashioned out of gold, silver, or platinum. Jewelers will tell you what material best suits the stones you may be setting within the ring. Platinum for example is the perfect material for setting a high quality diamond since it will not discolour or yellow the stone as gold may.

Next the metal is moulded into the traditional woven Celtic pattern. Even an antique Celtic ring can be remade to suit the new couple’s preferences. It can be carefully resized as to not lose the pattern and it can have personal gemstones added to it.

Rings can be made in many different widths too. For example, if you have a one carat diamond, you will probably want a wider band than a ½ carat diamond would hold. That is true especially if you want to show off the intertwined pattern and not have it hidden by the stone.

Adding gems to a Celtic style ring gives you many design options. You can intersperse small stones throughout the crosses on the weaving or add one center stone. The stone can be part of the engagement ring with a solitaire placed there, and then have either a plain Celtic band or one with several coordinating stones. The design possibilities are endless.

Making Your Ring a Part of the Wedding Ceremony

It is customary in many Jewish, Christian or non denominational wedding services to exchange rings. To further highlight the reason you chose a Celtic engagement ring, you can include a brief message of its meaning on your invitation.

The meaning of the intertwined or woven pattern is symbolic of the blending and joining of two lives into one never ending circle. You can further enhance this message through the music you choose for your ceremony.

Irish or not, using Celtic engagement rings and Irish music will make any wedding ceremony and reception special. This is a day to always remember and the rings you wear will be a part of that memory long after the champagne is gone and the guests have returned home. Keep the feelings you have on that day a part of everyday with the symbolic ring style.

Samples Of Engagement Announcements You Can Use

If you're planning on getting engaged, you'll need an engagement proposal. Proposing to your girlfriend can be a bit stressful, to say the least. Most men wrack their brains trying to come up engagement proposal ideas. It's extremely important to get something that appeals to your girlfriend, although she'll likely say yes to whatever proposal you come up with. You should know that almost three fourths of women surveyed recently indicated that they weren't completely happy with their engagement proposal.

Here are some samples of engagement announcements you can use, although you'll probably want to alter them a bit so they match your girl's personality and expectations. For example, many men have proposed to their girlfriend's at a sporting event by getting their proposal up in lights on the scoreboard. If your girlfriend is a rabid sports fan, or a die hard fan of a particular team, that may be the perfect proposal for her. If you are sure she is enough of a sports fan to go this route, contact the team about getting your proposal on the scoreboard. Make sure that she's a hard core fan too, not just you.

Most women, however prefer something more romantic, even if they are more than a casual sports fan. Romance is key to a successful engagement proposal for most women. The standby is dinner at a romantic restaurant. You want to find one with impeccable service, great food, and a romantic reputation. A spectacular view doesn't hurt either.

Make sure you get a reservation, and talk to the staff beforehand about your intentions to see if they have any ideas and can facilitate your plans. They'll help get you a secluded table and keep the tables around you clear of other diners. Plan your proposal for a Sunday or Monday night, they'll be fewer guests in the restaurant. You can have the server bring your ring out on a silver serving platter in lieu of desert. Your girlfriend will never see it coming.

Another great romantic ways to propose to my girlfriend thing is on horse drawn carriage. Talk about romance! It doesn't get too much more romantic than that. Most cities have places that are known for carriage rides. Some of these include New York's Central Park, San Diego's Gas Lamp District, Seattle's Pioneer Square, or Memphis' Beale Street. If you'll be in Paris, you can depart by carriage from the Eiffel Tower for a romantic tour around Paris, complete with a bottle of champagne to toast your engagement.


Another blue chip engagement proposal idea is a walk down the beach at sunset. It's been done a million times, but with good reason; it's hard to beat for romance. To make your beach walk proposal even more romantic, you can lead her to a special spot that you've already outfitted with rose petals, candles (check regulations on open flames first), and possibly a boom box with her favorite romantic music. If you think it would be a good idea, a bottle of champagne could be waiting for the two of you also.

These are but some of the many engagement proposal ideas you can use to start your life together. There are many, many more. The key is make sure your proposal fits your girlfriend, because after all, a proposal is really all about her.

Vintage Engagement Rings

An engagement is a very special time for most people, and giving the perfect engagement ring can really make the occasion extra special. There are many ring types to select from, but for those that want to give something that is extra special vintage engagement rings could prove the ideal choice. The beauty and classic elegance of this type of jewelry will thrill the recipient. You can make her feel like a celebrity when you present one of the fabulous vintage engagement rings available today. She will be thrilled to show off the ring at your engagement party or celebration, and you will be able to rest easy that you have presented her with a beautiful ring that she will treasure for years to come. Going for a vintage ring – whether for your engagement or your wedding – means that you can give something that really stands out and has its own unique charm…a real treasure that can be passed down through the generations and will retain its charm and elegance through its timeless beauty.

Select from different types of vintage rings

You can enjoy great choice when it comes to selecting a vintage ring for your engagement. Whether you want gold, silver, or platinum, and whether you want classic diamond or another type or precious gem, you will find some incredible rings available. You will find that these rings offer some really intricate designs giving them a very special and beautiful appearance – ideal for an occasion as special as an engagement. These rings are finely crafted and offer durability and strength in addition to elegance and beauty, so you can be certain that the ring will continue to bring happiness and will also continue to look great for years to come. The choice of rings available in vintage style means that you can get a ring that is perfectly suited to your needs, tastes, and budget, and you can present an item of jewelry that is really special. Your proposal will be all the more memorable when you opt for a vintage ring, and you will be thrilled by the character and quality of these rings.

Affordable beauty, incredible value – enjoy the benefits of both worlds when you opt for vintage rings

You won’t have to break the bank in order to propose with a vintage ring, because you can now enjoy incredible value for money on these rings. You don’t have to worry about compromising on the quality or beauty of your ring, yet you can still enjoy some real bargains and low prices when looking for a vintage ring. Often, you will find the lowest prices – and the largest choice – in vintage engagement rings when you go online. You can match your budget and your preferences up through a vast selection of vintage rings that boast character, elegance, beauty, and unique style – making for a very special and memorable engagement. James Allen Have A Huge Collection Of This. Just click on the picture below and browse it.

Unique Engagement Rings For You

The most widespread of engagement traditions is the groom presenting his bride to be with a ring. Most frequently, the engagement ring is a diamond ring. Even though diamonds are the most desired by brides to be, diamonds are not the only precious stones used in engagement rings. Today's brides want unique engagement rings and that makes it even harder.

If your choice of engagement ring is a diamond ring, be prepared to spend. The diamond jewelry retail market is a $30 billion market. Over $5 billion is spent on engagement ring in the U.S. market.

To the untrained eye, most diamonds look very similar. Most people differentiate between diamonds based on size, shape, and price. A lower price usually means lower diamond quality, not necessarily a bargain.

Judging diamond quality requires skill and experience, and it involves grading a ring based on a combination of characteristics such as cut, clarity, color and carat weight. The above characteristics are called the "4 Cs". A diamond's weight is measured in carats, equivalent to one fifth of a gram. Usually diamonds range from 0.25 up to several carats. Weight is only one way of valuing a diamond, color is another. Colorless diamonds are the most rare and they are the most valuable. Colored diamonds with a hint of yellow are more common and less expensive.

Diamond colors are coded from D to Z. A D grade is the most valuable and Z is least valuable. Diamonds graded D-F are considered colorless and they are the most valuable. Many reputable jewelry stores do not sell K thru Z grade diamonds.

The most valuable color grades:

D: Absolutely colorless. The highest color grade, which is extremely rare.
E: Colorless. Only minute traces of color can be detected by an expert gemologist. A rare diamond.
F: Colorless. Slight color detected by an expert gemologist, but still considered a "colorless" grade. A high-quality diamond.

Another essential factor determining the price of a diamond is its cut. Just like color, cut, is equally difficult to judge for the untrained eye. The grading certificate that typically comes with the diamond will give you a good idea. Independent testing laboratories, such the GIA, provide certificates with a diamond's grading from excellent to poor. A certified diamond also means a bigger price tag.

The clarity of a diamond simply refers to its purity. Most diamonds have minuscule markings called "inclusions". A flawless (no inclusions) diamond is very rare and valuable, while a diamond riddled with inclusions is less expensive. Clarity is ranked from "flawless" (FL) to "imperfect" (I1 to I2). Most diamonds fall between those with very, very small inclusions (VVS1) to rocks with slightly larger inclusions (S1). If you are willing to compromise on clarity, you can expect to save. To verify a diamond's clarity, examine the laboratory certificate.

If you're on a tight budget, try to stay away from the big name jewelry stores. Brand name usually comes with a larger price tag. Buying wholesale may be an option. Normally the wholesaler's core business is selling diamonds to retailers, but they also sell to the public. Because they do not advertise in the traditional methods, nor are they located in shopping malls, you have to seek them out. Here's one jewelry store that I've found out. It sells in a low price and has an amazing collection of engagement rings. Moreover, if you really want unique engagement rings, then you can design your own and they will get on it. Amazing store James Allen!! Just click the image to see some of their precious collections.

Engagement Proposal Ideas - Meeting The Parents

A part of an engagement procedure is to meet the parents. There can be a millions of romantic and sweets engagement proposal ideas but without meeting your girlfriend's parents, those could mean nothing. So meeting her parents is as important (or even more important for some girls) than the actual proposal.

Is your valor put to the test, when facing (her) Mom and Dad? Is meet-the-parents-day, a dreaded event in the near future? Do you enjoy each other’s company that Mom’s opinion or Dad’s plan is already part of the daily conversation? If things are going good, then you should expect that you would meet her parents sooner or later. But don’t dread the day, and instead welcome it with open arms. For here are sound advices for you, the gallant man, when the day comes to meet her parents.

First of all, not all parents are alike; so don’t assume that they’ll be like Mom and Pop. But, hopefully like her, you would want to impress, respect and not offend your own parents, wouldn’t you? Ask your girlfriend about her family. It would be useful to know any history on her father or mother’s side, her siblings, their work background and major health issues. It would be wise to find out about the parents’ politics, what kind of sense of humor they have, cultural or entertainment preference, if any. Asking these key questions will also show your girlfriend that you’re interested in knowing all about her family and that you attach a lot of importance in meeting her parents.

A careless remark about the latest bloopers by the country’s president may not sit well with her parents if they are staunch republicans from a red state. There are countless of other ways you can go wrong with her parents if you don’t do your homework. The objective is to leave a good impression on her father and mother after the first meeting.

Now, you would think that of the two, the father should be the primary focus. But, no; it is best to get your girlfriend’s mother on your side first. Think about it, she’s actually the one hosting the dinner in the house, isn’t she? Moreover, most mothers would partially judge you according to how happy their daughter looks being with you. When you’re hitting a rough spot in your relationship, your girlfriend would most likely run to her mother. In these times of trouble, her mother might become instrumental in bringing you back together again.

Fathers will generally have a harder time accepting you. Rightly so, because he was the main man in your girlfriend’s life. Now, it will obviously appear to her father that you are taking over that role. In some instances, the father might resent that. In most cases, they will size you up to see if you are really fit to take care of their daughter. So, come to think of it, fathers have a more natural obstacle to get close to you. But this will happen in time, especially if you’re careful in your first meeting.

Now what do you really do during the actual meeting? If it’s a dinner at their house, always bring a gift. You can give them a floral arrangement. Depending on their tastes, traditional items like a bottle of wine or a box of sweets also work.

When you get into a conversation with them, show interest in their family life. Look for common interests, hobbies and expound on them. Politely ask for their opinion and listen. It’s easy to talk about sports, pets and their line of work. Other good topics are your job, your family, movies, and current events. It would be wise to steer the conversation away from jokes, politics, personal matters, religion and money matters.

Flatter your girlfriend’s mother on her cooking, clothes or the home interiors. Compliment her cooking by finishing your plate. After dinner, offer to help clear the table of wash the dishes.

Eventually, your girlfriend’s parents will start to ask you some direct questions. You won’t panic if you’re prepared for this. Relax, look them in the eye and answer as nicely as you can. Try to think about their reason for asking the question and relate to this when answering the parents.

Remember, in the first meeting, be yourself and make sure to always observe good manners. Show respect to your girlfriend and her parents. Your girlfriend has probably told all of them about you and how great you are. So come prepared for the meeting and prove to her parents that you deserve to be with their daughter.

Give Your Girlfriend's Mother, Father Or Family Members The Gift That Would Take Their Heart. Choose From Our Variety Of Gifts Available

Romantic Ways To Propose During Valentines Day

Many men use Valentine’s Day as the day to propose to their loved one. After all, it is the most romantic day of the year and it is a day you will always remember as the special day that you decided to become one. So, what are some romantic ways to propose ? Here is a list of three ways to propose on Valentine’s Day that will definitely thrill your girlfriend.

1. Do it in front of her family

This all depends on how traditional your girlfriend is, of course. If she does not get along well with her family, this is a bad plan. But, if you know she is very close to her mother, father, siblings, grandparents, cousins, etc., this can be a great idea. Have them help you plan the special day.

Assign one of them to ask her to come to a family reunion on Valentine’s Day in order to get everyone together. Inform them of the real plan, but have them keep the secret from your girlfriend. When she tells you about the “reunion”, complain a bit about the “reunion” being on Valentine’s Day, but do not over do it to the point where she decides not to go.

If that happens, remind her that family is important and even though you would rather take her to a romantic dinner alone, you will go to the “reunion”. If you are very traditional, ask her parents for her hand in marriage before the party. Let the “reunion” go on for a while, so she really believes it is real. Designate a time when you are going to pop the question and inform the others beforehand (so they know it is going to happen) like when you put on a certain song or say something in particular.

Then, drop to one knee; tell her how special she is and that you’ve already received her parent’s permission to ask for her hand. Tell her you love her, ask her to marry you and give her the ring. Chances are she will say yes and the whole room will burst into applause. Make sure in advance that you have spoken to someone in the family about taking photos or a video when you ask so you will have the moment preserved on film.

2. Plan a weekend getaway

If Valentine’s Day is on the weekend, plan a getaway destination such as Las Vegas or Miami. This is a great way to propose if she likes doing spontaneous things and loves to travel. Don’t tell her until Friday afternoon when she gets off work. Pick her up at the office and say she has 30 minutes to get packed, that you have planned a weekend trip. To do this you will need to plan several things in advance.

You will need to get either airline tickets, train tickets (traveling by train can be very romantic), or get the driving directions. Make sure you have reservations at a romantic hotel. For example, if you are going to Miami, try to get a room on the beach. If you are going to Las Vegas, try to get a suite on the Strip at one of the nice hotels. You will have to have the stuff you will need for the weekend packed – including the ring. Hopefully, she will be so excited by the trip, she will think that is what the weekend is about. But, at a great romantic moment, like a walk on the beach or in front of the Bellagio when the fountains are going off, propose to her. If you are in Las Vegas, you can even get married there the same weekend.

3. Borrow from her favorite click flick

Most women love romantic click flicks and many include a proposal. If you know a movie she loves that has a romantic proposal scene, reenact it with her. If My Best Friend’s Wedding is her favorite movie, just holler out “Will you marry me?” as she is getting in her car to drive away. It is even better if she is getting on the train (which is how the movie version actually goes). If An Officer and a Gentleman is her favorite movie, walk in to her office, just pick her up in your arms, and carry her out. As you are carrying her out, ask her to marry you.

For this, you should probably consult her boss first. If she loves Sex and the City and you have a dog, take the dog out for a walk with her. When you stop to bend over and scoop the poop, pull out the ring just like Aidan did for Carrie. If you are not sure what her favorite chick flick is, ask. You can always use the premise that you are thinking about buying her the DVD copy for Valentine’s Day. Be sure to ask for a few of her favorites to be sure to find one that has a romantic proposal.

Proposing on Valentine’s Day is a great idea and one that your girlfriend will surely love. If you have the right setting, it can be very romantic and something that you both will tell your grandchildren about one day. You still have about 5 months before Valentine

Diamond Engagement Rings - A Symbol Of Love

Your engagement is considered to be one of the most special days. It's a chance to represent your true love and devotion to someone special and to declare it a way that will never be forgotten.

The engagement ring is going to stay on her hands forever, and every time she sees it, it should remind her about that glorious day, and her partner's undying devotion. This is why the engagement ring holds such an important place in a man's life. It is not just an ornament; it symbolizes your love, trust, dedication and the affection you have for your life partner.

If the diamond engagement ring had been a mere ornament, you could always go for the costliest one and the most flamboyant, glossy model to show off your wealth and status in the society. But it?s not just an ornament; it's a token of love and care. So, it has to be chosen in a manner that it would truly and wholly represent you.

A diamond is considered the best choice for the engagement ring, because the diamond is as special as your life partner. It is the purest, and the hardest material available. Above all, nothing can beat the look of a diamond ring. Women are considered as the best creation of nature, so presenting a Diamond Ring is like saying, 'one beuatiful creation for another.'

You can choose whatever look you want in your diamond ring. Vintage, classic, contemporary, or ultra modern; whatever style is desired by your partner. Choosing the right kind and style of diamond depends not only upon the color, texture and the price, but also on the likings and the looks of your partner.

An elongated diamond, such as the Marquise or Oval can make short fingers look sleeker. A diamond is hard in character, extremely good looking, dazzling all through its life, making the person who has it happier, and represents the glitter of love. So there cannot be a more special reason to buy a diamond engagement ring; after all, the right diamond with the right setting is the best thing that can happen in your life, only next to your life partner.