Between understanding the kind of design your partner prefers and diving deep into the world of diamond characteristics, you might want to consider the metal choice too. Gold diamond rings have historically been a favorite for many couples, exuding a timeless charm.

Their warm hue accentuates the sparkle of the diamond, creating a harmonious blend of luxury and elegance. Whether it’s white gold, yellow gold, or the romantic rose gold, each variation offers a unique aesthetic. Particularly, yellow gold diamond rings are making a significant comeback in contemporary engagement ring designs, appreciated for their vintage appeal and the way they contrast beautifully with clear diamonds. Furthermore, gold’s natural luster and resistance to tarnish make it a reliable choice for an engagement ring. When browsing online or in stores, don’t forget to explore the myriad designs available in gold. From intricate vintage-inspired settings to sleek modern designs, gold diamond rings provide a plethora of options for every taste.

1. Have an Idea of What You’re Looking For

Before all else, you should have a pretty good idea of what you or your significant other (depending on who is doing the shopping) is looking for. If you’re hoping for the proposal to be a complete surprise, get creative in finding out what type of ring she wants. Talk with her mom and her best friends, take a peek at her Pinterest and pay close attention if she ever comments on someone else’s jewelry. These are all great ways to find out the size, style and setting that she’s looking for. However, make sure you also find a jeweler that offers a generous return policy. Even if you pulled a ring directly off of one of her pinterest boards, it might look differently on her finger than she expected. Having the safety net of a flexible return policy (like the 100-day policy at Clean Origin) will be comforting for you and her if it’s not 100% what she had in mind.

If you’re co-shopping for the ring, this step will come much easier. You’ll likely go try on rings together and have a good idea (or the exact idea) of what she wants. But that brings us to tip #2…

2. Shop Around, But Buy Online

As with any large purchase, it’s important to do your homework. And, although going into a store can give you both the “experience” of ring shopping, it often will not give you the best price…or selection. Our advice? If you want to go in-store to try on different styles, go for it. Take pictures (if you can) and take note of the ring specifications. Then, go home to the comfort of your couch or bed and do your real shopping. Compare the price you were given to the price you find online. It’s almost a guarantee that the eCommerce prices will be less. Not to mention, you’ll likely find a selection that wasn’t available in-store.

3. Understand the 4 c’s

If you research one thing about diamonds, make sure it’s the 4 c’s — cut, color, clarity and carat. Knowing (or not knowing) what each of these means could mean saving (or losing) a big chunk of change. This is where scammy diamond “salesmen” will try and get you (another reason to buy online). You should also know which of these 4 characteristics are most important to your partner. For example, she might be OK with an H color diamond, if it means she can have a 2 carat stone. Know where you can give and take.

4. Buy Lab-Grown

Likely one of the best tips we can give you is to go with lab-grown. Many people are still hesitant when it comes to lab-grown diamond engagement rings, but the matter of fact is that they’re the exact same as mined diamonds. The only difference is where they came from. Oh, and the fact that they’re 20-30% less expensive than diamonds mined from the earth. So that 2 carat ring she really wanted? Just became a 2.5 carat at the same price. And you just became the world’s best fiance.

5. Buy a Wedding Set

Do you want the biggest secret tip we’ve got? Buying a wedding set from a lab-created diamond company, like Clean Origin. When you’re searching for an engagement ring, you’re soaking in so much information that you might completely forget about the second ring you need to buy…the wedding band. Knocking them out at the same time with a wedding set will: ensure that both rings match perfectly, save you money, save you time and save you from last minute shopping the day before your wedding. Get the wedding set from a lab-grown company and we’ve just given you some extra money to spend on your honeymoon…you’re welcome.

Ultimately, when it comes down to it, you’re searching for a physical representation of your love and commitment. The process should be something you take your time on, value and invest in…just like your relationship. Keep these 5 tips in mind, go into the buying process with an open mind and always remember what this ring means, and you’ll be set.

The post Tips & Tricks For Engagement Ring Shopping appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Vibrant, colored gems are very popular — for good reason! From beautiful blue green sapphire engagement rings, to expressive ruby centerstones, there are so many varieties to choose from. Here’s a list to help you broaden your perspective.

Blue Green Sapphire

Sapphire engagement rings have been rising in popularity for the past few years. Celebs like Kate Middleton, Liz Hurley, and Penelope Cruz wear sapphires. The gem comes in almost every color imaginable. Particularly stunning is the deep blue that sapphires are known for. Add a touch of green, and you have a stone that is completely one-of-a-kind.

Purple Amethyst

Brides who love purple can let their personality shine with an amethyst stone. Consider this style of ring if you are someone who loves to stand out from a crowd. A clear diamond would never do for you! You need to give your fans something to talk about.

Red Ruby

Rubies are the most valuable type of stone in the corundum family of gems, which includes sapphires. This rich, rare stone truly makes a statement.

Turquoise

Boho brides with a flare for the non-traditional might feel best wearing a casual turquoise engagement ring. You’ll break from convention with this look, and show off your free spirit.

Though you may have been assuming that a diamond is the stone for you, start thinking outside of the box. How would it feel to wear a colorful, alternative ring? You might feel like royalty when you slip that sapphire ring on your finger, or like the cowboy chic girl you are at heart in your western, turquoise ring. The next time you start daydreaming about your perfect engagement ring, let your imagination run wild!

The post Better Than Diamonds? The Alternative Sparkling Stones appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Falling down a steep and rugged snow-covered hill doesn’t sound like the beginning of a love story, but for me it was!

A Chance Encounter

Six years ago I tumbled down a Tear Drop Trail on Mount Mansfield in Vermont, my skis and poles scattering around me. All of a sudden, a body landed on top of me and I struggled to wipe snow from my face to see what was happening. A man (who later became my husband!) was untangling himself from the mess of snow and equipment that we had created. We both said our apologies and he helped me up. Our groups joined together for the rest of the back country ski to the car. The snow was deep and it was still coming down hard. When I think of that day, I see millions of snowflakes in my minds eye. They covered our noses, eyelashes, and buried our skis. My husband asked me again and again if I was sure I was alright. I knew right away that he was a kindhearted person. That-day journey down Tear Drop Trail was the beginning of our life together! Two years later, my husband asked me to move to Colorado with him. He had just received his dream job offer, as a career fire fighter. I happily said “yes”, and we moved west together! I knew in my heart that we would get married, and it felt amazing to know that I was moving with the man I would spend the rest of my life with.

The Proposal

When my husband proposed one year later, tears came to my eyes. He held out a tear shaped ring, and said, “I am grateful everyday for that snowy run down Tear Drop Trail,” and he went on to ask me to be his wife.  I remember wiping tears from my eyes and nodding because I couldn’t find my voice. He slid the ring onto my finger, where it serves as a constant reminder of our chance meeting and all that has happened since.

Wearing My Ring

My ring means the world to me. When I see it, I think about how both my husband and I treasure our story and our memories together. Each new memory adds to the others, and it all started with a tear drop. At first, wearing the gorgeous ring made me feel nervous. Our wedding was to occur in Vermont, so we had lots of long-distance arrangements to make! I was getting nervous about losing my new ring so I had to educate myself starting with Jewelry Insurance 101.  Jewelry insurance gave me  peace of mind as we made all of our wedding arrangements. I knew that even though I had so much on my mind, I didn’t have to worry at all about my treasured ring because it was insured! Also, I should add that my husband’s choice of a ring for me completely blew me away. (Hint hint…Guys, you should check this out: Learn what brides-to-be want in an engagement ring!) I never thought that I would one day wear a ring as unique or valuable as the one that he chose for me. I think that had he asked me what I preferred, I would have suggested a ring that was much more modest and understated. That was one of the reasons that insurance meant so much to me. I wasn’t used to wearing such a precious item during day-to-day life. Instead of worrying constantly, I trusted my insurance to protect me from any losses that could occur. Jewelers Mutual Insurance is the specialist in jewelry insurance, as that is the only thing they cover. If you are just newly engaged and getting used to wearing your ring, or even if you have been married for years, you can give yourself the gift of peace of mind by getting a free quote from Jewelers Mutual.  You can do this online quickly and easily, and it makes a big difference!

Connection And Shared Memories

I started to get more comfortable wearing my ring, and now it feels like a part of me! On the few occasions that I have to take it off, I feel completely at a loss. When it is on, I feel connected to my husband and our shared memories. My ring gives me a feeling that even though our encounter on the ski trail seemed to be by chance, it was not. I feel that my husband and I were supposed to meet, and fate gave us that beautiful, snowy  encounter as a gift.

My Take on Financial Security

The post My Engagement Story: From Tear Drop Trail To A Meaningful Ring appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

As couples embark on the journey of engagement and marriage, they not only share their love and commitments but also face the reality of planning for their future together. Among these important considerations is the topic of life insurance, a crucial step in ensuring the well-being of one another in any unforeseen circumstances. Opting for life insurance without a medical exam can be a straightforward and accessible way for newly engaged or married couples to secure their future, offering peace of mind as they start their life together.

Different couples have different ways of celebrating their engagement. Some share it in social media while others play it discreetly. But one thing that is usually common among all engaged couple is the presence of an engagement ring, whether bought affordably in a wholesale shop or extravagantly in a high-end jewelry shop.

For many generations, a marriage proposal has been traditionally made by presenting an engagement ring. An engagement ring marks the beginning of a life-long commitment. It symbolizes the promise of marriage and the vow to be each other’s partner for life.

Way, way back

The practice of wearing an engagement ring dates back to as early as the Ancient Egyptian period. Circles were believed to be the symbol of eternity which made rings the perfect representation of everlasting companionship. In Ancient Egypt, men displayed their wealth through wearing rings and so, sharing a ring to a woman implied joint possession of riches. It could signal the beginning of a shared life.

A reassuring gesture

It’s been said that during the 2^nd century B.C., the Romans started the practice of giving betrothal rings instead of giving cash or other valuables to the future bride and her parents. The bride-to-be was supposedly given one of very special gold rings to wear in public and another ring, made of iron, which she wore at home while doing her chores, signifying a binding legal agreement. Furthermore, a law called “Breach of Promise to Marry”, wherein a woman could sue a man if he had proposed to her and left her before marriage, was created in the early 1900s.

Today, engagement rings have gone a long way from gold and iron to different metals depending on your beloved’s personality. It has also evolved from just being a symbol of ownership or monetary insurance, to becoming a token of love and commitment. A man “puts a ring on it” to express his readiness to settle down with only one woman for the rest of his life.

Waiting period

In 13^th century Rome, Pope Innocent III declared a mandatory waiting period between betrothal and marriage. With this, Christians started adopting such tradition which many of us follow to this day. Upon giving and accepting of the engagement ring, couples take some time to prepare for the wedding itself. Some opt for long engagements which can take years, with the intention of pledging a marriage in the future without rushing things. During this time, the woman can proudly wear the ring to indicate that she is already taken and set to be wed.

Best accessory

Sporting an engagement ring can mean a lot to many. It means acceptance to the person who offered it, and likewise an endearing affirmation to the one who accepted it. Plus, you must admit, it’s also a great accessory! A well-chosen engagement ring must speak of the personality of the person wearing it. These rings are designed to be elegant and classy, which will go well with just about any outfit!

The post Why Do We Wear Engagement Rings appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Gold diamond rings have been a popular choice for engagement rings for centuries. The combination of luxurious gold with the brilliance of diamonds creates a timeless and elegant symbol of love and commitment. Whether it’s classic yellow gold, modern white gold, or romantic rose gold, the addition of diamonds adds a touch of sparkle and sophistication to the traditional beauty of gold rings.

The Middle Ages

The idea of an engagement period came about in the Middle Ages when Pope Innocent III announced a mandatory waiting period between a couple’s engagement and marriage. During this time, it was common for rings to be exchanged, but these were usually just simple bands. The first recorded diamond engagement ring was given by Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. By the end of the 19th century, it was common to give engagement rings sporting the best stone the groom could buy.

Victorian Practice

After Maximilian, the practice of giving diamond engagement rings among the European aristocracy and nobility gained momentum. The Victorians were famous for their ornate designs which often combined diamonds with other gemstones and precious metals. Many of these were shaped into beautiful flowers and were called “posey rings”.

Enter De Beers

Diamond engagement rings didn’t become popular in the United States until less than 100 years ago with the De Beers Diamond Company. When diamonds were first discovered in South Africa, De Beers needed to figure out a way to make it rich in the diamond industry. They did this by extending the company’s hold on the diamond trade to all facets of the industry. Even though there was a massive flood of diamonds, the world’s leading diamond company maintained that the diamond supply was scarce and consequently diamonds were a rare and valuable treasure. De Beers also manipulated the demand. In 1947, the classic slogan “A Diamond is Forever” was launched. Diamond sales skyrocketed. Eventually, the diamond ring began to symbolize deep commitment and everlasting love. After this campaign, a man proposing to the woman he loved wouldn’t dare do it without a diamond.

Today

Although more people today are branching out to the use of other gemstones or unique designs for their engagement rings, the diamond ring has stood the test of time and is still the go-to symbol of undying love for the betrothed. In fact, many couples want to find vintage diamond rings that have already stood the test of time. EraGem has a gorgeous selection of old diamonds if you are interested in a ring that still sparkles with timeless beauty.

The post The History of the Diamond Engagement Ring appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Amore and Radiance Collections from Uneek

The moment we saw these collections from Uneek, we knew that they fit into that category – the rings that somehow combine the classic and contemporary look with the whimsical, old-world style and still manage to be unique. The Amore Collection features rings that offer up a surprise twist when viewed in profile; the dainty, whimsical filigree lends a romantic air to these rings, while the classic designs are simply stunning.

The Radiance Collection is for the bride who wants her ring to make a statement; they feature magnificent center stones accented by show-stopping pave diamonds as well as ribbon-like upper shanks and touches of filigree. These are the “stop you dead in your tracks” engagement rings that feature a bit of Hollywood-style flair and a little vintage glamour as well as a bit of modern design. We absolutely love the rings in this collection.

Each one is unique and gorgeous, and perfect for even the most sentimental bride.

The Bridal Collection from Diamond & Design

When it comes to choosing bridal jewelry, it’s so essential that the pieces are timeless, elegant and gorgeous. For the brides who want exquisite pieces that allow them to shine bright on their wedding day, the bridal collection from Diamond & Design is perfect.

Each piece in this collection is designed to bring out the natural sparkle in every bride, adding shimmer, the perfect shine, and simple elegance. From lustrous pearls to magnificent diamonds to shimmering moonstone, there is something for every single bride! We especially love the options for playful brides, as it’s difficult to find bridal jewelry that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

It can be hard to find the perfect bridal jewelry, especially if you’re a sentimental bride who wants her jewelry to be just as breathtaking as her dress or wedding venue. However, these collections are the perfect solution.

Another beautiful collection is the Per Lei collection from Danhov that is made especially for her, the Per Lei collection symbolizes the strength and support of a strong marriage. The inverted arc pronounces the beauty of the center diamond allowing it to sparkle and brightly shine as she does.

Which pieces in today’s post have spoken to you the most? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Stunning Bridal Jewelry Choices for the Sentimental Bride appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

1. Leaf Engagement Ring

This 14k white gold engagement ring features a stunning solitaire framed by beautiful leaf details and an eternity-style band. What we love most about this ring is its uniqueness – it’s just something you don’t see these days. We think it’s truly lovely.

2. Art Nouveau Ring

As lovers of the Art Nouveau period, we naturally fell in love with this stunning engagement ring. The central diamond is surrounded by a filigree or scrollwork and smaller diamonds have been placed into each opening. The ring also features three small diamonds on either side of the setting. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

3. Scrollwork Ring

One of the things we love most about vintage engagement rings is the attention to detail, and this ring certainly has it. Surrounding the central diamond is some very elegant scrollwork that is absolutely breathtaking.

4. Simple Gold Ring

We also truly love very simple rings, because sometimes it’s that simplicity that creates such elegance. This ring is made to look like a stacking ring, with yellow gold layered over white gold. The brilliant center diamond is bezel-set, giving this vintage ring a timeless and romantic look.

5. Rose Gold Cluster Ring

We love rose gold; it’s so warm and beautiful. It looks absolutely stunning in this vintage engagement ring, which features a large center stone surrounded by smaller stones, giving it the look of a flower.

Do you love vintage wedding rings? Which one of these is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

The post 5 Amazing Vintage Gold Engagement Rings appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Follow White Flash on Pinterest and Twitter.

Create an album titled “Holiday Wedding”

Go to WhiteFlash.com and pin at least 3 ring images to your Holiday Wedding album. Tag them with #Verragio and #WhiteFlash

Finally, email the URL to your Holiday Wedding album to pinterest@whiteflash.com

That’s it – you could win the beautiful $2,500 engagement ring. To learn more, visit the giveaway page.

Tips for Pin It to Win It

Have fun looking through the jewelry available on the website. They have a ton of beautiful ring, including Barry Verragio rings of all styles and types. If you don’t win the fantastic engagement ring, this is a wonderful place to purchase the most incredible rings and have confidence in knowing your future wife will adore it! When in doubt, always go with designer engagement rings, and Verragio is one of the top names in engagement rings today.

Want to Purchase a Unique Engagement Ring?

Maybe you would love to win the Verragio ring but you’ve had your heart set on something truly unique. One of the designers White Flash carries is Leon Mege; a master jewelry designer from Russia. He works often with mixed metals and colored gemstones that give all of his designs a unique and fabulously beautiful look. A Leon Mege designer ring will take her breath away.

A great alternative is to look through the collections of the various designers available on White Flash. For instance, the Verragio Venetian engagement rings are gorgeous with a vintage feel, which may be something your future wife loves. If you want a specific ring to look at, check out the Verragio Pave Twist Diamond Engagement Ring; the rose gold option is truly remarkable. Each collection features a little something different, so be sure to browse around until you find something that speaks to you.

When it comes time to choose an engagement ring for the woman you love (or for yourself, if your man has been wise enough to tell you to choose the one you’d like the most), there are three things to remember:

– Choose a high-quality designer ring so you know it will last a lifetime.

– Purchase from a reputable, trusted dealer.

– Take the time to find a ring that speaks straight to your heart.

This is the perfect formula for the perfect ring. Don’t forget to enter the Pin it to Win it Contest and try your luck at winning the gorgeous Verragio diamond engagement ring.

White Flash

1-877-612-6770

2150 Town Square Place

Suite 330

Sugar Land, TX 77479

info@whiteflash.com

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The Beautiful Transcend Dream Engagement Ring

This gorgeous, halo-style square cut ring is absolutely breathtaking and looks nearly identical to the famous vintage engagement rings. This ring, from Hearts On Fire, is romantic and sentimental; perfect for the girl who saves movie stubs, old love letters and photo booth snapshots.

The Brocade Solitaire Engagement Ring

One of the things that makes vintage rings so beautiful and so highly sought after is their immaculate detailing. This Brocade Solitaire engagement ring offers up amazing detailing with a gorgeous woven band and  a sparkling, high-quality diamond solitaire to highlight the vintage design. It’s beautiful and unique, so your ring will really stand apart. It’s perfect for the girl with discriminating tastes; she who is one in a million.

The Felicity Queen Anne Engagement Ring

Side stones take the simplicity and beauty of a solitaire and super charge it. This ring features clusters of brilliant side stones that flank the large diamond in the center. It’s an elegant twist on the classic solitaire ring, and gives it an edge. It’s such a beautiful ring that it’s perfect for most girls! True to its name, it has a royal feel and is truly breathtaking.

These are just a few of the gorgeous engagement rings available from Hearts On Fire that have a romantic vintage feel. If you love the thought of a vintage ring or are missing a vintage inspired piece in your collection, check them out!

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