Engagement Ring Shopping Made Simple

For most men shopping is a task they could avoid forever.  Purchasing trousers with a shirt that is a match is enough to put them into panic let alone when choosing a piece of jewelry that will solidify their relationship forever.  Picking out an engagement ring is difficult for most men especially those that are not comfortable with the shopping experience to begin with. Walking into a jewelry store for the first time can be a mixed bag if emotions and once sat down in front of a selection of rings can turn from just a bit uncomfortable to downright overwhelming. 

When seeking out a place to purchase an engagement ring the first piece of advice I like to give is to look locally.  Often times the large a franchise the more difficult it is to get one on one attention.  Really what men in search of the perfect ring need, for his perfect match needs is someone who is there to listen, take in the man’s wants, needs and budget and supply them with suitable options. 

Small jewelry stores are more apt to give you this friendly one on one service and will recognize you and remember what you are looking for the next time you are in.  Online jewelry companies can often offer you more bang for your buck as well.  It is a good idea to think outside the box when it comes to shopping large retailers.

Here are some tips to take in with you when you are in search of the perfect ring to take your relationship to the next level.  This information will help you no matter if you are in search of a beautiful halo engagement ring or a simple, yet classic diamond solitaire.

The first thing is to do away with the rule that states you should outlay three months worth of your income on a diamond.  In today’s economy this is a myth.  For some women this is not necessarily what they would desire anyhow.  When you have found the perfect women to spend your life with set a ring budget and find something she will adore within it. The fact is that the perfect ring may not cost all of what you think it will why spend three months income on this one item when in the coming months you will need every penny to contribute to the day you say I do.

The first thing you will hear when you research a diamond is the lesson on the four C’s of diamond shopping; cut, clarity, color and carat.  You will be flooded on information when it comes to each area of diamonds.  When considering the cut of the diamond you will also need to consider the setting in which the diamond will be placed and the style your wife to be will desire.  The cut is the most important item to determine because the cut of the diamond will determine the sparkle.  Sparkle trumps size.  Really shiny, brilliant cut jewelry appears larger than pieces that are bigger carat wise but the cut leaves something to be desired.

Here is another secret to consider.  Many people think that diamonds can only be purchased on the carat or half carat.  This is simply not true.  You may save yourself hundreds of dollars by purchasing a diamond ring that is .95 of a carat over 1 carat with the only visible difference being the money in your wallet.  These differences are not even noticeable to people who will be mesmerized by the sparkly new bling your wife to be is possessing.  

Make sure your purchase is returnable.  Not that we think she will say no but just encase you have picked out something that leaves her less than thrilled.  This inevitably is a piece she will wear forever and you want her to be happy in the long run.  Don’t let your manhood be hurt if she does decide she would rather have something different just remember the how daunting the process was from the start.  She will appreciate your effort and be grateful to find something that better suits her tastes. 

Sending A Message With Jewelry

Jewelry is one of those words that automatically invoke a variety of feelings.  Jewelry has a wonderful way of expressing feelings not easily spoken.  It celebrates achievements, engagements, marriage and the overall feeling of love in its purest form.  No matter the piece selected or size of the gemstone involved, the piece will be a cherished gift and worn to celebrate the feeling that the recipient had the moment the piece was given.  When looking to purchase a piece of jewelry no matter your price point here are some suggestions on what to look for in the piece itself and the store your purchase it from.

One very important tip to remember when buying jewelry is that purchasing from high-end jewelry stores only buys you the name not a better quality piece.  Resist the temptation to purchase from a supposed high class establishment.  Local jewelers provide quality prices without the high markup involved with purchasing the same pieces at companies that are offering a name brand.  Think about this; how many people that will see or wear the jewelry being purchased and immediately know or be concerned with where it was purchased? 

When purchasing jewelry for you or as a gift for someone consider the person before going into the jewelers.  It is easy to get carried away and overwhelmed when presented with stones, metals and glitz and glamour.  Also, thinking ahead allows you to come up with a budget, a stone selection and style to build from when coming in to make a purchase. 

All three of those objectives are important when considering purchasing jewelry for yourself or someone. Let’s first discuss a budget. When purchasing engagement rings or wedding jewelry in general a consensus was came to that a gentleman should spend the equivalent of two months on a ring for his bride to be. This has been thrown out the window in today’s society.  You buy what you can afford and what is desired.  Many brides are leaning towards vintage pieces while others look towards custom jewelry.  This is why it is important to set a budget that allows you to stay debt free when making a purchase.

The stone selection is another important matter when choosing jewelry.  The right stone should enhance the skin tone of the person wearing the piece while making a statement about the recipient’s personality. Think about choosing a neutral piece that the recipient can wear all the time. We all know that having a beautiful piece of jewelry is worthless if you cannot wear it. 

As for the style of the jewelry this is a huge part of the consideration process.  A person who is very modern and likes the look of clean straight lines might not appreciate a vintage piece and the opposite is true also.  When buying jewelry consider favorite pieces already worn by the receiver.  Are they into custom jewelry, large pieces, ornate jewelry or something small, simple and classic? 

Jewelry is an ideal gift for so many different occasions. Every piece in a recipient’s collection means something considerable to them. Something as important as jewelry should be purchased with thought about the recipient.  It is a gift that means a lot for the giver to give and the receiver to receive.      

  

A Shopper’s Guide to Purchase Jewelry Online or In-Store

When you are in the market to purchase a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love what are the steps you take to ensure you are getting exactly what you desire, at the right price? The very first thing consumers should take into consideration is that shopping around and take a look at all of the options in regards to places you are able to purchase jewelry.  Not every piece needs to be purchased at a large store with trendy mark-ups.  Consider options online and locally to find a piece you will adore for yourself or a gift.  Another tip is to ask family and friends for reputable jewelry stores in your area.  Sometimes there are places that sell jewelry that you would have never considered.

When you find a jewelry store that you are interested in doing business with there are several things to think about.  The first thing you need to do is check out the refund and return policy.  This is an important step.  If you are going to spend this amount of money on a piece as a gift or for yourself you will want to make sure that if you get it home and you find it is not exactly what you wanted or the recipient you want to be able to get a refund or replacement.  Think about if you buy an engagement ring for you soon to be bride that she does not whole heartedly love.  Wouldn’t you want her to be able to get a refund or replacement that fits her style?  She is going to be wearing the piece for a lifetime.

Ask lots of questions! Ask questions about the marking on the metals.  All gold should be marked stating whether the piece is ten carat, twenty four carat etc.  Ask if the pearls that are sold are natural, cultured or imitation.  You are not getting a deal if a pair of imitation pearls from one store is the same price as natural pearls from another. The same is true for gemstones.  You will want to know if you are purchasing a natural, laboratory-created or imitation gemstone before you purchase.  You will also want to know if the gemstone has been treated and whether the change is something permanent or that will need continued special care. 

When you make your final purchase it is important that the sales receipt includes all of the information you relied on when deciding on what piece to purchase.  It is important to have the gems weight and size included as well as grading information and information regarding the metals used to create the piece.

If you are choosing to shop online there are some other important things to consider. It is important to know who you are buying from.  Many companies online are local companies that have online stores acting as subsidiaries.  These stores have store fronts where they also provide jewelry for sale.  Others act as outlets selling the jewelry that was not necessarily a huge seller in the store or that was over produced.  You can check reviews, with the better business bureau and other retail consumer outlets before making a purchase to ensure you are dealing with a reputable business.  Often you can avoid the mark up involved with store fronts by buying online.

Buying a piece of jewelry is fun and exciting.  It is often an expensive purchase. Whether you are considering a piece for yourself as a special treat or for someone special take time to research the terms used within the industry.  You will want to be able to understand exactly what you are purchasing to get the best quality and value.  This is true whether you are purchasing diamonds, in the form of earring or engagement rings from a traditional store, online or a catalog. 

A Guide In Choosing An Engagement Ring She Will Love

When considering asking someone to marry you often one of the first items to consider is an engagement ring purchase. So many things go into making sure you purchase a ring she will adore for a lifetime.  There are some basic steps to fool when embarking on this magnificent journey.   Here are some basic things to consider before stepping foot into a jewelry store.

First things first, consider how much you are willing to budget for this expense. Traditionally people have thought that the ring you choose for your bride to be is to cost the equivalent of two months’ salary.  This is traditional approach is not necessarily the approach all grooms to be take to heart.  Set a reasonable budget that is realistic to what you personally can afford.  Remember if your purchase a ring on credit you will have that debt on top of wedding debt starting of your married life.  It is best to wait until you have saved enough to purchase the ring of your dreams for her.

Your soon to be bride will wear this one piece of jewelry for the rest of her life.  It is important that you put a lot of time into researching her likes and dislikes when it comes to jewelry.  Of course the more inconspicuous you make this the better the surprise in the end.  Often times the best advice will come from people close to her.  You may consider enlisting help from her parents or close friends to help you by asking them to take her out on the town and accidentally meander into a jeweler.  She is for sure to be drawn right to the styles she considers worthy.

Another thing to consider is your taste.  Remember that you will most likely be purchasing matching wedding bands later on down the road.  If you despise gold jewelry it is best not to purchase a gold engagement ring.  These are the little aspects of choosing an engagement ring that need to be considered before making the purchase.

Popular and unique engagement ring options for contemporary brides range quite a bit.  One option to consider is the simple, classic single solitaire diamond engagement ring.  This is often the safest purchase if you are completely unsure of what style your bride would like the best.  This option allows her to add a frame for the ring of her choice.

Another option that is also a popular choice is a single diamond set in a setting with minor decorations.  The main characteristic of the ring is still the large center diamond however designs are added around the ring as decoration.  The ring could entail more diamonds or other gemstones that your bride is fond of.  

On top of antique engagement ring settings and the new haloengagement rings that are present and popular a classic setting is a trilogy ring.  This is one of the personal favorites for brides in my family.  The three stone setting represents the past-present and future of your relationship.  The most common cut of stones within this setting are solitaire.  

The bottom line in choosing a piece of jewelry for your bride to be is to make sure you have added thought to the purchase.  Every bride appreciated this.  Also be honest with yourself.  If you can tell immediately that she is not absolutely in love with your choice take her and together look at the options.  In the end most times than not she will get to the store and realize you did indeed make the right choice and will walk out with the same ring she walked in with.

Caring For Your Jewelry Purchases

Jewelry is something that makes the hearts of most for women melt.  From that first special piece we were given to an upgrade in the diamond setting of our beloved wedding ring, jewelry is worn as an expression of ourselves.  When a women steps out wearing a cherished piece of jewelry there is not a person that sees her that does not notice a difference in the way she is carrying herself.  That is just what a cherished piece does.

It is important to care for your pieces to keep them looking pristine.  One thing to remember is to take pieces off when you are in water.  Be it swimming, washing dishes or babies water can damage sentimental pieces.  Chlorinated water, salt water and even soapy water can cause residue build up.  If you are interested in keeping the luster of your jewelry it is important to keep it out of water as much as possible.

Each material used in your jewelry collection needs to be cared for in a unique manner. Each metal and stone type uses a special cleanser.  A good jeweler will ensure you have proper care instructions when you purchase a new piece.  If you have any doubt on how to properly care for your pieces ask a professional jeweler.

Another good tip in retaining the natural presence of your jewelry is to clean the piece often with a damp cloth and then drying it with a dry soft cloth.  Steam and harsh chemicals will ruin jewelry so use caution and care when handling either.

When purchasing expensive pieces, such as an engagement ring or diamond bridal set, most professional jewelers offer bi-yearly examinations of your stones and pieces.  When they are examining the jewelry they will look for loose prongs, metal tarnishing and other flaws.  Many imperfection and flaws caught early enough can be repaired before damage becomes permanent.

Caring for your pieces is as equally important as actually purchasing them.  One important thing to remember when picking out a piece of jewelry is to think about the longevity of the style the piece offers.  If it is a trendier piece that will fall out of style quickly think about alternative materials that are easy to take care of and less expensive.  Silver copper are often great alternatives for purchasing trendy pieces.  Purchasing unique jewelry from artists is a way to get a piece that is unique without spending a ton.

Of course there are times when purchasing a unique piece that is classic and will withstand the test of time with care of course is called for.  One of these times is with the purchase of engagement and bridal jewelry.  These items should be purchased with the best possible materials and stones available within your budget. You need to examine the quality of the stone for a diamond engagement ring as well as the material of the metal part of the ring.

So much goes into the purchase and care of your jewelry.  Heirloom pieces are created without even knowing it.  Taking care of your pieces of jewelry today will make it an incredible piece to hand down for generations. 

Some Simple Advice For An Unforgettable Wedding

A wedding is a once in a life time event.  An occasion that is filled with all the best things life has to offer, love, family, friends and good times.  The one drawback to a wedding is the expense it brings with it.  Let’s face it; getting married is an expensive endeavor.  The prices for venues, cakes, dresses and all things associated with the wedding are constantly rising. This article will provide money saving tips that provide the grandness without the debt.  Don’t sacrifice the beauty and elegance of your event just be wise with the choices that matter verse the ones that only matter a bit.

It seems people are moving towards wedding that provide elaborate meals for their guests.  This is a super nice expense that is unnecessary for the little mouths you are feeding.  If your event is kid friendly it will benefit you and them to offer a food choice that accommodates their bland taste buds.  Many caterers understand this need and will choose a dish especially with them in mind.  Many also offer party favors to accompany the meal which also adds entertainment for the downtime between the meal and the party.  Most dinners take a minimal of forty five minutes to be served, eaten and cleared.  This is a long time for a child to sit and be well behaved.

Another tip that will save money and time is to have a family member assist the photographer during formal pictures.  This way an assistant is not required meaning you don’t have to foot the bill for another person’s room and wage and also a family member knows who should be where and can more readily have them where they need to be.  I know many times during pictures my own grandparents would wander or my parents were missing in action.  Having a main person, a strong voice within your family to round everyone up eases the strife for you as a bride and for your photographer.

If you are including a flower girl in your event and you can’t live without a runner sprinkled with rose petals consider using faux petals.  Real rose petals are expensive and will only be destroyed after the wedding party has been up and down the aisle.  This is a no brainer in the expense category.  You could save yourself a good chunk of change to use on the honeymoon.

When it comes to wedding jewelry a tip to save money is to look into vintage jewelry options.  I do know many brides that adore their custom engagement rings however prefer a simple more understated wedding band for everyday wear.  Vintage pieces can be found at reasonable rates and are often incredibly unique pieces of jewelry.  The same can be said for jewelry purchased for the wedding party.  Vintage pearls and gemstones can be found that match the style of each girl and the attire for the wedding.  This is something to consider when looking for reasonable wedding party gifts.

If you have chosen to be wed in an outdoor ceremony a way to save money is to enhance the natural elements of the landscape instead of adding elements that clash with the outdoor setting.  Think about materials such as aged wood, vintage lace and natural flowers.  Believe it or not grasses make beautiful pieces and can be reused in your homes garden.  Also I have seen many a bride carry bouquets of wild flowers help together by a hand tied ribbon that were more beautiful than some over the top round rose bouquets.  Don’t be afraid to cut costs where you can.  Flowers and accessories are for sure one way in which to do this. 

Weddings are enough stress as is.  Don’t add extra craziness on top of that to your marriage with wedding debt to start you out.  This is an easy way for marital bliss to end quickly.  The goal for any wedding is to wed your best friend, the one person who will be by your side at the end of the day cheering you on. This can be accomplished reasonably with elegance and grace.