Posts Tagged ‘engagement ring’

Antique Style Engagement Rings

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Sleek, modern styles of engagement rings are very popular these days, but there is still a great deal of appreciation for the styles of yesteryear. Many of the design details that were in vogue during the first half of the 20th century have stood the test of time, and they can still be found in the antique style engagement rings featured here at JewelsBoutique.com.

Some shoppers prefer genuine antique bands because of the often mysterious personal history of each piece and its former owners. But before you choose the same path, consider the fact that the vintage looking engagement rings manufactured today feature antique designs but are created using modern methods.

The computer-assisted systems used in the design of each JewelsBoutique.com engagement rings ensures that our symmetry is true, our gemstones are securely anchored in place and our bands are seamlessly constructed for strength and durability.

Manufacturing Vintage Style Engagement Rings

Although the craftspeople at JewelsBoutique.com use plenty of technology and modern methods in the design of jewelry, they haven’t forsaken the old world techniques that jewelers used to create the intricate designs we now appreciate in our antiques.

Many tried-and-true practices are used at all stages of design and production of our vintage looking engagement rings. We do this because we recognize that newer isn’t always better, and that the best approach is to borrow the finest techniques from all eras and schools of thought. The result of this commingling of craftsmanship is a growing collection of vintage style engagement rings that surpasses other reproductions and genuine antiques in nearly every category.

To learn more about the design and manufacturing of any ring in our featured collection, please call or e-mail our knowledgeable concierge services department using the contact information on our customer service page.

About Vintage Style Engagement Rings

No one engagement ring style is objectively superior to any other, but each style comes with its own set of distinct benefits. One of the most significant benefits of vintage style engagement rings is a major concern for ring buyers and wearers alike: the perceived size of the center stone.

Many of the older styles feature unusual or dish-shaped mountings that reflect and enhance the center diamond, making it appear more vibrant and noticeably larger than its actual size. Compared to the prong settings used in most modern ring designs, the now hard-to-find settings of antique style engagement rings can effectively make smaller center stones appear bigger, brighter and particularly beautiful.

She said YES!

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Three Stone Engagement Ring Mounting from JewelsBoutique.com.

You’ve Got the Ring–Now What?

Friday, February 19th, 2010

received-ringThe waiting is over! If you’re newly engaged and are celebrating that big bling on your left hand, it may seem like the hard work is done. But wanting and owning a diamond engagement ring are two totally different things, and it’s imperative to learn a little about how to take care of that huge investment.

While diamonds are the hardest stone on earth, they are not indestructible, and it is important to recognize that diamond jewelry is not immune to everyday hazards. For diamonds that you wear every day, make sure that you:

  • Remove them during extended periods of housework or yard work. While your diamonds probably won’t be scratched, they could be chipped if hit particularly hard.
  • Steer clear of chlorine bleach. Chlorine will weaken your setting over time and could cause your diamond to come loose.
  • If you store your ring when traveling, place diamonds in a fabric-lined case separate from your other jewelry. While diamonds will be safe among other pieces, other gems may not be safe among the diamonds. They can and will scratch softer stones and metals.
  • It’s not a bad idea to have your setting checked once a year. Go to a trusted jeweler and watch as they test your diamond’s setting for looseness. If at all wobbly, have the ring repaired to avoid losing the stone.
  • Be extra careful during cold weather or in water-your fingers will constrict in low temperatures, meaning that there’s a greater chance your ring could slip off.
  • Keep your diamond engagement ring looking gorgeous all-year-round. You don’t need to bring your ring into a store every time it needs to be cleaned. In fact, there’s many different ways to keep diamonds in top shape manually or with small, at-home cleaning products. Find out everything you need to know on our tips page!

showing-ringBesides the physical ways to protect your diamond engagement ring, there’s another practical must-do for any investment piece: Insurance. When insuring jewelry, check your coverage. On basic homeowners policies, jewelry is protected for only certain causes of loss. Damaging an item, or losing all or part of one, typically are not covered losses and theft is often limited to $1,000. For better coverage, you can “schedule” your jewelry on your homeowner’s policy. It will cost an additional premium, but your jewelry will be safer.

Want to get the highest level of security possible? A stand-alone, specialized policy, such as the type that noted insurer Jewelers Mutual offers, provides broad coverage, and won’t jeopardize your existing homeowners policy if a jewelry loss occurs.

These simple tips make protecting your diamond engagement ring quick and painless. Next stop: Wedding bands!

To shop an extensive selection of diamond engagement rings and jewelry, log on to www.jewelsboutique.com.

The Brides Choice

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

What Does Your Engagement Ring Style Say About You?

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

While it may take little effort, getting dressed each morning tells those around us a little bit about our personal style. Whether you are a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl or someone who prefers skirts and stilettos, the pieces of our wardrobe add up to a statement of how we present ourselves to the world.

The little details can often be just as important. When choosing a piece of jewelry as important as engagement rings, it’s all about making sure that the stone and setting reflect something about you. (Forget about price tags for a minute, this is all about style!) Need more proof that these tiny treasures can say a lot about a woman? Let’s take a look back in history to see what some of the 20th Century’s most notable women wore on their left hand.

Never Ending Story: Marilyn Monroe

Known as the original ‘material girl’ after singing the classic “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”, Marilyn Monroe rarely ever came off as understated. That’s why you may be surprised to know that after she eloped with Joe DiMaggio, he presented her with a modest platinum eternity band set with thirty-six small baguette diamonds.

If you think more about Monroe’s complicated life, the ring in fact makes sense. A symbol of everlasting love, an eternity band is extremely romantic but not overwhelming. If you’re a sucker for sentiment and aren’t looking for the flash of a supersized solitaire, this might be the right choice for you. The clean lines of this contemporary band are simple and lovely.

elizabeth_taylorBig and Bold: Elizabeth Taylor

When you’re talking about a larger-than-life movie star that has been married to seven different men, it’s no surprise that Elizabeth Taylor owned some of the most spectacular diamonds in recent history. For her third (and ill-fated) marriage to Michael Todd, she was presented with a nearly 30-carat emerald-cut diamond in a simple setting.

If you love the limelight and always like to make an entrance, you might just be looking for a one-of-a-kind Couture creation that is sure to set tongues wagging. Even La Liz would be proud of this natural fancy yellow diamond engagement ring set in 18-karat yellow gold – a piece like this is definitely red carpet worthy.

jackie_kennedy1Mix-and-Match: Jackie Kennedy

Her keen eye for fashion and style has never been overlooked, so it’s no wonder the First Lady wore an unusual engagement ring when she became betrothed to John F. Kennedy. Made by Van Cleef & Arpels, the ring contained a 2.84 carat emerald and a 2.88 carat diamond, and was later modified to include round and marquise diamonds in an artistic and truly unique setting.

If you’re fashion-forward and don’t want to copy the crowd, go for a ring that incorporates different elements into one cohesive look. This floral setting uses a 3-D spiral motif that will stand out in any room, and this Three Stone Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring incorporates different cuts (round, pavé and half-moons) for a look that isn’t easily replicated.

Perfectly Classic: Queen Elizabeth

With her mighty collection of royal baubles, you might expect Queen Elizabeth’s engagement ring to be a rock of the ages. But, in fact, Her Royal Highness actually wears a ring that is both classic and beautiful. Created from a 3-carat diamond set in platinum with five smaller stones, the look is utterly timeless.

If you’re a bride-to-be who embraces the traditional, you can never go wrong with a solitaire surrounded by graduated side stones. This style is ultra feminine, delicate on the finger, and will never go out of style. This subtle 3 Stone Engagement Ring Mounting is a perfect example of design that endures.

Shop all these styles and much more at Jewels Boutique, www.JewelsBoutique.com.

Top 5 Misconceptions about Diamond Engagement Rings

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

It seems like there are endless facts out there when you start researching engagement rings. From the 4C’s of diamond buying to the number of months salary you should spend on a ring, the ‘experts’ are always telling you how, and what, to buy. But what about the many wrong ideas buyers encounter as they search for the ideal proposal jewel? It’s time to take a look at the top five misconceptions about diamond engagement rings.

Shopping for jewellery1.  Only Size Matters

Let’s face it: If she only cares about the size of the rock, she’s probably not the right girl. But all kidding aside, most women aren’t looking for the largest ring out there; they’re looking for the ring that fits their style and personality. Women are educated about diamond color and clarity, and they too want to own a diamond that will hold its value–not a stone that is big but low in quality. Instead of going overboard in size, take the time to explore what kind of cut she likes and then go for the best quality that your budget allows.

2.  Same is Better

While women sometimes envy a handbag or pair of shoes that a friend owns, they usually are not interested in having the exact same engagement ring as a friend or relative. Today, women truly value a special piece of jewelry that speaks to their husband’s ability to seek out the unique. The best tactic is to take the characteristics of another ring she likes, but then put a spin on it. For example, if she loves her cousin’s white gold, three-stone diamond engagement ring with a princess cut diamond, look for something in a similar style but with a twist: like this Three Stone ring made for a round center stone.

3.  Matching bands are necessary

For a while, every single bridal designer was marketing a matching wedding band with each engagement ring offered. While it might make the process easier for some brides and grooms, this notion of ‘matching sets’ has become a bit outdated. As engagement rings have become more unusual and less status quo, bands too have taken a turn for the unique. Women today are opting to stack simple bands as anniversary gifts, or to choose statement bands that they instead wear on their right hand.

handswithrings4.  White is Always Right

Yes, it’s still true that white diamonds and white metal are the number one choice for engagement rings. But it’s also true that women are much more open-minded to seeing alternate materials and colors in that little box. Yellow gold and Rose gold are seeing a renaissance in engagement rings right now, and rose is an especially flattering metal on most any skin tone. Colored diamonds are also experiencing a surge in popularity, and are a fantastic choice for an unconventional bride. A deep orange-yellow diamond ring or a natural yellow diamond floral ring may be just the thing to make her say ‘yes’.

5.  You need to be an expert

Rest assured, you do not need to be a gemologist to choose the right diamond, nor a fashion expert to choose the right setting. Three simple steps can make the right choice a snap: First, do a bit of homework. Second, choose a reliable resource when shopping for diamond engagement rings. Third, make sure your stone is properly insured.

Shop all these styles and much more at Jewels Boutique, www.JewelsBoutique.com.

Star Style: Inspired by Six Celebrity Engagement Rings

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Beautiful blond girl looking like a superstar posing and lots ofHoping to rock a rock in the near future? While celebrities’ rings may be a bit out of our price range, that doesn’t mean we can’t borrow a bit of their style. Though we don’t suggest copying anyone’s look diamond for diamond, we do think that there’s a ton of inspiration to be had from A-list engagement rings. Make these looks your own-budget be darned!-by adapting a bit of star style in your own life.

heidi-montagPretty in Purple: Heidi Montag. Let’s get down to business with a ring that is really off the beaten path. While you may not love Heidi’s paparazzi-desperate ways, her amethyst and diamond ring is a choice that stands out from the pack. Don’t be afraid to choose a semi-precious stone for your engagement ring (this Lavender Kunzite in 18-karat yellow gold comes to mind), but if you’re foregoing a diamond, make sure that it makes a real statement.

mariah1Three-Stone Stunner: Mariah Carey. While it was rumored that Mariah’s 17-carat square emerald-cut pink diamond flanked by two half-moon diamonds was recycled from Nick Cannon’s former fiancee (it’s not true), the ring is gorgeous either way. A lot of people love the sentiment of a three-stone ring (it references the past, present and future of your relationship), and it’s a meaningful way to incorporate more than one diamond shape into the design.

katieRoyal Oval: Katie Holmes. Not everyone will get a proposal under the Eiffel Tower, but an oval-shaped setting is a flattering shape on virtually any bride’s hand. Katie’s 5-carat diamond surrounded by micro pavé is a little more interesting than a standard round, and the elongated stone will even seemingly lengthen the shortest of fingers.

heidi-klumNot-so-Mellow Yellow: Heidi Klum. Colored diamonds are all the rage these days, and for good reason. These naturally-hued stones are rare, interesting, and allow you to focus on a spectacular stone rather than worrying too much about a setting. Heidi’s 12-carat cushion-cut canary yellow diamond is breathtaking, and by going Couture (who wouldn’t want this spectacular ring?) you can get a similar look with the same wow-factor.

beyonceSplit Decision: Beyoncé. Let’s be honest: Beyoncé’s insane 18-carat emerald cut diamond ring is out of most everyone’s league. But one detail is easily replicated: The split-shank mounting that holds the massive stone. A split shank is a good choice for several reasons: It holds a diamond in place well with little worry of movement, it’s a perfect place for a bit of pavé diamonds without being over-the-top, and, well, it just looks pretty on the finger.

ashleeHip to be Square: Ashlee Simpson. Considering her husband’s rock music pedigree, Ashlee’s ring is surprisingly sedate. But, the design is one of the most popular today: A diamond surrounded by pavé diamonds. The setting chose by her husband, musician Pete Wentz, is a very defined square shape-perfect for a modern bride who craves a little edge. Even better: The extra row of diamonds makes any center stone look even bigger!

Shop all these engagement ring styles and much more at Jewels Boutique.

Engagement Rings 101: Three Simple Steps to ‘Yes’

Monday, October 19th, 2009

Closeup of a young man and his girlfriend stretching their handsLet’s start this lesson with a simple statement of fact: If you’ve found the right woman, the ring you choose won’t matter nearly as much as the fact that you’re proposing. But since you’re making the investment, why not do your homework and flash the ring that will make her heart stop?

While the time and cost it takes to create an engagement ring may seem overwhelming, let’s put it in perspective. The right rock will make her…

*  The envy of all of her friends.

*  Think of you every time she catches a glimpse of her left hand.

*  Feel like you really know her.

This last step is the key to choosing the perfect ring for your bride-to-be. Even though guys are traditionally hesitant to purchase ‘fashion’ items for their wives or girlfriends, there’s a surefire three-step approach to making sure that the ring you buy will fit her like a glove, literally and figuratively.

1.  Know your Metals

Not sure whether she likes a warm yellow or pink gold or prefers traditional white? Sneak a peek in her jewelry box and see what she normally wears. If she’s like many women, she’ll have a mix of different colors which means that she’s open to either metal. Unless you are sure she has strong preference (go ahead, ask her best friend!), most women opt for a white metal because it is the perfect match for white diamonds. The tip: Colored metals can sometimes reflect into a white diamond, dulling the hue of the stone you just paid a bundle for!

2.  Select your Shape

Although some think that bigger is always better, sometimes the right ring is all about the shape of the diamond you choose. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for diamond shapes:

*  Round. The most classic and popular shape for diamonds, the comparatively Happy young man piggybacking his pretty young girlfriendhigh number of facets (cuts in the stone) means that you’ll get a lot of sparkle for your dollar.

*  Princess. A modern square shape that works perfectly for a slightly less traditional bride.

*  Emerald or Asscher. These rectangular shapes are step-cut, which means that you can look down into it and see the facets like a staircase. This is best for high-quality diamonds (you can see every flaw!) and larger stones. Bonus: It’s the best way to show off a really gorgeous gem.

*  Oval and Cushion. These shapes are picking up momentum again and are both romantic and practical. Why practical? Ovals often have a big ‘spread’, meaning that most of the weight is along the top and not underneath. This can make your diamond look even larger than it is. Cushions have a bit of a vintage feel, which looks great with Art Deco or retro-inspired settings.

*  Fancy shapes (Pear, Marquise, Heart). Rule of thumb with these shapes: Be sure the bride-to-be is on board. These are not for every woman, but if she likes the look she’ll be sure to have a ring that stands out from the crowd. Want to learn more? Consulting a diamond buying guide will help you make the big decisions.

3.  Score your Setting

Now that you’ve nailed down the basics, the fun really begins. In all fairness, you don’t have to go about this process by yourself. Close friends and family of the bride may already be clued into what she wants (or what she definitely doesn’t want), so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Here are a few details to consider when you’re shopping for engagement ring settings:

*  Modern settings. These are often less bulky and more sculptural in feeling than other rings. Perfect for a fashionista who wants something a bit offbeat. These are often solitaire style, meaning that there are no large side stones. A perfect example is this Floral setting.

*  Three stone setting. A great way to express the sentiment of your ‘past, present and future’ together as a couple, this setting also contains a lot of carat weight, which may be a budget consideration. Check out this mounting with baguette side stones.

*  Period touches. In fashion, everything old is new again, so don’t be afraid to go vintage-inspired with your ring choice. Details like hand-engraving, filigree and yellow or pink gold (like this ‘Medieval Mounting‘) are just right for a woman who appreciates a retro look.

Shop all these styles and much more at Jewels Boutique, www.JewelsBoutique.com.

Sizing Up Pave Engagement Rings

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

When discussing engagement rings, we all think about the diamond; how big, what cut and which clarity. Of course, this discussion usually focuses on the center stone, it’s important to consider the mounting or setting, too.

Fine Diamonds and Engagement Ring Promotions

Monday, June 15th, 2009

Free shipping on diamonds and pave engagement rings. Discounts available when pay via Amazon or wire transfer!