Posts Tagged ‘buying an engagement ring’
Star Styles: Engagement Rings
We’re starting a new trend here at Where to Get Engaged called “Star Styles.” We know we’re not the only ones that love to look to celebrities for wedding inspiration and this time we’d love to take a closer look at the bounty of gorgeous engagement rings that have recently been quite hard to ignore. It seems like every day another member of the entertainment world is engaged, and the rings are beautiful, unique and of course, over the top. From yellow diamonds and pave to pear shapes and asscher cut, you may need a refresher on what are the hottest ring trends right now. If your girl has been fawning over any of these big sparklers, now is your chance to find something similar at a more affordable price.
1. Carrie Underwood: Carrie’s ring is a yellow diamond, estimated to be worth about $150,000. Check out the Masterwork Semi mount engagement ring with a prong set radiant cut fancy yellow diamond center stone surrounded by micro pave set diamonds with a micro pave and bezel set wave design diamond shank.
2. Ali Fedowtowsky: The latest bachelorette’s ring is a 3.03 center asscher-cut diamond, accented with 184 round brilliant-cut diamonds in a platinum setting, very similar to this ring offered at James & Sons.
3. Kellie Pickler: The country crooner’s ring is a brilliant cut center stone surrounded by a halo of pave diamonds, much like Verragio’s Paradiso Engagement Ring (style 3047R).
4. Hilary Duff: Her hockey-star fiance went all out with her 14-carat, radiant-cut engagement ring that is rumored to be worth $ 1 million. If you love the look of this ultra-glam ring, but want something a bit more budget friendly, consider the radiant cut three-stone ring (style 106) by David Levy.
5. Bethenny Frankel: The Real Housewives of New York breakout star of Bethenny Getting Married has an 8-carat ring with a 6 ½-carat pear-shaped center stone flanked by two side stones. If you are interested in a more affordable version, check out this almost identical sparkler by Diamond Nexus Labs.
A Ring for Every Girl
Proposing would be a whole lot easier if engagement rings were one size fits all. Just walk into the first jewelry store you see and pick the first ring that looks sparkly, right? We all know it’s not that easy. Just like women are not “one size fits all,” neither are rings. Well, there is in fact a ring for every girl but the key is to find the one that best fits her needs, style and personality. Easier said than done, I know, but that is why this post will help you to narrow down your choices and choose an engagement ring that your future wife will never want to take off. No guy wants to see his girl say “yes” to a life together but then seem less than enthused when she sees the ring (a la Carrie Bradshaw on Sex in the City when Aiden gives her the teardrop shaped diamond and she wears it around her neck in embarrassment). To be sure you get a ring that will fit your girl’s style, first take a moment to think about her personality. These tips will give you some confidence to go beyond the “one ring fits all” mantra when you begin your search.
1. The Sporty Girl: If your significant other is an athlete or always on the go, consider getting a flush mount with a thicker band that won’t get caught on things easily. Check out this “audacious stunner” from Tacori’s new Neotare collection. “A bold high-polished band and diamond crescents make this ring absolutely unique” according to Tacori.
2. The Glamour Girl: If your lady likes to glam it up and tends to for the bling, choose something like a yellow diamond surrounded by a ring of colorless diamonds. The Bella Vita engagement ring by Ritani features an emerald cut fancy yellow diamond with the finest set micro-pave diamonds around the shank and surrounding the center stone. Viva la glam!
3. The Bohemian Bride: If you’re looking for something to fit a bride that likes the exotic, hippie look, think about something vintage or handcrafted. This Celtic inspired die-struck diamond ring with an oval cluster by Jabel (style F1291) is a great choice. This style is one of several rings made from a collection of early 1900’s restored dies. It has the perfect boho touch for a girl that likes to be different! 
4. The Gothic Girl: Black diamonds are all the rage, so if you’re looking for something with a little edge consider this Gemoro, Inc. black and colorless diamond intertwined band. It will set your girl apart from all the rest, with its daring, provocative look.
5. The Vintage Girl: If your bride-to-be loves the look of vintage rings, Verragio’s Couture Collection is a great choice. Each engagement ring within the Couture Collection features Verragio’s signature Lumino Setting along with a crown shaped bezel beneath the center stone. Composed of clean lines and cutting edge designs, Verragio’s Couture pieces are made to accommodate anywhere from a classic round center stone to an asscher or radiant cut.
6. The Classic Girl: For the traditional girl that doesn’t fall for trends, think streamlined, round and solitaire. Consider Verragio’s Insignia Collection (style 7022), featuring 0.10Ct. of micro pave’ set round diamonds to enhance a round, radiant, oval or cushion shape diamond center.
7. The Romantic Bride: The sentimental, girlie girl who loves a romantic touch may enjoy rose gold (yellow gold with a pink tint), a heart shaped diamond or a pink stone. Consider this David Levy oval pink sapphire with micro-pave set round brilliant cut diamonds. She will love to show this off to all of her friends!
8. The Environmentalist: Find a conflict free diamond for your eco-friendly girlfriend. Conflict free diamonds originate from ethical and environmentally responsible sources. All Hearts On Fire diamonds are conflict-free and in full compliance with international laws and human rights warranties. Consider this Hearts on Fire Simply Bridal Dream Off-set solitaire.
9. The Trendsetter: For the girl that likes to stand out in the crowd and set the trends with her friends, consider this Hearts on Fire Encompass half-bezel solitaire surrounded by swirling beauty. It’s sure to turn heads and spark conversation!
Buy Like a Guy: Do You Have a Picture of Your Girlfriend?
This is one of the best ideas I’ve heard in FOREVER. A young man came into our store holding a couple of print outs and some pictures. That’s not the great idea. I see that all the time.
What made this guy stand out was the fact that he was holding a picture of his GIRL FRIEND.
He had all the other product stuff in tow: the kind of ring styles she liked…a bit of info on the 4 C’s…a budget…your standard “I’m going to look for an engagement ring,” arsenal. That’s how we approach things as guys, isn’t it? We start thinking of the “who” (our love)…then stampede to the “what” (the ring) and end up getting lost there. This guy had a reminder of his “who” in his back pocket and everything was easier because of it.
Why would a picture make it easier?
First off, when my sales associate saw the picture of his girlfriend she melted and couldn’t have wanted to help him more. This young man did something instrumental in getting the kind of help we all crave: he made it personal. The entire process was personalized for him, his intended, AND the sales associate because he had that picture. Seriously, how cool is that?
Tip: Bring along a picture of the person you are buying the ring for. It will remind you why you’re doing it…and will help keep you and the sales person from getting too wrapped in the nuts and bolts of the purchase.
I’m not suggesting a picture will take the place of product knowledge, but it will definitely add a romantic element to something can quickly turn into a monotonous endeavor. I think you need to consider the nuts and bolts of the physical ring but temper it with a romantic backdrop to make the “right” engagement ring choice. A simple picture can help you do that.
Buying an engagement ring is easy, and getting easier by the minute thanks to thoughtful guys like this one. If you’ve stumbled on a simple way to make things easier on you at the diamond counter please share them with us. When it comes to buying the right stuff we need all the help we can get.
Premium Vendor Showcase: Pine Forest Jewelry
What was your inspiration for creating a jewelry store?
Creating a business that deals in expressions of love, beauty, inspiration, sentiment, emotion, creativity, and provides real value beyond the intangibles.
“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.”
John Ruskin
English critic, essayist, & reformer (1819 – 1900)
Tell a little bit about the history of your store:
Pineforest Jewelry, Inc. is a Texas corporation that has serviced the East Houston community since May 1, 1986. The directors are “Diamond Jim” Mills, the President and CEO, along with his wife, Linda Mills, the Secretary/Treasurer and store manager. Pineforest Jewelry is a full service jewelry store with retail, custom design, repair, manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, and internet divisions. The entire operation is housed in the 7200 square foot building owned by Mills Diversified, Ltd. It is located in a central business area on the east side of Houston at 1141 Uvalde Road, Houston, TX 77015, two blocks north of I-10 East.
The retail division provides gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, moissanite jewelry, diamond jewelry, pearls, jewelry for children and teens, loose diamonds, precious stones, mother’s rings, ArtCarved class rings & Gold Lance class rings, gifts, collectibles, jewelry boxes, many brands of watches ranging from Pulsar to Rolex, and clocks. An extensive inventory is further enhanced by a unique catalog operation. “Diamond Jim” is an associate gemologist accredited by the Gemological Institute of America. He is one of a select group of jewelers in Houston authorized by State Farm Insurance to provide insurance replacement and appraisal services.
Pineforest Jewelry provides a complete state-of-the-art shop in order to provide you with the best possible service. Gary Mills, and his wife, Aline Budenstein, manage the repair, manufacturing, and wholesale operations. Gary Mills is an associate gemologist accredited by the Gemological Institute of America. He has extensive knowledge of all aspects of repair and manufacturing, as well as knowledge of the tools, equipment, and supplies used by the jewelry trade. Through the shop, not only is jewelry and watch repair provided, but also true custom designs by wax or metal fabrication, computer aided design (CAD), and custom mixing of gold alloys for color matching of castings and repairs. The shop utilizes laser fusion technology for the very finest in repair. The shop is one of the finest in Texas, and its custom work is among the best in the nation. Also offered are hard-to-find specialty services such as baby shoe bronzing, hand engraving, precious stone 
& diamond re-cutting, computer generated laser photo engraving, antique rose and green gold jewelry repair, complete rebuilding of worn gold Rolex watch bracelets, pearl and bead restringing, and many other services. You are invited to take advantage of the gratis ultrasonic jewelry cleaning while you wait.
What makes your store unique to guys getting ready to propose?
1) Provide education in the form of vital diamond buying information; available as an in-store presentation on screen from our website as well as personal tutoring from Diamond Jim
2) Provide a printed booklet, “Your Guide to Buying Diamonds”
3) Provide a 128-page book entitled, “Twenty Ways To Pop The Question” so that she will never, ever forget that day… nor will she ever forget how you carefully created a very special moment in her life
4) Provide diamonds with GIA certification
5) Provide diamonds selected by Diamond Jim that exceed all the competition in value relative to cut, color, clarity, and carat weight
What type of bridal jewelry do you offer?
A complete variety encompassing everything from trio sets to custom masterpieces, with price ranges from a few hundred dollars to $30,000.
What are five tips that you can give to guys searching for rings?
1) NEVER give her a vacuum cleaner, appliance, or cash instead of a ring… even if she says it is OK. (If you risk talking yourself into this trap, you are operating under the advice of a fool.)
2) NEVER give her jewelry from a pawn shop or a flea market… or for that matter, from ANY store that sells underwear. (This is guaranteed to show poor taste and provide proof positive of just how cheap you and the jewelry are.)
3) NEVER give her one piece of jewelry thinking it will cover TWO occasions, such as birthday and anniversary, or Valentine’s Day and birthday. (This is a death knell to any relationship, and possibly for you, literally.)
4) Weed out the incompetents and jerks, and deal with the professionals
5) NEVER make your decision based on anything other than what she wants as far as diamond shape, metal color, and style. (Ask her sister, mother, friends… but NEVER buy what YOU think she will like. NEVER!!!)
For more information about Pine Forest Jewelry, visit their profile.
“How in-the-know should I go with the Proposal?”
When you get on bended knee, it’s optimum to have discussed the idea of marriage beforehand. It’s imperative you’re both on the same page regarding your long term vision for your lives as individuals and as a couple. Key life goals/preferences are also important to discuss, like where you want to live, what religion you want to raise your children with, your financial backgrounds and having kids, for instance.
If you’ve never had any practical discussions before The Moment, your hopeful bride-to-be may be taken off guard. She just might hesitate to say yes, if not even giving an “I’ll think about” disaster of a response. It’s best to get your ducks in a row and communicate with your significant other before popping the question. You can keep things more general and ambiguous, like you’re just throwing raw thoughts and dreams into the air, or you can get specific if that’s you and yours’ style. There is no right or wrong way to discuss your future lives together, it’s simply important to try and check expectations, find common ground, and resolve any future issues or disputes before they become huge problems. It will be helpful for both of you, establishing shared vision and easing mutual concerns or unknowns. You know her better than I do, so go with your gut and just try to space your questions and discussions far apart from The Proposal itself.
But Shouldn’t It Be A Surprise?
Don’t get me wrong. Just because I appear to approach marriage and The Proposal it requires from simply a pragmatic standpoint doesn’t mean I’m saying throw romance out the window. It’s ok if your girlfriend is expecting the “season” or “period” of the The Proposal, but not the day itself. Think outside the box and don’t give away too much. Find a way to surprise her and you’ll be proud of the story she’ll no doubt tell everyone in the coming weeks, months, and years.
What About Choosing The Ring?
I don’t know many brides that would want their lover to propose to them empty-handed. But I also know that many want to be an active part of which ring they will be wearing for the rest of their lives. So how do you keep The Proposal a surprise while pleasing your partner’s discriminating tastes and preferences? Plan ahead, keep it clean, and try to get specific, but not too specific. It’s ok to visit a few jewelry stores and casually discuss what’s appealing and what’s not with your girlfriend. You want to know her ring size, you want to know which shapes she prefers, where her expectations lie, and what makes her smile. Just don’t let this gathering process drag on too long and try to space your research far enough apart from your purchase and subsequently your Proposal. Remember, plan early, execute smoothly, and surprise your future wife with an engagement to remember.
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Find the Ring
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