Engagement Rings: Stick to Your Budget...No Matter What!

Engagement rings are so lovely. Not only do they glisten and shimmer in the light, but they also represent a special bond between two crazy kids who are in love.

When making the decision to browse an assortment of diamond engagement rings, make sure you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. You are not only spending a significant sum of money, but you are also agreeing to spend the rest of your life with someone. There is nothing wrong with taking your time when making such a big decision. It will certainly make the rest of your life a lot easier if you know without a shadow of a doubt.

First and foremost, decide on a budget. Whatever you feel comfortable with spending is a good budget. You should not try to stretch yourself and end up in financial trouble. Set your budget and stick to it no matter what. When you walk into the jewelry store, do not even let them show you engagement rings that are out of your budget. It will only get your hopes up then shatter them. The last thing you want is for your significant other to breed feelings of resentment because you could not afford the ring she wanted!

Engagement Rings: When You Find Your Soul Mate, Don't Let Him Go

The months leading up to your engagement will likely be an exciting time in your life. Even if you do not expect him to pop the question at all and are completely blindsided, you may have already had an idea in your head that you two were meant to be together forever. There is nothing sweeter and more romantic than your man getting down on one knee and presenting you with the most beautiful engagement ring you have ever seen as he asks you to be his wife. He likely browsed hundreds of engagement rings before choosing the most perfect one that would suit you perfectly.

Diamond engagement rings are certainly nothing to joke about. These rings are your symbols of love and faith, and they also represent a solemn promise to one day be man and wife. There is nothing more serious than the union of two lovebirds. This will be a time when you celebrate the love you have for one another and also look forward to sharing your life with your best friend. Gone are the days of eating frozen dinners and cooking for one. You now have another person to factor into your diet and the other facets of your life.

Journey Jewelry – a Stack of Precious Memories

Getting a little creative with your jewelry pieces is never a bad idea, especially when it comes to journey jewelry! The possibilities are endless when it comes to these very special and unique items. Unlike single-stone pendants or diamond stud earrings, you have a succession of several stones that gradually increase in size from the top of the fine jewelry piece to the bottom. The representations behind the jewelry are as endless as the possibilities in design can be.

For most people, journey jewelry represents the twists and curves along the road of marriage. Many women are given beautiful necklaces on special anniversaries and even particular birthdays. Usually consisting of anywhere from four to even seven stones, diamonds are the most popular choice. However, some creative husbands opt for the birthstone from their wife’s birth month. Others choose birthstones representing all of the different months of when their children were born.

While necklaces are most likely the most popular choice, there are also options available in rings, earrings, and even bracelets. Most bracelets consist of charms. Some other options are simply the clasp being the “journey” piece. This seems to be the new, fashionable form of friendship bracelets amongst young girls. Normally not consisting of any expensive stones, the bracelets come in various colors and shapes. The clasps can be silver, gold, or even plastic. However, the symbolism is carried over, and many young girls solidify their friendships by exchanging and gifting these fun and simple jewelry pieces.

Engagement Rings: Bridal No-No's

Whether you have been in a relationship for a few months, years or decades, the thought of engagement rings has most likely crossed your mind. I'm certain this topic has come across the mind of your loved one, as well. The point is that at some time in the relationship, there will be talk of engagement. However, there is a way to continue this conversation in a positive way and then there's the wrong way. Many of these bridal no-no's often start out as a nice thought, but they can be taken the wrong way. Here are just a few for you to stay as far away from as possible.

Knowing exactly what you want in a ring is perfectly fine. Harassing your significant other with the lengthy list of requirements is not. Do not drag your boyfriend or girlfriend into every fine jewelry store that comes across your path. This can be seen as pushy and it may send them running rather than shopping. Unless you have been specifically asked to send your beloved a link to your favorite selection of rings, do not send them to his email. This one will be deleted faster than you can catch a bouquet at a friend's wedding! The last common mistake that I have seen over and over again is making him overly aware of your pre-planning. Alerting him to the “Someday...” board that you have compiled on Pinterest, full of your ideal wedding decor, colors, jewelry and venue ideas can be seen as crazy as keeping a few heads in the freezer. Also, remember that many of these social media sites work in tandem and that your secret idea board might not be as secret as you think. 

I Have Been and Always Shall Be Your Life Partner: Fandom Engagement Rings

All over the world, pop culture fans are finding new and exciting ways to bring their passions into conventional life. Mugs, t-shirts and pins have always been dominated by fans as a primary means of expression, but they’re taking it to the next level. 

The fine jewelry market has begun to cater to this long ignored demographic after a recent surge in affordable custom design jewelry led to the production of many sciencefiction and fantasy themed engagement rings.  This new trend has professional jewelers bringing their expertise in the craft to complex designs from fandom culture. Matching Starfleet engagement rings are just one example of how couples are sharing their love of pop culture with one another. Besides just ordering them through custom design, some small businesses sustain an income based on the mass production of fandom jewelry.

The Legend of Zelda triforce, which incorporates three triangles as focal point for a more complicated whole including highly stylized wings and claws, is among the most popular fandom jewelry designs. These engagement rings are also coded as “geek rings” or “nerd jewelry”, targeting their demographic specifically. I have to admit, I would have a tough time saying no to a partner whose marriage proposal included the One Ring in all of Middle Earth.