Not too long ago, most men who got married wore a simple gold wedding band to mark the occasion. These days there are more choices in men’s wedding rings than ever before. Platinum, titanium and tungsten have entered the scene. The traditional look is still available, but the choices are now a lot broader.

Think about traditional men’s wedding rings. They’re generally fashioned from yellow or white gold. Sometimes they have a subtle pattern etched in. They’re stylish, classic and attractive.

Then there are the modern choices. For example, a contemporary tungsten band is ultra-hard and lightweight. It’s ideal if you want a good looking, well priced ring that won’t fall apart with regular wear. They’re highly scratch resistant and can polish to a high sheen that looks a lot like silver.

Titanium is another new favorite among men. It comes in two basic types: light and black. Both are lightweight, durable and make for a stylish choice in a wedding ring.

Light titanium is gray in color and can be polished to a fine sheen. It might feature a thin stripe of gold or be inlaid with a diamond.

The manufacturing process that produces genuine black titanium allows for consistent color all through the ring. Scratches won’t show and there is never a need to re-plate the exterior.

However, the type of metal isn’t the only thing men have a choice with these days when it comes to wedding rings. Many men today prefer a smaller width band than those of generations past. The lighter weight and thinner style appeal to those who seek an unobtrusive ring that is still attractive.

Many men’s rings these days also feature inlaid gems such as sapphires, diamonds and rubies. The criteria for the stone’s quality are the same as in a woman’s wedding ring. Great cut, flawless clarity, fine color all apply.

To sum it up, a good example of a modern men’s wedding ring is a narrow platinum band with a small oval diamond. Many men these days will wear a ring of this type. Part of the reason is that they’re more comfortable with being fashionable than has been the case traditionally.

The best wedding rings today still incorporate the highest quality features available. Qualities such as durability and the ability to resist scratches are still important. However, now there is a completely new range of stylish choices in men’s wedding rings.

There is no better way to surprise your future fiancé than by giving her a custom diamond engagement ring.Diamond rings are the quintessential engagement rings that all women love.It,s beauty magnifies manifolds when customized.
 
How to Customize

There are two ways to create a custom diamond engagement ring.Quite a few jewelers offer styles and designs that you can work off of as a base.  On the other hand, you can also create a 100% custom diamond engagement ring by hiring a jeweler to make the ring you are envisioning in your mind a reality. 

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when deciding on the design of your custom diamond engagement ring.  The two most important factors are shape and setting.  It’s easy to figure out what kind of metal to get.  If your fiancé prefers silvery colors, you can get a ring in white gold or platinum.  Then there’s always the classic gold ring. 

The shape of the diamond is also very important.  Look at your fiancé’s jewelry or ask a friend for help to decide on a good shape.  Try to stick with what your fiancé likes because even if you think a particular shape looks great, your fiancé may absolutely hate it.  You don’t want to go out of the way to custom design a ring that your fiancé doesn’t even like.
The setting of the ring is also important.You may wish to have a band containing many tiny little diamonds or with having one big diamond in the middle and two small diamonds on the sides.  Again, try to keep your fiancé’s tastes in mind when making a decision. 

When choosing a custom diamond engagement ring, you have to keep your budget in mind as well.  Obviously a 100% customized ring is going to be far more expensive than one that is semi-customized.However, designing and creating a custom engagement ring design has become easier by the aid of jewelry design software, hence the price has also gone down to a great extent.  Search carefully for a jeweler who can create a ring with your ideas and budget in mind. 

Make no mistake about it.  A custom diamond engagement ring is one of the greatest gifts that you can give your fiancé.  Don’t settle for an unoriginal, run-of-the-mill ring when you can create one that is as special and unique as your fiancé.  So get out there and find a jeweler that can make your visions a reality.

Famous auction website eBay has reported a 200% rise in the number of engagement rings listed in the first quarter of 2009, as reported by an eBay press release.

In fact, local diamond retailers are saying more grooms are buying cubic zirconia rings instead of diamonds.  Their not worried about finding the right amount to spend anymore, it’s just about saving as much money as possible right now.

Nationwide jewelry retailers said an increasing number of would-be husbands are purchasing fake diamonds for their brides’ engagement rings to save money during the economic downturn, the New York Post reported Sunday.

There are more men who will buy a nice setting and put a cubic zirconia in it for now, hoping to replace it later.  Is this trend going to last even out of the economic downturn?  I guess we will have to wait and see.  In the meantime ebay, Amazon, and Bidz.com will rake in the money as best as they can.  I’m sure the high end watch market is having the same problem attempting to seel real Rolex, Cartier, & Tag Heuer watches when people can get nice knockoffs for just a few hundred dollars.

 How do brides feel about this? They don’t appear to be happy with the cost-cutting measures of their potential spouses.  In fact, a local retailer said, “The women are little hostile about it as a matter of fact, they have been waiting a long time for a ring, and want a real diamond!”  Of course, most husbands are just hoping their wives aren’t going to find out. Have you checked your diamond to see if it’s real?

If you are a committed spiritual person it is not out of the ordinary for you to wear a cross around your neck. Not everybody wants a traditional wooden cross. In actual fact it is more likely you will see someone wearing a cross diamond pendant. Unlike a diamond circle pendant a cross pendant has meaning to it.

Even though for a number of people it is definitely a fashion statement it is also a sign of faith for many. This is very important to the people who wear them to be a symbol of their religion for it is an extension of themselves. It has become the norm that with time the appearance of the cross will change with the times. Wearing a cross diamond pendant does not make you more faithful than anyone else as it’s your believe that is key.

It can be a paradox as to why a person of faith, that is not meant to be tied to worldy possessions, wears a beatiful cross diamond pendant around their neck. This is a complex subject where it’s the person’s belief that counts.

You may find a a person would choose to wear a cross diamond pendant instead of anything else just because they prefer it’s appearance. Traditionally, flaunting riches was said to attract the “evil eye” which is resentmeny of others.

It does not make you a non believer if you like to wearing stylish accessories around your neck. However, if you are deeply religious it will be clear that there is a specific reason you wear a cross diamond pendant  – it’s a symbol of your faith. That being said, there are still those who prefer wearing a cross pendant just because of it’s style and the way it looks. There is no law written to say that you are prevented from wearing a cross diamond pendant if religeon is not key to who you are.

What It Really Is

Whoever you are and for whatever reason you but a cross diamond pendant you should put consideration into what you buy even though many people suggest you should not be too serious about the justification for wearing a pendant. No matter what the reason, a cross diamond pendant is most definitely an object of beauty.

For additional information and details on where to shop for the best deal on a cross diamond pendant visit www.18caratdiamond.com

Diamonds, which are made out of carbon, have been esteemed since ancient times. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that they became extremely popular in the west. At that time technological advances made the gems much easier to mine, cut and polish. In addition, with industrialization came economic wealth so more individuals could afford to buy them.

Diamonds are widely used in jewelry because they are the hardest naturally occurring mineral known to man and they sparkle magnificently. In reality they are almost impossible to scratch, which makes them capable of withstanding wear and tear and suitable for permanent use. That is why diamond engagement rings and wedding bands are so commonplace in contemporary society.

Today diamonds are advertised and promoted very effectively. Consequently they are perhaps the most highly coveted of all gemstones. Even people who cannot afford naturally occurring diamonds can purchase a synthetic version which is called a diamante. However, real diamonds are more valuable so if you ever purchase jewelry for someone else it is best to make sure you are buying the genuine article if you wish to impress them. Fortunately there are ways of determining whether a diamond is genuine and evaluating its value before you part with any cash.

Diamond Carat Weight

One of the ways of determining the value of a diamond is through the carat weight. Each carat is divided into one hundred points. Therefore a gem with twenty-five points would have a quarter carat weight. The larger the carat weight of the jewel, the more money it is worth. However, carat weight is only one way of determining the value.

Color Of The Diamond Gem

What color should the perfect diamond be? In reality the most valuable among them have no color at all but are absolutely clear and without any pigment at all. Therefore diamonds that are tinged with colors such as yellow, brown, grey, pink, blue or green are worth less than those that are not. If you are shopping for a ring, pendant or pair of earrings always avoid diamonds that have a pink, green or blue tinge regardless of how pretty they may look.

The Diamond Clarity

Some diamonds have naturally occurring marks in them. These marks are called inclusions and they can only be spotted by an expert using a microscope. The more inclusions a gem has the less valuable it is. This is because inclusions have a detrimental impact on the dispersion of light through the jewel. In other words a gemstone that has many inclusions does not have as much fire or brilliance.

The Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond does not relate to the shape of the gem.  Instead it is about the quality of the cut. A well cut diamond has more fire, proportion and sparkle. A gem that has not been well cut is worth less even if it has good clarity and color and a high carat weight. The better the cut of the jewel than you are expect to pay more too.

Of all symbols on the planet the wedding ring has the most strength and power. Not only does it intend a commitment but love too be it a diamond band or plain ring. Wearing a diamond band ring does not mean you are more feminine if you are a male, as there are lots of men out there that just want a single diamond in their bands just like some woman do. For many woman maintaining it simple is still the best.

There is no need to walk around with reckless wasteful wedding bands particularly if all your fingers already have plain rings on them too. A diamond band ring could be the one that differs from the rest, symbolizing the wedding band. It’s not quite the traditional wedding set but if it makes the person happy to wear a diamond band ring then fine.
 
For the busy woman who likes to get dirty still in the workforce, it would be simpler for her to wear just a plain flattish diamond band ring, nothing that will hook on or hurt everything else she touches, or feel like her finger is being ripped off.
 
Depending also on the shape and colour of you hand, there will come a time when you would have to decided what looks good on it. Does the giant glamorous ring or the simple diamond band ring suite your hand better, or does both make your hand look odd and seem like it doesn’t belong there? This is where the choice could be yours but is not according to your taste or wish.
 
It wouldn’t be fair if every diamond band ring looked the same for men and woman. At least the designers kept the female diamond band ring more feminine and the men’s diamond band a lot more masculine.
 
Masculine Or Feminine?
 
The men’s band would probably have a rectangular flat top to make it seem larger than the female’s band, with maybe a small diamond set in a corner of it. The female’s band would also have been designed with more soft curves in them to soften the appearance.
 
There is nothing worse than looking at anyone’s hands and seeing an array of glamorous rings that don’t even suite the hand never mind make it look like an extravagant knuckle duster. So if your choice is to dress every finger on your hand, stick with the simple and plain rings, they don’t make your hand look as if they are budging either or lost in the jewelry. 

There are special pieces of jewelry that are desirable for certain functions. Diamond anniversary band is a piece of jewelry that suits a specific occasion. Diamond anniversary band is a perfect gift for the loved one to celebrate any anniversary. There are however certain key features that must be considered before choosing a diamond ring.

Choosing A Diamond Anniversary Band

Diamond anniversary bands come in variety of sizes and styles. The ring usually has two parts which are ring setting portion and the gemstone part. While selecting a ring, knowing four Cs of diamonds can be very helpful. These include cut, carat, color and clarity. A good character diamonds will have to a great extent favorable of these Cs.

Setting of the ring is as important as the quality of metal and diamond. The setting can be done in variety of styles and different mix of metals. Some of the most popular metals used for diamond anniversary band are yellow gold, white gold and platinum. The styles can be modern, antique or ornate. If choosing the diamond anniversary band for your mate, it is a good idea to choose the ring as per the individual taste. The size and setting of the diamonds depends on the actual budget.

Cost is usually a major issue while purchasing the diamond anniversary band with diamonds intricately placed within. For more precious metals, higher quality of diamonds is chosen that shoots up the price of the ring. It is essential to consider the budget prior to purchasing a diamond anniversary band, and then choosing the design as it will specify the choices channelizing you in the correct direction, and granting you to buy the ring within the budget.

It is possible to get some great deals on the diamond band rings. There are basically sales during festival season that makes purchase quite cost effective. There are also a lot of on-line stores providing good quality certified diamond anniversary bands at moderate costs.

Before buying diamond anniversary band, visit some jewelry stores, or do some research on-line that will greatly help you choose the right ring. Learn about diamonds, different metals, and various patterns, and then choose as per your lifestyle. Don’t get carried away by the designs that look attractive, but are of poor quality. Diamond anniversary band should be with you or your loved one for a long time, make it worth the money. Make sure that you buy from a reputable manufacturer, who offers the certificate of guarantee.

Engagements and wedding are specific occasions, and the bond for lifetime can be fortified with an paralleled diamond eternity band.

Choosing a Perfect Diamond Eternity Band

Before spending a fortune on the diamond eternity band that you liked for the special occasion, try to learn some basics about diamonds. There are lots of tutorials available over net, and there are also many books available giving some basic information about diamonds, to avoid getting cheated. You should be able to judge the cuts, select a suitable design, ask appropriate questions, and so on. Be an informed consumer and a smart customer by investing some time in doing the research on diamond eternity band. It will help you get just the perfect ring, and value for your money.

Diamonds are characterized by four Cs that help distinguish them from fake ones. Make sure to buy the diamond eternity band from a reputable jeweler, especially if you get a good feedback from any of your friends and relatives. A good place to shop for diamond eternity band is Internet, as there are many on-line sites offering good quality products as discounted prices. Before making a purchase, get on-line and look for diamond tutorials, ring tutorials, local jewelers database, Internet jewelers listings, diamond price database and negotiation tips.

Certificate of diamond eternity band is different from appraisal. Certificate gives the information regarding weight, cut, quality and measurement of the diamond, and gives all the individual characteristics of stone. They are also the proof of diamond’s value and identity.

Most of the diamond eternity bands come in gold or platinum, and both of them can be polished and brushed. Brushed metals give modern, muted look, while polished metals look classier. It is also possible to mix and match various colors of gold, or you can also try different metal altogether.

Gold for diamond eternity band comes in various colors such as yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. For people with more colored skin tones, yellow gold looks good. White gold and platinum rings complement the fairer skin tones. In its pure form, gold is very soft. Jewelers mix gold with other metals such as zinc, nickel and copper to make it more strong and durable.

Platinum diamond eternity band are en vogue again, as more and more couple are opting for this dense and highly durable precious metal. Platinum is more expensive than gold, but is more resistant to damage. It also retains its luster longer as compare to gold. Platinum is not only the choice for newly weds, many people also like to choose the platinum diamond anniversary band due to its high endurance. It is most important to choose the right fit and design, so that it is practical as well as appealing.

Engagements and wedding are special occasions, and the bond for lifetime can be strengthened with a unique diamond eternity band.

Choosing a Perfect Diamond Eternity Band

Before spending a fortune on the diamond eternity band that you liked for the special occasion, try to learn some basics about diamonds. There are lots of tutorials available over net, and there are also many books available giving some basic information about diamonds, to avoid getting cheated. You should be able to judge the cuts, select a suitable design, ask appropriate questions, and so on. Be an informed consumer and a smart customer by investing some time in doing the research on diamond eternity band. It will help you get just the perfect ring, and value for your money.

Diamonds are characterized by four Cs that help distinguish them from fake ones. Make sure to buy the diamond eternity band from a reputable jeweler, especially if you get a good feedback from any of your friends and relatives. A good place to shop for diamond eternity band is Internet, as there are many on-line sites offering good quality products as discounted prices. Before making a purchase, get on-line and look for diamond tutorials, ring tutorials, local jewelers database, Internet jewelers listings, diamond price database and negotiation tips.

Certificate of diamond eternity band is different from appraisal. Certificate gives the information regarding weight, cut, quality and measurement of the diamond, and gives all the individual characteristics of stone. They are also the proof of diamond’s value and identity.

Most of the diamond eternity bands come in gold or platinum, and both of them can be brushed and polished. Brushed metals give modern, muted look, while polished metals look classier. It is also likely to mix and match several colors of gold, or you can also try different metal completely.

Gold for diamond eternity band comes in several colors such as yellow gold, rose gold and white gold. For people with darker skin tones, yellow gold looks better. White gold and platinum rings complement the fairer skin tones. In its pure form, gold is very soft. Jewelers mix gold with other metals such as zinc, nickel and copper to make it more strong and durable.

Platinum diamond eternity band are en vogue again, as more and more couple are opting for this dense and highly durable precious metal. Platinum is more expensive than gold, but is more resistant to damage. It also retains its luster longer as compare to gold. Platinum is not only the choice for newly weds, many people also like to choose the platinum diamond anniversary band due to its high endurance. It is most important to choose the right fit and design, so that it is practical as well as appealing.

From necklaces and pendants to stackable rings and personalized jewelry, there is something that will make this Mother’s Day truly one to remember for your mother. Mother’s day comes but once a year but there are many things you can do to make each one even more special than the last. Why not out do yourself again with some great, quality and original jewelry to show your mother how truly special she is.

MOTHER’S RINGS
Mother’s rings celebrate a woman’s children with their names and birthstones - either all on one ring, or each child on a different stackable ring. Contemporary mother’s rings include Chinese symbols, which can be names, birth dates or even astrological signs, and other languages that provide a unique gift for your mom. Each time that your mom looks at her ring, she will remember her family. Make the rings truly personal with the names, dates, birthstones, or words that are most meaningful to her.

Mothers rings can be a great way to celebrate a family’s ancestry and ethnicity by incorporating symbols or different languages. If you would like a ring with historical significance, choosing a language that represents your family history can be especially meaningful to your mom. Popular choices include Chinese symbols, French, and Hebrew.

BIRTHSTONE PENDANTS
Another popular gift for Mother’s Day is a mother’s jewelry pendant. Birthstones are the most popular choice for necklace pendants, with the stones often place on the pendant in birth order. If you are an only child, then you will be able to choose a simple pendant with only one birthstone. Many people also like to incorporate their mother’s birthstone into the pendant to signify family unity and to celebrate the family. Mother’s pendants can be worn around the year, but are especially seen on family holidays.

NAME RINGS FOR MOM
Name rings are also popular choices for Mother’s Day gifts. Unlike mother’s rings, which typically show birth dates or birthstones, name rings can be truly personalized to show the names of all of your mom’s children. You will be able to choose the language that you would like for the names to be in, as well as the metal. White gold is one of the more contemporary choices for a mother’s ring, although you will want to take your mom’s style into consideration before you make your purchase - you don’t want to end up with something she doesn’t feel comfortable wearing or that she feels conflicts with

Will you marry me - even if I’m a klutz?

A non-coordianted man dropped his diamond engagement ring while attempting to propose to his girlfriend on the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC, then braved moving traffic to retrieve the roadkill from the road below.

“I don’t know what was going through my head,” said Don Walling, 29, of Coram, L.I., a teacher at Intermediate School 88 in Brooklyn. “Everything was exactly how I wanted, except for the whole ring thing.”

Motorists slid to avoid him, and motorists who misunderstood the situation yelled at him not to jump into the East River as he climbed down from the pedestrian walkway.  With the economy as it is, more people have committed suicide from the bridge than in past years.

Police Officers traffic, and Walling got back the platinum 1.6-carat diamond engagement ring, which was run over and lightly damaged by a vehicle. Read the rest of this entry »