Diamond, The Birthstone of April
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Tags: April, Birthstone, Diamond
Categories: Brilliance, Diamonds, Gems, Jewelry
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MAR
21
Best Jewelry for Spring
The 2013 runways for springtime fashion are blossoming with transparent details on clothes and see-through accessories. Fringes and tassels are also sought-after features on jewelry and clothing peripherals. As well, minimalism is highly visible in jewelry pieces, with starkly contrasting tones adding visual impact.
Spring-time jewelry for this year are all about muted yet non-boring pieces that aim to accentuate the wearer’s clothes, not overwhelm them. Let’s take a look at some of spring’s predicted jewelry trends.
Crystal or Lucite bands and pendants
Fashion-conscious people are going to bare some skin in a non-summery fashion as a subtle statement that they are glad winter is over. This is probably why many designer clothing and accessories such as bags and shoes have transparent straps,heels, and other detailing for spring.
Jewelry pieces with transparent details made of Lucite (clear acrylic) and crystal accents are expected to be a hit, as well. Some great examples: chunky transparent bangles and crystal drop earrings. They will go well with solid-colored or two-toned get ups. In particular, colored beads strung on transparent cords are bound to be attractive on bare throats accentuated by the scooped necklines of springtime-wear.
Tasseled and fringed neck pieces
Parisian designers are adding fringes on their spring haute couture, and jewelry makers are mirroring this trend. Necklaces and bracelets are fringed and tasseled, harmonizing well with classically cut clothes. Nina Ricci and Versace have launched their spring accessories line for the year, and both featured neck pieces embellished with long metallic fringes and tassels on their runway models.
Austere metal accessories
The emphasis of smooth metals on chunky bracelets, rings, and chokers are apparent in the accessories worn by the mannequins of Balenciaga, Ferragamo, Lanvin, Rodarte, Dries van Noten, and Givenchy for spring’s early fashion shows. Gold, silver, and platinum are favored metals. They emphasize the springtime trend of high-contrast clothing, with black and white patterns and blocks of colors giving an austere yet stimulating effect.
Colorful clustered beads
On the flip side, spring is also the time to celebrate the comeback of bohemian style. Gypsy-like colored beads were also seen on the models as they sashayed down the ramp in their springtime get-ups. In particular, long drop beaded earrings grazed the shoulders, and clusters of acrylic beads mixed with some metal detailing and colored stones are expected to be a hit among the more daring. Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, and Dolce & Gabbana, and Gucci are among those who featured jewelry pieces inspired by gypsy aesthetics.
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Tags: Jewelry, Spring
Categories: Jewelry, Style
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MAR
18
Half Bezel Diamond Wedding Ring in White Gold
This week’s featured product is a beautiful women’s five diamonds half bezel wedding band. This gorgeous diamond ring weighs a total of ½ carats and is available in a choice of 14K or 18K white gold. Proudly made in the USA, this ring is perfect for weddings as well as anniversaries. With its G-level diamond color, excellent diamond cut, and Sl1 diamond clarity, it makes for an excellent lifetime keepsake of a momentous occasion.
Like this wedding ring? You can browse our entire collection of wedding rings here: Women’s Wedding Rings
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Tags: Diamond Wedding Ring, Half Bezel
Categories: Brilliance, Diamonds, Rings
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MAR
18
6 Tips For Safe Online Diamond Shopping
At Brilliance, we don’t just sell diamonds. We also take the time out to educate our customers on how to become better buyers.
Customers are often hesitant about the safety of online shopping, despite the enormous savings and convenience that it affords. Anticipating these concerns, we assembled 6 tips for a safe shopping experience.
#1) Call before Making the Purchase
Almost all good and reliable online retailers have live customer service reachable via a toll-free number. Calling a company’s sales team allows you to gauge the extent of their knowledge about their products.
#2) Familiarize Yourself with the Returns Policy
A returns policy will give you more confidence in your transaction and reassurance of a full refund if not fully satisfied with a purchase.
#3) Make Sure Shipments Are Insured and Require a Signature
Unpredictable circumstances can result in lost or damaged products. For insurance to cover any kind of damage/loss, it must be noted upon signing.
#4) Visit the 3rd Party Testimonials
Never neglect to read third-party testimonial sites (TrustPilot, Reseller Ratings, etc.) to see how the products and services are rated in a non-biased manner.
#5) Check the Better Business Bureau
A Better Business Bureau accreditation monitors and reviews a company’s products and services. The accreditation is based on an exhaustive evaluation of existing complaints, government actions, and advertising reviews.
#6) Verify Verified Merchant Status
A Verified Merchant means that it has high levels of processing security, safeguarding customer information, and combating fraud.
Never weary of healthy competition, here are some well-known online diamond retailers to start your research:
www.bluenile.com
www.jamesallen.com
www.adiamor.com
www.diamondsonweb.com
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Tags: Buy Diamond Jewelry Online, safe online shopping
Categories: Diamonds, Education
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MAR
18
Popular Engagement Ring Styles for Men
They are fast becoming trendy among men; engagement rings, that is. Credit it to being fashion-forward, or maybe to the desire to have a symbol of prenuptial commitment they can actually wear and flaunt. The bottom line is, the stereotypical “proposal” landscape is being slowly altered by the presence of men’s engagement rings (and fiancees who presented said rings and did the proposing). Let’s take a look at some of the most popular engagement ring styles for men in the past few years.
Plain bands with small embedded diamonds or stones
Similar in form to a wedding band, many “mangagement” rings have a round shape and little to no precious stone ornamentation. However, in keeping with the diamond tradition associated with proposals, small ones are typically embedded in the band instead of the more feminine topper. In recent years, more males are shown to have more confidence in wearing diamonds and other precious stones on their rings, as long as they are not of out-sized proportions and have strong settings.
Sturdier precious metals instead of softer, more pliable ones
Men who have active lifestyles are typically not inclined to wearing rings, especially those with fragile settings. The advent of mangagement rings, however, has had engaged men adjusting to how they can wear their prenuptial finger bling without damaging them. The practical solution: go for precious metals that are more durable than the usual ones for rings. Titanium is one such metal: it is virtually indestructible, medical-grade, and hypoallergenic, to boot. Platinum is also a good choice, although it is quite expensive and requires a bit of buffing every now and then to get rid of slight nicks and scratches.
Personal engravings, patterns, and symbols
Wearing an engagement ring is a personal and long-term act, so it’s only fitting to have significant text or symbols engraved on it. The date of the engagement, the names of the engaged couple, a favorite line from a poem, song, or film, and other important details can be engraved within or on the band itself. The same goes for symbols: many geeky couples incorporate such things as coordinates of their future wedding venue, or favorite superhero logos, for instance. As well, those who have artistic inclinations may have preferred patterns they want to integrate into their his-and-hers engagement rings.
Hard-edged, angular bands
To add an “edgy” (pun unintended) look to their engagement bands, a lot of men are opting to wear angular ones. Angular edge rings usually have a perfectly round center for a comfortable fit, and very fine cut edges to give a distinctive look. Many of these are created from a combination of precious metals.
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Tags: Engagement Rings, Styles for Men
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MAR
16
How to Wear Mismatched Jewelry
You may have lost an earring, or you might have stumbled upon a pawnshop clearance sale featuring mismatched jewelry from different sets. Should you take advantage of the grab-bag opportunity to own interesting pieces of bling?
As with fashion where it is understandably safer to stick with just one pattern or solid colors when wearing matching sets, going for mismatched jewelry might feel like pushing the style envelope. However, if you have the kind of personality, career, and opportunities to pull off wearing mismatched jewelry, it can become a great way to express yourself. Here are a few creative tips to do so.
Use earrings with a missing pair as a lapel pin or brooch
Forget about throwing away earrings whose pairs have gone missing. They can be re-purposed into brooches or pins to wear on scarves or collars. You might have to do some DIY jewelry crafting to incorporate clasps or screws on the earring, or else take out the spike that goes through earring holes so it doesn’t hurt you. When done correctly, though, you can be sure to have a piece of jewelry that’s unique and interesting.
Stick to the same precious metal color
Don’t be afraid to wear pieces that come from different jewelry sets. You can still have a harmonized look as long as you stick to one precious metal. For instance, a simple silver necklace can be beautifully matched with a chunky silver bangle or ring. A brooch set in yellow gold can be offset by a gold watch. There really are no strict rules to this practice, although it would be wise to stick to the “less is more” approach so as not to overwhelm your outfit.
Layer rings of different colored stones on a finger
For a bohemian look, why not wear different rings on one finger? It will create a fascinating layered effect and provide a focal point that cannot be achieved with wearing a different ring on each finger. To pull off this look, it’s best to go for bands so that they fit snugly on top of one another. Select rings of different-hued stones for a truly colorful statement.
(You can also do this method with bangles on one arm)
Wear different earrings in just one ear
This particular tip might be a bit daring for some. It is a look more associated with the punk lifestyle, as layering accessories and having multiple piercings are part and parcel of that particular subculture. However, when done with deliberate restraint and careful coordination, wearing earrings in just one ear can work for you. If your hair is long, gather it up on one side and secure with a hair tie or a clip so one ear is exposed. You can then choose studs with different colored stones to put in your multiple earlobe piercings, or choose earrings with clasps to decorate your entire ear.
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Tags: Mismatched Jewelry
Categories: Jewelry
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MAR
15
Should Your Bridal Jewelry Match?
Many times, even the most modern bride will gladly take on the “something old and something borrowed” traditions and incorporate them into her wedding. This, of course, includes the selection of jewelry to wear during the nuptial ceremony. Heirloom jewelry can get handed down from bride to bride in one family, resulting in a matching set to wear when walking down the aisle. However, trendier brides might find that wearing a set can stifle their own personal style. How can you decide between tradition and trend when it comes to bridal jewelry?
The Advantages
Adds historical significance to your bridal wear
Heirloom, vintage, and antique jewelry sets have the kind of patina and history no trendy bling can hope to achieve. When you wear a matching set handed down to you by a family member, you’re essentially showcasing and continuing a legacy that is expected to last.
Looks more put-together
It isn’t called a matching set for nothing. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and brooches all follow a pattern, feature a certain stone, and are set in a similar way so as to come up with a harmonious look.
The wedding outfit and theme can be planned around it
The matching set, especially when very old and has its own significant history, can become the centerpiece of your bridal theme and outfit. Many brides plan around these sets so they harmonize well with the cut, color, and style of the wedding gown as well as the rest of the bridal trimmings.
If handed down as heirloom pieces, will not cost a thing
The best thing about family heirloom pieces is that they are free. You get to keep them after the wedding, too.
The disadvantages
Can cramp your own personal style
Trendier brides might want to go for modern jewelry pieces to mix and match themselves. Having a matched set can be restricting as far as following your own tastes is concerned.
If design is too ornate, might not be suitable for daytime wedding
Many matching pieces, especially vintage ones, have ornate and sumptuous settings that look best at night-time. When worn during daytime wedding ceremonies, they can look a bit gaudy.
Can clash with face shape, makeup, style of dress, etc.
Planning around an existing jewelry set can present problems such if the pieces do not flatter the shape of your face, tone of your skin, hairstyle, makeup, and preferred dress style. You may have to compromise some things in order to come up with an overall look that doesn’t clash.
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Tags: Bridal Jewelry, Matching, Style
Categories: Jewelry, Weddings
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MAR
15
Ten DIY Wedding Styles We Love
We’re seeing more and more of that do-it-yourself aesthetic in today’s weddings. Modern brides are eschewing flawless, sleekly produced nuptial ceremonies complete with a crew of organizers bustling in and out in what is supposed to be a special event.
It’s safe to say that many engaged couples are now opting for more personalized wedding details and planning instead. Below is a list of the ten DIY wedding styles we’ve grown to love in recent years. The results are often stunning and memorable despite budget considerations and limited resources.
Personal vows
A lot of wedding vows are taken from Bible verses, or lines from songs and famous poems. Even if you aren’t a professional writer, you can come up with a promise that comes straight from the heart. Let your wedding be a platform for telling loved ones and guests a bit about your story with your future spouse: write the vows yourself and read them at the ceremony.
Vintage details
“Something old and something borrowed” have become tradition as far as bridal accessories go. The desire to recall those days when weddings were more authentic and less packaged has led to classic details in many of today’s nuptial preparations. From old-fashioned bridal dresses and jewelry, to vintage cars, through to venues that have historical significance, it is becoming obvious that many modern couples wish to incorporate timelessness in their matrimonial ceremonies.
The best thing about it is that vintage doesn’t have to be expensive. Items on hand can be repurposed for the wedding, or can borrowed from family and friends and returned after the ceremonies.
Picnic-in-the-garden reception
The only real prerequisite for a picnic reception is beautiful weather. With Pantone’s declaration of emerald green as 2013 color of the year, a garden with green growing things and colorful blossoms will surely provide a gorgeously fresh backdrop to any wedding reception. Food can be served in picnic baskets, desserts on wicker serving trays, drinks in Mason jars…the possibilities for a casual and pleasant party are endless.
Hand-crafted tokens in Mason jars
Speaking of Mason jars, they can also be quite handy as vehicles for wedding décor and giveaways. You can “preserve” photos and other memento in a sealed Mason jar filled with vegetable oil. It’s a one-of-a-kind, craftsy, and beautiful accent piece or souvenir for your beloved guests to admire.
Photo lanterns
Your significant other lights up your life…let this be made more obvious by getting your pictures printed on fabric or paper lanterns! These will definitely cast a romantic and festive glow on your evening reception.
Bridal charm bracelet
There used to be a practice involving a bride completing a string of pearls within a certain period prior to her wedding, so as to have something to wear with her bridal finery. A modern and creative twist to it would be to have members of the entourage contribute charms to a bridal bracelet. Close friends and family members can come up with a charm each that tells the bride’s story or reveal her personality. She can then wear it at the wedding or keep it as a precious token.
Family tree board
Weddings are occasions for families to get together, so why not celebrate these reunions with a family tree board? You can make it yourself using old pictures from photo albums, or have an artist render it on canvas or illustration board. Having family trees representing both the bride’s and the groom’s clan is a great way to introduce new in-laws to each other.
Veiled and embellished fascinators
Bridal veils and elegant head pieces for the bridesmaids have become tradition. These days, the fascination with fascinators, or statement head pieces, has become more pronounced. There is more freedom to personalize a head piece with chosen embellishments; often with fun, quirky results. Brides can have veiled fascinators to keep with tradition.
Origami or edible place settings
Nothing spells out “thoughtful” more than having place settings with origami pieces, lovingly folded by hand. Or, on a more gustatory and sweet level, why not bake cupcakes and ice the guest’s name on it?
Instagram instead of high-gloss, post-edited wedding portraits
Professional photographers sometimes take so much time to process pictures that the wedding glow has died down by the time the newlyweds can get to see them. Instagram and other real-time photo apps can be used instead. As an added bonus, the filters add a vintage touch to the moment.
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Recent Posts
APR 01Diamond, The Birthstone of April
MAR 21Best Jewelry for Spring
MAR 18Half Bezel Diamond Wedding Ring in White Gold
MAR 186 Tips For Safe Online Diamond Shopping
MAR 18Popular Engagement Ring Styles for Men
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