Prince William and Kate Middleton's Engagement Ring

So there's been much media coverage of the Royal engagement between Prince William and Kate Middleton, with particular focus on the engagement ring which as Princess Diana's engagement ring from Prince Charles. Just in case you've been living under a rock for the last few days, here's the greatly publicized pictures of the sapphire and diamond engagement ring:



Since the engagement ring news came out this week sales of similar styled sapphire and diamond rings (albeit much cheaper ones) have soared with online shopping channels and jewelers doing brisk business. The ring originally received by Princess Diana cost £28,000 in 1981, but with todays prices the 18-carat blue sapphire ring is worth an estimated £85,000 - although the one Kate Middleton now has that belonged to Diana is priceless. One things for certain despite differing opinions on current valuations, that jewelers are going to have a lot more requests for blue sapphire, thought to symbolize mental clarity and devotion, engagement rings.

Fake engagement rings - Practical Travel Advice

It had never occurred to me until last week, when one of my customers told me they were going on holiday and instead of taking her real wedding diamond ring, she always takes a fake one just in case it gets lost or stolen. I thought this was a really great idea, and is a sure way to avoid ruining a holiday if the worst case scenario does happen. Of course wedding rings can not only get lost or stolen whilst away on holiday, often they can get easily damaged, or tarnished especially perhaps in exotic climates perhaps. There are a few helpful pointers to follow if you're going to buy a fake engagement or wedding ring to take on holiday with you. First, you want to make sure you don't go for anything too ostentatiousness, i.e. something with a huge stone as the center piece, instead go for something subtle and bearing close resemblance to an actual ring. As a general rule, if at quick inspection it might fool a jeweler, then its sure as heck going to fool everybody else, including a thief or opportunist. Then go for a setting fairly typical of the kind of real engagement or wedding ring you've chosen. E.g. a nice subtle setting, something that shapes the stone well, and doesn't show it off too much. So when choosing fake rings, don't worry about the size of the gemstone in the center, concentrate on all the usual elements: make sure you go for something with a nice classic cut such as diamond emerald cut or the solitaire cut, go for band made from strong durable material (enough to withstand some wear and tear and least), and finally the rule of thumb should be when choosing fake engagement or wedding rings - understated rather than overstated is always the way forward.

Jade engagement rings

If you've visited south east asia, you'll know just how important jade is to the local populace. Jade is a rich, luscious green gemstone, and is composed of two minerals: Jadiete and Nephrite.
Jade from the earliest civilizations was mined and carved by the Maori of New Zealand, the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. In India, in the past, people of only the highest integrity and moral fibre were allowed to wear jade jewellry. Jade, of course is also important to Chinese cultures, taking the same character for nobility, and even today Jade is thought to ward of sickness, bring good fortune and protect the bearer from evil. Today the most highly prized jade continues to be 'The Imperial' or 'old mineral' jade.

In engagement rings jade can be cut and carved and set in a variety of engagement bands, including diamond and solitaire cuts. Although gemstone is not an official birthstone it can still make a great alternative for diamond engagement rings, and hopefully bring some prosperity and luck to the marriage!

Airport Security Staff playing Cupid for valentines day

Just uncovered this interesting story, about how surprises weren't spoiled during routine airport security searches by airport staff in Manchester over the valentines weekend:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5guOHJNaKZk7tzaqklhr2nOFU798A

Did you pop the big question over valentines day? If so we'd like to see your pictures of the engagement rings, and how it went. please send any pictures (preferably less than 50K) to: Email me

Haiti Earthquake Appeal

It's probably stating the obvious, but for the people of Haiti the last thing on their minds are diamonds. However, this doesn't mean that extravagant and lavish events that are commonplace in many countries can't in some way contribute to helping the people of Haiti after the devastating earthquake. Last weekend, jewellery from celebrity jewelry went to a good cause. Jewelry designer Raju Rasiah decided he would donate all his jewellery that stars wear to the Golden Globes and SAG Awards through his web site to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. The Golden Globes, despite the weather saw stars turn out in their dozens. Many stars wore Rasiah’s pieces such as Cheryl Hines, Kate Flannery, Eve LaRue, and Stephen Lang. Pieces such as a $15,000 ring with diamond carats and 12-star sapphire were worn by Hines to the SAG Awards. Rasiah hoped that the ring would raise between $20,000 and $35,000 dollars for Haitian relief appeal.

Cheryl Hines

Help the people of Haiti
Please make your donation today to the Red Cross.

Happy New Year To All Our Readers!

We would like to say a big Happy New Year to all our readers, and hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Furthermore, we'd like to add that if you're planning on popping the question in 2010, then be sure to make regular visits to the blog as you'll find gems worth their weight in gold here, and plenty of things to give you food for thought when you decide to head out and go engagement ring shopping. In 2010 we'd  also like to hear from our readers, and their golden nuggets and pearls of wisdom. Perhaps we'll do a guest writer section or something. Anyway, here's to a wonderful new year, filled with happiness and prosperity. And if you're planning a wedding or engagement this year, we hope everything goes according to plan and the perfect engagement ring is found.