Are we seeing more contests to win engagement rings in the current economic climate?

It is widely said that after your house (mortgage), car, an engagement ring will be the third most expensive item you own. It's also said that generally speaking the purchase of an engagement should be roughly equal to a couple of months salary (on a relative scale of course, and depending on your job) but with many deals online these days most engagement rings shouldn't cost more than a month and a half's salary maximum. However for many people in the current economic conditions, with things not looking like they will improve any time soon, a month and half's salary might be just too much to spend.

This is why a lot of companies now, are taking advantage off the publicity and increase in traffic to their website that they can leverage if they run a competition on Facebook and link it to their main site, or indeed just run the competition on their main website. With the increase use of Facebook from everyone from kids though to your granny playing farmville games, it's undeniable that advertising on Facebook can maximise your exposure and increase interest from your target demographic and new interest groups. Sensing that many people are now hard pushed to spend as much as they used to on diamond rings, it's a great way for the company to get good PR and give something back as well. A lot of companies are thinking outside the box as well, in order to get their competitions maximum exposure, such as this Ring Race or treasure hunt idea from a US Jewelers. Other more tried and tested routes by diamond and jewelry companies is to boost their fan base on Facebook by running a simple poll vote competition and then enter the participants in a draw.

If you're a jewelry company, looking to maximize your online exposure and social media presence you'd do well to run your own competition for winning an engagement ring and give something back to your customer base.

A Cheeky Practical Joke To Play When Presenting Engagement Rings

I was talking with a friend the other day, who has already had the daunting task of shopping for an engagement ring for his partner. Initially he was prepared to spend way more than necessary, but after speaking to his Dad he found that was he estimated (£4K) was more than double what he could actually get for the engagement ring if he shopped around. It turns out his Dad had a contact who runs a diamond engagement ring website which was selling the same ring he was looking at on the high street for a fraction of what he was looking at, a much more reasonable price - £1700 (with a slight discount seeing as it was through a family connection).

Anyway, he had a great idea for when it came to presenting the engagement ring, which could potentially backfire (depending on your partner's sense of humour). His idea was to buy a cheap ass engagement ring from a well known catalogue company, and first present this. It would be a great test of reactions, and a gauge of how well your partner can hide their true emotions. On the other hand, it could be a sure fire way to end the relationship there and then. Either way, quite a funny idea I thought. But would you have the nerve to do it?

Here's some useful reading on the subject of popping the question and some engagement rings on the more affordable side of the spectrum:
Will You Marry Me?: Popping the Question With Romance And Style
Popping the question ..

High Street Shopping Vs Online Deals

Many people have been emailing in and asking whether they should go for high street deals or online ones when it comes to shopping for engagement rings. I would say that when in the research stages there's absolutely no harm in browsing the high street jobs and looking on online as well. That way you'll be able to see easily how the styles, quality and prices compare with each. Generally, speaking there's not a great deal of difference, but depending on the time of year you're shopping (whether there's a seasonal sale on or not) you may find that either shopping online offers higher savings when compared to shopping on the high street. Also bear in mind that when shopping online for engagement rings you should always make sure you're protected as a buyer and check the terms and conditions carefully before agreeing to any finance or outright purchase.

Diamond Engagement Rings

Probably the quintessential engagement ring is a diamond one, and certainly what every girl dreams of. If you have the budget to opt for such an engagement ring, make sure you follow previous tips outlined in this blog and always look for quality over the size of the diamond. Remember the four C's and also make sure you get the right size for the band. If in doubt always take someone along with you for a second opinion. Here are just some examples of gorgeous diamond enagement rings to give you an idea:

The worlds most expensive engagement rings

The last post regarding Prince William and Kate Middleton's engagement ringprompted to me think of some of the most expensive engagement rings that have been bought by famous people.

The number 1 taking the top spot for most expensive engagement ring is the Chopard Blue Diamond ring with a whopping price tag of $1.5 billion. What's so special about this ring you may ask? Well, perhaps the pimped out blue diamond that makes any other diamond feel they've come up short and inadequate. The 18K white gold band is not too shabby either. Where can you find the natural source for this beastie of a ring? Welll, the blue diamond is usually found among boron deposits and that's where it gets its shade from.

Here's a picture of the beauty in all its glory:

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.

Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Keeping in with the antique theme this blog has had going for the last couple of weeks, this article will look at the cushion cut which fashions the diamond in an overstuffed cushion. This cut, offers an aesthetically pleasing alternative to other popular cuts such as the princess, emerald or oval cuts. However, it still incorporates the main elements of these other cuts into it. It's entirely up to personal preference, as well, if you choose to get the stone cut in rectangular or square proportions. As the shape is still considered quite rare in modern jewellery, cushion cuts work well as solitaires, that draw the eye in to the central gemstone. However, many women will choose to add on some additional accentuating patterns or stones, that compliment the cushion cut. Possibly the most prominent design when it comes to choosing cushion cut engagement rings, is when the cushion cut gemstone is set in a four pronged arrangement. Nonetheless, older rings may use up to eight prongs, but more than this or other settings are not recommended because they generally detract from the overall design of the ring.

Diamond Solitaire Scalloped Setting

A diamond solitaire scalloped setting can be a unique setting that embellishes the appearance of the ring, without adding bulky and lots of expensive gemstones to it. There are many types of settings couples can choose from, so it's a good idea to thoroughly research which ones are most suited to the other half's preferences.

For those unfamiliar with scalloped settings, they take their inspiration from nature and in particular seashells, as they often have a rough undulating pattern with a series of curves or ridges that make a very unusual and interesting pattern. These kinds of engagement rings are popular for perhaps exotic engagements such as Hawaiian engagements. The beauty of scalloped engagement rings, is that it gives couples the chance to just focus on one exquisite gemstone, i.e. diamond, and concentrate on the weight and by choosing a scalloped setting it focuses on the display of this gemstone at its most radiant.

Finding diamond solitaire scalloped setting engagement rings may be harder than finding normal diamond solitaire rings, this is due to their rarity and one will probably have to go to a specialist jeweller's to find them or get them custom made. Older, antique rings may also use scallop settings, and one can invariably find these in pawn shops, auction houses and so forth. However, it's worth going to the effort of scouting these out as the final end product can be really astonishing!

How do you know when you've found the right engagement ring?

For many men shoppers, it's difficult to tell if we've chosen something that will suit her. Many of us make terrible shoppers, even the thought of spending countless hours wondering around the shops is enough to send shivers down many men's spines. Of course, if it's the woman buying the engagement ring then the same might not be true. One way to minimize the time spent looking for that ideal palladium engagement ring, is to conduct some initial research online before heading out to the local jewelery shops. You also want to check out the financing options that the e-commerce stores give, especially if you're going for a diamond engagement ring, to breakdown that final amount a little. 

Also a helpful tip is to take a friend along, or a family member who can provide a good second opinion and may also be a good model, so that you've got a better idea of ring sizes and so forth. Take a few designs along with you as well if you wish to get your ring custom made as well. Don't be afraid to ask for discounts as well, as you never know you may get that sparkling diamond engagement rings for less than you had anticipated.

Natural vs Synthetic

A lot of work and effort goes into carefully crafting engagement rings, whether they are made from natural materials and then polished and set in an attractive band, or even if the natural gemstones are treated chemically in special cleaning agents, polished and then placed in a galvanized band, it still requires a skilled craftsman to get the ring to a shop display standard. I don't want to suggest or influencing your buying decision in this article, as ultimately the ring you decide upon  has to be the right ring for your partner. So it all boils down to what they would be most happy receiving and wearing. Are they the type of person, that objects to synthetic and chemicalised products? if this is the case the natural route needs to be trodden as far as it will go - for this kind of ring you may want to consider buying from a niche shop that specializes in birthstone rings and old jewelery techniques. On the other your partner, may just want something that dazzles the onlooker, and shows that its being carefully treated in order to give the stone its shine. In this case, you probably can't go wrong with most of your local jewelers who will have embraced modern galvanizing techniques and chemical polishing years ago.

It's always an idea, to do your research before buying, and this can involve reading some reviews online about the different kinds of palladium engagement rings, diamond engagement rings and natural birthstone rings. It will also involve getting out there and talking to some professional jewelers and see what they recommend. By doing this, you'll stand a better chance of getting it right first time.

Popping the question

Finding the right ring for your beloved is just part and parcel of the engagement process, another stressful aspect to it for some might be actually the proposing part that presents the most difficulties. There's a lot to consider, as with everything timing, picking a place, the mood and atmosphere are all conducive to creating a lasting memory.  Do it wrong and it could affect the final answer given. So, whilst the ring is a big deal breaker sometimes, the actual proposing part for many other halves could be just as important. Therefore, it's essential that if you want to get the proposal right, to read this Marriage Proposal Ideas from an Oprah Expert


The best way of finding out how to propose is to read how other people did it, and what worked for them. This way when you come to propose you'll be more confident in your approach knowing how to create a romantic mood, what to say and how to act...If you want to get it right first time, it's highly recommend you give it a read.

How to deal with pushy salesman

We've all been there, just casually browsing at a shop or store and then all of a sudden our peace is disturbed by an overly pushy salesman. It's enough to drive you out of the shop, even if you had intended on buying something. Of course pushy salesman are not exclusive to just jewelery shops, you'll find them everywhere nowadays and it's no wonder more and more people are going online to make their purchases. But, it shouldn't be the case, we shouldn't be forced to make our purchases online, because of the fear we may have from going into a store and being pressured into a decision we didn't want to make. The Ebook I featured last week in my post, has some interesting advice and suggestions on how to handle push jewelery salesman so that it actually works in your favor and you can utilize and leverage them to make a well informed decision, rather than being pressured and manipulated by them. Even if you decide to shop online, you still have to be careful of being directed towards certain purchases without exploring the whole catalog or getting something tailored towards your requirements. So, you may have to make a phone call to one of those pushy salesman! Either way, 'How To Buy An Engagement Ring' will certainly aid you in the process.

How to Buy An Engagement Ring

On previous posts I've given you some useful tips and pointers for going about buying engagement rings, but nothing puts it all quite into perspective and sets it out in a comprehensive way than an Ebook. If you're like me you may ocassionally buy an Ebook get excited about it buying it, and then only reading a couple pages before its resigned to the remote regions of your desktop PC. Well, I'll have to hold my hand up and say I've come across some shocking Ebooks before that I haven't learnt anything from and then again I've come across some gems and read every single page, page to page. I decided searching for some jewelery ebooks, and in particular ones which tell you how to go about buying engagement rings. I bought a couple, and whilst most were informative, I was looking for something a bit more concrete with more practical advice people could implement.

The Ebook I've found that I'm confident readers will find useful when it comes to shopping for engagement rings includes everything you need to know about the buying process: including how not to get ripped, where to shop and where not to, what to look for and much more. If you're serious about finding the perfect engagement ring for your beloved you need to read this!

Click Here to get your copy.

Budget limitations

Although, we would all like to splurge out on a massively expensive engagement ring, sometimes it's just out of budgetary constraints and given the recent economic crises and many countries' economies showing no signs of improving, we may just have to settle for something a bit more within our budget. Luckily, the jewelery industry has plenty of choices and options for people who perhaps can't or won't spend thousands and thousands of dollars on a lavish ring. One option, that has previously been mentioned is going for birthstone gems - something that perhaps conveys a deeper sentiment and is more romantic? Of course if you're going to go for this option you need to find out when gemstone their date of birth relates to. Another option, which shouldn't break the bank is considering other gemstones such as topaz, emerald or tanzanite and getting your jewelery to bespoke the design and cut it in a way so it maximizes light reflection. You also want to carefully consider the bands that are going to be used, you should choose a metal that either complements or contrast the stone nicely. If one looks hard enough, and seeks out the most competitive deals, you'll be certainly ensuring you don't pay over the odds.

Spam Blog comments

So I've been getting quite a few spam blog comments. If you want to promote your own blog/website and get a backlink it's fine as long as you post comments that actually show you've read my post and are contributing to the discussion. Please do not just post a generic response with a link to your site, it will get rejected. And if your website is a related to palladium engagement rings, and/or jewelery, it still means you've got to comment on something intelligent and meaningful. Rant over, it just really pisses me off when people don't even bother to add even something semi-worth reading.