Arthur's Jewelers

Tacori on the Red Carpet!

2012-02-15T13:52:00.003-06:00

January 30th, 2012

True Blood’s Deborah Ann Woll in TACORI at The Director’s Guild Awards!

Deborah Ann Woll presented in almost 37 carats of TACORI platinum and diamond jewelry at The Director’s Guild Awards.

The True Blood star looked gorgeous as she dazzled in her one-of-a-kind platinum and rose gold diamond bracelet, and one-of-a-kind platinum and rose gold diamond necklace http://www.tacori.com/.

Style No.s HTN8051 and HTB8051

Deborah Ann Woll.DGA2012.jpg.

Tacori Fashion Lifestyle Jewelry...

2012-02-10T10:30:00.001-06:00

Close your eyes…….soft trade winds blowing, waves lap the beach, steel drums music in back ground, coconut drink in your hands…….aaaaaahhhhhh!! Now that the mood has been set, presenting our new collection.

Island Rains! This collection is fantastic to wardrobe with your spring whites and also the new color blocking trends! High impact low retails! What a great way to add color to Spring 2012!

Now at Arthur's Jewelers the latest collection of Tacori Fashion Lifestyle Jewelry (18k925).

SR13405

SR13433

SR13402

Now at Arthur's Jewelers the latest collection of Tacori Fashion Lifestyle Jewelry (18k925).

SuChin Pak Layers on her Tacori Jewels!

2012-02-09T10:18:00.000-06:00

January 16th, 2012

Posted by Michelle Adorjan

Dailycandy.com’s style correspondent SuChin Pak, dazzled in Tacori diamonds as she interviewed some of the hottest stars on the red carpet for this year’s Golden Globes!

SuChin Pak 2012

Style No. FR801, FE67175

http://www.arthursjewelers.com/TACORI-DIAMOND-FASHION-RING/FR-801/

http://www.arthursjewelers.com/TACORI-18KW-.26TW-DIAMOND-EARRINGS/FE-642-7/

Arthur's Jewelers is on PINTEREST!

2012-02-09T09:27:00.001-06:00

Pinterest is the social network that was a closed club secret until recently. Now, the virtual pinboard site is all the rage, climbing all the way into the top 10 of social networks last week!
It’s quickly spawned a “men’s” site called Gentlemint.

www.Gentlemint.com

If you’re not on pinterest.com yet, check it out!

It’s the most popular social site for brides and future brides!

Check out Our Boards: Arthur's Jewelers Pinterest

Who is Paul Tacorian?

2012-02-04T09:53:00.002-06:00

Paul Tacorian

Getting to know the designer behind Tacori engagement rings, wedding bands and jewelry.

1. What collection is you’re most popular?

Our most popular collection is of course our Classic Crescent Silhouette Collection. It is iconic Tacori, it is Classic and timeless.

Classic Crescent Silhouette Collection

2. What is your favorite ring?

My Favorite ring is the one Haig Tacorian and I designed for my wife before we were married almost two years ago. It is from our Classic Crescent Collection, but with some additional touches like the Double Bloom on the crown and amazing windows of light on the inner face of the ring to guarantee amazing sparkle from the center stone.

Natalie Tacorian's Ring

3. Are you married? I IS...

4. If so, how did you propose?

We were on a train from Los Angeles up to wine country and we have a private car when I pulled out an old journal. I use to write short stories about our first maybe 20 dates...we started reading the stories and reminiscing of the days when we first met. After reading all the stories, I told her I wanted to write a new one about the trip we were on, so she could read it back to me...at the end of the story I asked her to marry me. She of course was totally surprised and said yes.

5. Where did you get married?

We went on a trip, just to two of us to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. We were married in a little town called Ravello up on top of the mountain...

Ravello, Italy

6. What is your favorite diamond shape?

I love round diamonds...they have the best bling...

7. What is the most romantic proposal you have ever heard?

Easy, MINE

8. What is your favorite metal? Gold, Platinum, Palladium

Platinum is by far the best...It looks better and feels better in platinum!

9. What is your favorite type of music?

I love the 80's...yes I know I am old. I love house music too.

10. What is your favorite movie? Forest Gump....

11. Where do you get your inspiration?

We are inspired by everyone around us. Everyone at Tacori is constantly pushing themselves and each other to take everything we do to the next level and create the most amazing rings in the world.

12. Today what is your favorite website or app?

Don’t have a favorite actually...

Check out Tacori's entire collection on their website: www.Tacori.com

Please post a comment if you have any other questions for the designer.

by Amy Nogai

February 4th, 2012

www.ArthursJewelers.com

Fashion Alert - Jordin Sparks in Simon G Jewelry

2012-02-03T17:21:00.000-06:00

Simon G. Jewelry

Jordin Sparks is sparkling in Simon G. Jewelry at the opening night of Winter in Venice at the Venetian & the Palazzo in Vegas.

See NR427

See NR426

Buying a diamond? What you really need to know...

2012-02-01T11:20:00.000-06:00

To find out more information about buying diamonds go to www.ArthursJewelers.com

Simon G Jewelry in Cosmo Magazine 2012

2012-01-31T09:05:00.000-06:00

Simon G Fine Jewelry

Simon G. Jewelry

Simon G. Ring (Style# TR242) Featured in the February Issue of Cosmo Magazine, 2012.

Simon G Engagement Rings

Simon G. Jewelry

Simon G. Wedding Set (Style# TR473) Featured in the February Issue of Marie Claire Magazine, 2012.

Simon G Timeless Commerical 2012

2012-01-29T07:40:00.003-06:00

Simon G Jewelry - Timeless

"My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It's really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time." - Steve Jobs

We here at Simon G. Jewelry strive to create something magical every single day. We know that even though time passes, somethings are timeless.

Script:

Some call Time "the great measurer of all things".
Some say it cannot be tampered with, or slowed down.

Some say time waits for no one,
and that its invisible hand moves us all at a constant pace.

Some say time changes us, but time unfolds us,
uncovering with every minute the wonderful secrets behind our existence.

Some say time passes. But time is permanent.
It is US who pass through it,

and once we do, only our memories remain.
Remnants of unforgettable moments that were once ours,
and now belong to Time.

But what time doesn't know, is that a beautiful memory
causes things long past, to be very much present.

And even though time commands great power over all created things,
at Simon G we know very well, that some things...
are timeless.

How much should you spend on an Engagement Ring?

2012-01-28T08:45:00.002-06:00

A rose that lasts forever...

2012-01-27T11:01:00.000-06:00

Do you want a rose that lasts forever?

Gold Dipped Roses

Give a Gold Rose for Valentine's Day!

Flowers are on the top ten lists of women's favorite gifts and are the most romantic. A wife or girlfriend will prefer the gift of the rose above any other flower. Roses convey your feelings, but last only a short time.
Is there something better than a withering rose? We have taken this gift and made it one that will forever say what you need it to. Dipped in 24K gold, gold roses will be unchanging in their message. 24K gold roses are the answer to the question of what gift to choose for wife, girlfriend, or mother. Gold roses consistently please on the highest level of romance, while still being an appropriate expression of gratitude. Gold roses can communicate intangible feelings in a tangible way and speak the language that is understood by anyone who receives them. These gold roses are grown and handpicked at the height of their beauty and are strengthened through a unique process before being dipped in 24K gold.

Shipping for Gold Roses is $10.00

Trend Alert: Pantone Spring 2012

2012-01-25T09:28:00.002-06:00

"Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^®. "They have learned how color can help them alter a mood and provide the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations."

SB100P

Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone's outlook this spring. Providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power radiates warmth and cheer.

Fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity. Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red — an excellent choice for summer clothing and cosmetics.

SN100Y08

Sodalite Blue, a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every color in the palette. Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, is sure to make your spirits soar. This unusual hue adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will surely make a statement this spring. Margarita, a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow.

SR12313

Reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning, fragrant Sweet Lilac evokes the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac adds a touch of romance to any wardrobe.

Natural versatile neutrals add practicality to this season's brights. Driftwood, an adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel, and Starfish, a perfect warm summer neutral, complement all colors featured in this season's top 10.

To view more of the Pantone Fashion Colors check out Tacori 18k925.

Tacori in the News: Gold Diamond Cuff and Glowing Green Onyx Bracelet Grace Cosmo’s Feb 2012 Issue!

2012-01-24T12:09:00.000-06:00

Cosmopolitan styled a fabulous 60′s – inspired shoot (when Cosmo was born), including a glowing green onyx Tacori bracelet.

Cosmo girls are Tacori girls too!

Style No. SB11627

And the nail trends keep coming!

Glamorous gold bangles, including a fabulous Tacori gold cuff, stacked on a ombre nail trend, makes a bold statement.

Style No. FB658Y

Complete Tacori Sets blooming at $3995

2012-01-22T08:39:00.000-06:00

Make her a Tacori Girl with Complete Engagement Rings

These rings include the center diamonds priced at $3995 and $4995.

Check out each ring:

46-2 RD 6 $4995

2586 RD 6 $4995

2620 RD MN $3995

3002 RD 5 $3995

3003 PR 4.5 $3995

46-2 RD 5.5 $3995

2586 RD 5.5 $3995

Baby Bling

2012-01-21T11:22:00.004-06:00

Baby Bling at Arthur's Jewelers

Custom created baby jewelry that your small fry will always have!

Custom created 14k yellow gold baby bracelet with Cooper's name and "Vikings" logo.

14k yellow gold Pink Topaz Ring for the baby.

Wedding Wire Award 2012

2012-01-21T08:58:00.000-06:00

{Roseville,MN} – January 23, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce Arthur's Jewelers has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Jewelry!

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, Arthur's Jewelers was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.

Arthur's Jewelers is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Arthur's Jewelers for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”

We are happy to announce that Arthur's Jewelers is one of the very best Jewelers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Thanks to their positive feedback we were able to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2012.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/arthurs-jewelers-roseville/ef0c1adc98047094.html.

To learn more about the Bride's Choice Awards™, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire™, the nation's leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire is the only all-in-one marketing platform for businesses online and on-the-go. WeddingWire offers one simple solution to build a professional network, improve search visibility, manage social media and reach mobile consumers. Businesses that advertise with WeddingWire appear on WeddingWire.com, ProjectWedding.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Brides.com and Weddingbee.com.

Tia Mowry Dazzled in TACORI!

2012-01-20T10:27:00.000-06:00

Posted by Michelle Adorjan

Tia Mowry PCA 2012

Tia Mowry attended the People’s Choice Awards wearing TACORI tassel diamond earrings! The actress, who was nominated for Favorite Reality Celebrity, sparkled in one-of-a-kind diamond tassel earrings ($36,040.00).

http://www.tacori.com/

Tacori in the News: Classic Crescent Solitaire

2012-01-19T16:21:00.000-06:00

by Michelle Adorjan

Looking for a must-have from TACORI? MJSA Journal just released the bestselling jewelry pieces from the top manufacturers and designers including TACORI!
For the bride looking for a beautiful, classic ring with the signature Tacori touch, a classic Tacori crescent solitaire with a round center stone is the perfect ring!

mjsa Journal Jan.2012

Style: 2616 RD 6.5

Issue: January 2012, Pg. 16

What is one of your bestsellers?
Tacori Classic Crescent Solitaire with round center stone

Why do you think it is so popular with consumers?
It’s a classic solitaire design fused with the elegantly handcrafted details of Tacori, including windows of light that reflect the brilliance of the diamonds set within each crescent along the profile of the band. Tacori brides love this piece and the beauty it exudes from all angles.

Suggest retail:
$3,750 in platinum (not including center stone)

Description:
Diamond crescent silhouettes decorated the sides of the band on this platinum Tacori solitaire, while brilliant round diamonds taper along the shoulders for stylish flair.

Design highlights:
The Classic Crescent look is unique to Tacori—our design signature.

Manufacturing details:
The hand-rendered design is translated into a CAD program from which a wax model is produced. The model is cast, then detailed by a goldsmith. The components are assembled with a laser welder and the ring returns to the bench for setting, scrollwork, and milligrain. After careful inspection, the ring is given a final polish. Our pieces are always handcrafted in California.

General customer profile:
Any bride who is looking for a beautiful, classic ring with the signature Tacori touch.

Warm Yourself with Tacori Hot Cocoa

2012-01-19T09:28:00.000-06:00

Posted by Michelle Adorjan

Chocolate Colored Tacori Jewels

This winter, warm yourself up with some Tacori hot cocoa! Chocolate colored sparkling gemstones from Tacori 18k925 Collection will warm your heart and soul on those cold winter nights.

Encased in intricately detailed rose gold frames incorporated with .925 silver, these faceted smoky hues are the perfect accessories for all your holiday parties.

For the earring lover in your life, Smokey Quartz looks lavish and luxe at the center of these 18k gold crescent framed earrings. Like a chocolate truffle, these sweet treats are framed in a ruffled diamond encrusted setting.

Talk about ring candy! Lush cognac quartz is the cushion-cut superstar on this slender-framed ring. With the deep cocoa tones accentuated by warm 18k pink gold and feminine details, this ring is the everyday piece with a flash of style.

Dapper and demure, Tacori smoky quartz gemstones dazzling along a .925 open linked chain, is sure to steal the spotlight. Wear it anyway you want, layered or long, solo or paired with any Tacori pendant enhancer, you can’t go wrong with this stunning piece.

Decorate your ears, hands, and neck this holiday with stylish and playful, color-filled gemstones each detailed to perfection. Diamonds accent every deep chocolate faceted gemstone, for extra shine from every angle.

Calling all chocolate lovers! Tacori has the perfect treat for the sweet tooth on your holiday gift list.

Written by: Traci Murakami

Featured Style No.s. SE101P17, SR100P06, SN11417

http://arthursjewelers.com/jewelscart2000/store/jewelscart2000_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory=1133&pCurPage=all

Shantel VanSanten Sparkles in One of a Kind Tacori Jewels

2012-01-19T09:27:00.000-06:00

Posted by Michelle Adorjan

Shantel VanSanten from One Tree Hill layered on the Tacori jewels for the 2012 Television Critics Association Press Tour!

Tacori 18k925 Bracelet:

http://www.arthursjewelers.com/TACORI-18K925/SB110Y15/

New Konstantino Thalassa Collection 2012

2012-01-18T08:32:00.001-06:00

This collection features the faceted london blue topaz stone.

Coming to Arthur's Jewelers before Mother's Day 2012.

Check out our other Konstantino collections - Konstantino Jewelry

Tacori in the News! BRIDES: in the pink

2012-01-18T07:10:00.000-06:00

Posted by Michelle Adorjan

Brides January 2012

Whether it’s splashy or streamlined, a diamond ring in warm-toned rosy gold is a red hot choice — and BRIDES Magazine suggests Tacori’s 2561 PK solitaire in all 18k rose gold!

2561 PK
Tacori Pink Ring
Issue: January 2012

Vogue Trends featuring Tacori!

2012-01-17T16:49:00.001-06:00

Stylist, Francesca Mills and Vogue, style three fabulous looks to help you find your Holiday style with Tacori jewels! Learn how to gracefully achieve a 70′s inspired, 50′s festive, and femme fatale look with some of this season’s hottest pieces.

Diamonds, faux fur, and red lipstick… what more could a girl ask for?

Francesca’s overall advice for Holiday dressing: “Pick a trend or one item that you love, and build your entire outfit around it, and of course statement making jewelry is always in style.”

Martha Stewart Weddings: Ring in the New Year with dazzling diamonds!

2012-01-17T11:13:00.000-06:00

Posted by Michelle Adorjan

Martha Stewart Weddings ‘rings’ in the New Year with love, sweet love. What’s better than a dazzling diamond to remind you of it every day? From brilliant rounds to spectacular pears, there’s a sparkler here for you!

For the elegant bride to be Martha Stewart Weddings suggests an oval shaped Tacori engagement ring with graceful curves. Free of edges, lines, and corners elegant round and oval shaped diamonds are two of the most sparkling shapes!

Styles: HT2523OV8X6

Issue: Winter 2012, pg. 319

Martha Stewart Weddings January 2012
.
For all those recently engaged, Martha Stewart Weddings shares 511 brilliant ideas for your special day! Everything from creative décor, fabulous dresses and dazzling diamonds to get your sparkle on! A perfect emerald cut Tacori engagement ringin yellow gold graces pg. 85 (the only ring on the page)!
Styles: 2579EMP7X5Y
http://www.arthursjewelers.com/TACORI-18KW-.43TW-DIAMOND-RING/WRE-11218/
Issue: Winter 2012, pg. 85
Martha Stewart Weddings January 2012

Simon G Jewelry at the Golden Globes 2012

2012-01-17T10:39:00.001-06:00

Giuliana Rancic in Simon G. Jewelry

Giuliana Rancic looks beautiful in Palladium Simon G. Jewelry she wore to the 2012 Golden Globes.

Wendi McLendon Covey in Simon G. Jewelry

Wendi McLendon Covey from the hit movie, Bridesmaids, sparkles in Simon G. Jewelry at the 2012 Golden Globes.

Tacori, Verragio, Scott Kay, and the Top Engagement Rings of 2011 - Culture - Blogcritics

2012-01-17T09:56:00.000-06:00

Tacori, Verragio, Scott Kay, and the Top Engagement Rings of 2011 - Culture - Blogcritics

It's probably a no-brainer who the most popular engagement ring designers were in 2011 for any soon-to-be (or just-became) bride. The popular designers known as Tacori, Verragio, and Scott Kay have mastered not only the art of creating exquisite wedding jewelry but also of leaving women drooling over their advertisements.

Now that it's 2012, the end of the world as we know it, let's look back on last year and see what were the most desired engagement rings of 2011.

Verragio has done a fantastic job of creating over-the-top, one-of-a-kind engagement rings with a modern twist. Every Verragio ring is meticulously created in Verragio's California design studio, and the company has been working this way for more than 35 years. Some of most popular rings from their collections include the 7069CU and the 7050R from the Insignia Collection.

Scott Kay is quickly becoming a source of some of the most desired engagement rings in the world. Known for his vintage-inspired modern design, Scott Kay is making a splash with his three-stone Crown Setting Collection. The entire collection has made it big!

Last, but certainly not least, are the engagement rings from Tacori. Founded by European native Haig Tacorian and his wife Gilda in 1969, Tacori has been said by many to be the most popular engagement ring designer in the world. It's Tacori's passion for detail and perfection that climaxes in a moment of euphoria when the treasure inside the blue Tacori box is exposed.

It's difficult to say just which one or two Tacori rings were most popular in 2011. Tacori, with their trademarked crescent silhouette detail, has created two lovely styles that I'm extremely fond of: the Tacori HT2510 and the 2620RDMDP from the Dantella Collection.

I'm so excited to see the dazzling collections these three will introduce this year. Thank you Verragio, Scott Kay, and Tacori for another very lovely year.

Article Author: KateRhodus

Visit KateRhodus's author page — KateRhodus's Blog

2012-01-17T09:37:00.000-06:00

Please review Arthur's Jewelers on any of these websites.

Arthur's Jewelers Customer Testimonials

FROM THE OWNER

Friends and customers,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences at Arthur's Jewelers. As the owner of Arthur's Jewelers, if you have any concerns about your experience or if there is something you feel we could do better, please contact me at my personal email address, carver@arthursjewelers.com. I will get back to you within 48 hours and do everything I can to ensure your satisfaction.

Sincerely,

Carver Nogai
Owner
Arthur's Jewelers

651-488-0365

Carver@ArthursJewelers.com

Konstantino Collections

2011-06-14T12:06:00.002-05:00

Konstantino at Arthur's Jewelers

5 Mistakes Men make when Proposing

2011-05-13T16:00:00.003-05:00

You would think proposing would be easy. What’s so hard about getting down on one knee and asking, “Will you marry me?” The problem is that proposing is so simple men can’t help but over-think and over-complicate the whole thing until they start doing some very silly things. If you don’t want to be this guy who stupidly hid his fiancee’s engagement ring in a Wendy’s frosty (that she ate), learn from these five mistakes before you pop the question.

Not having a ring

We understand the economy is hitting everyone hard, but you should always have an engagement ring when you propose. No exceptions. If you can’t afford an engagement ring at this time, a good idea is to purchase a cheaper ring and then upgrade the ring later when you’re more financially stable.

Proposing on a holiday

Don’t get us wrong, we love Christmas and Valentine’s Day. But women like for things to be special. They don’t want what everyone else has. And what’s so special about being proposed to on the most popular day of the year to be proposed to? That Monday when she goes to work and show off her engagement ring, there will be two or three other women doing the exact same thing. And trust us, she will not like that.

Forgetting her family

We know it’s a little old fashion, but it’s still preferred for men to ask the girlfriend’s family for permission before proposing. You don’t have to necessarily ask her father, but at least let someone in her immediate family know of your intentions of marriage. Here are some more tips on how to include her family in the proposal.

Hiding the ring in weird places

Don’t hide the ring in her food! No, it’s not cute. And yes, she will go to the emergency room. In fact, don’t attempt to hide the ring anywhere unless it’s your pocket. These proposals might seem cute and unique, but they sometimes backfire. An engagement ring is too costly to be tossed carelessly in a glass of wine or baked into a cupcake. Be smart and avoid this mistake.

Telling her you’re “settling”

There is nothing romantic about hearing a long, drawn out speech about how “we’re not getting any younger, so I found you this ring…” Women want to hear that you want to spend the rest of your life with them, not that you’re settling because they twisted your arm about it. If these are your reasons for getting married, maybe you shouldn’t.

3 Proposal Cliches to Avoid

2011-05-13T15:59:00.003-05:00

Everyone wants a proposal that people will remember. But these days it can be hard thinking of a proposal idea that hasn’t already been done before. Although there are some types of proposals that will never grow out of style (simply telling her that you love her and getting down on one knee never fails), but sometimes the overly quirky proposals can seem a little too hokey and not personable enough. Check out our list of three cliche proposals to stay away from:

Hiding the ring in her food

There’s nothing romantic or cute about watching your fiancee choke on the new engagement ring she found in her chocolate shake. Not only is it cliche, it’s dangerous. An engagement ring is a costly investment, not something you can stash carelessly into the nearest dessert platter. If you’re thinking of trying to pull off a proposal like this, try to be a bit more clever about it. Instead of hiding the actual ring in her food, why not pull a little proposal prank instead? Pretend like you hid the engagement ring in a shake. Once she eats the whole thing, tell her that she just accidentally ate her own engagement ring. While she panics you can then slip out the “real” engagement ring from your pocket. So with a little adjusting, this proposal idea can work…sometimes.

Proposing via Jumbotron

Nothing says romance like a noisy basketball game. Oh, look honey! We’re on the Jumbotron! What started as a unique idea for couples who are sports fanatics is now an ongoing joke. One recent sporting event hired actors to reenact a fake proposal as “entertainment” during half-time. Public proposals can be great, clever and romantic at times, but we recommend to avoid going the jumbotron route. If you want to get engaged at a sporting event, befriend a couple of sports officials and see if you can get permission to enter the field, like what this guy did. Bonus if you can get one of the star athletes to participate as well.

Geeky proposing

Last year there was an increase in online proposals. Guys who popped the question via Twitter and Facebook were making the news. Why? What’s so stunning and amazing about a proposal that doesn’t require you to leave your chair? A proposal should require some kind of effort. There’s nothing hard about texting “wana git hitched lol” to your girlfriend. If you want to go the tech route with your proposal, be like this guy. He orchestrated a proposal via four social networking platforms.

Preparing a Proposal Speech

2011-05-13T15:58:00.002-05:00

For some guys, finding the right words to say when proposing can be difficult, but it’s really not as hard as it seems. It really is just as simple as taking a deep breath, getting down and on one knee and staring into her eyes while saying those magic words. The more you try to relax, the less chance you will have of saying ILOVEYOUWILLYOUMARRYMEPLEASE in one incomprehensible breath.

Keep it short and sweet

That’s also why, according to 21-year-old Josh Reid of Tampa, Fla., the words used in a speech should be short, sweet and straight from the heart. Josh has been with his fiancee for three years and has been engaged for nearly one year. He began his proposal with a brief speech that expressed his affection for his then-girlfriend and followed it up with an engagement ring.

Put some thought into it

Like Josh, I also had a bit of a speech prepared for my proposal. I personally think the “short but sweet” approach to a marriage proposal speech is the best way to go. You don’t have to get Shakespearean with your speech or dazzle her with your impressive vocabulary to win her over. Even if you’re not the most eloquent of speakers, giving some kind of marriage proposal speech at least shows your girl that you took the time to give it some thought and to put into words your thoughts and emotions for her and the proposal.

After all, most guys aren’t typically known for being so vocal with those kinds of things, so saying something heartfelt and simple really will make the moment special for her. Girls like that kind of thing, so take advantage of it.

-Joe Pasternak

Plan an Awesome Proposal

2011-05-13T15:57:00.001-05:00

Ask any married woman what some of the most memorable moments in her life have been and the day she got engaged is sure to feature in her answer. The bad news is that more times than not, it rests entirely on poor, unfortunate males to ensure that they get it right and it’s remembered for all the right reasons. Does the thought of it make you sweat buckets? Does it make you have nightmares about styles of engagement rings and romantic-but-not-too-cheesy-that-she-cringes speeches? If so, then it’s time you took some advice from a guy who has been there, done that, had the nightmares, bought the ring and lived to tell the tale.

Be careful with over-the-top proposals

When it comes to proposals, as a guy, your first instinct might be to try and one-up the competition and come up with a brilliant proposal that you think will sweep your girl off her feet. My advice is, unless you know for sure your girl absolutely prefers the “big deal” proposal, to just keep the proposal simple. Pick a nice spot to propose, get her an engagement ring you know she will like and keep any speech you might have planned to a short and meaningful amount of words. Also, while it’s not entirely mandatory for all proposals, getting her parents’ blessing before the proposal is something that you might want to consider. Some girls and parents might find that as a nice gesture, and it might put a few extra romantic points in your corner. At the end of the day, your girl will (or should!) value the fact that you proposed at all and did something that most guys have trouble doing (dare I say “commit”).

Keep it simple, stupid

I proposed to my girlfriend Christmas morning. I waited for my fiancée to go upstairs because I wanted to propose to her in private. After all, proposing in front of an audience (especially a girlfriend’s family) can feel like playing Russian roulette with the amount of risk and pressure involved. I went into her room and handed her a card, which said something to the effect of “I look forward to being your fiancé, Merry Christmas.” I could tell she was confused because we weren’t technically engaged yet. With my heart thumping in my chest in anxiousness, I followed the card up with an engagement ring, got on one knee and proposed. She happily said yes and we went downstairs to share the good news with her family. After being with her for a little more than a year and a half, we were now a full-fledged engaged couple. The proposal was a Christmas gift that we’ll never forget.

Yes, it might have been a clichéd day to pop the question, but I knew for sure she would remember it even more because of the significance of the day. However, not every proposal has to happen on a big day. You can easily turn an ordinary day into something memorable with just the proposal itself, so keep that in mind when making your plan.

Wait for the right moment

When it comes to proposals, my advice is to do it only when you’re both ready and have the right moment. There’s nothing more stressful than trying to put something as important as a proposal together when you or your partner are simply not ready to handle it. It might feel forced or not come off as sincere and genuine as you would want it to be. Also, pressing the proposal topic too early in a relationship is more likely to send up red flags and possibly lead to distancing which can be a relationship killer, so waiting for the appropriate moment is key.

-Joe Pasternak

15 Marriage Proposal Tips

2011-05-13T15:56:00.001-05:00

Nervous about planning the perfect marriage proposal? Check out these vital marriage proposal tips you’ll need to know.

1.Talk about marriage beforehand

Remember to talk about getting married beforehand so that you’ll know where you both stand on marriage. If she expresses hesitation about marriage, then now might not be the time for a proposal. This will also help you take your relationship to the next step in preparation for an engagement.

2. Have an engagement ring

Sure getting married isn’t about having fancy rings, but because of the important symbol engagement rings hold, it’s important to have one during the proposal. No excuses. You must have one. If you’re worried about money, buy a cheaper engagement ring for now and give her the option of upgrading the engagement ring in the future.

3. Find out what kind of engagement rings she likes

This is probably the hardest step, but try to pick up hints she’ll drop about her taste in engagement rings. Check out the kind of jewelry she wears, or listen when she talks about someone else’s engagement ring. It might also be easier to consult her best friend, mother or sister to help you find an appropriate engagement ring.

4. Tell her family

Let her family know of your intentions of marriage. If you want to be accepted into the family, you should make sure to include them throughout the proposal process.

5. Let others help you

If you’re trying to pull off an extravagant proposal, you’re going to need some help. Consult family and friends to help you plan the perfect marriage proposal. Sometimes the best proposals are pulled off via connections.

6. Wait for the right moment

Timing is everything. Make sure your proposal comes at a time that makes the moment absolutely perfect. If you’re having a hard time finding that perfect moment, wait it out. Don’t become impatient and pop the question during an untimely event.

7. Choose a great location

Choose a location that’s special and important for the both of you, this could be the place where you first met or the place where you had your first kiss. Whatever location you pick, make sure it’s romantic and special.

8. Make the proposal uniquely you

These days guys like to try really hard to make their proposal extravagant and “out there.” This is OK, but make sure the proposal is unique to you. If you’re an artist, paint an elaborate mural. If you’re a musician, write a song. But if you’re none of these things, don’t waste too much energy trying to make your proposal bizarre and showy. Sometimes a quiet proposal over dinner suits couples better.

9. Write a speech

If you’re afraid of becoming choked up during the moment, write a poem or speech beforehand that you can read to her during the proposal. Make sure to write in your speech why you want to marry her and why you want to spend the rest of your life with her. Now that will really tug at her heart strings.

10. Keep it a surprise

Even if she knows you’re planning to propose, she still doesn’t know when you’ll propose. The surprise factor is a major factor in proposals. Make sure to take as many cautions as you can to make the marriage proposal a complete surprise.

11. Have a back-up plan

Sometimes proposals can backfire. If that’s the case, you’ll want to have a back-up plan handy to ensure you’re not completely out of luck.

12. Be romantic

Even if you’re a low-key couple, a proposal over take-out just isn’t that romantic. A proposal should be special, and it should be a moment that truly sweeps her off her feet.

13. Don’t be too obvious

If you’re not the type to usually shower your girlfriend with flowers, gifts and dates to expensive restaurants, she might become suspect the minute you try to do all these things. If that is the case, try to take a different approach to the proposal. Instead of taking her to a swanky restaurant, choose a place that’s more familiar — a place the two of you love to go together.

14. Get on your knee!

Sure times have changed and we’re all a lot less traditional these days, but be a gentleman and get down on one knee.

15. Make it come from the heart

Even if you get steps 1-14 wrong, you can still pull off the perfect proposal if you do it from the heart. No amount of ugly engagement rings or crummy proposal locations can spoil the love of two people getting engaged.

Know the Fifth "C"

2011-05-13T15:55:00.000-05:00

When you first embark on Engagement Ring Shopping 101, the first thing you learn are the 4 C’s, which are cut, clarity, color and carat.

But over the last several years, several “fifth C’s” have been added to the aforementioned list. One example is “communication.”

“You should talk to your fiancee to find out what she wants,” said Michelle Adorjan, director of public relations and strategic planning for Tacori. “Women can help men understand what is important to them.”

Adorjan also stresses communication with the jeweler.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” she said. “There is no poor question to ask.”

After all, this is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime — perhaps second only to buying a house.

Another “C” that’s becoming common is “confidence.” It is imperative that you feel comfortable with and trust your jeweler. Ask family and friends for referrals, and check them out. Also, see if the jeweler is a member of a recognized jewelry association, such as Jewelers of America. In addition, if the sales staff cannot answer your questions to your satisfaction or seem uncertain about their merchandise, you may want to consider another jeweler.

Perhaps the most popular fifth “C” is certification, which has gained a lot of attention in recent years and with good reason. Diamond certificates, also known as diamond grading reports, are prepared by independent certified gemologists who determine the scientific facts of your diamond. These facts include the 4 C’s as well as such characteristics as shape, measurements and polish.

When shopping for your engagement ring, it is imperative that the stone comes with a diamond certificate.

“You want an outside source to confirm what the jeweler says,” said Doug McDowell, CEO of Memoire. Furthermore, he said to make sure the certification comes from a gemological laboratory, not a rating agency.

Recognized gemological laboratories includes the American Gem Society, the European Gemological Laboratory, the Gemological Institute of America and the International Gemological Institute.

Diamond Education

History of the Engagement Ring

2011-05-13T15:47:00.000-05:00

The engagement ring is one of life’s small-yet-powerful details that signify change, expectation and celebration. The engagement ring, when matched with the also-important wedding band, creates a shimmering reminder of love’s power, dedication and devotion. It’s the piece of jewelry that’s worn every day.

Regardless of how it may look displayed with other jewelry, the engagement ring remains constant on a woman’s hand. Even after the wedding, a woman gleefully will recall the story behind the ring and, perhaps more importantly, the relationship with her husband.

No better way is the story of the engagement ring told than in With This Ring: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Jewelry by Penny Proddow and Marion Fasel (November 2004, Bulfinch Press). The authors know their stuff when it comes to wedding jewelry. Besides having written three other books on jewelry, Proddow and Fasel are contributing editors in the fine jewelry and watch department for InStyle magazine. Proddow and Fasel cover the history of the engagement ring, the high fashion styles today’s celebrities don’t mind showing off and key tips about when the time’s right to purchase the ever-important engagement ring.

“The history behind the engagement ring is absolutely fascinating,” Fasel said. “The engagement ring has become so romantic and so historical. When you follow the jewelry, you get the whole story.”

Through research for the book, Fasel discovered the striking similarity between the women proposed to and the attachment to their engagement rings. “This beautiful ring represents your love, commitment and devotion, there for the world to see,” Fasel said. “It makes people glow, and not just because of the beautiful jewel. It’s a new chapter in their lives that’s about to begin.”

The early origins of the engagement ring

Just like any bridal tradition, the engagement ring has a story all its own. It didn’t just start out displayed beautifully in a glass-enclosed counter at a fine jewelry store. Hardly. Dating back to Rome in the third century, as With This Ring explains, the traditional engagement ring often was designed as a key and was made from brass, bronze or iron. The idea was the ring unlocked a new life for the married woman. Some of these key rings even unlocked jewelry boxes with special treasures hidden deep inside.

In sixth-century England, a newly married woman not only received her key ring, but also a number of other valuables the couple would share, including keys to her new home that hung delicately around her waist. Even the wedding service incorporated the importance of the key ring in words spoken by the father of the bride at the ceremony: “I give thee my daughter to be thy honor and thy wife, to keep thy keys, and to share with thee in thy bed and goods.” Today, the key ring remains an option for some couples throughout Europe.

The introduction of gold and gems

Gems and gold, a combination that would set the precedent for engagement rings for hundreds of years to follow, made their entrance on the engagement ring circuit in the 15th century. More often, royal families joining together through marriage were first seen with these types of engagement rings. Much like today’s engagement rings, each stone enveloped a special meaning. The ruby stood for love; the emerald, home; and diamonds sparkled for fidelity and durability.

Around this same time, well-to-do brides often received special rings with hidden messages. Most popular, the gimmel engagement ring had two rectangular gems, traditionally a diamond and ruby for commitment and passion, respectively. Just below the stones, satyrs and nymphs were displayed in colored enamel; a metaphor, according to the authors, “for a playful courtship.” When a couple became engaged, the ring was evenly split into two parts. The secret? The ring contained a special opening on the band. She wore one half, he wore the other. Inside the rings, traditional sayings or verses were often inscribed. One of the more popular sayings resulted from the wedding ceremony: “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”

Fast-forward a few hundreds years. Welcome to the 18th century, where the Irish claddagh ring rang supreme. Worn today by jewelry aficionados of all cultures, the claddagh ring features two hands holding a heart adorned with a crown. The ring was often used as an engagement ring in Claddagh, a small fishing village off the western coast of Galway in Ireland. While the ring is associated with the village, the design actually originated a century earlier in Italy. Alternating letters of the couple’s first names were engraved inside the ring.

Hello, diamonds!

Eighteenth-century Europe is where the diamond engagement ring took center stage. A steady supply of diamonds discovered in Brazil made a diamond engagement ring more accessible for the upper classes. These rings often were found in silver and gold, beautifully displaying a center stone and two side stones. It also was at this time that a second ring—known today as the wedding band—was joined with the engagement ring at the time of the ceremony. Queen Charlotte, wife of George III of England, opted to nestle a diamond band with her engagement ring.

In 1886, the Tiffany setting took the engagement ring by storm. The setting allowed the stone to suspend high above the band, allowing greater amounts of light to pass through the stone. This, in turn, created an illumination atop the hands of married (and soon-to-be married) women across much of the world. The design’s creator, Charles Lewis Tiffany, knew the importance of a diamond engagement ring and wished for a stage to display its prominence and symbolism of love.

The engagement ring that’s yours alone

But enough about the history of engagement rings. Now, it’s about you. You’re on the cusp of getting engaged. You’ve dreamed and sketched ideas in your head for years. You know what you want, and you’re ready to get it. But before you rush off to see your fine jewelry sales associate, take the advice of Proddow and Fasel in With This Ring: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Jewelry.

For starters, the authors say, know the terminology surrounding engagement rings. Coming to the store armed with information will help you get what you want when it’s time to buy. Stones, for example, are set a number of ways: bezel, channel, pave and micro pave, to name a few. If you find a picture of your perfect ring, do your homework. Be able to easily identify the parts of the ring before you start shopping.

A ring’s metal is just as important as the stone it’s displaying. Engagement rings use two types of metals: gold and platinum. Gold can be purchased in colors such as yellow, white and pink. Looking for a warm design that glows? Opt for yellow or pink gold. If shimmer and ice are what you’re after, consider white gold or platinum.

Of course, jewelry admirers would rather discuss the stone, the part of the engagement ring that, for the most part, takes center stage and catches the eye. Stones come in a number of cuts. Each cut provides the stone a different look, character and sparkle. The round brilliant stone maximizes natural light with its 58 facets. It’s a classic design that has been popular for years. The emerald cut, by comparison, clearly displays the stone’s clarity. Consider an emerald-cut stone as a perfectly formed ice cube. Any inclusions or imperfections surely will be seen by the naked eye.

If an antique style is more your cup of tea, consider the Asscher cut, designed in 1902. It’s a stone with a high crown, a small table, large step cuts and a deep pavilion. It’s a lengthy stream of words to describe a stone that, quite simply, melds antiquity and contemporary with great ease.

Whatever the style of engagement ring you receive, know that it’s uniquely your own. The longer you wear it, the stronger the ties you’ll have to this memento, which represents so much history and years of happiness and love yet to come.

–Wendy Townley

How to Avoid Conflict Diamonds

2011-05-13T15:43:00.000-05:00

When conducting your research on diamonds, you may come across the term “conflict” or “blood” diamonds. These diamonds are ones obtained illegally by rebels and sold to finance wars, terrorism and other conflicts. In an effort to keep these diamonds off the open market, the Kimberley Process Certification System was established in 2002, wherein reputable suppliers, ring manufacturers and jewelers attest that they sell conflict-free diamonds.

“There is an audited trail from the ring all the way back to the mines, with paperwork showing they are conflict-free,” Rebecca Aubert, senior gemologist for De Beer Diamond Jewellers US Inc, told Engagement 101.

Thanks to these efforts, more than 99 percent of all diamonds are from conflict-free sources.

“The industry did such a good job implementing the Kimberely Process that it’s really not an issue,” said Doug McDowell, CEO of Memoire.

However, if you want to be sure, just ask your jeweler for proof. Any reputable retailer will not hesitate to provide evidence of the diamond’s origins, which is another reason why you should always ask for a certificate or an appraisal for a diamond.

Other tips for avoiding conflict diamonds

Avoid buying from shady jewelry websites. Most likely these places are being operated from China where they make cheap replicas of pricey designer rings. These companies are more likely to use blood diamonds.

Buy diamonds from Canada. Ask your jeweler if their diamonds have been mined in Canada. The Solasfera Diamond is mined only in Canada.

In addition to certificates, ask your jeweler for a written guarantee that their diamonds are conflict-free. The document will give you peace of mind about the certainty of the diamond.

How to Keep the Engagement Ring a Surprise!

2011-05-13T15:40:00.000-05:00

Picking out the right engagement ring can be tricky because 1.) you want to find an engagement ring she likes, and 2.) you also have to keep it a surprise. Quite a conundrum. So how can you find out what rings she likes without giving away your whole master plan? According to jewelry designer Bergio, he advises troubled guys to watch their girlfriends carefully for hints:

Women often give clues about their preferences. Does she:

- Admire someone else’s ring while you’re in earshot? ( Or alternatively, does she dislike a specific style?)

- Linger in front of certain jewelry store windows?

- Leave magazines with jewelry pictures lying around?

- Draw your attention to a ring in some off-handed way?

Chances are she’s subtly communicating what she has in mind.

Unless you both have talked openly about buying the ring together, then the actual discussion is probably all hush-hush. The only way around it is through subtle hints to nudge the other in the right direction. Some couples might hate this game, but depending on the couple, it might work. The rule here for guys is to not make assumptions. Make sure you know what she likes before you buy the ring.

Here are some additional tips on how to find out what she likes without tipping her off:

Consult her friends. Usually her friends can tell you what kind of jewelry she likes. Take your girl’s best friend or mother along with you to the jewelry store to help you out.

What does her existing jewelry look like? What is her fashion sense? If your girl wears a lot of pricey, designer brand jewelry, then most likely she’ll want a pricey designer ring. If your girl is more laid back and doesn’t wear much jewelry, she’ll want a smaller ring that’s more on the plain side.

What does she say about other people’s rings? Did someone in your life just get engaged? Did your girlfriend say anything about the engagement ring? Did she like it? Did she hate it? She might be leaving more clues than you think. Remember to listen and don’t tune her out.

Buying an Engagement Ring online

2011-05-13T15:11:00.000-05:00

With more people growing confident about buying things online, you might be thinking about purchasing an engagement ring through an online store. Below are his tips on how to buy an engagement ring safely online:

How do I know I’m on a trusted site?

Unfortunately nearly anybody can set up a site and pull lists of diamonds from various sources. When they sell a stone they contact the manufacturer and have them send it directly to their customer. This is called “drop shipping,” and the website never actually sees the product being sold. What the consumer needs to find is an online retailer who has direct access to the merchandise listed and can actually see and describe the stones to the consumer.

Beyond that, the consumer should be able to communicate directly with a knowledgeable gemologist and receive pictures of the actual stones being considered. Comparison pictures of the diamonds side-by-side are especially useful when considering fancy shaped diamonds (i.e. not round).

What about returns or sizing or other procedures that are usually done through a jewelry store?

Returns and sizing are easily handled by e-tailers. The only caveat, if the consumer is not in the vicinity of the store, is that it has to be done by mail. That said, for the sake of expediency, many of our customers choose to get their rings sized by their local jeweler.

What about exchanges/returns?

A generous money-back guarantee is essential. Stay away from any site that offers store credit or two weeks or less for their returns as this does not give the consumer enough time to properly appraise their purchase. A 30-day money back guarantee is the gold standard. Another pitfall could be the appraisal process. Stay away from any site that tells you specifically who to use for your appraisal. Invariably it will be a colleague of theirs and the appraisal will not be worth the paper it is written on. Ideally the consumer needs to find an independent appraiser, one that is not connected in any way to the buying or selling of jewelry and will not be biased in their assessment.

What are some basic tips you can offer those who are thinking about buying an engagement ring online?

Get informed! Information is widely available through websites and extremely hard to get through a local store. Spend some time learning the terminology and you will soon know more than most mall jewelry store salespeople. Be a little weary of consumer forums. They tend to over analyze the numbers rather than look at the actual stone. Visit consumer advocacy sites and others for some unbiased, in-depth, type-A-personality-friendly information.

What’s the best thing about buying an engagement ring online?

The buying experience online is relaxed. You can shop from home at any time. It is easy to compare prices between different websites as well as get information about specific stones without feeling obligated. All in all, buying an engagement ring online is the perfect way to use all the technology available to your best advantage.

Wherever you decide to purchase the engagement ring, remember not to get too bogged down with finding the best deal (as is usually the case when shopping online). Take advantage of the many choices you have and focus on picking the ring that you know is best for her.

Engagement Rings at Arthur's Jewelers

How to choose the Right Engagement Ring

2011-05-13T15:09:00.000-05:00

How does a guy pick the right engagement ring for his bride-to-be? And how does he do it without her finding out about his romantic plans? When it comes to engagement rings, the first truth men have to come to terms with is that they don’t know anything at all. And I would know because I just recently got engaged myself. So fear not future fiancés; after some major trial and error, here is what I’ve learned you’ll need to know so she will say yes. -Mark Cline

Find her ring size

Whether it is the first step you take or the final piece you add in the engagement ring equation, at some point you are going to need to know her ring size. Nowadays, some jewelers offer something called an engagement setting in which you pick out the diamond(s) and place them in a temporary setting, just to get you through the proposal. Afterward, you and your new fiancée can go back to the jewelers and select the perfect mount together.

That may work for some, but I am not one of these people. I want Miss Right’s ring to be 100 percent me. There are several techniques you can employ to gather such important information with varying degrees of danger and accuracy. You can try the less invasive procedure of taking a ring of hers—one that she is not wearing at the present moment but one you’ve seen her wear recently—and either trace the inside of it on a piece of paper, or slip it on one of your own fingers, taking note of where it stops on your digit. These might be the most undetectable methods of sizing, but they are somewhat unreliable.

The method I employed was one of the breaking-and entering kind. Miss Right was gone for the day, so I cracked open her jewelry box and extracted a well-worn ring of hers that I knew fit her finger comfortably. It brings with it a bigger risk of getting caught, but it also delivers the necessary information right to the jeweler. This method greatly erases the possibility that any of her ring size information gets lost in translation. Just make sure you get that ring back in its exact spot before your girlfriend returns. Otherwise you might have to explain to a police officer why your girlfriend’s favorite ring from her grandmother had gone missing yet ended up in your pocket.

Look to others for help but trust your own instinct

There came a point—about three seconds after walking through the door of the first jewelry store—during my engagement ring information round-up where I wanted to elicit some outside help in picking the right diamond. The two most obvious candidates were Miss Right’s best friend and mother, but I soon learned it might be better to make such a decision on my own.

If you turn to an outside source for help, you also run the risk of blowing the element of surprise that often comes with a wedding proposal. I shuddered at the thought of spending the day with Miss Right’s best friend, finding the perfect ring that will remind her every day just how much I love her, and returning home to find my girlfriend talking into the phone and saying,“I have to go, he just got home, I’ll call you when it happens.” All the while she is smiling ear to ear and doing a lousy job of playing dumb. You don’t want to go through all the trouble of purchasing the perfect ring and planning a great proposal only to be bested by a friend who can’t keep her mouth shut.

“An engagement ring is a sign of love between two people,”

“You wouldn’t want your fiancée waking up every morning and looking at a ring that anyone besides you picked out.”

If you don’t think you have what it takes to pick the perfect ring, let me tell you a little secret. While your girlfriend may be opinionated about what is wrong with someone else’s engagement ring, her heart will melt the second you drop to one knee. It is amazing how easily she will fall head over heels for her ring. It will make you both smile to know that the ring she wears is straight from your heart, no need for outsourcing.

Pay attention to her clues

If you are a guy and you’ve been in a relationship long enough to be thinking about a proposal, you’ve also been in a relationship long enough to hear the words, “Are you even listening to me?” spill out of your lady’s lips a couple hundred times. While it is hard to pretend you care even the slightest about her latest shopping trip with friends, you need to pay attention for some subtle and not-so-subtle hints that might be dropped.

While she and her friends were window shopping, she might have noticed a particular style of ring she really liked. If she mentions such an experience, do not ask her for a pen and start taking notes right in front of her. Instead, keep it in the back of your mind until you are alone and can write yourself a little reminder for later. It will score you major bonus points if, on that day you ask her to marry you, she opens the ring box and sees the same style she told you about months before.

Gentlemen, I’m sure you can think of a few times when you and your girlfriend were at a party in which you bumped into a recently engaged couple and her diamond was displayed. I can think of no less than half a dozen instances where Miss Right has said, “It’s so gorgeous!” to the bride-to-be. However, as soon as the couple was out of earshot, I was told, “If you ever get me a yellow gold band, I will not marry you.” So I now know that whatever diamond—or if she gets her way,multiple diamonds—I buy, it is going to be held in place by a white gold or platinum setting. I have a crucial element of her dream ring in place, and I never had to ask a question. All I had to do was listen to her talk a little trash about someone else’s ring.

Know her personality

Another suggestion is to simple know the woman you’re with. Does she like traditional things or contemporary designs? Is she a flashy dresser, or does she take a more modest approach to fashion? Does she usually wear silver-colored jewelry or pieces made of yellow gold?

“These types of answers will usually hold true in all facets of her life,” Andalman says.“For instance, if she is a nurse, she is going to want a diamond that doesn’t protrude; she’ll want the stone protected so it doesn’t get caught on anything. So even if you can’t remember the exact type of cut she likes, as long as you know enough about her, a good jeweler can help you find the right ring.”

Picking out an engagement ring is not something you should hope to bang out in between washing your car and the start of the 1 o’clock Sunday football games. Don’t go out shopping with the determination that today is the day you are buying an engagement ring. When you find the right ring that says “I love you enough that I want to spend every day from here on out with you and only you,” you’ll know it. Don’t be intimidated by fancy jewelry stores; if they are really worth your business, they will treat you with respect and act as a helpful, guiding hand.

The Bottom Line

Above all, make sure you ask questions. It is OK not to know everything about diamonds and engagement rings; that is why jewelers exist. All you need to know when you walk into a jewelry store is that she is the right girl for you. Because after all is said and done, the only two people in this entire galaxy that have to be happy with a particular engagement ring are just one boy and that one girl.

How much to spend on the Engagement Ring?

2011-05-13T15:06:00.002-05:00

The total amount of engagement ring spending will be a little over $6 billion by the end of this year in the United States. You can add on another $2 billion for the wedding rings (both for bride and groom).

It’s expected for this $8 billion to reach over $9 billion by 2013. This is a growth of over 13 percent over the next five years. As we all know, the engagement ring and wedding ring have diamonds (being the main cause of why they are so darn expensive!) with more than two-thirds of the of them being white gold.

But how much will you spend on your ring?

Traditionally, a man is expected to spend at least the equivalent of two month’s salary, although a lesser amount is acceptable these days.

There are several reasons why the engagement ring is so costly.

Historically, the cost of engagements rings was a way for the man to show the woman (and her family) that he could could make a conscious effort at saving. By saving for the ring, he showed that he was capable of saving for a future home.

Should the couple fall upon hard times, there would always be the ring to ‘pawn’ in order to get through. But because most young people no longer live in their parent’s homes but have outgoings of their own, unless you’re an especially high earner, nobody will expect you to “prove your worth” by spending two months salary on an engagement ring these days. What is important is that you spend enough to show her just how much she means to you, based on your own personal budget.

Below are some additional tips on how much to spend on an engagement ring:

Remember the 80/20 rule. Once the budget is set, keep in mind the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent of the budget should go toward the center diamond, while 20 percent should be reserved for an appropriate mounting.

Does she like expensive things? Everyone is different. Some women are more laid-back while others want the absolute best. If your girlfriend is someone with expensive taste who enjoys designer clothes and isn’t afraid to drop a lot of money on a handbag, then she might expect a pricey ring that’s comparable to the other pricey things that she owns.

Is she plain, more laid back? For some women, an engagement ring will be the only piece of jewelry they will ever wear. These women won’t want a gigantic ring because it will seem too flashy for them. Go for a smaller, less blingy ring for these women

Classic Engagement Ring
Is she classic? A lot of women like tradition, and when it comes to engagement rings they expect something classic like the Tiffany setting. The classic ring doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive, but the classic girl definitely expects a nicely sized diamond that sparkles and sits up high.

Does she like large diamonds? Consider what your future bride would prefer: If she cares more about a larger stone than a band, spend a little more on the diamond. If she would prefer a setting that really sparkles, opt for a smaller diamond with a more intricate setting.

Don’t forget wedding bands!
Don’t forget you will also need wedding bands for yourself and your bride.
These can be simple or ornate depending on your style and budget.

Engagement Rings

Arthur's is on Polyvore

2010-08-23T15:03:00.002-05:00

Arthur's Jewelers Wedding by ArthursJewelers featuring stiletto pumps

Claire Pettibone - Couture Bridal
$2,500 - clairepettibone.com
Bridal dresses »

Christian Louboutin Relika Platform shoe
525 GBP - brownsfashion.com
Stiletto pumps »

Tacori Item 4215ETPK - Wedding Rings
tacori.com
Wedding jewelry »

Diamond Necklaces
tacori.com
Diamond jewelry »

Makeup and Cosmetics | Shop Eyes Lips Face
$5 - eyeslipsface.com

Organza Pretty Flower Clip
7 GBP - monsoon.co.uk

Loose Curls Updo Hairstyle | Hair Styles
best-wedding-info.com

Tacori Engagement Rings - Arthur's Jewelers
arthursjewelers.com

Chris Ploof Wedding Bands

2010-08-19T14:29:00.000-05:00

Chris Ploof Designs

His designs feature meteorite iron, damascus stainless steel, colored golds, palladium, platinum and silver, as well as quality gemstones which he uses to make wearable objects of art.

His expertise in the use of difficult to work materials and the manufacture of mokume gane allows him to design and make beautiful treasures for a lifetime of enjoyment.

CHRIS PLOOF DAMASCUS STEEL BAND

CHRIS PLOOF DAMASCUS STEEL AND 18K YELLOW GOLD BAND

CHRIS PLOOF DAMASCUS STEEL BAND

Visit Chris Ploof at Arthur's Jewelers

Arthur's Jewelers Location

2009-09-14T14:26:00.001-05:00

1717 Lexington Ave N

Roseville, MN 55113

(651) 488-0365

(651) 488-1161 fax

sales@arthursjewelers.com

www.ArthursJewelers.com

Scott Kay now at Arthur's Jewelers

2009-09-14T13:49:00.002-05:00

Scott Kay Engagement Rings

Scott Kay Sterling Silver Jewelry

Scott Kay Cobalt Bands

Scott Kay Sterling Silver Jewelry

Designer Scott Kay Jewelry

Arthur's Jewelers

Tacori on the Red Carpet!

Tacori Fashion Lifestyle Jewelry...

SuChin Pak Layers on her Tacori Jewels!

Arthur's Jewelers is on PINTEREST!

Who is Paul Tacorian?

Fashion Alert - Jordin Sparks in Simon G Jewelry

Buying a diamond? What you really need to know...

Simon G Jewelry in Cosmo Magazine 2012

Simon G Timeless Commerical 2012

How much should you spend on an Engagement Ring?

A rose that lasts forever...

Trend Alert: Pantone Spring 2012

Tacori in the News: Gold Diamond Cuff and Glowing Green Onyx Bracelet Grace Cosmo’s Feb 2012 Issue!

Complete Tacori Sets blooming at $3995

Baby Bling

Wedding Wire Award 2012

Tia Mowry Dazzled in TACORI!

Tacori in the News: Classic Crescent Solitaire

by Michelle Adorjan

Warm Yourself with Tacori Hot Cocoa

Shantel VanSanten Sparkles in One of a Kind Tacori Jewels

New Konstantino Thalassa Collection 2012

Tacori in the News! BRIDES: in the pink

Vogue Trends featuring Tacori!

Martha Stewart Weddings: Ring in the New Year with dazzling diamonds!

Simon G Jewelry at the Golden Globes 2012

Giuliana Rancic in Simon G. Jewelry

Wendi McLendon Covey in Simon G. Jewelry

Elizabeth McGovern in Simon G. Jewelry

Tacori, Verragio, Scott Kay, and the Top Engagement Rings of 2011 - Culture - Blogcritics

Article Author: KateRhodus

FROM THE OWNER

Konstantino Collections

5 Mistakes Men make when Proposing

3 Proposal Cliches to Avoid

Preparing a Proposal Speech

Plan an Awesome Proposal

15 Marriage Proposal Tips

Know the Fifth "C"

History of the Engagement Ring

How to Avoid Conflict Diamonds

How to Keep the Engagement Ring a Surprise!

Buying an Engagement Ring online

How to choose the Right Engagement Ring

How much to spend on the Engagement Ring?

Arthur's is on Polyvore

Chris Ploof Wedding Bands

Arthur's Jewelers Location

Scott Kay now at Arthur's Jewelers