Choosing an Engagement Ring That’s Worthy of Heart Reacts
In this age of social media, life events, simple or big ones, are often documented, whether on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Wedding proposals and engagements, especially, make their routinary appearances in the news feed. Videos of romantic and creative flash-mob proposals are bound to go viral, becoming sources of ideas for those who plan to pop the question soon.
Before anything else, though, have you thought about the kind of ring you’ll give to your significant other?
If you’re busy scouring YouTube for elaborate wedding proposals but you haven’t gotten around to buying a ring, stop looking at videos. Instead, do some research first.
Picking an engagement ring is not as easy as some people think it is. It’s not as simple as raiding the nearest jeweler in sight and buying the shiniest, most expensive ring on display. People have different tastes as to what kind of jewelry they like, so buying the perfect engagement ring takes a bit of research.
Engagement rings come in different styles. The usual stone of choice is the ever-classy diamond, of course, but there are other options too. You have many things to consider, such as the stone’s cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. You also have to think about the ring metal and the band design that will complement the stone you have chosen.
Aside from that, you’ll need to brush up on your sleuthing skills—you know, for when you want to be discreet about your proposal—and you’ll learn all these things when you take time to read this infographic, for instance.
Once you’ve done your homework and bought the bling, get back to raiding your social media accounts, and start planning the ultimate wedding proposal that’s worthy of heart reacts and shares. Good luck!
Ways to Make Better and More Sustainable Shopping Decisions
Do you like keeping up with trends? If you do, read on.
The 21st century saw the rise of consumerism to another level. Most of the products in the market nowadays would not last for several months, either because of poor quality or they go out of fashion. It gives consumers reasons to buy and discard easily. Latest trends dictate the ever-present need to keep up with what’s in, which is not generally a bad thing until it becomes rampant and out of control.
This cycle of buying and discarding does not only impact the social and economic aspects of one’s life. It also brings in huge environmental repercussions, with companies scrambling to meet demands without considering how it affects the world. Now more than ever, consumers should be aware of their purchasing habits and do more to improve product sustainability footprints, where every chain in the creation of the product has certain consequences. So, how do you make sure you are making better and more sustainable shopping decisions?
Doing Your Research
The move to ethical and sustainable shopping can only be realized if you are well-informed about the products you are using and buying. Do your part by conducting your own research. There are many traceable companies that give transparency on their production, from the harvesting of raw materials to transporting the finished products to your local stores. Traceability safeguards every person involved in the production of the products. In the case of clothing, you will be able to trace how your T-shirt was produced. Knowing where it came from, whose hands touched it, and whether they were well-compensated can put things into perspective.
Photo by Charles Etoroma
Making Use of Consumer Tools
Shopping for products with specific environmental and social is the number one consideration when it comes to sustainable purchasing. Make sure that you do your part as a consumer by checking if the products you’re buying meet the standards. Consumer tools like environmental labels can help you identify greener, healthier products. Look out for labels like ECOLOGO, Energy Star, EPEAT, Fair Trade, GREENGUARD, and many others.
Checking the Latest Statistics
Another way to put things into perspective is to know your numbers. Check the latest statistics on the CO2 emissions produced by the apparel and textile industry each year. How many trees are cut down to make cellulose fabrics? How many companies don’t know the origins of their raw materials? You’ll realize how bad it gets each year. Companies try to keep up with constant demand for new inexpensive clothes by exploiting third world countries and turning to safe labor. Keeping abreast with the latest statistics will inspire you even more to make sustainable shopping decisions.
Photo by Christian Fregnan
Choosing Quality over Quantity
It might sound like a no-brainer, but hoarding clothes and the latest gadgets do not really help. It only costs you more money and enables companies to have more reasons to keep up the race to the bottom. Instead of investing in several inexpensive clothes, for example, you can shop for high-quality clothes that you know will last for several years. That way, you are saving money in the long run and stemming the rampant consumerism tendencies.
Considering Second-hand Stores
It is no secret that many clothes go to waste each year as people keep up with the latest trends, discarding the old ones that go out of style and replacing them with the hottest fashion pieces. You can help minimize the waste and fashion footprint by opting for second-hand stores to hunt for your wardrobe update. They usually sell at a fraction of their original price – a win-win for all.
Photo by Ashim D’Silva
Learning When to Say Enough
Overconsumption is a vice. Learn to draw the line and stop buying more things than you need. Be creative with your choices and mix and match what you already have in your closet. Love what you already have. Aside from letting your personal style shine, this practice can free your budget to let you take on experienced-based hobbies like traveling.
Getting More from Your Clothes
Knowing what your clothes are made of will help you better take care of them, which in turn makes them last longer. Get more from your clothes by determining whether they are made of silk, cotton, polyester, etc. and care for them accordingly. It’s also helpful to learn how to sew and mend your clothes and minimize the need to easily replace them when they only lose a button.
It’s easy to take the complexity of producing many of the products and goods you enjoy for granted when you are far removed from their history and origin. By being aware of sustainable actions when it comes to your shopping decisions, you can do a lot to help planet earth and improve society. Remember, a simple step is already a great start.
In this modern day and age, weddings tend to be a debate between embracing the new and keeping up with the old. Wedding traditions are often followed, either to give the event structure or to make it more meaningful. Many of them give an ebb and flow to your special day and you can rely on them to make it smooth-sailing. Well and good, except that some of them can be decisively expensive and you’re probably wondering, can you skip traditions?
If you’re the kind of couple who wants to keep things simple and not indulge in extravagance, there are wedding traditions that you can skip. Here are some of them:
Matching Bridal Party
Legend has it that the Romans traditionally have everyone invited to the wedding wear the same attire to throw off evil spirits that might curse the couple. This superstition is carried over to the 21st century as part of tradition. But nowadays, it is perfectly alright to let your bridal party wear mismatched dresses and attires, especially if it is more expensive to shell out a substantial amount for tailored matching outfits. It is also acceptable now for bridesmaids and groomsmen to buy their own wedding attire so making their outfits more flexible will make your bridal party happier, as they can be in something they are comfortable in and can save money at the same time.
Photo by Sweet Ice Cream Photography
Groomsmen and Bridesmaids
Is it necessary to have a bridal party? You can scrap this altogether. After all, a wedding essentially needs only two witnesses, so you don’t need to go to such lengths as choosing your wedding party. You can give your gratitude to the special people in your lives by asking their presence in your special day or mentioning them in a speech. This way, you can also cut on additional costs that the whole idea of bridal party affords.
Bouquet and Garter Toss
If you’re into it, the bouquet and garter toss can be fun and exciting. But there are couples and attendees who find it awkward. Plus, bouquets can be expensive. Some brides even order a separate bouquet just for this purpose, so they can keep the original one as a memento. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of the whole garter-removing moment or having your friends scramble over a bouquet, then it is better to skip this altogether.
Photo by Annie Gray
Extended Guest List
There are many couples who struggles with the pressure of inviting all their extended family relations, friends, and mere acquaintances. But if you want to have an intimate wedding with only your immediate family and closest friends present, then you should not let guilt get in the way. Keeping your guests small will give you more time to circulate and thank them on your reception. It will also be more relaxing to everyone who will attend as this would mean they probably know each other and can avoid the awkward introductions and making conversations out of obligation.
The Receiving Line
Good etiquette requires receiving lines where couples and their parents greet and thank each guest personally. But this can require a lot of time and effort, especially if you have hundreds of guests in attendance. Not only that, this can cost you more as reception venues are usually booked at specific hours and going over the limit will mean additional charges. The alternative can be taking the time to visit each table at some point during the night.
Photo by Steve Shreve
Traditional Wedding Cake
Wedding cakes that come in multiple tiers can be pretty expensive. Other couples are not into cakes either. So if you’re one of them, you can always choose something else as an alternative to the traditional wedding cake. Some might prefer a dessert table with assorted macaroons, doughnuts, or ice cream instead. There’s no harm in skipping the cake-cutting portrait.
Traditions are not rules so you can certainly loosen up and do something different for your special day. It’s hard to keep up with traditions and sacrifice your personal style and taste, not to mention acquiring skyrocketing bills that you can put into something more useful. Your wedding is the best time of your life as a couple and you’re free to do what feels right to you and not fall blindly into following the way things are usually done.
New Stuff, Less Debt: Tips to be on Trend Come Fall
Are you ready for Fall?
Soon enough the leaves will start falling off the trees and it’s time to take out all those sweaters! Fall has always been a welcome change and now that it’s just right around the corner, this means your wardrobe needs another update to kick off the new season in style. But what if you are broke? It’s a dilemma that no one wants to navigate. Do you splurge on the latest fall fashion trends? Are you willing to live from pay check to pay check just to blend in with autumn?
The latest offerings can be tempting and there’s no harm in indulging yourself sometimes. But if you’re working on a tight budget, you need to consider how it all fits in with your monthly bills and other personal expenses. This doesn’t mean, however, that you’ll totally deprive yourself of a little shopping. The key here is to be wise in getting new stuff without accumulating piles of debt. Here are some tips to help you keep up with the latest fall trends without going broke.
Knowing Your Personal Style
Are you someone who is into girly stuff? Do you prefer the vintage and classic style? Or are you one to mix and match? Recognizing your personal style can help you a lot when you shop. You can control yourself and not go into shopping spree when you see the latest fall fashion because you will be able to determine which type of clothing will go with your style. There will be less buyer’s remorse later once you go home and realize you don’t like the new boots you bought after all because they don’t go well with your fall outfits in the wardrobe.
Photo by Kris Atomic
Assessing the Trends
Ask yourself essential questions: why do you like a certain trend? If your answer is because everyone seems to go for it, then it is time to reconsider your priorities. Study the trends and see if they are recurring. If it is something that you know won’t be around next year, better skip it. Even better, choose outfits that you can actually see yourself wearing season after season. Being certain of their staying power can save you a lot of money in the future if you choose to buy them now.
Looking for Alternatives
There are trends like the animal prints that are a staple in fall but can be very expensive if you go for the wardrobe pieces. The best way to incorporate them into your outfit is through accessories like a belt or clutch bag, which are easier to fit in a tight budget.
Photo by Cam Morin
Considering Second-hand Stores
If you want to be on trend this fall but don’t have enough money to indulge, then be resourceful and consider online consignment stores. There are a lot of them in many major cities. They provide a perfect place to find popular styles and high-end brands for a fraction of their original prices. You can snag authentic and pre-owned luxury brands and save money.
Prioritizing Wardrobe Essentials
When you shop for the latest fashion, ensure that you find the right balance between classic and contemporary items, so you will have enough room to mix and match. Make sure your wardrobe has at least 70% timeless pieces and the rest are trendy items to minimize the need to update your wardrobe every year. It is also easier for you to add a trendy piece to existing classic pieces and transform your look without shelling out more money.
Photo by Anna Utochkina
Knowing When to Splurge
Self-control is really important when it comes to shopping. You might be tempted to buy the latest sweater, but you know it won’t be showing up next year. If you have to splurge, you need to determine if the items you have your eye on are worth it. Invest instead on good quality pieces with timeless appeal. For bold trends, go for thrift stores instead of a designer store where an item can cost you a limb.
Keep in mind that most fashion trends come and go. You need not go the extra mile to look on trend this fall, especially if the current trend pieces are not something you can afford at the moment. It is also important to remember that stylish doesn’t mean expensive. A little creativity and savvy shopping skills can help you keep up with the latest without going broke.
As you say yes to taking on a new journey, one of the hardest jobs must be planning a wedding. As a consultant, wedding planners are responsible in making sure your wedding goes smoothly, from preparations that start months ahead to the ceremony and reception. Working on your budget and taking care of the important little details is their job, but it doesn’t mean you don’t need to do anything to make it easier for them.
There are times when wedding planners are pushed to the limit, especially when it comes to particularly difficult clients. Knowing what most wedding planners will hate dealing with can help make your wedding planning stage smooth-sailing and hassle-free.
Micromanagement
It’s understandable when brides and grooms become perfectionists when it comes to their wedding. It’s your day and you deserve nothing short of amazing. Naturally, you want to get involved as much as possible, but there is a fine line between being able to take charge and being a tyrant. Many wedding planners draw the line when the couple becomes an unbearable micromanager by doing things like checking in everyday, bombarding them with emails, and endlessly nagging. There’s a reason why you hire wedding planners, so learn to sit back and trust them to do their magic.
Being Indecisive
Wedding planners will take it as a blessing when couples are chill and laidback, letting them do their job without the constant badgering. But the extreme opposite of micromanaging brides and grooms are couples who are paralyzed with indecision. They do not have any idea about what they want and completely relies on the wedding planner to decide everything for them. It is your wedding, so you must put extra effort to be present, offer your opinions, return your planner’s calls and emails, and give them something to go off to.
Unrealistic Expectations
There are couples who expect too much from a meagre budget they set out for the wedding. You cannot expect your planner to realize your dream wedding without shelling out a substantial amount of money. Sometimes you must prioritize what’s the most important, the towering wall of orchids for your photo booth or having Champagne tower on your reception.
Photo by Shelly Pence
Lack of Inspiration
Knowing what you want makes the wedding planner’s job easier. Visualize how you want your wedding to look like, the theme, the motif, and all the way down to your reception details. There are a lot of inspiring posts you can peruse in the internet that can help you bring something to the table when it’s time to meet your wedding planner. For starters why not come up with a mood board to set the theme and feel you want for your wedding. If you don’t know what you like, then at least make sure to determine what you don’t like and work from there.
Personal Assistant Treatment
This is one of the most common mistakes of couples when dealing with their wedding planners. The role of planners is making sure your wedding preparations run smoothly so it is quite unreasonable to ask them to do non-wedding related stuff like picking up your package or setting up your facial appointment. You are not paying them to be your personal assistant.
Being Close-minded
Sometimes your wedding planners will have to put their foot down and tell you some of your ideas are impossible to realize. Try to open your mind to their ideas and suggestions as well, especially when they are made to solve glitches and unexpected problems.
Going Trend-Crazy
The wedding trends these days are a whirlwind. It’s a nice touch to include some of them but if you go trend-crazy and want to incorporate everything that caught your fancy, then it’s another story. Narrow down the theme you want instead of insisting on mix of rustic, modern, and classic styles that don’t match up. This will save you a lot of time, money, effort, and dashed expectations when the wedding day comes, and it is not how you envisioned it to be.
Your wedding is supposed to be one of the most memorable days of your life, so it only follows that you should enjoy every moment of it. Let your wedding planners do their jobs and trust them to do it right. Although you meant well, sometimes your actions can make their work more difficult. Help them plan your dream wedding by avoiding things that drive them crazy.
Most people would agree that there’s nothing more dreadful than Mondays. You must have seen memes circulating all over the internet declaring their hate for this day, or you must have experienced it yourself. But if anything, Mondays also mean the start of another week and looking forward to the next weekend trip or getaway. Until then, here’s a list of a few tips to help you get your head on straight for the new week!
Begin the Day with Optimism
You might be surprised how the state of your mind can transform your day. At all cost, avoid wasting your energy by wallowing in the negative side of things. Strive to start your day with a positive attitude by focusing on what is good than lamenting those beyond your control. You can do this by looking forward to the goals you will be able to accomplish, be it beating deadlines or learning something new.
Manage Your Time Wisely
When you know you have a busy week ahead, it is always sensible to do time management. By setting aside time for certain things, from personal needs to professional responsibilities, you’ll be able to gauge how your week will turn out. Organize how your day will go and give allowances if necessary. If possible, put everything in your personal planner. Do this daily, but on Mondays most especially so you can start your week on the right path.
Photo by IN BOSSMODE
Learn How to Prioritize
Set out your tasks and put them in order, prioritizing those that are urgent. Before you start your work, make sure to lay down clear objectives that will guide you throughout the week. It’s also wise not to wait until the last minute to finish your needed task so you won’t have to cram and sacrifice the quality of your work. Being on top of your responsibilities will give you peace of mind and make your Monday better.
Anticipate Obstacles along the Way
Productive people do not go blindly into routine. They think of everything, even those that could go wrong. Make sure to prepare yourself mentally as you face the obstacles along the way by foreseeing difficulties ahead and channelling a positive response. When you learn to anticipate the challenges ahead, you’ll be able to make plan B or adjust accordingly.
Try to Break the Monotony of Routine
Routine can be comforting or debilitating, depending on how you look at it. Sometimes doing things the same way over and over again can suck the fun right out of life, making you complacent that you don’t need new goals and challenges. You can avoid the monotonous cycle by doing something new on a Monday, even if it’s simply varying the type of coffee you order on your favorite cafe or parking a block away from your office, so you will get a chance to walk and take in the bright blue sky.
Photo by Arnel Hasanovic
Make Plans You Can Look Forward To
Your life should never revolve around your work. You work to live, not the other way around. Make plans outside of work for the next weekend. Ideally, it should be a blend of physical activity, family and friends’ bonding, socialising and personal time. When you have something to look forward to in the weekend, you’ll feel excited to tackle your tasks at work because you know time flies by if you are busy. Don’t forget to always include time for yourself where you can devote your mornings into personal pursuits that bring you joy.
Mondays need not bring you anxiety if you don’t let it consume your thoughts. Remember, you alone can control how you deal with outside things so learning to love your Monday can be a matter of the right perspective. You don’t even need to do it overnight. This kind of disposition takes patience and lots of practice. Take the power to make Monday, or any day of the week for that matter, as awesome as you want it to be.
Artists, writers, and designers have this need for inspiration that’s quite different from other skill sets. They are often sensitive to moods that jump start a project and keep their creative juices flowing. This can be influenced by the gloomy weather, the pretty packaging in the grocery aisle, or the greeting card illustrations. If you’re into designs, then chances are, you tend to collect designs online to serve as your inspiration before you start dipping your toes into your new project. You can make it easier by creating mood boards.
What is a mood board?
Often described as the definition of a design project, a mood board has everything, from colors and images to fonts and textures. This collage establishes the design flow in a way that makes it easier for you to visualize how to put your project together. Mood boards gather ideas and inspiration in one place, streamlining the whole process and cutting down the time you spend brainstorming your concept. They can be in physical or digital form.
Aside from that, it is also a useful tool that helps clients understand the project you’re working on, putting you both on the same page. You can easily give them a demonstration of how the project will turn out through a visual representation, minimising misunderstandings and saving precious time of going back and forth to iron them out.
Why is it a thing?
Mood boards have grown in popularity over the past few years, partly because setting the mood is a necessity in the world of designs. While mood board can inspire you to work on your current project, it is also an indispensable weapon that draws your audience and clients in. It can represent your product in a way that is understandable to the layman’s eyes, allowing them to see what your creation has to offer. Mood boards serve as your inspiration, guidance, and communication tool.
How do you start yours?
The thought of putting a mood board together can be daunting. There are a lot of things to consider and it can be overwhelming, especially if you are just starting out on your first endeavour. Just think of it as a fun and inspiration exercise to put the pieces of a puzzle together. The important consideration is to make it balanced and visually appealing.
Before you start on your mood board, however, it’s ideal to know what you really want. Will it be in the physical or digital form? How structured will it be? Would there be borders to separate images or would you prefer a collage? Answering these questions will give you an idea about the layout you will take as it is extremely important if you want to produce something consistent, balanced, and understandable to your audience or client.
Now that you have a clearer vision of your mood board, it is time to get on to the most exciting part—putting them together! Whether you’re going for a physical mood board or a digital one, there are essential steps that you can follow:
Photo source: Saffron Avenue on Instagram
Study Your Concept
What is the theme of your mood board and who are your target audience? Knowing these will streamline your ideas before you start the actual process of gathering your designs and materials. It will help you identify the type of elements you will include, like the colour schemes, images and patterns, fonts, and textures.
Gather Your Materials
Find the best imagers and materials that will best convey your chosen mood. Don’t be afraid to gather a lot because you can always sort through them before you narrow down to those you feel will represent what you are trying to create more effectively. For the digital mood board, it is easier with various online sites that host curated images.
Choose Your Colors
One of the most important elements in a mood board is the color scheme. It helps define the mood you are trying to set. Are you going for warm, cheerful colors, the soft tones of pastel, or the vivid shades of bold hues?
Pick Your Font Style
The type of font you will use sends a strong message as well. They can define the look of your mood board. Will it be professional and business-like, or do you want a more relaxed and informal feel?
Decide on the Texture
If you want to provoke your audience’s thoughts further, then taking texture into consideration can go a long way. It does not only allow them to see the presentation. They will also know how it will feel.
Put them Together
You have everything you need. The best part is to put them together. This is when you position your images on your board, bringing your concept to life. Choose carefully what to highlight and which ones will support your main message. Remember, you are telling a story to show your dream design, representing your personal style and taste. It is not something that you should rush on. Instead, take your time to move the images about and try out different compositions until you are happy with the outcome.
Mood boards are the best way to organize your design goals and expectations. You can put what you have in mind in perspective and avoid disasters during the actual design process. Whether you are doing it to inspire yourself or to convince a client, mood boards will serve you well in your design workflow and helps you focus on the direction of your project.
How to Choose the Best Earrings for Your Face Shape and More
All women have their own style and fashion sense when it comes to their wardrobe and clothing. Naturally, any one should wear whatever makes them feel good about themselves. Sometimes this also goes along with what flatters and defines one's features.
Many colors, patterns, cuts, accents or lengths of clothes that look great on a hanger or mannequin are not going to look the same on every woman. All women have different body shapes and come in all different sizes and heights.
This is the same even with jewelry, earrings in particular. Wearing the right earrings is a good way to compliment and showcase the natural highlights of a person’s face and not diminish them. First things first: determine your face shape, which will then present which earrings work best on your face.
Oval
With oval, nearly any type of earring looks fabulous and showcases the great features you have. Long, short, and even chunkier earrings really can add an accent of extra femininity to any woman. Stud earrings are equally flattering. Ear cuffs and piercings that sit on the apex of the ear can add an extra special look.
Square
For the square face shape, earrings that do not go to the jawline are all perfect. Colors and a little bit thicker set of earrings can accentuate the face. Smaller pendants are also a nice touch since they do not highlight the jawline nearly as much, which is what you want to stay away from.
Round
If you have a round face shape, consider a square or rectangular earring. It may seem a bit odd or new to some, but this shape takes away from the roundness on your face. Earrings that are long and skinnier are another recommendation because they elongate the face. This is fun after all, most Hollywood ladies wear a lot of these earrings. Stay away from hoops and circular earrings as this will only heighten and add even more roundness to your face.
Heart
The heart shaped face is where the chin is lower than the jawline. In this case, truly long earrings are perfect for this face shape. Earrings that have more weight at the bottom or that are triangular at the bottom are even better. Add some extra pizzazz with earrings that have some movement and have a lot more attention. This is a way to feel glamorous.
Diamond
Diamond faced women can really flaunt the longest and widest earrings with all of the movement. This is a definite win for women who love to make a statement with their jewelry. Add more volume and weight to the bottom half of your face by using the largest and longest earrings. Get creative with various shapes.
Triangle
For the triangle face shape, you will want to attract more attention to the top of your face; the jawline is the widest part of your face. Wearing diamond stud earrings are ideal and the bigger the better. Any larger stud with boldness and color is the perfect attention seeker. Ear cuffs are also a way to keep more attention from the bottom of your face and highlight your other features.
Understand that not all earrings should be worn in every setting. Depending on your job, such as a lawyer or doctor, leave the long and thick earrings for a night out on the town or a date. However, if you do have a job that allows a little more boldness, then you do not have a reason to hold back.
Earrings should be thought of as an accent to your face. There is no reason to let yourself not show off your beauty in your trends. Have fun and let your inner woman of chic and swank come out.
Taking Care of Inherited Diamonds or Hand-Me-Downs
In the olden days, back when proposal videos were nonexistent and flash mobs were more like angry mobs with pitchforks and torches, the practice of diamond engagement rings was uncommon in good old US of A. That changed, however, in the 1940s, after a jeweller’s ad coined the catchphrase “Diamonds are forever.” There must have been some truth to it, or it was probably all a powerful marketing ploy that got deep into the minds of people.
Today, diamond rings are the default choice for an engagement ring, and the reason is that they exude durability and sophistication. An heirloom diamond ring is even more valued as an engagement ring because of their sentimental value. The thought that this ring has a lot of history and has withstood the tests of time and any physical or chemical change adds to the appeal. It helps too that you get to save money but still have an elegant piece of jewelry when you inherit this kind of ring.
While diamonds lend a semblance of timelessness to any kind of jewelry, one can’t deny that the years can take a toll on these highly valuable stones. Responsible owners know that they should painstakingly handle their diamonds with care if they want their rings to be worn by their descendants.
If you happen to own heirloom diamonds, take note of the following ways to take care of them.
Store Them Carefully
The hardest mineral on earth is diamond, and it will scratch the softer ones if they’re grouped with your diamond. Wrap your diamond rings in tissue paper or store them in soft pouches to keep them away from other kinds of rings or jewelry in your jewelry box.
Go to a Certified Jeweler
Because you’re dealing with antique jewelry, it is possible that the ring, especially the diamond, already has some damages accumulating from years of wear. Visit a trusted jeweler twice a year so the ring can be appraised for hidden or barely visible cracks or damages.
Check the prongs in case they’re about to break off or are bent. Pay attention to the mounting and the setting of the diamond to avoid loose stones.
If you plan to resize the ring or recut or reset the stone, ask the ring’s original owner agrees to any of these modifications. Some owners may feel rejected or are particularly sensitive about the ring’s sentimental value.
There are other considerations to think of as well. Resizing a ring two times more or less than the original size may compromise the ring’s integrity. Aside from that, recutting a diamond may improve the its clarity, but that will reduce the diamond’s carat weight. The expenses that entail the costs of appraising, insuring, resizing, and recutting may cost more than the diamond is worth.
Get Insurance
You don’t know when accidents or emergencies will happen, so it’s best to keep your valuables insured. Get jewelry insurance to give yourself financial protection in case of loss or theft. Include a rider that will cover the diamond in your policy.
Before going to a coverage provider, though, visit a jeweler first to appraise the carat weight, cut, and metal of your diamond ring. Take a close-up photo too for documentation purposes.
Clean Them
Soak the ring in a mixture of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid for five minutes if you want to clean your ring. Do the cleaning in a small bowl so the ring doesn’t go down the drain. Avoid abrasives and chlorine because these will discolor the ring. Use a soft, lint-free cloth like microfiber to wipe the ring and dry it.
You may also try cleaning your ring with equal parts of ammonia and water. Soak the ring in the mixture for thirty minutes. A soft toothbrush is also helpful in cleaning any residue that accumulates on the ring.
Jewelry cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners are other options. Be extra careful with ultrasonic cleaners, though, since their vibrating mechanism may cause the stones to shake loose.
Touching your diamond frequently may cause the accumulation of dirt or the transfer of oil from your fingers. This will cause the diamonds to lose their luster. Handle the diamonds sparingly to avoid this problem.
If you’re planning to wear makeup, wear the diamonds last so that the pigments from your makeup do not come in contact with the diamonds.
One More Thing.....
Because diamonds are expensive and antique ones, at that, prized for their sentimental value, you should take every measure to ensure their care. Don’t wear your ring when you’re doing labor-intensive activities or if there is no pressing need to wear it at all. This way, you won’t have to worry about damaging or losing your ring.
Originally called diamond line bracelet, the tennis bracelet gained its famous name at the 1987 US Open when, in the middle of a match, Chris Evert, the world’s number one tennis player at that time, broke her diamond line bracelet. Evert halted the match to search for every piece of diamond as the world watched. Since then, the diamond line bracelet has been known as a tennis bracelet.
Timeless and elegant, the tennis bracelet is made of a line of small diamonds connected together on a metal setting. The bracelet is a popular present for a wedding, an anniversary, a birthday, Christmas, and other important celebrations.
Buying a Tennis Bracelet
When buying a tennis bracelet, you need to find a reputable jeweler whom you can trust. The diamonds on a tennis bracelet are too small to be certified, which means you have to trust that your jeweler is selling quality merchandise. Getting it certified will cost you a quarter of the price (or more) of the bracelet.
Without the certification, it’s ideal to examine the diamonds in high-resolution imagery. Check for any noticeable blemishes, and see if the diamonds reflect a good amount of light. Wear it around your wrist while twisting and turning it to see if the diamonds have brilliance.
Tennis bracelets come in three settings: prong, channel, and bezel. The metals used are white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum, which are all durable enough for everyday wear. Choosing the metal will depend on your preferences.
The fit is essential if you don’t want to lose your tennis bracelet. Use a measuring tape, ribbon, or yarn to get the your wrist. If you’re buying it for somebody else, 7.5 inches is a good starting size. Unlike rings, tennis bracelets can be resized by simply removing links to shorten a chain, so there’s less pressure to get the exact size.
Accessorizing a Tennis Bracelet
Simplicity is the motif of the tennis bracelet’s design. It’s a row of diamonds with no complicated twists or elaborate twirls, making it one of the most versatile accessories to wear. There are several ways to style a tennis bracelet.
Wear It On Its Own
Tennis bracelets look delicate, yet they add incredible sparkle to your outfit. The simple design, contrasted by a luxurious line of diamonds, makes tennis bracelets a versatile piece, fit for casual, semiformal, or formal wear.
Multiply the Sparkle
There are bracelets that look gaudy when worn with several others. The tennis bracelet isn’t one of them. Because of its uncomplicated design, it can be worn with other bracelets, especially with other tennis bracelets. Multiply the sparkles, and wear several pieces.
Pair It with a Watch
A tennis bracelet paired with the right watch gives off a smart, chic vibe. It’s one look that is never out of style. To get this look, wear a metal or leather watch that matches the tennis bracelet.
Avoid clunky sports and digital watches with plastic or rubber straps. Platinum watches, with their pure white sheen, go especially well with tennis bracelet.
Go with Matching Pieces
Less is more, according to the rules of accessorizing. But you don’t have to worry about over accessorizing if you’re wearing a tennis bracelet. This piece is like the white tee of all jewelry. Tennis bracelets were practically made for mixing and matching so don’t be afraid wear a matching ring or two (or three).
Taking Care of Your Tennis Bracelet
Despite its name, you should know that the tennis bracelet isn’t suitable for playing the sport, as Chris Evert demonstrated. In fact, don’t wear your bracelet when playing any sport or doing chores to avoid breaking and losing it.
It may be made of durable materials, but the design makes it incredibly delicate. Take care not to snag your bracelet on anything so the links don’t break.
Don’t take off your tennis bracelet in public. If you really must, place it inside your bag in a pocket or purse that’s especially for your jewelry. At home, return your bracelet to its proper container as soon as you take it off. Putting accessory dishes around the house can help you keep track of your jewelry.
To clean your bracelet, use warm water, a gentle detergent, and a soft toothbrush. Soak the bracelet in a bowl of warm water with the detergent for about fifteen minutes. Gently brush it to remove any dirt.
Clean your bracelet regularly to preserve the brilliance of the diamonds. Take it to a jeweler for professional cleaning and inspection at least once a year.
A tennis bracelet can be one of your most precious assets. Aside from the monetary value, it can hold deep meaning, especially if it was given as a gift to celebrate an important milestone. Fortunately, the bracelet is made from durable materials. With proper care, your bracelet can last a lifetime.
