Category Archives: Jewelry
Jewelry for special occasions
The truth is, jewelry is usually a luxury, but it is an expense for enhancing one’s looks, personality and lifestyle. For many women, jewelry has always been an important finishing touch to their overall appearance and look. Many women complain that they feel out of style when they wear a simple pair of diamond earrings, or a necklace that was inherited from their grandma or mother. They couldn’t be further from the truth. When worn properly, jewelry will always make you stand out in any event or special occasion. There are dozens of different reasons for wearing jewelry, and a single correctly placed ornament is able to do all the difference in the world.
For unique events, such as weddings, graduations and dates, there is no better way to appear elegant and sophisticated than by wearing the correct pieces of jewelry. A woman that knows how to wear a diamond bracelet properly will stand out in any important occasion. The beauty of diamonds is that they are able to enhance the entire attire that you’re wearing. Dust off those diamond studs in your closet and indulge by wearing them for any special occasion. Once you know how to properly match them to your favorite attires, you will start accepting them as your signature finishing touches. The great thing about diamonds and other pieces of precious jewelry is that if you find there’s absolutely no use to them, you can always sell them at a great price. For example, you can to sell diamond ring engagement online. But you can also findmore information at wpdiamonds.com about other possible sales!
Pearls are timeless for many reasons, but especially because they are a staple piece of jewelry that is extremely versatile and elegant. A couple of nice pearl earrings can match up with any dress, which makes them useful for almost any kind of event, from elegant weddings to casual dates. The beautiful white of pearls brings lightness to every just about any type of skin tone and attire.
Many women love using vibrant and subtle colors to enhance their looks, which is why gemstones and semi precious stones have always been extremely popular. There are many kinds of beautiful and breathtaking crystals that will spark up any passionate or romantic interaction; because of this, gemstones are an excellent choice for just about any date! Ruby, aquamarine and emeralds are just some of the choices you have to spark up your overall looks. In no time you will be able to know how to match them to enhance your looks!
Sweepstakes Alert: Win an Opal Heart Ring!
Are you looking for a piece of timeless jewelry that makes an unmistakable statement of your love? If so, how you like a shot at getting it for free? A new jewelry sweepstakes from online jewelry retailer Apples of Gold is giving you the opportunity to win a gorgeous opal heart ring that you can give to your one special someone or wear as a symbol of the love that you share.
Opal rings are truly fitting when you want to celebrate true love! Opal’s iridescent quality allows it to represent the way that your relationship is able to adapt to any situation and make life seem more beautiful no matter what comes your way. In addition, the timelessness of the opal makes it an excellent pick for expressing lasting affection and commitment. This gem has been sought after for thousands of years by cultures spanning the globe, and it has more than proven its ability to outlast any trend.
The Genuine Opal Heart Ring in 14K White Gold that’s being given away in this sweepstakes features two versatile gemstones that work together to create a piece that can give any outfit a touch of class. A 6mm-high, oval-shaped opal sits elegantly in the center of this romantic piece, and is surrounded by a sweeping heart crafted of gleaming 14k white gold. On either side of this heart is a small round diamond, adding glimmer to an already glamorous style. And, the best part is that you could get it for free!
Until April 29th, you can enter to win this striking style for yourself or for your special someone. You’ll need to connect with Apples of Gold on Facebook to get your first shot at winning; however, if you’re already connected, you can simply head to Apples of Gold’s jewelry sweepstakes page and click “I’m a member” to be entered automatically. However, this isn’t your only opportunity to enter! For instance, you can also join the Apples of Gold Pinterest page and repin up to 10 items a day for additional chances to win; you can also retweet about the sweepstakes to increase your shot at scoring this romantic ring.
If you’d rather not take your chances, but still want to give this ring to your special someone (or add it to your own collection) you can also buy this lovely piece. In addition to the stunning 14K white gold version that’s being offered in Apples of Gold’s sweepstakes, you can also purchase this same style in 14K yellow gold if you’d prefer a ring with a warm glow. At just $199 for either metal, this ring provides a huge dose of glamour and romance at a relatively affordable price. Or, consider one of the other striking pieces of opal jewelry at Applesofgold.com, including a selection of rings, pendants and earrings.
Don’t miss your chance to win a gorgeous opal heart ring! This is the perfect piece for celebrating the love you share and symbolizing that it has many shades of beauty.
Dazzling Diamonds Alternatives: Popping the Question with a Twist
Are you planning on proposing soon, but feel limited by your budget? Or, maybe you just want to pop the question with a ring that has a little something different to offer. A number of unique gemstone rings provide striking alternatives to traditional diamond styles, whether you’re looking for an affordable option or simply a piece with a twist that sets it apart.
To follow is a rundown of four diamond alternatives. Each possesses its own defining qualities and each has a beauty that’s unique.
Moissanite
Moissanite is a combination of carbon, the element that comprises a diamond, and silicon. It was discovered by Dr. Henri Moissan in 1893, as this scientist studied meteor fragments in the desert of Arizona. However, it didn’t catch on as a gemstone until approximately a century later.
This modern gem possesses a number of unique qualities that make it a fitting pick for an engagement ring. For instance, moissanite has a very high refractive index, which means that this gem is able to emit brilliant flashes of light. It also has a high luster and is nearly as durable as a diamond, making it hard to scratch, and making it a fitting symbol of resilient love.
Despite their dazzling sparkle, moissanite rings such as the Princess-Cut Moissanite Solitaire Ring in 14K White Gold are available at a fraction of the cost of similar diamond styles. These pieces are prefect when you’re on a budget, but don’t want to sacrifice one bit of brilliance.
White Sapphire
White sapphire, not surprisingly, is a variety of sapphire with a light sparkle rather than the deep blue hue that’s usually associated with this classic precious gemstone. Like other sapphires, white sapphires are second in hardness only to a diamond, and their colorless sparkle makes them gorgeous picks. White sapphire rings are unexpected but exquisite as they provide a new look to a stone that’s been treasured for thousands of years.
White Topaz
The word “topaz” may come from an ancient Sanskrit word meaning “fire”; regardless of whether this is true, a white topaz can cause light to dance like a flickering flame. This colorless semiprecious stone ranges from transparent to translucent, and it’s able to complement a wide variety of skin tones. White topaz rings are available in a range of styles, from vintage designs to completely contemporary looks, allowing you to find one that’s a perfect pick for the one you love.
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is probably the best-known diamond alternative, and its colorless glimmer makes this stone both stylish and versatile. Like white topaz pieces, cubic zirconia engagement rings are available in styles of many kinds, allowing you to purchase an affordable option that’s a good fit with the taste of your special someone.
Whether you choose a diamond alternative ring for its affordability or for its unique properties, these pieces are lovely options. Use this guide to select one that’s a perfect pick for expressing your love with beauty, but without breaking the bank.
Love Means Saying You’re Sorry
The phrase “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” may sound romantic, but the truth is that apologies are essential parts of a healthy relationship. While a pair of gold earrings can help to smooth things over, it’s important to apologize in a way that will help your relationship grow.
Say it face to face. Email might be convenient, but it’s not the clearest form of communication. As you’ve probably already learned the hard way, it’s easy to misunderstand an email message because it lacks the emotion that you can convey with your body language and your tone. Emoticons are simply no match for face-to-face communication.
Own up. There’s a big difference between saying “I’m sorry you feel hurt” and taking responsibility for what you’ve done. While you may be sorry that your significant other is feeling slighted, apologizing for his or her feelings doesn’t demonstrate that you’re sorry you were the cause. Try starting with “I’m sorry I …” to show that you take responsibility for your actions.
Be specific. Which means more: “he’s a good guy” or “he goes out of his way to make me feel special, and brings me coffee each morning”? The more specific choice, right? The same thing goes when you’re apologizing: a specific “I’m sorry” is more meaningful than a general one. While this doesn’t mean that you need to rehash every detail of your mistake, you need to provide enough detail to give your apology significance. For example, instead of saying “I’m sorry I was rude,” try “I’m sorry I made fun of your cooking in front of your friends.”
Don’t place blame or rationalize. Yes, the other person may have things for which they need to apologize as well. Forget about that and focus on what you did when you apologize—this is one time in a relationship when it’s a good thing to focus on yourself. Avoid using the word “but” (for example, “I’m sorry I stayed late at the office without calling you, but you were snippy with me earlier in the day”), and simply apologize without rationalizing.
Prove yourself. Saying that you’re sorry is just the beginning. After you say the words you need to demonstrate that you mean them by changing your behavior (if the act for which you apologized was a habit) or avoiding making the same mistake again.
Go out of your way. Once you’ve apologized and begun to amend your ways, consider going out of your way to show your special someone that you value him or her. Flowers are always an appreciated gesture, but if you really want to demonstrate your love and appreciation, try a piece of jewelry such as a sparkling diamond heart pendant. By going out of your way to invest in the one you love, you can help to repair some of the damage.
Saying that you’re sorry is never fun, but it’s worth it. Try these tips for an apology that’s a step in the right direction for your relationship.
Four Gemstones in the Colors of Love
When you want to show your love in a way that’s both lasting and meaningful, it’s hard to beat a piece of sparkling gemstone jewelry. While you have a rainbow of gems to choose from, selecting a stone in a color that readily represents affection can help you get your message across loud and clear. Try one of these gorgeous pink and red gemstone picks to show your special someone how you feel.
Pink Topaz
Pink is the most feminine of colors, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be shy. The shade of pink topaz is proof. This daring stone strikes the perfect balance between girly glimmer and a daring personality. It’s anything but shy, and rings, earrings and pendants that feature it are hard to ignore. This gem’s bold hue adds an outgoing pop to classic styles and a fresh lease on life to vintage designs. Whether you choose a century-old style or a contemporary look, by giving pink topaz jewelry, you tell your special someone that your love is unashamed and full of life.
Pink Sapphire
Blue is the color that’s most commonly associated with sapphire, but this pink version gives a classic precious stone an entirely new personality. Similar in color to pink topaz, this unique gem is lively and lovely, communicating an affection that’s sweet and a love that’s fresh. It’s also a very resilient gemstone, allowing it a represent the strength of your love for many years to come. And, as a gemstone that you don’t see every day, it’s a fitting way to celebrate that the connection you share with your special someone is a rare treasure.
Ruby
No color says love quite like red. It’s the color of the heart and, from long-stemmed roses to Valentines, it’s inextricably connected with affection. The ruby perfectly captures this hue and gives it a deep sparkle that’s a lovely way to show your true feelings. As one of the four classic precious gemstones, it has truly timeless appeal, and ruby jewelry is a stunning way to communicate a love that never goes out of fashion. In addition to its striking color, the ruby is quite hard, ranking just below the diamond in durability. Pieces of jewelry that feature it can last generation after generation, making them gifts of lasting value and beauty.
Garnet
Garnet also gorgeously captures the color of love, and as a semiprecious gemstone, it’s an affordable alternative to the ruby. It’s not just a stand-in for the red precious stone, however: it has been prized for thousands of years by cultures spanning the globe for its deep, saturated beauty and has been worn in jewelry as early as the Bronze Age. The look of this stone is rich and warm, allowing it express your undying affection in sophisticated fashion.
Pink topaz, pink sapphire, ruby and garnet are all excellent gemstones for expressing your love. Try a piece that features one of these gorgeous pink or red stones to express what’s in your heart.
How to Pick the Perfect Piece of Romantic Jewelry
‘Tis the season for jewelry shopping! Valentine’s Day will be here in just two weeks, which means it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to make the day special for the one you love if you don’t already have something in mind. If you’re unsure of how to say “I love you” this Valentine’s Day, consider doing it with jewelry. Rings, pendants and earrings are popular gifts for this holiday for good reason: they’re beautiful, lasting pictures of your affection.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the vast selection of jewelry that’s available, especially at this time of year. If you’re not sure where to start, try using these tips to help you pick the perfect piece for that special someone.
Consider your budget. Admittedly, thinking about your budget before your shop doesn’t seem like the most romantic consideration, but what’s even less romantic is not being able to pay for a date for months because you spent more that you could afford on a Valentine’s Day gift. If you’re on tight budget this Valentine’s Day, you still have plenty of choices; for example, you could go with a piece that features a semi-precious gemstone, or give a wallet-friendly but always welcome sterling silver pendant.
Try her birthstone. A birthstone is always a good starting point when purchasing jewelry for someone special. By choosing the stone that’s designated for the month of her birthday, you demonstrate that you’re willing to put a bit of thought into your gift. Many types of jewelry, from simple stud earrings to heart pendants to vintage-inspired rings, are adorned with birthstones, giving you an array of options that show that you kept her in mind.
Keep her metal of choice in mind. Most women (and many men as well) prefer one metal over the others, and by looking for pieces crafted from this metal of choice, you can significantly narrow down your options. If you’re not sure which metal your special someone gravitates toward, try taking note of her jewelry for a few days—you’re likely to see a common theme.
Think beyond hearts. Although heart-laden designs are arguably the most common way to express love though jewelry, they’re far from the only way. A wide range of motifs can represent love in addition to this classic shape. For instance, Celtic knots have been adopted by many as symbols of eternity due to their continually intertwining nature, and they’re lovely picks when you want to communicate that your love will never come to an end. Diamonds pendants (or diamond jewelry of any kind) use the most enduring of gemstones to represent lasting commitment and affection, and styles such as journey pendants that features stones of graduating sizes represent a love that’s always growing.
Each of these tips can help you pick the perfect piece of romantic jewelry. The most romantic gesture is one that comes straight from the heart and the right pendant, ring or pair of earrings can help you communicate your true feelings.
Three Jewelry Trends that Make Remarkably Romantic Gifts
Looking for a romantic gift for the special lady in your life? You’re in luck! Three of the top current jewelry trends make lovely, heartfelt gifts that will leave no question about how you feel. Vintage styles, pink topaz jewelry and pieces that feature hearts are all big right now, and each of these fads allows you to communicate your affection in a big way.
However, these trends aren’t just passing whims that will go the way of the pet rock and the Pony Express. While each of these types of jewelry is particularly popular right now, none of them ever go out of style, giving each one the potential to become a beautiful, lasting symbol of your love. Try one of these trends to say “I love you” in a way that will speak of your fashion sense as well as your affection.
1. Vintage Styles
Jewelry that’s inspired by the Victorian Era and the Art Deco Period is back, and it’s winning a lot of fans for its feminine charm and timeless appeal. Styles from the past are being given a fresh update with a rainbow of gemstones, from classics like ruby and amethyst to newer favorites like tanzanite and pink topaz (a trend in itself). Vintage Rings are not only on-trend and beautiful; they’re also fitting symbols of a love that can withstand the test of time. These designs have already proven their ability to endure as the decades pass, and by giving one of them to your special someone you let her know that your love for her will last.
2. Heart Jewelry
Hearts have long been a symbol of love, but lately they’ve been showing up in styles ranging from delicate engraved rings to dazzling, diamond-encrusted pendants to a wide variety of heart wedding bands. They’re even popping up in a wide range of engagement rings, providing meaningful twists on classic styles. Whether you’re looking for that once-in-a-lifetime piece to pull out when you pop the question or a pedant to reveal your love, it’s hard to go wrong with hearts, and right now, you have a lot of gorgeous options to choose from.
3. Pink Topaz
Pink topaz is feminine with being too frilly, and it possesses the perfect combination of sweet, sparkling charm and bold, unashamed vibrancy. Although pink is commonly associated with little girls and fairytale princesses, pink topaz provides a grown-up, sophisticated version of this shade that’s perfect for communicating a message of love in a way that’s next to impossible to ignore. Pink topaz adds a colorful zing to a wide range of styles, from classic solitaires and three-stone rings to intricately engraved Victorian designs, and any of these pieces is able to say “I love you” with unabashed color and glimmer.
Whether you choose a vintage style, a pink topaz ring or a piece of heart jewelry, your message of love will be gorgeously clear. Try a piece that incorporates one (or two or three) of these trends for a gift that’s remarkably romantic, on trend and timelessly beautiful.
Beating the Winter Blues Together
The holiday season has past and the winter still seems endless—it’s the perfect recipe for the winter blahs! Many people feel down, depressed or tired at this time of year, and if you’re one of them, you’ve probably seen that when you’re dragging, it tends to impact the one you love most.
Trying something new together is a great way to keep things fresh and beat boredom, regardless of whether you’re dealing the winter blues. Whether you tackle an unfamiliar sport or give a unique and unexpected gift such as a green amethyst ring, anything that’s out of the ordinary can shake things up just enough to counteract the blahs and add some excitement to your relationship. Try one of these ideas to brighten up your relationship this winter.
Get active. Few things shake off the winter blahs quite like getting your heart pumping, and when you do it with the one you love, you can not only do your body good but also strengthen your connection. Just about any physical activity can help you blast the blues together; try rock climbing, roller skating or even a walk in the park.
Learn a new skill. Learning something new together gives your brain a workout and gives you an opportunity to help one another and build fun memories. Try to find something that’s unfamiliar to both of you so that you can pick up on a new skills; for instance, you could take a sushi-making class or try your hand at a type of art that you never learned in high school. Or, each of you can teach the other something that you know how to do. Either way, you’ll bust out of a rut, and you’ll likely share a few good laughs.
Try an unfamiliar food. They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but sharing food can be good for a girl’s heart, too. While sharing food without screens to distract you is always a good way to bond, when you share unfamiliar grub, you can add a bit of zing to your relationship. Try a cuisine you’ve never tried or tackle a new recipe together. Regardless of whether you enjoy the results, your relationship will benefit.
Go out of your way to express your love. No matter how much you love one another, your relationship will eventually lose that “new love” luster. While the benefits of long-term relationships are many, it’s hard to deny that sometimes things get stale. However, by going out of your way to express your love, you can shake things up. Try writing that special someone a poem, stocking the fridge with his or her favorite goodies or giving a present that’s a little out of the ordinary. For example, unique gemstone rings are unexpected, but they leave no question about how you feel.
Don’t let the winter blahs dampen your relationship! Put one—or a few—of these ideas into practice for a brighter relationship and a tighter bond.
Key Questions to Ask Before You Tie the Knot
If you’ve been dating someone for a while, it’s easy to think that you all you need to know before you say “I do.” However, even if you’ve had the “kid talk,” there are still several important topics you should discuss that don’t always come up in normal conversation. Before you start wearing gold wedding rings, be sure that you ask and answer each of these questions together:
How was money handled in your family? Learning about how money was handled when your partner was growing up can provide clues as to how he or she deals with finances today, and it’s a low-pressure way to open a conversation about money. Try talking about whether your families were savers or spenders and then move on to discussing more specific issues such as how much of your income you want to spend on housing, and if and how you want to give to charitable causes.
What are you expectations regarding housework? The division of household work is often a source of contention for couples, and often, it’s because of a failure to communicate expectations. Many times, we form our presuppositions about housework in our families of origin and enter marriages without even realizing what we expect. Talk about who did what in your households when you were growing up, as well as what you’d like to differently. For example, who will be responsible for cooking dinner or cleaning the bathroom? What about paying bills? Sharing your expectations ahead of time can save you from a lot of disagreements later on.
Where do you want to be in 10 years? In other words, other than getting married, what are your goals? While having different goals isn’t necessarily a reason for concern, you do need to talk about how you can cooperate and compromise so that each of you can work toward the things that are important to you. If your goals are truly incompatible (for example, one of you wants to work on Wall Street and the other wants to work among orphans in Africa), it’s time for a serious conversation about how you’re going to make a lifelong relationship work.
How do you give and receive love? Different people communicate love in different ways, and it’s important for each of you to understand how the other gives and receives love so that you recognize the other person’s efforts to demonstrate their affection, as well as so that you can show your love for that person in a way that is meaningful. For example, some people communicate their affection through gifts such as romantic jewelry, while others offer compliments or give of their time. If you’re having trouble figuring out how you and your special someone communicate love, try asking about times when each of you really felt loved, and times when each of you felt like you effectively communicated your love. You’re likely to discover some patterns that offer helpful clues.
Don’t walk down the aisle without tacking these key questions. Yes, it takes a little effort, but it’s worth it.
Six Dates on a Dime
Did you resolve to save money this year? With news of impending tax increases, many individuals and couples have been thinking about how to live more frugally. While saving money isn’t always a ton of fun, it doesn’t have to mean resigning yourselves to evenings of watching reruns and eating ramen noodles. While it might seem that your date night options are pretty limited when you’re on a budget (especially in winter), there are plenty of fun dates that cost little or nothing, allowing you to keep your resolution to save, whether you’re trying to stow away some cash for a rainy day or have enough to buy that perfect 1 carat diamond ring. Here are six ideas to get you started:
Go to a play or concert at a local college. Many colleges and universities regularly make a wide range of plays and concerts available to the public for just a fraction of what you’d pay at a professional theater. And, you just might see a star of tomorrow.
Pack a picnic. Even if you live in an area where it’s too cold to eat outside, you can still plan a romantic picnic. Try eating by the fireplace if you have one, or simply set up candles and a blanket on the floor. The food doesn’t have to be fancy—it’s about the experience! If you have access to an outdoor fireplace, try making camping classics like hobo packets and s’mores.
Take advantage of the library. Chances are, your local library allows you to check out more than just books. Most of them also loan out vast collections of movies, allowing you to share a few flicks without spending a cent. In addition, some libraries allow you to borrow passes to local museums and other attractions, allowing you to get in for free or just a few dollars.
Break out the board games. When was the last time you played Scrabble with a board and pieces rather than on your phone? Spend an afternoon or evening playing the games that likely inspired your favorite ways to kill time on a screen.
Get active together. Whether you resolved to get in shape in the new year or you’re a regular at the gym, getting active together can be a healthy date activity for both your body and your relationship. Try a new sport, take a dance class at a community center (or just go dancing), go roller skating or bowling or even play an active video game.
Cook up some fun. Eating in is almost always cheaper than going out and it almost always generates more memories. While it’s romantic to cook for the one you love, why not try whipping up dinner together? Try making homemade pizza or tackle a new recipe.
Don’t let a budget stunt your dating life! Try one of these date on a dime ideas to give your relationship a boost and still have cash left over for a gemstone ring—or a honeymoon.
