Tag Archive for 'Engagement Rings'

Making The World’s Most Expensive Engagement Rings Affordable For Everyone

Published on February 6, 2011 in Coloured Diamonds, Designer Jewellery, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Gold, Hand-made Jewellery, Jewellery, Platinum, Wedding Jewellery and White Diamonds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

The 5 Most Expensive Engagement Rings In The World

Showing individuality has been the longest, ongoing trend with engagement rings as pointed out with our series on celebrity engagement rings and several of our other, more recent engagement ring related entries.

Wearing these one-of-a-kind engagement rings often comes with a price tag better left to millionaires due to the use of traditional white diamonds or large, coloured diamonds, sometimes using the combination of both.

To give you a little taste of designer creativity that knows no bounds, here’s an inside look at the five most expensive engagement rings in the world that have had a part in inspiring this trend:

With exquisite diamonds comes an exquisite name: Secret Kiss Of The Roses. This engagement ring holds the secret of a 4.18 carat white diamond wrapped encasing a 0.80 carat rose cut pink diamond – all set in platinum.[1]

Total Price: $545,000 (USD)

Internally Flawless is the name given to this, well, internally flawless 5.98 carat oval diamond with a total of 3.96 carat diamond surrounding to form a floral designed engagement ring – all set in platinum.[2]

Total Price: $1.3 million (USD)

Just in case it isn’t enough to just hide one finger under its enormous weight of 14.79 carats in one diamond, the Tiffany Oval Diamond engagement ring also comes with an additional ring complete with 12.3 carat diamond-shaped pillows. Both rings are placed in platinum settings.[3]

Total Price of the 14.79 carat diamond ring – $1.49 million (USD)

Total Price of the 12.3 carat diamond ring – $800,000 (USD)

Total Price: $2.29 million (USD)

Having a more traditional style of design to it, the De Beers Platinum engagement ring holds a massive 9 carat single white diamond set in what the title claims – platinum.[4]

Total Price: $1.83 million (USD)

And last, but as you’ll see, definitely not least, is the most expensive engagement ring in the world titled as The Chopard Blue Diamond Ring. The treasure that lies in this ring is – drumroll please – the extremely rare blue diamond that is 9 CARATS in size! This fortune of a rock sits in 18 carat white gold and therefore earns its title, by far, as the most expensive engagement ring in the world![5]

Total Price: $16.26 million (USD)

And This Is Affordable To Me, How?

With all this talk about extravagant, customised engagement rings, some may look down and find that their current engagement ring could use a little updating or those still in the market may have decided to take a step away from the traditional look and have begun looking for a more modernised, trendy version.

The problem that many people will run into, however, is this question: How on earth would I ever be able to afford such an extravagant, multi-coloured, multi-diamond engagement ring?

Let’s start by taking a look at a few documented costs of the average engagement ring buyer:

  • In 2009, Americans spent an average of $3,150 on engagement rings[6] with the average diamond size being .38 carats[7]
  • In Australia, the average cost of engagement rings run $5,116[8]
  • In 2005, the average amount of money in the UK spent on engagement rings was £1,289[9]

Keeping these averaged budgets in mind, there are certainly limitations as to how extravagant one can go when purchasing a unique engagement ring, but there isn’t any limitation on how creative one can be.

When thinking with a resourceful mind, options become available to re-create the design and style of an engagement ring you’ve chosen in your mind long ago. Talking with your jeweller is the best way to begin your process of customising or designing your ultimate engagement ring. By incorporating this step right at the get-go, options such as coloured diamonds or types of precious metals can be discussed to change around carat sizes, integrating gemstones and having the stones placed in ways that make it more affordable for you.

PLEASE REMEMBER – that while you can experiment with the quantity of the material needed for your ring, the one thing you must never substitute for is the quality of your ring! This can’t be stressed enough. While it may look beautiful the first time you place it on your finger, it won’t last and is guaranteed for replacement within a handful of years.

This means, when thinking diamond, think diamond! Don’t consider replacing a diamond with cubic zirconium. Instead, if you love pink diamonds and yet it’s entirely out of your budget, converse with your jeweller about pink gemstones that will resemble a pink diamond but cut the amount of money required down to something you can afford.

Is it still difficult to see the end result? To paint a clearer mental picture of how you can make one of the most expensive diamond engagement rings in the world end up on your ring finger, let’s explore how to make the original price for the Secret Kiss Of The Roses engagement ring come down to an amount that fits your budget.

When talking with your jeweller, you can discuss which gemstone and carat size suits you and your future engagement ring better. While there isn’t a single stone out there that perfectly imitate a brilliant white diamond, there are genuine gemstones that, to the naked eye, will give a great resemblance of a diamond. Substituting gemstones such as white sapphires and white topaz instead of white diamonds can be a great choice for the big carat selection. In place of the pink diamond, embed a pink tourmaline gemstone in the centre to create the proper effect of this magnificent ring. The budget that’s been set aside for the biggest price of the engagement ring – the diamond – can then be placed in the sequential order covering the band.

Keep in mind that customised or designer engagement rings can rack up the price if you’re not careful so keep things realistically within proportion. Instead of going for 4.18 carats, you may find you’ll be just as happy with a 1 carat gemstone.

The end result? You’ll have a customised, designer engagement ring that doesn’t forgo on quality and yet, gives the fantastic look of a multi-thousand dollar ring!

While trends may come and go, engagement rings have been around for many centuries and aren’t going anywhere – so have fun with it, book an appointment with your jeweller and get trendy!

References:

[1] http://www.mostinterestingfacts.com/collectible/the-4-most-expensive-engagement-rings-in-the-world.html

[2] http://engagementring.org/the-reason-behind-extensively-expensive-engagement-rings

[3] http://www.theoddpics.com/2010/07/4-most-expensive-engagement-rings-in.html

[4] http://www.worldinterestingfacts.com/wealthy/top-6-most-expensive-engagement-rings-in-the-world.html

[5] http://buydiamondrings.org/most-expensive-diamond-rings-ever

[6] http://blog.learnvest.com/learnvest-daily/average-cost-of-an-engagement-ring/

[7] http://www.ringenvy.com/engagement-rings/fun-%28and-useful%29-engagement-ring-facts

[8] http://money-guide.com.au/2009/12/average-wedding-cost-australia/

[9] http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/bargains-and-rip-offs/article.html?in_article_id=397984&in_page_id=5

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The 5 Most Common Mistakes Brides Make When Choosing Bridal Jewellery

Published on January 30, 2011 in Bridal Jewellery, Coloured Diamonds, Designer Jewellery, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Eskae Private Jeweller, Gemstones, Jewellery, Wedding Jewellery and White Diamonds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

With so many things to do before a wedding, it’s easy to overlook problems you may run last minute on your wedding day. Considering jewellery plays a crucial role in your big day, you’ll want to know the about most common mistakes brides make in order to prevent these unwanted disasters from happening to you!

Mistake #1:

Choosing An Ultra Trendy Engagement Ring

Trends come and go but engagement rings are designed to last a lifetime. Unless you’re having an engagement ring custom designed for you according to your own personal taste, you may want to think twice before choosing the next ‘It’ engagement ring.

For example, the latest trend in the engagement ring market is replacing the classic, white diamond with a birthstone. There’s no mistaking that this is a fantastic idea but remember to ask yourself if you want to be reminded of your birthday every day or your future husband.

Also keep in mind that your coloured birthstone may not match all of your clothing. If you were born in April (diamond birthstone) or June (pearl birthstone), then you can easily get away with this dilemma but if you were born in a colourful month like July (ruby birthstone) or August (peridot birthstone), your engagement ring may not flow as well with all of your pink or orange clothing.

Engagement rings can be an investment and the last thing you’d want to do is look back five years later and realize your wedding set has long gone out of style leaving you wanting a new set. It could possibly hurt your bank account as well as your spouse’s feelings.

The Fix:

If you’ve already chosen your trendy ring, enjoy it! If, however, in a couple of years, you decide that you’d like something more classic or updated, there’s always the option of having your jeweller make the changes necessary to keep you enjoying your ring forever.

For those who are 100% certain of putting colour into your engagement ring, think about opting for coloured diamonds instead of birthstones. Not only will they remind you of your most memorable day, they’re 58 times harder than the next hardest mineral on earth making them almost indestructible – that is, unless you plan on putting your ring into a fire of 1405 degrees Fahrenheit.[1]

If you’re still in the process of choosing your custom designed engagement ring or having it designed, the best selection would be a timeless wedding set that, 25 years later, you’ll never grow tired of admiring its beauty.

Mistake #2:

Picking The Bridal Jewellery BEFORE Picking The Wedding Dress

Once a woman receives her engagement ring, the frantic planning for the race to their dream wedding day begins. Because there is so much pre-wedding planning to do, it’s easy to lose order during the chaos.

Picking the wedding dress beforehand allows the bride-to-be to pick the bridal jewellery that emphasizes the gown rather than hiding under it or worse, clashing with it. The last thing any bride needs is to look just as chaotic as they felt when pulling together their wedding. By creating the wrong fashion statement with something as simple as the wrong choice of necklace, it will ensure that their wedding will be remembered for all of the wrong reasons!

The Fix:

The two most important considerations to notice before picking the bridal set is the neckline of the wedding dress and also, the embellishments that may or may not have been added. If your dress includes embellishments such as pearls or crystals, you’ll want to follow the theme accordingly with your jewellery.

For the neckline of your wedding gown, you’ll want to consider wearing your bridal jewellery the following ways:

  • Halter Neckline or Backless Dress – These are perhaps the most restricting gowns when it comes to jewellery choices. Wearing only stud earrings and a bracelet would be the perfect selection.
  • Square Neckline or Strapless Dress – These necklines are just the opposite, leaving many varieties open for most types of jewellery to be worn. The best choice would be to wear drop or chandelier earrings with a single or double stranded necklace. Another option that looks fantastic is wearing simple earrings with a fancy bridal choker.
  • V-Neck or Plunging Neckline – Since you’ll want to draw attention to your face, wearing stud earrings with a y-drop or a pendant necklace will do just that!

Finding your dress and picking bridal jewellery afterwards is the common sense approach to take; however, if you’ve already fallen in love with the jewellery that you’ve decided is a must-have for your wedding day, you can always opt to design your wedding around the jewellery. Just remember that that can get a little tricky since the philosophy behind wearing bridal jewellery is to enhance your overall wedding look while bringing your own personal style into play.

Mistake #3:

Not Styling Your Hair According To Your Bridal Jewellery

That sounds a little silly, doesn’t it? But think about it, if you’ve chosen to wear beautiful pearl stud earrings with a matching necklace and have left your hair down, you wouldn’t even see most of your bridal jewellery!

The Fix:

Before going to the salon to have your hair glammed up, check out a few bridal magazines or try your jewellery on while standing in front of a full length mirror to get a feel of how you want to look on your wedding day. Ask a close friend or family member for their honest opinion because most store employees will say anything to get a sale.

Unless your wedding dress is extremely embellished, you’ll most likely be wearing a full bridal set and it’s a safe bet to say that you won’t want to hide it under your hair. By keeping your own personal style, you can incorporate professional styles to elegantly pull your hair up off of your neckline and away from your ears. If you have short hair, sweep either one side or both sides up over your ears to show off your gorgeous bridal earrings.

If you’re unable to decide on your own, much like consulting with your jeweller to pick out the perfect bridal jewellery, you can consult with your hair stylist to pick the perfect up-do meant just for you!

Mistake #4:

Not Matching Your Bridesmaids

Every bride wants to stand out on her wedding day and looking unique is a sure way to do exactly that. Your wedding day should be all about you which means this is the one time it’s okay for you to be selfish about who wears what with of your friends without sounding catty. Much like buying the bridal jewellery set before the wedding dress, you must plan out your bridesmaids’ entire ensemble beforehand so there aren’t any last minute clashes.

The Fix:

Most women prefer to give jewellery as a gift to their bridesmaids but if buying complete jewellery sets are out of your budget, purchase just the earrings, bracelet or necklace for your friends to set the tone of the theme. By choosing the coloured gemstone and/or design for them, they’ll be inclined to follow suit that emphasizes you and doesn’t upstage you on your perfect wedding day!

Mistake #5:

Choosing Your Bridal Set From The Store At The Mall (Gasp!)

Sure, bridal jewellery sets can be costly and after purchasing the wedding gown, wedding ring set, bridesmaid dresses, facility rental, DJ (the list goes on and on), you’ll be feigning to save money when you can. However tempted you may be, jewellery is one area you should never forego quality on.

Bridal jewellery is not always necessarily worn after the wedding day but it either already is or will be a future heirloom to pass down to worthy family members. In other words, bridal jewellery is meant to last not just your lifetime but generations to come.

The Fix:

You can cut down on extravagance to save some dollars but you should never wear cheap jewellery on your wedding day. You’ll want every little detail to be stunningly perfect and guess what? Cheap jewellery can tarnish even the most beautiful of all wedding dresses, not to mention the greenish marks left behind on your skin. To make sure you don’t fall victim to committing this wedding faux-pas, talk with your jewellery designer to use materials that work for your wedding day as well as your budget.

If you aren’t planning on holding onto your bridal set to pass down as an heirloom, discuss options to make your jewellery a part of your life that you can wear to fancy occasions or wear as an everyday piece.

Knowing what you now know to avoid falling into these common little traps, you can put your mind at ease and be rest-assured that you’ll not just look great on your wedding day; you’ll look above and beyond spectacular – you’ll be DAZZLING!

References:

[1] http://didyouknow.org/diamonds/

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50 Top Celebrity Proposals, Part II

Published on January 2, 2011 in Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Eskae Private Jeweller, Fun Stuff, Jewellery, Proposals and White Diamonds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

As we continue on this journey into the celebrity world of proposals, I’ve found some fun stories and interesting approaches to nuptials. Some are repeating an engagement with the same person, while others may already be seeing the end of their marriage as I write this. No matter the outcome, however, some of these stories are quite “engaging”.

1.  Nicole Richie and Joel Madden

Richie and Madden have been a tight pair for some time, already building a family together with a 3-year-old daughter and a 13-month old son. Madden reportedly popped the question to Richie over a romantic Valentine’s weekend. When he presented Richie with a stunning engagement ring, she excitedly accepted.

2.  Jason Seehorn and Angie Harmon

Perhaps my favorite story within this set, Harmon and Seehorn shared their moment with literally millions on “The Tonight Show”. Harmon was a guest on the show, but refused to talk about her private life when pushed by host Jay Leno. Former football star – and Harmon’s boyfriend –Jason Sehorn came out on stage with a Diamond ring to pop the question. Harmon’s father was even on hand to provide his blessing over the proposal and a tearfully surprised Harmon accepted both.

3. Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller

Despite current problems between Sheen and Mueller, the proposal shared between the two was nothing short of sweet. While on a 10-day vacation at the Four Seasons Hotel in Costa Rica; Sheen proposed to Mueller with an 11-carat, $500,000 engagement ring. Mueller was reportedly caught off guard, but happily accepted.

4.  Katy Perry and  Russell Brand

The recently married Perry and Brand were engaged in a romantic ceremony at the Taj Rambagh Palace hotel in India on New Year’s Eve. Brand planned every detail of the proposal, including the dining experience and what Perry would wear. The couple arrived for the special evening in a horse and carriage. At midnight, they enjoyed fireworks while sitting on an elephant and were then taken to Mughal Garden where the engagement ring was hidden among the flowers. Perry found the ring, Brand proposed and Perry immediately accepted.

5.  Carmen Electra and Rob Patterson

Electra set out to plan her third trip down the aisle after Patterson proposed. The couple were celebrating Electra’s 36th birthday in Las Vegas when Patterson popped the question. The two had been dating for more than a year and Patterson presented Electra with a black stone engagement ring. She excitedly accepted his proposal.

6.  Beyonce and Jay Z

Beyonce and Jay Z were a steady item for about five years before he asked for her hand. Jay Z proposed to his favorite girl while the two were enjoying a romantic getaway in Cannes. He reportedly promised to get her the “biggest diamond she could fit on her finger.” Beyonce excitedly accepted the proposal. With the promise of that kind of ring, how could she refuse?

7.  Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter

Winter knows how to take romance to the next level, creating the perfect proposal atmosphere. Under a full moon at midnight, just two days before Christmas of 2007, the two were seated in a double kayak off the coast of the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. It is reported that Sanchez became worried when the guide in the other kayak paddled away, until she realized it was part of the plan. Winter presented Sanchez with a proposal and a 4.3-carat brilliant-cut diamond ring. She readily accepted and then realizing they were still surrounded by acres of sea, begged him to put the ring away for fear of dropping it in the water.

8.  Ali  Fedotowsky (The Bachelorette) and Robert  Martinez

Not all reality television shows focused on finding “the one” can gain attention as a great proposal. However, the end of the Bachelorette, featuring Fedotowsky as the one looking for love, the proposal from Martinez was nothing short of breathtaking. Rumors had been surrounding the show and Fedotowsky as she was reportedly planning to remain single. Perhaps it was the 3-carat Neil Lane engagement ring worth about $50,000 that changed her mind.

9.  Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green

The second time around may be the magic number for Fox and Green who are engaged – again. Green proposed to Fox on the beach of the Four Seasons Hotel in Hawaii. The two had picked out a 2-carat diamond ring together and Green presented it to her on their special day. The day ended with confusion, however, as Fox reportedly lost the ring on the same beach. Hotel staff members combed the sand looking for the ring, but were unable to recover the prize.

10.   Tara Reid and Michael Axtmann

Party girl Reid appears to be on the path to finally settle down – or at least make the commitment to party with only one man. After a whirlwind romance of less than a year, Axtmann asked Reid for her hand while having dinner at The Little Door restaurant in Los Angeles. Reid readily accepted and patrons throughout the restaurant clapped and congratulated the couple as Axtmann placed a beautiful round brilliant cut diamond ring on her finger.

Join me next time as I take a look at 10 more celebrity proposals.

Sam Kritsotakis
Eskae Private Jeweller

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10 Extraordinary Gold Celebrity Engagement Rings

Published on October 31, 2010 in Bridal Jewellery, Engagement Rings, Eskae Private Jeweller, Gold, Jewellery and Wedding Jewellery. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

During a series of posts, I have taken you on a journey through celebrity engagement rings. We have viewed rings from such individuals as Madonna and Heidi Klum and have viewed stones from platinum settings to white diamonds. In this post, I think you will find it fascinating some of the rings I have discovered. While I am focusing on the gold engagement ring in this post, I think you will enjoy some of the looks that include the modern and the timeless traditional pieces that have captured the desires of women everywhere.

1. Jenna Fisher

Her second time around, Jenna Fisher is betrothed to writer Lee Kirk. The engagement included the offering of a 2 carat, round cut brilliant solitaire diamond set in a gold band. This timeless tradition varies somewhat from the eye-popping size of celebrity rings, yet the subtle appeal tends to fit the personality of the bride-to-be.

2. Jacqueline Kennedy

Long before she was Jackie O., Jacqueline Kennedy was a First Lady and the world looked to her for the next trends in fashion. While much of her look kept with tradition, the engagement ring given to her by John F. Kennedy consisted of one 2.88 carat diamond mounted next to a 2.84 carat cut emerald. The two feature stones were surrounded with tapered baguettes. While this ring was not the largest or most unique in her collection, it was certainly one that made a statement as an engagement ring in 1953.

3. Bella Swan

This piece was an interesting one to include on my list simply because Bella Swan is actually a fictional character. What I find so fun in her “engagement” is that the popularity of the Twilight saga has penetrated mainstream to the point that the engagement ring featured on the big screen is now available for purchase. The ring was designed in partnership between Twilight writer Stephanie Meyer and Infinite Jewelry Co. to match the description given in the book. Bella’s ring is designed in yellow gold, although the style is also available in white gold.

4. Katie DioGuardi

Mike McCuddy gave American Idol judge Katie DioGuardi a smoky quartz Pave Albion ring designed by David Yurman. The ring is made with 18 carat gold and features a champagne citron stone at the center. The non-traditional engagement ring is said to better fit the bride’s style. I love this piece as it demonstrates that traditional does not always have to dictate choice when it comes to the engagement ring.

5. Fergie

The bold style of this celebrity is exemplified in the bold styling of her engagement ring. Husband Josh Duhamel proposed with an extra-wide engagement ring designed by H. Stern. The ring features a 4 carat brilliant cut diamond center stone and is surrounded by stones of varying colors. The ring has two bands that compliment the style, although the engagement ring itself makes a statement all on its own.

6. Amy Winehouse

Simple and classic are certainly not words I would use to describe Amy Winhouse, yet they do apply to her engagement ring. The simple solitaire is roughly 2 carats and set on a gold band. The traditional look of the ring easily contrasts Winehouse’s celebrity look, yet can easily blend with other pieces. While it isn’t the ring I would assume she would have, her choice (she reportedly bought the ring herself) demonstrates classic roots can run deep.

7. Princess Di

No longer with us, few will soon forget Princess Di and the impact she had on the world. A unique and vibrant as she was, the engagement ring selected for her marriage to Prince Charles easily matched her own beauty. She had the option of selecting from a range of engagement rings presented to her by Garrard Jewellers and she chose the 18 carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 small diamonds and set in elegant gold.

8. Miranda Kerr

When Orlando Bloom proposed to Miranda Kerr, he presented her with an oval center stone diamond set in gold. The center diamond is 3 to 4 carats in weight and is designed as a solitaire to be worn alone or with additional piece settings. The classic look of the ring has a trendy appeal that blends both tradition and modern styling.

9. Katy Perry

A whirlwind romance led to the engagement of Katy Perry and Russell Brand. The costume-loving songbird now wears a 3 carat white diamond Cartier ring set in gold. The shape of the diamond is a round brilliant cut and is the perfect choice for the band setting. This ring is actually the first choice for Perry, but the second for Brand, who originally selected a 4 carat pink diamond Cartier. This style seems to be a better fit for Perry.

10. Victoria Beckham

Perhaps my favorite in this list is an engagement ring that was not included in a proposal, but actually borrowed for an event. Victoria Beckham was one to pull it off, however, as she sported a $7 million, 19 carat diamond solitaire ring set in gold. On loan from Chopard, the diamond shape is Asscher and the final look is stunning, if not out of reach for most. A smaller version would just as easily catch the eye and fit many a trend.

Check back with me next time as I take you on a journey of celebrities wearing unusual stone engagement rings.

Sam Kritsotakis
Eskae Private Jeweller

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10 Extraordinary White-Diamond Celebrity Engagement Rings

Published on October 26, 2010 in Bridal Jewellery, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Eskae Private Jeweller, Hand-made Jewellery, Jewellery and White Diamonds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

As you journey with me on this trip through a wide variety of celebrity engagement rings, for this post we will look at the engagement that was sealed with the white diamond engagement ring. Here I will explore some unusual trends, exquisite settings and brilliant stones. While not all of these engagements lasted, the beauty of the given ring was most certainly enough to stand the test of time.

1. Jennifer Hudson

This 5 carat, white diamond engagement ring given to Jennifer Hudson by fiancé David Otunga was designed by Neil Lane. The ring – which Hudson had to dig out of the sand upon her engagement – features a round center stone and a micro-pave split shank band. The center stone is surrounded by white diamonds and is set in platinum.

2. David Otunga

While David Otunga took a romantic approach to his proposal to Jennifer Hudson, she turned the tables on him and proposed to him on his birthday. The ring Hudson presented to Otunga was as impressive as her own 5 carat beauty. Also designed by Neil Lane, the 5 carat diamond and platinum men’s engagement ring is architectural and geometric in its design.

3. Nicolette Sheridan

Michael Bolton proposed to Nicolette Sheridan with a round center diamond set in a melee diamond wreath on a two millimeter channel set diamond band. The diamonds on Sheridan’s piece go halfway around the band, yet the style is also readily found with a solid, smooth band. Depending upon your taste, either look is eye-catching.

4. Gisele Bundchen

When Tom Brady proposed to Gisele Bundchen, he offered her a 4 carat, brilliant diamond on a 4-prong platinum setting. The ring fits perfectly with the pave diamond wedding band. The white diamonds on this setting set off a fire and light dance that is hard to capture in stones not cut just perfectly. With this piece, the bride should be very impressed.

5. Selma Hayek

The oval-cut white diamond gracing the center stage of the engagement ring worn by Selma Hayek is striking to the eye. The three stone engagement ring totals more than 5 carats in weight and features the oval center stone surrounded by trillions set in platinum. This Neil Lane design was given to Hayek by Francois-Henri Pinault.

6. Avril Lavigne

Venice, Italy provided the backdrop for the engagement of Avril Lavigne and Deryck Whibley. He presented her with a cushion cut solitaire white diamond set in platinum. A surprisingly formal look for a girl known to buck current trends, this timeless piece can work for any style. The beauty of the solitaire – aside from the brilliance of the diamond itself – is that it can be matched with just about anything to fit your own personal style.

7. Eva Longoria

Tony Parker presented Eva Longoria with a 3 stone, white diamond engagement ring set in platinum. The center stone is an emerald cut and the ring itself features 248 diamonds. Jean Dousset was the designer behind the ring who set out to create a ring that exudes confidence, delicacy and femininity, all things Dousset saw in Longoria. The end design is unique as Tony added his own inscription that is engraved on the inside shank.

8. Ashley Simpson

The overshadowed sister of the camera-hungry Jessica Simpson, Ashley Simpson appears to be truly smitten with her husband Pete Wentz. The 4 carat square cushion set white diamond featured in the engagement ring he gave her sparkles with a life of its own. The diamond is set in pave diamonds with a total look of timeless elegance.

9. Madonna

The material girl took an antique approach when she wed Guy Ritchie in Scotland. The proposal to Madonna was centered on the 5 carat, 3 round stone white diamond ring designed in the Edwardian style by Neil Land. The accompanying band was platinum with several small set diamonds. While the marriage was not meant to last, the design of Madonna’s engagement ring holds fast to tradition and its beauty will permeate through the generations.

10. Ellen Pompeo

Record producer Chris Ivery proposed to Ellen Pompeo with a 3.5 carat platinum and diamond Tacori ring. This white diamond engagement ring features a gorgeous center stone that displays fire and brilliance like a cushion cut diamond should. The smaller white diamonds along the band stabilize the look, while keeping the eye firmly focused on the overall brilliance of the ring’s design.

Check back with me next time as I take you on a journey of celebrities wearing gold engagement rings.

Sam Kritsotakis
Eskae Private Jeweller

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10 Extraordinary Platinum Celebrity Engagement Rings

Published on October 21, 2010 in Bridal Jewellery, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Eskae Private Jeweller, Jewellery, Platinum and Wedding Jewellery. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

There is nothing that is so magical as the woman’s engagement ring. Throughout the world women in a variety of cultures dream about the emblem that will project to the world that she is loved, claimed. This symbol takes on many meanings and in the celebrity world such meanings are often overshadowed by the luminous grandeur of the ring itself.

In this next series of posts, I will explore the beauty and luxury of the celebrity engagement ring, focusing on the top 10 in a number of different categories. For today’s post, I have found what I believe to be some of the most exquisite of platinum engagement rings.

1. Katie Holmes

The much ballyhooed romance between Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes took on a new reality when he proposed to her at the top of the Eiffel Tower. The ring he gave to her features an oval shaped diamond roughly 5 carats in size. The diamond is set in rose gold and platform and the band splits as it moves toward the center, completing a split band to provide stability and support to the diamond. The simple symmetry of the ring suggests art deco in design and the small accents surrounding the ring create an elegant and classic pattern.

2. Ivanka Trump

After a two-year courtship, New York Observer owner, Jared Kushner proposed to Ivanka Trump with a beautiful, platinum ring from her own line of jewelry, the Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry Line. The 5.22 carat cushion-cut diamond set in a platinum mount. The fire and brilliance of the diamond along catch the eye, while the platinum ring displays a firm beauty and elegant style.

3. Calista Flockhart

The romance between Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart is one watched carefully by the public as the quintessential hero of the big screen in the 1980′s and 1990′s decided family man was the next role to play. He proposed to Flockhart with a brilliant emerald cut diamond surrounded with pave diamonds. The stone itself is roughly 4-5 carats in weight and is set in platinum. The matching solid band completes the ensemble, although the engagement ring alone captures the eye.

4. Christina Aguilera

London jeweler Stephen Webster was the creativity behind the design of the 5 carat diamond and platinum piece given to Christina Aguilera by music executive Jordan Bratman. The round center diamond bezel is set in the cathedral semi-mount with eight channel set diamonds flanking the sides. The diamond is given its height by a hand scrolled lattice work undercarriage. The diamond is completely encased in a gold frame to provide support and stability.

5. Khloe Kardashian

While rumors of a money-hungry bride surround the marriage of Khloe Kardashian and Lakers’ star Lamar Odom, no one can easily knock the brilliance of the engagement ring. A reported 9 carats in weight for the main, princess cut diamond, the band itself is diamond encrusted platinum. The value of this ring is not disclosed, yet speculation suggests a body guard at all times might be a good idea. Regardless of the sincerity of the wedding, the ring itself is true elegance.

6. Katherine Heigl

A celebrity with her heart focused on tradition, this was captured beautifully in Katherine Heigl’s platinum and diamond engagement ring. The center stone is a pear shaped diamond of roughly 3 carats in weight and flanked by pave diamonds around the exterior. The ring is a Ryan Ryan design and incorporates the bride’s sentimentality into the ring. Half of the platinum band is from Katherine’s mother’s own engagement ring.

7. Beyonce

One celebrity couple who could easily top the list in terms of ring value is Beyonce and Jay-Z. Beyonce’s 18 carat flawless emerald cut diamond set in platinum and designed by Lorraine Schwartz. The ring is reportedly valued at $5 million and is a stunning example of the beauty a diamond can project when properly cut and displayed. While some have argued this ring is too big, size is truly in the eye of the beholder.

8. Ashley Judd

Classic beauty is perhaps the best way to describe the solitaire engagement ring given to Ashley Judd by her race car driver husband, Dario Franchitti. The ring features a cushion cut diamond surrounded by pave setting. The diamond and surrounding accents are set in platinum. The engagement ring was designed by Martin Katz and projects a sincere beauty that projects a classic styling.

9. Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell sports a gorgeous platinum ring featuring an emerald cut, 3 carat diamond surrounded by smaller white diamonds. The cognac fancy-colored diamond ring designed by Neil Lane was given to Bell by comedian Dax Shepard. The contrast of the cognac diamond against the white diamonds and platinum setting gives off a look of elegance and classic charm.

10. Jane Lynch

There is definite beauty in simplicity and I wanted to feature the engagement ring Jane Lynch received from longtime partner, Dr. Lara Embry. This platinum and diamond Doyle & Doyle is a crossover twist ring featuring 0.35 carats of diamonds. While Lynch’s ring may not have the sticker shock or carat size of many of the other contenders, the classic style of her ring still captures a steady and secure beauty and brilliance often overlooked in diamond encrusted rings.

Check back with me next time as I take you on a journey of celebrities wearing coloured diamond engagement rings.

Sam Kritsotakis
Eskae Private Jeweller

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Engagement Rings – A Man’s Guide For Buying The Perfect Engagement Ring

Published on October 16, 2010 in Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Eskae Private Jeweller, Jewellery and Platinum. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Women start planning their weddings probably around the same time they learn how to say the word, ‘diamond’. This means that when E-Day (Engagement Day) has arrived, the perfect ring has been concocted in the female imagination for quite a few years, if not decades, therefore, there’s some pretty high expectations riding on the one piece of jewellery.

For men, that can be pretty scary and overwhelming!

Men know that women have the memory of a hard drive but what does this mean to guys?

It means this momentous engagement is sure to be stored away and brought back to life every time someone comments on her ring. Women are creatures who pay attention to every, minute detail which leaves you of no other option than buying the PERFECT engagement ring!

Its okay though, guys. I’m going to walk you through finding the perfect engagement ring for your girlfriend. This way, all you have to worry about is getting the right words out of your mouth to make that extraordinary, dream-come-true memory for your soon-to-be-fiancé.

Most of you will most likely want to surprise your girlfriend with an engagement ring but would it surprise you to know that 74% of all brides receive a diamond engagement ring and of that 74%, 60% of women are involved in picking out their ring?[i]

If you’re fine with her coming along to pick out the engagement ring, then it will be smooth sailing and you won’t need my advice.

Generally, however, most men plan to go in with the element of surprise. Just because many women end up picking out their rings doesn’t mean a surprise wasn’t planned in the beginning. It just means with a little bit of know-how, you can pull the whole thing off flawlessly.

The first and foremost thing to know is the 3 little components that make up the engagement ring:

  1. The band – The gold or platinum part of the ring that goes around the finger
  2. The setting – This is what holds the stone(s) onto the ring and comes as pronged or invisible
  3. The stone – This is the part of the ring that makes women say ‘I do’ otherwise known as the centrepiece, or the most important part of the engagement ring

Now that you understand the basic terms we’ll be using, let’s begin perfecting your plan for a surprise proposal:

Details, Details, Details!!!

It sounds strange, but paying attention to the small things goes a very long way. As you’re reading this, look over at your girlfriend’s necklace, earrings or whatever type of jewellery she’s wearing.

Is it yellow gold? White gold? This will give you an indication as to which colour band to choose for the engagement ring.

If she’s wearing white gold, you can always find a band to match but chances are that she’ll appreciate a diamond setting made from platinum much more. Unlike other precious metals, platinum doesn’t tarnish or oxidize over time from air or water. If she’s wearing yellow gold, then you should stick to the same since most women don’t like to mix and match their gold’s.

The next step is to recognize the style she incorporates into her jewellery. Perhaps she wears minimal, simple jewellery in which case, choosing a simple band with one stone set in the middle would be the ideal choice for her.

If she likes wearing colourful, flashy jewellery, you can always opt for coloured diamonds instead of the traditional, transparent diamond. Perhaps she likes antique jewellery or customised jewellery.

The point is, notice her taste and you’ll know which direction to begin looking. If you at least understand the type of jewellery she favours, you can always talk to your jeweller to help you along further or have your engagement ring customised.

Check Out Her Hands

The next time you’re holding your beau’s hand, look down and see what kind of hands she has.

Does she have short fingers? If so, bold rings will overpower them making her fingers appear even smaller. It’s similar to women trying on a pair of pants and then asking how they look – they want to wear pants to make them look slimmer. The same goes for fingers. Women think slim fingers are beautiful; therefore, your best bet would be to choose a slim band with an oval shaped or elongated diamond to lengthen her fingers.

Does she have long fingers? Think opposite of short fingers. A slim band wouldn’t stand out on her long fingers so a thicker band will look nice. You don’t have to worry too much about the diamond shape because with long fingers, any shape will do.

Listen

This is one time that listening to your lady will pay off. It may be hard for some of you but it’s not impossible, I promise!

When she’s talking to her friends, she’s sure to bring up the topic of marriage if your relationship has reached that point. This is the perfect opportunity for you to pick up a few keywords of the ring she’s been dreaming about.

If she’s going out shopping for accessories, ask to tag along (be subtle, of course!). Listen to what she gets excited about or what she thinks is absolutely all wrong about fashion. Keep a mental checklist so that when you’re shopping, you’ll know exactly what makes her cringe and what makes her light up with happiness.

One great tip I have advised my clients of is to slow down the walking pace when you pass by a jewellery store window. This way, if she doesn’t stop completely, look in and literally point out all the ones that she likes, she will at least make a comment about this ring or that ring and what it is that she likes or dislikes about them…

Steal Her Ring

Desperate times call for desperate measures! The next time your girlfriend runs out for an errand, slip into her jewellery box and take out her ring. If you need outside help, you can always ask one of her friends to sneak a ring for you.

By taking her ring, you now have the approximate size of her finger. Different fingers equal different sizes but you’ll be within the right range. Jewellers happily adjust rings if it’s within a couple of ring sizes. After a couple of sizes, changing the ring size can affect the structure of the ring or the placement of the stone. If you somehow managed to find a ring that she wears on one of her ring fingers, then you’ve struck gold (or platinum)!

The Back-up Plan

If all else fails but you still want to surprise her, you can always opt for a loose diamond. As long as you can pick out the band that would make her happy, you can always take her back to the jeweller after you’ve surprised her to customise the ring.

One more little word of advice: If you’re using her friends as allies, choose wisely who you’re telling the good news to! Even the best of friends can accidentally slip up or worse, swear your girlfriend to secrecy and then surprise you with the news that she’s known all along.

Now that you have the tools necessary to know how to buy the perfect engagement ring and still surprise your sweetheart, I wish you the best of luck!

Sam Kritsotakis

Eskae Private Jeweller

[i] http://www.romancestuck.com/wedding/wedding-trivia.htm

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Dazzling Diamond Dozen

Published on August 28, 2010 in Bridal Jewellery, Designer Jewellery, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Hand-made Jewellery, Jewellery, Wedding Jewellery and White Diamonds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .
  1. What bride doesn’t want to look stunning on their most memorable day? Finding the perfect bridal jewelry and knowing how to wear it properly on your wedding day will make you and your jewels – flawless!
  2. There are many reasons why your loved one loves YOU! One of those reasons could be that you’re different – in a good way, of course. Show your sweetheart that you care by going the extra mile and opting for designer jewellery rather than walking into a store and picking one out from the display case because it’s the little things that matter!
  3. Let’s face it – engagement rings are all about the woman which could mean a very stressful time for the groom-to-be. By knowing what you’re getting into ahead of time (we’re only talking about the ring…), it might be helpful to know exactly what it is you’re looking for before rushing out and putting that big dent in your bank account.
  4. Believe it or not, diamonds are not just a girl’s best friend – they’re pretty good friends with men too! Men who know how to wear their diamond jewellery fashionably can sport their rock just as well as women do.
  5. For those who enjoy authenticity and an artistic twist, picking handcrafted jewellery instead of the usual design, is a sure way to draw great attention to you!
  6. Bridal jewellery has a more sentimental value to it than most other pieces of jewellery. Since it will probably only be worn once and then kept as a keepsake, make sure you’re picking the best value as well as the best quality.
  7. Most women want their engagement ring to stand out and look different from every other run-of-the-mill engagement ring. Having designer rings made especially for you will guarantee you your chance to shine.
  8. Buying an engagement ring online is becoming more and more popular. Like everything else, it’s easy and you don’t have to get up from your chair to do it. However, it’s a HUGE gamble to take involving an awfully large amount of money. Your best bet may be to choose your diamond or fine jewel in person to ensure you get exactly what you’re paying for.
  9. Learn what it takes to design and create custom jewelery because once you know how, you will not want to go for anything less to dazzle and impress!
  10. Unique jewelry is fantastic because you get to have a hand in designing your own one-of-a-kind jewelry! It’s easy to get carried away when picking jewels and metals (it can get rather expensive) so before turning over your ring design over your jewellery designer, make sure you’ve allocated beforehand for changes and additions to your budget.
  11. Once you’re married, you’ll be planning to wear your wedding rings for the rest of your life. Look around to get to know what type of metal and design appeals to you while remaining within your budget.
  12. Understanding the important qualities of your diamond will make you appreciate your diamond rings all the more!
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Add Drama to Your Marriage Proposal with a Custom-Crafted Engagement Ring

Published on June 15, 2010 in Designer Jewellery, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Hand-made Jewellery, Jewellery and Wedding Jewellery. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , .

Add Drama to Your Marriage Proposal with a Custom-Crafted Engagement Ring

Your marriage proposal.  It’s a time to be creative… to be memorable… to be surprising.  What better way to make it a truly dramatic moment than with a custom-crafted engagement ring?

A custom-crafted diamond ring adds a “wow” factor when you pop the question.  It tells your soon-to-be fiancé that you took the moment seriously, which is something every woman appreciates.

Certainly, there are mass-produced engagement rings on the market that you could purchase.  But can you honestly say they reflect your relationship with the person you want to be with forever?  In other words, is your romance generic?  Is it ordinary?  Of course it’s not!  You and your loved one have a very special bond that needs to be echoed by the engagement ring you choose.

Imagine the moment when you ask your significant other to be your wife and she sees one of the most unique diamond engagement rings she could ever imagine.  Doesn’t she deserve to experience that kind of once-in-a-lifetime excitement thanks to your thoughtful preparation?

If you’re not absolutely convinced that a custom made engagement ring needs to be a significant part of your marriage proposal, take these facts into consideration:

1.  Engagement Rings That are Personalized Can Tell the Story of Your Relationship

Never underestimate the ability of a fine jeweller to craft a diamond engagement ring that tells the tale of your love with your future betrothed.  Many custom-crafted diamond engagement rings’ elements (e.g., type of gold, style of setting, cut of diamond) are carefully considered based on the relationship between the affianced.  This makes them a daily symbol and reminder of a matchless love.

2.  Unique Diamond Engagement Rings Are More Valued Than Their Mass-Produced Counterparts

When you commission an award-winning jeweller to create an engagement ring, you’re sending a very specific message to your loved one.  And she’s going to reciprocate by treating her one-of-a-kind custom made engagement ring in a manner befitting such an extraordinary item.  (This isn’t to say that she’d dislike a mass-produced engagement ring; however, wouldn’t you treat a customized item with more care than one you could easily replace?)

3.  A Custom-Crafted Engagement Ring Is a Long-Term Investment, Not a “Throw Away” Expenditure

When you make the decision to choose an engagement ring that’s been painstakingly crafted by a fine jeweller, you are making a wise fiscal investment, not simply spending your money.  Your future spouse’s unique diamond engagement ring will appreciate in value over the years and will most likely be handed down for centuries.  This means your purchase will become a lasting financial asset for generations.

Turn your marriage proposal from good to phenomenal with a custom crafted engagement ring.  You’ll never regret your decision to make your proposal spectacular!

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