Trend - Rough Diamonds

Rough diamonds are a big trend now. No matter what cut of diamond you're interested in, be sure the seller stands behind what they sell and that all jewels are certified.

Photo courtesy of Angara Jewels

Cloud Nine - Girl's Best Friend

Now that you have an amazing ring that you want to sparkle forever, you need to be sure to care for it carefully. The purchasing contract may state that you must get your ring cleaned several times per year to maintain the warranty. Stay on top of getting your ring cleaned by a jeweler to make sure it stays sparkling and the setting is properly secured. Make sure you shield your ring from harsh cleaners and remove it during periods when there's the potential for it to get dirty.

Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Ask Marvin - To Band Or Not To Band

Dear Marvin,
I love my engagement ring! It has lots of details that show from all angles. I feel like a wedding band may hide some of the intricate details but my family keeps telling me that I have to get a wedding band. Is that true?

Band EvaderDear Band Evader,
There's no steadfast rule that says you have to wear a wedding band. Some brides like to wear a band so that they can wear their band w/o a flashy engagement ring while still signifying their commitment to their partner. Your family may be saying you "need" the band b/c that's the tradition they're used to. You do what you're comfortable with. Your family will understand but remember that once you're engaged you will receive much unsolicited advice and you need to pick and choose what you want to apply to your day.

Marvin

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Maintain Your Ring's Sparkle

Now that you have a sparkling, beautiful ring be sure to clean and care for your diamond properly. The Diamond Information Center details ways to care for your ring:
1. Shield your ring - Remove your ring when using harsh cleaners that can possibly discolor your ring mounting. Store your ring away from your other jewelry.
2. Visit a jeweler - Have your ring cleaned and checked at least a few times a year by a professional jeweler.
3. Keep it sparkling - Place your ring in warm water with mild dishsoap or a liquid diamond cleanser.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Engaged For Life?

Many new brides are opting to not wear a wedding band. With so many new ring styles, including filigree and jewels along the sides of rings, many brides feel that the original engagement ring is "enough". Although this sometimes confuses more traditional folks into assuming you're still engaged, you have to do what feels comfortable to you. If a band adds too much, don't let your fiance spend on a ring you may not wear.

Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Ring, ring. Hello?!

Why have your ring bearer carry a basic white pillow to present your rings? Take a look at these creative alternatives for ring bearer pillows! Too cute! Your presentation can tie into your entire wedding theme. Photos provided by (clockwise from top L): Muscari (first 3), Alexandra Frankel (design by Blooms), Tyrabelledesigns, True Love Photo (design by Flourish), Portobello, Muscari

Tip - Find A Knowledgeable Jeweler

Some may be engaged and still looking for that perfect ring. Make sure that you find a jeweler that is knowledgeable and motivated to educate you on your purchase, not just sell you something. They should discuss the 4 C's with you (cut, carat, clarity, color) and what the differences will mean to you. They should also be able to guarantee their diamonds and have a secure warranty. A jeweler should also be able to tell you where all their diamonds are mined, avoiding conflict diamonds.Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Online Ring Shopping

Many couples are finding their engagement rings and bands on the internet. Some are shopping on eBay to bid on rings direct from out of state jewelers or auction houses. You can save a lot of money shopping online and still get exactly what you're looking for. Know that most online outfits don't include a warranty. Do some research on the seller before making the purchase. In some cases if you don't get what you expected, it may be too late for any recourse.Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Tip - More Karats, Less Necessary

Go for a 14-karat ring instead of a 18-karat one. 18-karat does have more gold, but it is softer. If you get a 14-karat ring it will wear better and cost you less!

Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Trend - Boxter Setting

Brides are making their stone look bigger with a boxter setting. This style features small stones clustering the center stone, making a solitaire look much larger. These settings make a ring more interesting and often more feminine looking.Trend provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Wear Your Ring On Your Right Hand

What do you do with the engagement ring during your ceremony? Simply slip it on a finger on the right hand until after the groom places the wedding ring on your finger. Then transfer your engagement ring next to your wedding ring which will always be closest to your heart.

Tip provided by Music on the Move DJs
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Trend - Emerald Cut Diamonds

If clarity is what you are after -- an emerald cut diamond is the way to go. The emerald cut shows off the diamond's clarity better than any other cut. This cut is perfect for the glamorous bride who wants a little "ice" on her finger.
Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Precious Cargo

Give your ring bearer something different to carry his precious cargo of your wedding rings. A small wooden treasure chest, a hand make silk pillow or a cushion crafted completely out of flowers will make his journey down the aisle special, personal and oh so cute.
Trend provided by Flourish
Photo courtesy of True Love Photo

Tip - Don't Forget To Brush...Your Ring

Engagement ring looking a little dingy? Don't have time to run to the jeweler and get it cleaned? Here's a quick fix. Toothpaste! A little toothpaste on a toothbrush with hot water and your jewels will gleam again!Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Bling, bling baby!

Ah, the ring. The shiny, sparkly symbol of our love. And a girl's way to let the world know that she is a B-R-I-D-E!

Before the Hubby and I got engaged we talked about the rings. We looked at them and picked out a few we liked. But of course the one's we liked were WAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYY more than we wanted to or could afford to spend. So we looked for way to save our money and still get rings that we would be happy with. Our solution? Sam's Club. That's right, you heard me, Sam's Club.

I heard from more than one person that we should check out Costco or Sam's Club. But I was a little hesitant. I mean, do I really want to buy the ring I will wear for the rest of my life in the same place I can buy 10 pounds of cheese in one package? Hmmmm. But when one is budgeting one must explore every option. So off to Sam's Club we went. And I fell in love. I found MY ring. The one I had hoped and wished for. The diamond was glorious, it came in white gold like I wanted and the price was TO DIE FOR. Friends I got my engagement ring and my wedding band for HALF of what it would have cost me at your mall jewelry store. And we found the Hubby's ring for slightly over $500 and that is complete with diamonds. I was floored and ever so excited. I am not a cheap person but when I find a way to save money it sends my heart a-flutter. So if you aren't engaged yet and the ring hasn't been bought check out Sam's Club. They have a great selection and the prices, well, you just can't beat them.