Non-Traditional Engagement Rings

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, jewellers across the land are preparing for an influx of nervous grooms, looking to choose the perfect ring for a very successful engagement proposal. My husband stuck to tradition, and chose me a stunning solitaire diamond, representing strength and everlasting love. But what if you want something a little different, a little bit quirky? Rubies work well for a Valentine's Day proposal - with their rich red colour, they represent desire and devotion. Sapphires are just as expensive as diamonds, and I love the deep blue stone in Kate Middleton's engagement ring. Plus, the stones represent reliability and steadfastness, two attributes you'd definitely want in a husband! Meanwhile, if you've been with your future husband for a long while, or you've met later in life, an emerald engagement ring would be perfect, as the stones symbolise a mature and constant love. The other option is to ignore the symbolism completely, and just choose the colour you like the most!! Which gemstone would you choose?

{Photo Credit} Awake Photography - see more of this amazing window-themed engagement shoot

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The Perfect Engagement Ring

With the start of February, you know it's not far away....Valentine's Day's a-coming, and across the land, men are preparing to propose! I know it's all become terribly commercialised, but I'm a sucker for romance, and anything that promotes love has got to be a good thing in my book. I've chatted to loads of guys about why they didn't propose sooner, and a big reason is the expense of the engagement ring. They just don't realise, that with rings, we don't mind! We just want to get engaged, and you can always save up for a big and better rock later!! So personally, if I was getting engaged all over again - I'd like this one from Artemar please. Simple, chic, and completely adorable.

{I want this!} Dual Stone Horseshoe Engagement Ring, £405.77 by Artemar

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Nine Reasonable Engagement Rings

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, thousands of girls across the country are crossing their fingers that 14th February 2013, will be lucky for them. So to whet your appetite, here are some of the prettiest engagement rings from independent Etsy sellers. The best thing? They're all under £250. 'Accidentally' leave your browser open on this page so your boyfriend gets the hint!

{Ring Credits}
Top row - 1. Gold Pearl Ring by Artemer 2. Engagement Rings by Annelis Jewelry 3. Rainbow Moonstone Ring by Secret Charm
Middle row - 1. Yellow Gold Faceted Heart by Every Bear Jewel 2. Aquamarine Engagement Ring by Dalkullan Jewelry 3. Triangle Diamond Ring by Artemer
Bottom row - 1. Love Ring by Fabulous Wire 2. Golden Bunny Ring by Every Bear Jewel 3. Micro Pave White Diamond Ring by Louisa Gallery

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Introducing Genesis Diamonds Engagement Rings

This week on the wedding blog is turning out to be engagement themed! After yesterday's gorgeous engagement shoot, today is all about incredible diamond engagement rings. If you're yet to chose your sparkler, or you're sneakily checking out the blog before your boyfriend's popped the question, then I really recommend Genesis Diamonds. They have the most incredible selection of engagement rings, by fabulous designers, including my favourites Tacori {for some seriously bling-tastic rings} and Simon G {if you're looking for something subtle and elegant}. All their diamonds are guaranteed conflict-free, and if you want to pay over several years, they even offer financing - yippee for a bigger rock!! Since I've already got my engagement ring and wedding ring, I've got my eye on their eternity rings....{here's hoping my husband reads this feature}.

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What's Your Engagement Story?

I wasn't the most subtle bride-in-waiting. I started Before the Big Day before I got engaged, and all of my now-husband's friends thought it was one giant hint. It wasn't, but I did have an unhealthy interest in weddings, long before my time! When my husband eventually proposed, I knew it was coming. We took a skiing holiday in France to celebrate New Year, and I just had that feeling he was going to pop the question. What I didn't expect was for him to do it on the first day! I got back from the slopes earlier than him, and soaked in a blissfully hot bath. Once I was all wrapped up in a fluffy dressing gown, he came in, and told me to look out of the window at something. I peeked out over the balcony and saw 'Will You Marry Me' written in the snow. When I turned back, he was down on one knee! It was an amazing, if slightly surreal moment. I'd waited so long for the proposal, that afterwards it didn't quite seem real, and the snow was falling so fast, that the proposal soon disappeared, making it our secret. We eventually told our friends and family a few days later. What's your engagement story? Did your husband propose with a diamond ring? My husband chose my gorgeous solitaire for me, but if you're still looking, there's a great selection of stunning rings on Samara James. Learn more about diamonds and take a look at their collection by clicking here, and if you're interested, read more about me and my wedding.

{Picture Credit} Jose Villa

More posts like this one:

✽ A Quick Personal Message

✽ My Wedding Anniversary

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Time To Knuckle Down...

If You Like It Then You Shudda Put A Ring On It....

Today ladies its a ring thing... The midi ring boom is in full swing with countless pics of them adorning the fingers of celebrities and style icons alike and I’ve been enviously eyeing them wondering when I’d find a few dainty knuckle dusters to call my own. 

When it comes to ring bling we’ve definately made the move from chunky monkey finger armour to the more delicate, dainty lady ring bling, its less in your face and more in your dreams. It would seem that along with the rest of the fashion world, the world of accessories is evolving from the cocky, cocktail ringed man eater (shoulder pads and deathly grip a must, you know, the Madonna’s and Samantha Jones’ of the world) to a more old school damsel, a lady lady, refined and delicate with an unspoken sexuality that’ll leave the men weak at their knees. Frankly, I love it! 

The midi ring may be the accessory du jour, but what about the nail rings of tomorrow. A little less Jackie O and a little more Jessie J they may be, but ticking all the boxes they definately are, well for me at least... Impractical i hear you say, but i digress, they are perfectly practical! Think about it ladies, you’ve got your oh so snazzy spring manicure rocking away and then you break a nail, or chip a nail, no need to rush to the salon just put a ring on it, et voila, perfect talons to be proud of again! 

In so far as finger bling goes I’ve adapted the mantra that if it cud possibly catch in my favorite knit jumper its out of the game. Rings on rings is the way of the future, or at least of the season, so layer your ladies, ladies and let your fingers do the talking just keep it sweet. 

For those Samantha Jones of you out there (you know who you are and damn it I’m sure your proud) your personal penchant for a thicker ring, thats cock-tail ring ladies, will always be catered for, after all i’m pretty sure you don’t own any knitted jumpers, but for now its a lady ring thing! 

Above Rings from top left picture; baby finger, midi heart ring with diamonte Topshop, ring finger set of two midi rings River Island, middle finger nail ring Topshop, ring and bracelet Penneys, index finger ring with heart charm on chain Topshop, thumb ring mine was my mams. Top right picture; rings as before middle finger tiered chain cross ring Topshop, index finger ring of hearts at base of finger thumb ring River Island.

Five Wedding Jewellery Traditions

Weddings are one giant tradition-fest! From the white wedding gown, to the church service, the best man's speech, the first dance and the bouquet toss, your big day will be a constant nod to tradition. You might find some of the customs restricting, but when it comes to bridal jewellery, you're going to L-O-V-E the traditions, mainly because the bride comes out of it pretty well!

1. Pearl Earrings - Traditionally the groom or the father-of-the-bride gives the bride pearls on her wedding day. The jewels symbolise unblemished perfection, purity and innocence, and the ancient Greeks believed pearls would help ensure marital bliss and prevent newlywed brides from crying. Needless to say, I'm particularly keen on this custom!

2. Bridesmaids' Jewellery - I discovered this fabulous tradition when my cousin asked me to be her bridesmaid. Aged nine, I was thrilled to be given an elegant gold necklace. It was the most exciting present I'd ever received, and to this day I still have it as a momento of their wedding day. You don't have to spend a fortune on your bridesmaids' present - a lovely piece of prom jewellery from Jon Richard would be a lovely thank you gift for their help and support on your big day. Plus it'll make them look glam in the wedding pictures.

{Photo Credit} 1. Unknown | 2. Ben Q Photography - view the whole shoot on the Wedding Chicks

3. Cufflinks - Just like your bridesmaids, it's traditional for your ushers to receive a present on your wedding day. On our big day we skipped this custom, and gave our ushers sunglasses instead {we had a destination wedding in France}! But I did give my husband a lovely pair of cufflinks on the morning of our wedding day, and he now wears them every day to work.

4. Your Engagement Ring - a solitaire diamond is traditional, but we all know engagement rings come in every shape and size. Men are meant to spend one month's salary, but according to a recent survey, a third of brides are happy to chip in for their engagement ring!

{Photo Credit} 1. Elizabeth Messina of Kiss the Groom - view entire shoot on Inspired By This

5. Wedding Ring - Of course! We all know about the tradition of giving wedding rings, but did you know it started in ancient Rome? It used to be just the bride who received a ring, but in the 1920s the American jewellery industry started a marketing campaign aimed at encouraging men to wear a wedding ring as well. Those Mad Men were pretty successful, and by the late 1940s, double-ring ceremonies made up for 80% of all weddings. Will your husband wear a wedding ring?

More posts like this one:

✽ Reasonable Engagement Rings

✽ Real Tipi Church Wedding

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How To Care For Your Engagement Ring

It's your pride and joy, a symbol of your future husband's love for you, and probably the most expensive piece of jewellery you'll ever own - unless you're really lucky! But it's amazing how few of us actually know how to care for our engagement rings. Just because diamonds are the hardest substance on earth, doesn't mean that they don't need a little love and attention. Here are some top tips from Diamond Manufacturers on how to care for your engagement ring, and keep it super-shiny, ready for your wedding day.

{Photo Credit} Jose Villa

1. Take your ring off before you work with greasy or dirty substances to keep your engagement ring looking cleaner for longer.

2. Certain cleaning chemicals can cause lasting damage to your engagement ring. Don't let substances like hair spray, furniture polish or bleach near your ring. Either take it off when you spring clean, or wear gloves.

3. If you want to clean your diamond ring, soak it in a bowl that contains four parts warm water and one part household ammonia for no more than ten minutes. Brush the ring very gently with an old toothbrush, dip it back into the solution, rinse and leave it to drain on some tissue paper. Use a hair dryer to air dry your engagement ring to avoid water spots.

4. As an alternative, Diamond Manufacturers recommends adding a mild liquid detergent to a bowl of warm water and leaving your ring to soak in the bubbles for around thirty minutes.

5. Last but not least, vodka will give your diamond ring a brilliant sheen! Drop your diamond engagement ring into a glass of vodka to give it its sparkle back. Simply rinse it under a warm tap and rub it dry with a lint-free cloth.

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Tie the Knot Wedding Rings

Spotted! This gorgeous ring from fabulous Etsy-seller Sparklethots.  Each ring is individually handcrafted and made to measure - perfect for a promise ring, if you're planning to pick out your engagement ring together. Or they'd made fantastic bridesmaid's presents - a lasting momento of the day they watched you tie the knot!

♥ Click for more wedding ring ideas! ♥ And tonnes of elegant weddings! ♥

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Autumn & Winter Wedding Ring Bearer Pillow

There's a moment at every UK wedding when everyone turns their attention to the best man - it's his big moment, time to hand over the wedding rings. At US weddings they do things differently - usually the rings are carried on a pillow by a pageboy or flower girl. I'm super-keen on the American tradition, particularly because it's another opportunity for you to personalise your big day with pretty wedding details! For example, take a look at this rustic pine cone ring pillow by Etsy-seller Rustic Blend. It's the perfect accessory for an autumn or winter wedding, and I love its handmade charm. For more ring pillow ideas, take a look at my Pinterest board.

♥ Want more winter wedding ideas? ♥ Or how about more wedding ring ideas? ♥

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Simple & Elegant Wedding Rings

You've gotta love simple, elegant wedding jewellery, so when I stumbled across the New York online boutique Cat Bird NYC, I got that excited Christmas Eve feeling. The shop is actually in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, which happens to be the coolest neighbourhood in the world right now, but don't despair, because you can shop online. The best thing about them is that they don't just do incredible wedding rings, they unearth new and exciting items from all over the globe, including terrariums, candlesticks, tooth fairy boxes and compasses. Most of all though, I love their reasonably priced, but gorgeous designer wedding rings and engagement rings.

♥ Want more wedding ring ideas? ♥ Or how about wedding jewellery ideas? ♥

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Gorgeous Ring-Bearing Dishes for Your Wedding Day

When planning our wedding, it was often the smallest wedding details that I found the hardest to choose. Venue, photographer, wedding planner caterer - all those decisions were easy to make, but the agonies of indecision I had over the table plan and place markers, was something to be seen. The other decision I found impossible, was how to display our wedding rings. I knew that I wanted us to do a 'warming of the rings ceremony', where the wedding rings are passed around the congregation, so each guest can privately wish you the best, but I didn't know how to package them up. In the end, we used a silly little soft bag from Anthropologie, but I wish I'd found these incredible ring-bearing dishes from Paloma's Nest. They're made from white ceramic, and you can either buy one of their designs, or have one personalised with your own message. Described as modern heirlooms, you can see them staying in your family for years - a wonderful momento from your big day.

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Engagement Rings Advice

It's surprising how many of my male friends say they don't want to get married because they're worried about the cost of an engagement ring. If only they knew that their girlfriend would be happy with a Hula Hoop, if only they'd propose! But there's no doubt that the boys do get the more expensive end of the deal, and many of them are nervous about going into jewellery shops, and getting laughed out the room because of their puny budget. Or course they don't need to worry, because engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes, and in all budgets. From solitaire diamond rings to multi-jewelled knuckle dusters, there's something out there for everyone. Here are a few of my hints and tips on how to buy wedding jewellery....leave this page open on your laptop, so they can 'accidentally' read it! Plus if you've got any advice, please do add it to the Comments section below.

{Photo Credit} Stephanie Williams Photography

1. Traditionally a wedding ring should cost two month's salary before tax. I've heard some US jewellers suggest it should be three months!! But there in the UK it's definitely supposed to be two.

2. Lots of little diamonds give a really dramatic effect, but don't cost nearly as much as solitaire diamonds.

3. Coloured stones are often a cheaper option, but remember that diamonds match everything, and your bride is going to want to wear her engagement ring every day of her life.

4. If the clarity isn't perfect, don't worry. If the flaw can't be seen by the naked eye, then who cares!

5. Why not buy a smaller solitaire diamond ring for your proposal, and promise to replace it with a bigger rock when you've saved up the money? Your bride will be thrilled to be engaged - she won't care about the size of the rock.

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Simple, Stunning Gold Wedding Band

Ever since Prince William struggled to get 'that' Welsh gold band on Catherine Middleton's finger, I've had a thing about simple wedding rings. I love the organic feel to this gold ring - it's satiny finish and smudgy edges! Created by Beth Cyr Weddings out of 100% recycled gold, it's also an eco-friendly option. Beth makes each one as a bespoke project, so you can choose any size you like. Simply elegant and gorgeous!

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Boys! Feeling left out?

Okay, so I'm the first to admit Before the Big day errs a bit on the side of the bride, and although I don't want to send the men away, I would recommend future husbands check out GroomGroove and Staggered. GroomGroove is an American site, but it's still got plenty of hints that translate into English {!}.  One of my favourite tools is the Diamond Engagement Ring Calculator, where you can enter your salary and find out how much you should be spending....although I always thought it was supposed to be one months, not two?

Product Credit - Cake Toppers from Goose Grease

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