Some men certainly know how to say, “I do” with panache and style! Prince Albert of Monaco is recently engaged to the lovely Charlene Wittstock. Miss. Wittstock is wearing a contemporary diamond engagement ring estimated in value at $100K. This lovely sparkly diamond ring has a center stone of an eye-popping 3 carats, and lots of glittering sparkly stones all around the rest of the ring.

This unique and artistic engagement ring was designed by Maison Repossi in Paris, France. Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock officially announced their engagement this past week, appearing in People.com on June 24th. The couple lean towards each other and hold hands, with the glittering diamond engagement ring centering in the photograph. For those of us who love diamonds…we would say that it came close to stealing the show! But for those of us who love romance, we know nothing could compete with a couple in love.

The design is called “Tethys” and it features a pear-shaped diamond in gray gold. This large pear-shaped diamond has smaller diamonds surrounding it. It is a lovely ring, ideal for a lovely woman.

The couple plan to marry in the summer of 2011 but a date has not been announced. Royal watchers will certainly be excited to be waiting for a royal wedding for the Prince Albert and his lovely bride. With a beautiful ring as the “Tethys” one can only imagine just how amazing the royal wedding for this couple could be!

The happy couple smiled for their official engagement photo released internationally. Wittstock, graceful and elegant is a former champion swimmer. The official engagement photo features Wittstock in a stunning sea foam halter dress that is very feminine and her charming Prince is wearing a sophisticated formal suit and tie.

This is a diamond style we have not seen before, and are curious to see if it will start a trend. Just as many followed in Lady Di’s footsteps to emulate her haircut and wedding dress, it is easy to imagine many longing for the same engagement ring as the lovely Wittstock has received. This new “Tethys” engagement ring could be starting one of the hot, new trends in engagement rings and diamond jewelry. Among Royal watchers and the fashion-conscious, following such trends in quite popular. One this is for certain: this ring is contemporary, eye-catching and stunning. The lovely new Princess will receive many admiring glances at her new engagement ring and compliments for the happy couple.

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There are many ways to be a good neighbor. And one Pittsburgh jeweler is showing their thanks to the community with a special treasure hunt. The prize? A 1.5 carat diamond ring! Now we knew that we had your attention! The Shadyside’s Henne Jewelers’ treasure hunt will be held on May 22^nd.

The glittery, shiny prize is a Mark Patterson diamond ring of 1.5 carats with a value of $15,000. To join the jewelry store’s treasure hunt, simply register at their website, www.HenneDiamondDash.com. We’re sure they’ll see a great response from the community!

What a thoughtful (and glittery!) way to thank the community. They’ve even gone hi-tech with their treasure hunt, allowing contestants to send in treasure hunt questions via their cell phones through texting.

Here are some tips to be a successful treasure hunter. To win a treasure hunt takes a bit of luck as well as skill, but our tips can certainly put you ahead of the pack. Good luck on your way to finding glittery, lovely baubles!

1. Follow the rules. If the diamond treasure hunt says to show up at 9am then come just a little before this time so you are there right on time. Make sure to allow a little extra time for a big crowd, parking your card and registering if you haven’t taken care of that yet. All of the rules exist for a purpose. Not following them can keep you far, far away from the all things glittery and shiny!
2. Wear something cute and comfortable. A treasure hunt is both a mental and physical activity. You need to figure out the clues logically and creatively and also walk (or drive) to different places. Make sure your outfit is comfortable and cute and that you’ve got the right shoes on for walking. Now why should your outfit be cute too? Probably because you’ll be photographed as the diamond treasure hunt winner!
3. Bring a bottle of water and an easy to eat snack with you. There’s nothing like being involved in something exciting like a diamond treasure hunt and realizing that your stomach is rumbling. Have a hearty breakfast like yogurt and fruit or oatmeal and then pack a bottle of water and an easy to eat and very portable snack so you’ve always got something quick to eat that will give you energy. Good choices are protein bars or fruit or dried fruit and nuts.
4. Remember to charge your cell phone, bring a tiny notebook and pen and other practical items with you. Read the rules carefully to see if there are any items you should bring with you. For some treasure hunts, you will actually find the item itself. We have a hunch this jewelry store will hide something to represent the diamond ring and then you trade it for the ring itself. But bringing a clean sandwich baggie along with you to put clues in, a tiny notebook and pen, a mini calculator and a charged cell phone could all be great ideas. The more prepared you are, the better a time you will have.
5. Remember a diamond treasure hunt is all about the fun of the prize. There will be lots of people to enter and only one winner. It’s okay to get your hopes up, just don’t get them up so high you’re disappointed to not win. Then again, it will be quite helpful to know which finger you would put the ring on and what your ring size is…

Source: http://www.wpxi.com/entertainment/23316155/detail.html

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The Golden Globes is a night of glamour and glitz, and this year was no different. But for Jane Krakowski – this year’s Golden Globes was special indeed. Krakowski had a little extra special to share. Especially noticed was her glowing smile and her lovely diamond engagement ring.

OneWed.com stated Krakowski wore her diamond engagement ring for the evening – a large square-cut stone on a platinum band. For the Golden Globe awards she wore a purple gown, drawing fans and photographers to her like bees to honey.

Husband-to-be Robert Godley was going to propose as they traveled to London but their flight was canceled. Godley proposed during the holiday season. Godley is the co-founder of Psycho Bunny, an upscale menswear clothing business. Krakowski said he found another way to propose. As we can see, she said Yes!

Fans especially know Krakowski for her role as Jenna Maroney on the TV network themed 30 Rock. She also played the funny law secretary Elaine Vassal on the very popular Ally McBeal. Krakowski won Screen Actors Guild Awards for both roles. She has performed on both television and the stage.

The newly-engaged woman may not have such a glamorous occasion as the Golden Globes to launch her engagement ring on the world. But there are many ways you can show off your lovely new diamond – and be sure to get many compliments. You don’t have to be a big Hollywood star to deserve the spotlight for awhile. Everyone deserves a little special attention – especially the newly engaged. But quite often you need to let people in your life know that you are newly engaged. Don’t want to tell them outright? Don’t worry – here comes the easy part! Try some of our favorite ways to show off your new glitter and sparkle:

Throw an engagement party and let everyone congratulate you on the engagement. This is the perfect time for family and friends to gawk and compliment your stunning diamond ring.

Whether daytime or nighttime – always keep your hands and nails in tip-top shape. The newly engaged woman needs to keep up with her manicure appointments. This little tip alone will have far more people noticing your lovely new diamond engagement ring than many other tips we could think to share with you.

Reach out and shake hands, pat people on the shoulder, point with your hand – do things that draw attention to your right hand. It will be a very easy next step to notice that glittery, sparkly lovely diamond engagement ring you are wearing. We bet you’ve noticed many engagement rings with this trick and didn’t even realize this trick was being done to you!

Remember to share with those who compliment your ring what type of ring it is and how your husband proposed. Many are curious as to what type of diamond ring you are wearing – there are so many styles available today. Some of the hottest trends available now include the colored diamonds. Your proposal story is always special and unique – family and friends will want to be sure to hear that in your own words! Congratulations!

Source: http://www.onewed.com/wedding-news/2010/01/18/jane-krakowski-reveals-diamond-engagement-ring-golden-globes, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Krakowski, http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20334933,00.html

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On a cool October day in 2009, the 32.01 carat diamond ring that wealthy billionaire Leonore Annenberg purchased for her 90th birthday, was auctioned off. Christie’s had been given the task; and successfully sold it for $7.7 million; a considerable hike from the expected pre-sale estimate of $3million to $5million.

Prior to her death in March, 2009, it must be noted that Mrs. Annenberg had been named an ambassador during President Ronald Reagan‘s first term; serving as U.S. chief of protocol. Mrs. Annenberg and her billionaire husband, The Honorable Walter H. Annenberg, had also been very involved with the arts and with education.

Annenberg diamond

The exceptionally gorgeous, square shaped diamond ring, designed by Manhattan jeweler David Webb, is colorless, flawless, and roughly the size of a walnut. It is said to be the absolute epitome of what one would consider to be the perfect diamond, in that it incorporates the very best of the 4 C’s (Carat, Clarity, Color, Cut) On either side of the huge and breathtaking center stone are diamonds that are 1.61 carats and 1.51 carats respectively. Leonore was able to enjoy wearing her gift to herself for a little over a year before she died at the ripe old age of 91.

On the day that Mrs. Annenberg received it, it was delivered by armed guards to her home in California. It has been said that she was delighted whenever visitors would admire it. (Who wouldn’t?!).

Although the name of the purchaser was not disclosed, it is only hoped that this beautiful diamond ring brings as much joy and delight as it did to Mrs. Annenberg.

May she rest in peace.

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Micro-set diamonds can, at times give the illusion that the diamond it surrounds is much larger. Micro-set diamonds are very tiny diamonds that are individually set. These diamonds are so small, in fact, that using a microscope is required to precisely place them within each small prong. The process involved in creating a micro-setting has been said to be a bit more intense than that of creating a pavé diamond setting.

When combined with larger gems, the result is oftentimes a creation that is absolutely stunning! Aside from giving the appearance of a larger carat size; micro-set diamonds can often provide a perfect “frame” for showcasing a gem of high quality

Depending on the quality of the diamonds and/or skill of the jeweler; jewelry that employs the use of a micro-set could, quite possibly be held under closer scrutiny. A poorly constructed micro-set diamond jewelry piece could prove to be somewhat difficult to repair; and in the long run…especially costly. That being the case, some purchasers have insisted that prior to buying jewelry with this kind of setting, it first be placed in an ultrasonic machine. The reason? To see if it can withstand the vibrational waves used for intense cleaning. Ultrasonic machines use either a mild cleaning solution or warm water ONLY, and so the vibrational energy used by the machine should NOT be able to easily dislodge any well constructed jewelry piece. It is at this point where many decide whether or not to proceed with the sale.

Although diamond rings are the usual way that micro-setting is employed; pendants, bracelets and brooches can also be created this way, oftentimes with absolutely spectacular results! Wow!

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The 81^st Academy Awards are now over; and let us first say that we were not disappointed. The gowns were beautiful and the jewelry spectacular! Let’s review some of the highlights:

Amy Adams (Best Supporting Actress nominee) chose to wear a draping Fred Leighton creation composed of sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. This fabulous necklace just happened to be also set with 39 carats of diamond shimmer!

Heidi Klum and Beyonce both elected to wear jewelry borrowed from the Lorraine Schwartz collection. Beyonce, in gold diamond leaf; and Heidi clad in close to a million dollars’ worth of the sparkling baubles.

Penelope Cruz, of course, “took the cake,” with her haul of Chopard diamonds. Estimated worth? $3 million dollars…the diamond necklace alone weighing 69 carats. Kate Winslet also showed her affinity for Chopard; accenting her outfit with a beautiful diamond bracelet.

Halle Berry‘s jewelry of choice? H. Stern diamonds. The fun and perky Marisa Tomei took the “retro route”; with her selection of diamond jewelry hailing from various decades: A 1941 Van Cleef & Arpel sapphire and diamond bracelet, a diamond ring from the 1960’s, and diamond earrings representing the early 1970’s.

We, of course, had initially predicted that many of the jewelry selections worn by the majority of the attending celebrities, would be understated pieces. And, true to our prediction, many came through wearing just what had been expected. However, to be perfectly honest, it sure was nice to see the occasional, fantabulous “over-the-top” eye-popping bling. The 81^st Academy Awards? … This year? A success.

‘twas a feast for the eyes!

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While Valentine’s day brings its own unique pressures, it is always a wise move to use any declarations of affection with extreme caution, especially when a relationship is at the unsure “I *heart* you” stage. This one can be tricky. And so, with this, we admonish you to use “I like you” , “I love you” or “I *heart* you” with care.  Because, after all, there is life after Valentine’s day. Consider yourself warned. After this, you’re on your own.

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Although facts pertaining to the actual time and receipt of the first engagement ring are not clear, it is believed that history will show that betrothals, even as far back as the late 1400’s, were usually marked by the giving of a ring of some kind. It is said that the custom of presenting a diamond ring as a symbol of serious intent, may have originated in Europe, when Archduke Maximilian of Hamburg chose this approach to seal the deal with Mary of Burgundy. No doubt, the thrilled look on her face, may have prompted other well-to-do nobles and wealthy onlookers, to follow this pioneering trend setter and do the same. Since diamonds are among the strongest and most heat resistant minerals in existence, it would only seem appropriate that such a serious proposal of marriage be represented with a gem of like substance. Just think: If not for his innovative thinking, she may have gotten a horse and buggy!

As time progressed, trends changed. Before the late 1800’s diamonds had been extremely rare. However, in the 19th century, diamonds became more abundant, with most of them coming from South Africa. Along with abundance, came affordability, (as well as availability) and so many who previously were not able to obtain them, soon discovered that it was well within reach, to grasp a shining star of their very own. And so they did.

This fact did not go unnoticed ; and so as the 20th century rolled around, the diamond supply originating from South Africa, began to come under the control of De Beers, the industry leader. In time, around 1947, De Beers began an aggressive and effective diamond marketing campaign. Not long afterwards, Hollywood began to pick up on the glamorous trend. Stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell soon propelled diamond popularity to new heights, and before long, almost every single lady involved in a committed relationship, wanted a diamond engagement ring of her very own.

However, regardless of history or marketing, it can be said that diamonds have remained gorgeous throughout the ages; and that a diamond engagement ring still remains the ultimate symbol of  love and new beginnings.

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It is a very exciting time isn’t it? The prospect of buying an engagement ring for your love of a lifetime. You begin to think it only reasonable that such a perfect love be symbolized with a perfect diamond engagement ring. But, have you done your homework?

Please keep in mind that diamonds, real diamonds are created by nature; and are prone to having at least a few blemishes, or inclusions. Because of this, the industry has developed a grading scale. This scale is called the GIA clarity grading scale, and is based on what can be seen under a 10X loupe magnification. A “perfectly clear”, or colorless diamond would be one without obstructions blocking any light passing through it; the result being one of extraordinary brilliance. As you may have already guessed, these types of diamonds are fairly rare and can be quite costly.

Yes, engagement and wedding rings are to be chosen carefully, and should be expected to be beautiful. Not to worry…If an absolutely perfect and flawless diamond is out of your budget reach, there are a number of in-between grades that you may find to be almost equally as beautiful, quite acceptable, and to your liking. For instance: In the case of a multi-stone diamond ring, you may choose to have a larger, more visible stone be of a finer quality than any smaller companion diamonds surrounding it.

Again, since selecting an engagement or diamond wedding ring is something that one does not do on an every day basis, it is good to seek the advice and expertise of a reputable jeweler, who will be more than happy to assist you in being clear with your selection.

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