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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This is the time of year when many prospective grooms look for interesting and unusual ways to propose to their sweethearts. Hot air balloon rides, special surprise dinners, moonlit walks, a special vacation, …all of these usually come to mind as potential options.

When making plans, one would do well to consider the following true story: One Mr. James Ng came up with the brilliant idea of proposing to his beloved in a hot air balloon while soaring far above the ground. The 26-year-old man (who, is by the way, a pastor), hired a balloonist, put the diamond ring in a box; and tucked the box safely deep down into his camera case…Ah, ready for the big moment.

The time arrives, and at 500 feet into the air he accidentally dropped the camera case containing ring overboard. Yes, it slipped away from him, and dropped into the dense landscape below. His “almost-fiance“, Sony Bostic did not realize what was going on…until she saw the look on his face. Although he was heartbroken; he was no fool. After all, it took the man over a year to save up for his bride’s one-carat engagement ring, and he was not about to let it go at that! After taking full note of his surroundings, and coming back down to earth, he went on a all out search. It took almost a week; but the camera bag was discovered on the ground in a wooded area…all of its contents scattered about, or blown away. The only thing remaining? At the bottom of the bag lay the box containing the ring. His engagement was saved, and now he has a story to go along with it that will last a lifetime.

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Diamonds: Interesting facts

Diamonds are the symbol that we use to show are undying love for someone. They are the traditional icon of romance and love. Most people may be surprised to learn that the majority of diamonds that are mined today are used for industrial purposes and not for jewelry.

Historians believe that diamonds may have first been used for industrial purposes not for their brilliant sparkle and allure. Peter Lu a Harvard physicist and his colleagues discovered that in the late Stone Age the Chinese used diamonds to polish ceremonial burial axes. Today about 80% of mined diamonds are used for cutting, drilling, grinding and polishing.

Most people might be surprised to know that diamonds are not the hardest substance on Earth. Diamonds are the hardest natural mineral substance, but they are not the hardest substance known to man. A substance called Aggregated Diamond Nonorods is about 11 % harder than a diamond.

The first diamonds were discovered by Indians over 3,000 years ago. Diamonds didn’t get associated with love and romance until the 1940′s when the De Beers Company began to advertise diamonds as the perfect item for a wedding or engagement rings. They did an all out media campaign and soon people were buying diamond engagement rings all over the world.

It is believed that most diamonds are over three billion years old and most are formed more than 100 miles below the surface of the earth. Before the sixth century, India was the only known source of diamonds and was the predominant source for over 2,000 years.

The Romans believed that diamonds had the power to ward off evil and wore them as talismans. It is believed that they inherited this belief from Indian mythology. In France in the thirteenth century it was decreed that only the king could wear diamonds.

The Gemological Institute of America was founded in the 1950′s. It was the first internationally accepted diamond grading system. This system applied uniform criteria to grading the quality of polished diamonds. The GIA Gem Trade Laboratory Diamond Grading Report is the benchmark for the international gem and jewelry industry.

The Cullinan diamond was the largest rough diamond ever found and was 3,106 carats. It was discover in the Premier mine of South Africa in 1905.It was cut into nine major stones. The largest of the stones is the Star of Africa and is 550.20 carats. It is housed in the Tower of London and mounted in the British Royal Scepter.  The most recent diamond discoveries have been in the Northwest Territories of Canada and in Colorado. Explorers found diamond pipes in both locations in 1990.

It wasn’t until the late 13^th century that diamonds were used in European jewelry. Diamonds were initially used for engraving other gems including sapphire cameos. They were also used for drilling holes in hard stone beads.

Diamonds have been around forever and are cherished by all. Diamonds have an exciting and lively history. These are just a few of the fascinating facts associated with diamonds.

Photo by jurvetson

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The presentation of an engagement ring is one of the monumental steps taken in the transformation of a relationship; immediately elevating it from an informally casual, to a decidedly serious stage. With so much time, money, effort, and emotion put into the selection and purchase; it only stands to reason that the presentation should be just as memorable and just as charming.

Each engagement should be special; and each day usually finds many a prospective groom wracking his brain in the pursuit of discovering that one unique or novel way to make his all-important presentation a memorable one. Along with the usually expected special dinner or surprise location, we have discovered yet another clever way to present an engagement ring…to supplement the surprise factor… in one of the most charming ways possible… a lighted ring box.

What nicer way could there be, than to be presented with a sparkling diamond engagement ring by a dimly lit restaurant table side; or on a darkened night beneath a shimmering moon. Yes, believe it or not, there are ring boxes available that are fitted with LED devices; specially designed to illuminate the engagement ring at the precise moment the box is opened. One will find that boxes of this type are available in price ranges that are surprisingly affordable. Do you prefer velvet or leather?

Of course, the cost is largely based on the materials used; and so varies from vendor to vendor. Also, please in mind that it should complement the ring and not detract from it, and that real radiance emanates…through love.

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That is the question…

Last week, one of our favorite diamond wearing divas, Jennifer Lopez, attended a fashion show sponsored by her buddy, (and ours) Andrea Lieberman. She chose to adorn herself with $50,000 dollars worth of “borrowed” diamonds from Swiss billionaire jeweler Robert Mouawad. Remember him? He is , of course, the proud owner of the 60-carat, 50million dollar, Mondera diamond. Ah, we knew that would “ring a bell!”

But we digress…

A number of other celebrities attending the same event (Leah Remini, Gwen Stefani) displaying similar exquisite taste; also elected to show off a few additional diamond sparklers from Mr. Mouawad’s massive jewelry collection. The big difference: After playing “dress up” for a few hours, Leah and Gwen, recognizing that fun time was over, promptly returned theirs. However, it seems, J Lo, developed a particular fondness for her chosen pieces, and, heroically decided that she would keep “hers;” thus sparing herself the pain of having to be forever separated from them. Now, that is the kind of true “diamond love” that almost brings a tear to the eye! We’re talking about a complete ensemble here folks…including a ring, a necklace, and an armful of bracelets!

Apparently, there appeared to be some kind of “mix-up” as it seemed to a few casual observers, that the definition of “borrowed” had been conveniently redefined. (Don’t you just hate it when that happens?) But, not to worry! Her Manager quickly cleared up the misunderstanding; explaining that the diamond jewelry was “offered” as a little token of appreciation for her endorsement. We did not get the memo, and so as a result, had not been privy to this vital piece of information.

No harm done. After all, what’s a paltry $50,000 dollars worth of jewelry between friends?

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2009/03/jennifer-lopezs.html

Post provided by Danforth Diamonds, experts in fine engagement rings.

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King's Button iPhone

For Pete’s sake!

Famed Austrian designer, Peter Aloisson, best known for his unique talent of morphing extreme luxurious design with functionality, has done it again. It seems that this creative gentleman has come up with what is now called the world’s most expensive phone. The fully operational Apple iPhone 3G, has been dubbed the “King’s Button”.

Now people…, this is some button! The “button“ referred to, is a 6.6 carat diamond located on the home function. While most practical, mere mortals among us would say that this is equivalent to the carat weight of at least six nice sized engagement rings; it can be noted that this headline grabbing phone button alone, possesses enough star quality to shine within its own right!

Still yearning for a bite of the “Apple™?” No worries. A “stripped down” version of the iPhone 3G can be obtained for a few hundred dollars or less.  However, encased in a combination of yellow, white, rose 18 karat gold, and sprinkled with a dash of over 130 diamonds;  who can resist the glorious “King’s Button” version?  It can be all yours…. for a mere 2.5 million U.S. dollars. So now, how do you like them “Apples™”? Since such a hefty price tag would render the average person speechless; it is not quite clear what else there would be to talk about, after carrying around one of these “babies” in your pocket or purse! The only words we could come up with were: Ka Ching! Ka Ching!

Or… if you like it, and can buy it…put a “ring” on it. Oh , Oh, Oh…..

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The selection of an engagement ring is usually an emotional choice. Once selected and presented , the engagement ring immediately becomes an important component of the couple’s sentimental package, as well as a thing to talk about for the years to come. Because of its becoming a part of the ongoing legacy, a poor ring selection would be difficult to return or exchange. This is why care should be taken when selecting an engagement ring, symbolizing this most important step in a personal relationship. While budget and personal choice are major factors in the selection, the ever important 4Cs, cut, color, carat and clarity, should still be kept in mind prior to making a diamond selection.

Along with budget considerations, the personality of the intended recipient will also need to be considered. Keep in mind that the selected engagement ring is to become part of the bride’s permanent jewelry collection and that, while it may not be a reflection of the relationship, it is a direct reflection of the taste and personality of the giver. Diamond engagement rings are available in many styles and cuts.

While the tasteful, single round solitaires are still a “safe” choice, the availability of other styles are very much worth considering. A single solitaire does not necessarily have to be round any more. One now has the flexibility to make a selection from any number of cuts. Even more exciting news is that today’s diamond engagement ring no longer has to be a single solitaire. It can be surrounded by other accompanying diamonds or other complementing gems, for example sapphires or rubies. Regardless of size or configuration, a diamond engagement ring should be carefully selected, for it is, after all… a matter of the heart.

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Enter: The right hand diamond ring

A right hand diamond ring can be seen as a ‘status neutral’ expression of independence; and as declaration of the fact that anyone has the right to wear a diamond (or diamonds), without being questioned as to its meaning. Right hand diamond rings can simply, or elaborately, attest to wearer’s love of fine jewelry. Beautifully crafted, make no mistake about it, they are not intended to be substandard versions or coy imitations of the standard engagement ring. Unlike traditional engagement rings, right hand diamond rings are not typically demure, but are usually bold, free formed, gorgeous creations that clearly have personalities of their very own.

Whether married or not, one can choose diamonds from many wonderful styles, while keeping in mind that one does have a ‘right‘ to wear one.

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