Category: Education and More
History of the Engagement Ring
As a symbol of the future commitment and promise of spending a lifetime together, engagement rings are part of a long standing tradition that has been around for hundreds and hundreds of years. While the engagement rings that fill the showcases today are typically made of white gold, yellow gold or platinum, and have a dazzling white diamond set into them, this wasn’t always so. In history, engagement rings were plainbands made of common metals such as copper, none of which featured diamonds. It wasn’t until 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy that diamond engagement rings came to be. Since that period of time it has becomenothing short of natural to include a diamond into almost every engagement ring designed today.One tradition surrounding a couple’s engagement that has stood the test of time is towear the engagement ring on the fourth finger of your left hand. This tradition started in Greece many years ago, because they believed that, that finger had a vein called “venaamoris” that translates to vein of love, which connects directly to the heart. When you’re shopping for an engagement ring remember to take your time, and add the extra effort to make it special, because you just might start a tradition of your own to pass down from generation to generation.
Gemstone of the Month – Blue Zircon

A stunning Blue Zircon has the power to brighten up even the snowiest of nights, and as the birthstone for the month of December it will have the opportunity to do just that. Blue Zircon is mined in several places across the world, but is most commonly found in Cambodia in a province called Gemstone Mountain. Traditionally Blue Zircon has been known to increase intuition and bring the wearer not only wealth and success but both luck and love. The beautiful blue hues Blue Zircon is available in range from a pale pastel blue to a more rare shade of bright blue. But no matter what shade you are dealing with Blue Zircon looks great when set in both yellow and white gold. It is also a great match and contrast for white diamonds, so whether you are looking for an engagement ring or wedding band, a ring accented with Blue Zircon stones is one that is sure to be remembered. When you’re doing your holiday shopping during these winter months, remember to try Blue Zircon jewellery and bring some, love, luck, and colour into your significant other’s life.
Animal Jewellery
Animal jewellery is at the front line of this year’s most popular jewellery trends. The originality that goes into each piece has not only left jewellery designers inspired and eager to create such interesting pieces, but it has left many customers eager to buy them. Whether you are looking for a decadent snake ring covered in black diamonds, or a stylish white gold dragonfly pendant, animal inspired jewellery can be created to fit any personality. While the designs of animal jewellery are some of the most unique pieces you’ll find in the showcase, it is the colours of the gemstones in each piece of animal jewellery that can really steal the show. Whether they are made of white gold, yellow gold, or platinum the colour combinations each customer has to choose from are endless. Each piece of animal jewellery is so distinct that customers have the opportunity to keep it traditional with stunning white diamonds, or add all of their favourite gemstones into one piece to create a contrast that is sure to add some excitement to every outfit. These days many couples want to keep their engagement ring unique and all their own, so it is not unusual for them to incorporate their favourite animal into their engagement ring. Whether you are someone looking for gold jewellery that is exquisitely original, or just a jewellery lover with a great eye for fashion, there is a ton of animal inspired jewellery available to show off your personality.
Celtic Wedding Bands
When planning a wedding every couple will agree that there are a million and one tasks to be taken care of before their big day. Of all the things to be done, one of the biggest if not most important tasks is to choose a wedding band. Extra time and effort should always be put into choosing wedding bands, because after the wedding day when friends and family have gone home and the dress is safely put away couples will continue to wear their wedding bands as a symbol of that magical day. There are a wide variety of wedding band styles available to couples, but one style that is continuing to grow in popularity is the Celtic wedding band.
Celtic wedding bands are much like other wedding bands that are available today; they are often made of white gold or platinum, and can even have diamonds set into the band. It is the intricate and meaningful patterns that adorn the length of the band, that make the Celtic wedding bands so unique. Each pattern that decorates the band has a fascinating historical meaning that often adds to the significant meaning that a wedding band represents. For example the Celtic Scroll has an interlocking pattern that is meant to represent an eternity; no part of the knot can be altered without affecting the pattern as a whole. Another example is the Celtic twist, a pattern of two interconnecting lines which represents strength being doubled when the two lines are woven into one. Celtic wedding bands even match engagement rings that don’t have Celtic patterns down the side of there bands, adding that extra spark to the wedding set. With all of the Celtic patterns that are available couples have the opportunity to choose one with symbolism as unique as they are.
Black Diamonds
When the word diamond comes to mind people tend to think only of the sparkling white diamonds that are found in engagement rings, when in fact there are a wide array of colours available. Of all the stunning colours to be had, the most dramatic and luxurious of the group are black diamonds. Black diamonds are commonly found in Brazil and Central Africa, and from there they are shipped to India where the cutting process begins.

Black diamonds have the incredible power to enhance the colours not only of the yellow and white gold they are set into, but the stones surrounding them. This is why any piece of jewellery containing a black diamond is one that commands attention. By adding black diamonds to an ordinary piece of jewellery you can turn it into a strikingly chic piece that exudes a type of elegant sophistication. Not only are their tons of dramatic possibilities when it comes to making black diamond jewellery, but these stones run significantly less expensive than white diamonds. With the affordable stylishness that comes with black diamonds, it is no wonder they are one of the most popular trends this year.




