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Coloured stones are trending for engagement rings in 2020, and it’s clear to see why. From tanzanite to rubies, these brightly-hued stones offer a unique edge that is perfect for a bride wanting to be different.

Brides have been loving emerald stones to centre their engagement rings in recent years. Brilliant and bright, emeralds are among the most popular gemstones in the world.

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Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl and get their colouring from trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium. The first known emerald was found in Egypt around 1500 BC.  What makes this gemstone so special is its deep, rich green hue. Interestingly, this stone can range in tone from deep to pale green.

Dubbed the “Stone of Successful Love,” emeralds are particularly symbolic for romance. The stone is said to open and nurture the heart and embody unity, compassion and unconditional love.

Emeralds have been found in Africa, Asia, and South America. Columbia yields the largest amount of this gemstone, producing more than 50% worldwide.

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Brides and celebrities alike have coveted this gemstone for years, including Kate Middleton, Jackie O, Elizabeth Taylor and Victoria Beckham. Even Cleopatra favoured this stone.

No matter the cut, this stone will look incredible. Most popular, however, is the emerald cut.

Feature image: Instagram

 

Talk about a cheesy proposal! Popular restaurant chain Domino’s is giving one lucky Australian patron the chance to win a pizza-shaped engagement ring to the value of $9,000 (R133 398).

Domino’s Australia recognises that pizza is such a big part of relationships, so it makes sense this Italian treat would feature in an engagement.

“How many great love stories have started over a slice? How many awkward dates have been saved by the arrival of the pizza delivery?” Domino’s Chief Marketing Officer Allan Collins explains. “Pizza is made to be shared with the ones we love, so this year we want to honour that with something really special and help create the greatest, if not the cheesiest, proposal ever.”

The ring up for grabs is made of 18-carat yellow and white gold and features a pizza slice on top of it made out of ‘cheese’ and ‘pepperoni’ rubies.

To stand the chance to win the ring, customers must submit a 30-second video on their official contest page explaining how they would involve pizza in their proposal.

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Would you wear this ring?

Feature image:  Twitter / Domino’s Australia

Get beauty cosmetics at new Red Dot cosmetic shop in Cape Town

Red Dot Cosmetics aims to sell affordable and quality cosmetic products to consumers in South Africa – for facehandsaccessories or any skin & body part.

The name ‘Red Dot’ originated from sale prices which are displayed in a red circle, coining the phrase that customers can now get their favorite beauty products at decent prices.

The online store assures to deliver quality products and informative content about health and beauty. Shop items from the comfort of your own home on Red dot’s 100% secured e-commerce platform.  Operating times are Monday-Friday from 9h00-18h00. For online assistance or desperate queries please email [email protected].

Makeup online: Our list of beauty cosmetics

Lipstick, blush, eye shadow, highlighters, brushes, mascara, setting spray, lip liner, eye pencil, nails, treatment and more.

Contact information:

Website: https://www.reddotcosmetics.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reddotcosmetics/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reddotcosmetics/

Visit Red Dot products to find out more about this online makeup store.

If you’re recently, or about to get engaged, and choosing your own ring, it’s important to know what to look for. Of course, not all engagement or wedding rings have diamonds. You can choose any stone, crystal or gem you want!

If, however, if you’re leaning towards a girl’s best friend, we share some advice from experts on how to make sure your diamond is of good quality, suits your style and band, and is the best value for its price.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has created a universally used system called the Four Cs of Diamond Quality. These categories are your go-to method for assessing your sparkly rock.

Cut

The shape of your diamond is a personal choice, and refers to the way a stone is hand- chiselled to reveal its proportions, symmetry and polish. In fact, the cut is the only way a jeweller can make a diamond unique and stand out. Cutting diamonds is a great skill, and the quality of the cut determines how the stone’s facets will interact with light and ultimately how much it sparkles. Choose a cut that catches your eye. Trends come and go, so don’t just go with the current most fashionable shape. Go for the one that shimmers its way into your heart.

Here are the most common options:

Credit: Shiny Rock Polished

 

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Clarity

All diamonds bear ‘birthmarks’ – small imperfections inside the diamond, called inclusions. The number of these imperfections determine a diamond’s clarity and more flaws mean a less brilliant stone.

The GIA’s 11 point diamond clarity scale ranges from flawless to heavily included. Stones that are flawless or very slightly included are virtually perfect to the naked eye. However, diamonds with inclusions can be just as radiant, beautiful and perfect for you.

Here’s a spectrum on which you can find the clarity of your diamond:

Credit: Shiny Rock Polished

Colour

Diamonds naturally occur in various different colours. However, in the traditional white diamond, white is highly sought after. The presence of other hues, especially yellow, lowers a white diamond’s value.

The GIA grades white diamonds on a scale of D (colourless) to Z (darkest). All D-Z diamonds are considered white, even though they contain varying degrees of colour, while coloured diamonds are graded on a separate scale. Do bear in mind that the colour of the band can also influence the stone’s appearance. If you’re going for the ‘pure’ look, choose the whitest rock you can find (budget allowing). However, don’t shy away from yellow diamonds, as they posses a beauty of their own.

Take a look at the scale for colour grading:

Carat

Most people think of carat as a stone’s size, but it actually refers to weight, with a metric carat equalling 0.2 grams. Diamonds are measured meticulously using 100 ‘points’. Very large stones are incredibly rare, as fewer than one in a million mined rough stones are large enough to produce a finished 1 carat diamond. As the weight of a stone increases, its value therefore increases exponentially, with a 3 carat stone potentially costing 9 times as much as a 1 carat equal stone.

Take a look here:

Credit: Shin Rock Polished

When going ring shopping, bear in mind that no one factor can determine a diamond’s value and that more expensive isn’t necessarily more you.

Source: Shiny Rock Polished

Image: Instagram/Weddingplannermontreal

 

If there’s any time at which you need the ease and conveniences of the internet the most, it’s during your engagement. Planning the big day is stressful enough so it only makes sense that when putting together your gift registry, you’d want to get the job done in the least laborious and time-consuming manner possible. These nine sites offer you the convenience of picking out wedding gifts without having to leave home.

1 Bespoke Wedding Registry

Registry Websites

Launched by a Londoner, Bespoke Wedding Registry aims to fill the gap in the South African market for customised gifting. With a selection of homeware and kitchenware sourced from prestigious brands, including the namesake collection of world-renowned chef Jamie Oliver and local ranges Ardmore and Kikoi, you’re bound to find unique pieces that speak to your style. Plus, they offer a service where a group of guests can club together to purchase larger items such as furniture. You also score two free deliveries if you live in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban.

Contact +27 21 448 7155, [email protected]bespokeregistry.co.za

2 Wrapistry

Registry Websites

Featuring products from a whopping 90 brands, Wrapistry’s offering include items to stock in your home as well as experiences. A variety of memory-making activities from a couple’s cooking class to wine tasting tours is available to add to your wishlist. If you ever feel like changing your mind, that’s no problem – you can do so as often as you like. To save you from the task of guessing who gave you a gift (and which one!), Wrapistry also mails you a list of guests and their purchases. Now, all you need to do is grab that mouse and start picking your favourites.

Contact +27 10 500 7503, [email protected]wrapistry.co.za

3 Banks Kitchen Boutique

Registry Websites

What began as a lively shop in a close-knit community has now expanded to two boutiques and an online store. Apart from displaying their cutting-edge goods, the online store allows you to access their blog where you can discover recipes and browse product reviews. Once your guests have bought your presents, Banks Kitchen Boutique will happily wrap the goods, add a note from the gift-giver and deliver it to your door – all on the house. Customers have raved about this convenient outlet and we’re sure you’ll love it too.

Contact +27 21 461 3190, bankskitchenboutique.co.za

4 Yuppiechef

Registry Websites

Voted South Africa’s best online store, you can rest assured their registry service is effortless. Not sure where to start? Navigate to the ‘Starter Collection’ tab to get an idea of what you’ll need to fill your first nest. Given our demanding, modern lifestyles, we could all spare a few bucks here and there, and Yuppiechef gives you the option of sending discount vouchers to three loved ones. However, if you do spot a pricey item you love, you can make it yours by swapping a few less expensive pieces for it.

Contact +27 861 702 4969, [email protected], yuppiechef.com

5 Carrol Boyes 

Registry Websites

Named after its internationally esteemed owner, this lifestyle brand specialises in premium homeware products. When creating your registry with Carrol Boyes, you have the option of selecting your goods online or enjoying a personal consultation with an assistant in a brick-and-mortar store. Once you’ve done so, your choices will be listed and placed online for your guests to seamlessly purchase what they please. If you want to return any duplicates, be sure to check that they are in the original packaging and in tip-top condition.

Contact +27 21 424 8263, carrolboyes.com

6 Granny Goose

Registry Websites

With your mattress covered in fluffy pillows and duvets from Granny Goose, a producer of top-quality bed linen, you can luxuriate in deep, peaceful slumbers night after night. Apart from their bedding products, you can find Le Creuset cookware and Riedel Glassware items at their stores. To easily inform your guests about your registry, Granny Goose will provide you with little cards to insert into your wedding invitations. If anything wasn’t bought, you can get it at 10% off. What’s more, they’ll hand you a special thank-you gift for choosing them as your vendor.

Contact +27 860 388387, [email protected]grannygoose.com

7 @home

Registry Websites

As South Africa’s prime shopping location for sophisticated homeware, you simply can’t afford not to enlist the registry service of @home. Head to the ‘Customer Favourites’ page to make sure you don’t forget to add any must-buys. In addition to a selection of top-notch products, you’ll receive a gift card worth 10% of the value of all your guests’ purchases. To keep this value updated and to record the buyer of each present in-store, remind your guests to notify the @home sales assistant that they are purchasing an item for your registry.

Contact +27 860 576 576, [email protected]home.co.za

8 Boardmans

Registry Websites

Couple’s who have an Edcon Group Thank U loyalty card will enjoy all the benefits of the programme when they create a registry at Boardmans as you’ll gain 10 times the amount of Thank U points for all the gifts bought at the store. Given that there;s no limit on how many items are added, you could gain an enormous amount of points! These points can then be used to buy anything from Boardmans, or to shop at Edgars, Red Square, Jet, Legit and CNA. Talk about a shopping spree!

Contact +27 860 236 289, [email protected], boardmans.co.za

MRP Home

Registry Websites

For home decor that’s uber stylish and pocket-friendly, there couldn’t be a better place to shop than MRP Home.Scroll through their ‘Inspiration’ section to view a variety of themes for your home along with a list of products to fit each theme. Although MRP Home offers online and in-store registries, they aren’t interchangeable so let your guest know which kind it is as guests wanting to purchase online for an in-store registry will not be able to do so and vice versa.

Contact +27 800 212 535, mrphome.com

affordable website design packages | netsist digital marketing agency | netsist.co.za

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It’s your big day, and you’ll want to be the star of the show. Obviously. We show you how to achieve a flawless face, whatever your style, with the newest from red dot cosmetics.

FIRST OFF, YOUR FOUNDATION

RED DOT introduces the Mix & Fix Colour Drops which you can use in a variety of fun ways. Use the ‘Green’ option to reduce and hide any redness, and the ‘Dark’ option if your spray-tan is golden, but your face is still pale. Simply add a drop to your liquid foundation or creamy concealer and mix until the desired shade is reached. Add more if necessary.

NEXT UP, WINDOWS TO THE SOUL

Make sure your lashes get maximum volume without looking clumpy. Start off with a base coat of Fake It! Lash Primer in Grey which will fill, lift and help separate the lashes, while nourishing and protecting each one. Finish up with a few swipes of Catchy Eyes Waterproof Mascara to add gorgeous curves and a cat-eye definition that won’t smudge or weigh lashes down.

ARE YOU A RED LIP KINDA LADY?

You’ll no doubt want to take that along with you on the day. Rock a red that won’t budge, slip or fade. The Ultimate Lipliner – With A Twist in The Red will get you started with a perfectly primed, matte surface and rich colour payoff, lasting for up to 6 hours come rain or Champagne. Finish the lip off with a layer of Velvet Touch Lipstick – Matt in the same shade (The Red) for a creamy and flawless finish, ensuring your lippie lasts the entire night.

SHOPPING

Mix & Fix Colour Drops in Green

Mix & Fix Colour Drops in Dark

Fake It! Lash Primer in Grey

Catchy Eyes Waterproof Mascara

The Ultimate Lipliner – With A Twist in The Red

Velvet Touch Lipstick – Matt in The Red

 

An engagement ring holds a large amount of significance for a couple. For hundreds of years, the classic diamond has been a major trend for engagement rings, often honoured for their simple beauty, shine, and value.

But with more and more traditions evolving, the classic diamond engagement ring is slowly being replaced with other special stones, materials and designs that value originality, affordability and meaning.

Take a look at our top picks for alternative engagement rings:

1. TANZANITE

The next best thing to diamonds is the striking tanzanite. With its deep blue, this stone can complement a silver, rose gold or white gold band beautifully. As far as cut goes, tanzanite is popular in many shapes. This teardrop ring shows how tanzanite can pair with other jewels as well.

2. MORGANITE

With a light, dusty pink tint, morganite is an affordable and stunning stone which signifies unconditional love and compassion – two necessary traits in all marriages. This stone is equally as versatile due to its light shade and works well with all metals.

3. JEWEL BAND

If you want to have a more practical and simple engagement ring, then a plain band with a few jewels may be the one for you. Incorporate your favourite stone, or multiple to make a statement. If you opt for a brightly coloured stone such as the ruby or peridot, your band is bound to stand out.

4.  OPAL

Opals are a rare and highly sought after stone that adds a touch of glamour to a ring. They can give off a vintage appearance, but if you pair it with a simple silver band surrounded by smaller diamonds, it becomes a modern but still unique ring.

5. VINTAGE

Whether it’s an heirloom, has been bought in an antique store, or specially made to appear old-fashioned, vintage rings will always be breathtaking options for engagement rings. The metal is darker and has intricate detail, which is often accompanied by a large and neatly cut stone.

6. ONYX

Dare to make a bold statement with a dark and shimmery onyx centrepiece on your engagement ring. This black stone complements yellow gold in a unique and modern way, which has slowly started to pick up attraction on the market.

7. PEARL

Having a pearl on your engagement ring definitely adds a touch of vintage elegance. If you are a lover  of all things old-fashioned, opting for these lovely round jewels will bring your dream ring to life.

8. ROUGH CUT

The cut of the stone makes a big impact on the overall ring. Just simply using an uncut diamond instead of a neatly cut one can change the look and feel of your ring. A rough cut ring is more rustic and natural-looking, for a more organic finish. In this case, it’s better to seek a specialist for a hand-crafted option.

9. TURQUOISE

If you love to be different then this is the stone for you. Choosing a turquoise jewel for your engagement ring is a big step, as this particular stone has a very youthful appearance, especially when paired with a dainty band and smaller stones. But you will have a unique and special ring that you value, which is all that matters.

10. SMOKY QUARTZ

This earthy stone is a beautiful and affordable option for an exquisite natural-looking engagement ring and can be paired with silver or yellow gold for complementary tones. Marvel over its sparkle and changing colours when it catches the light.

Image: Unsplash

A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl’s best friend. This saying still rings true today. Diamonds will never go out of style, but trends do. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing an engagement ring. We’ve gathered advice from jewellery experts to help you ring in your engagement in style.

Here’s what will trend in 2020.

Coloured stones:

Modern brides have been leaning towards coloured stones and birthstones as of late. “I think today’s bride is more concerned with being unique, and while she still wants a three stone ring, she is looking for something that is one of a kind. Women today want to stand out!” Kendra Pariseault Jewelry told StyleCaster.

Coloured stones are an easy way to make a statement and express your personal style. Niel Lane says that morganite stones, the pink to orange-pink variety of the beryl mineral, have especially grow in popularity this year.

Take this trend further by using a birthstone for a personal touch to an engagement ring. Just be careful to speak to an expert beforehand, as not all birthstones are made equal. Some are not durable enough for every day wear.

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Unique shapes:

Square cut and pear shaped is so played out. For a unique take, brides have been loving star-shaped and floral-shaped engagement rings. We’ve seen Elizabeth Olsen, Katy Perry, and Irina Shayk all step out with floral-shaped rings in the past year.

This ring can be quite busy so the key is to keep the band simple. While typically centered with a coloured stone, you can simplify this style by going with a traditional diamond.

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Throwback designs:

The more traditional bride will be glad to hear that vintage and art-deco inspired rings are also back in style. Inspired by the past, vintage engagement rings are heirlooms in the making.

Art-deco is all about clean lines and geometric angles. We love how this hexagonal-shaped engagement ring still feels feminine with the array of smaller diamonds on the perimeter of the main stone. This halo effect is another big engagement ring trend, as it makes the main stone appear much larger. Two birds with one stone.

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Rose gold:

Rose gold has been in for years and is going nowhere. The popularity of this tone stems from the fact that it is universally flattering. It is a bold statement yet romantic and feminine at the same time.

“Brides will be looking more at alternative metals to white gold and platinum next year. The appeal of rose gold comes from its pale pink colour that not only pairs well with trending yellow gold fashion pieces but also looks great with every skin tone, ” said Alicia Davis, VP of Merchandising at Shane Co.

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Three-stone rings:

We can thank Meghan Markle for this one. The Duchess of Sussex’s three stone engagement ring sparked the trend a few years ago and it is only rising in popularity.

“We’ve seen a lot of couples eyeing three-stone engagement rings lately,” Lauren Addison of Lauren Addison Jewelry told StyleCaster. “The two side stones add extra sparkle to a simpler engagement ring style.”

The three stones are meant to represent the past, the present and the future, giving a beautiful symbolism. The centre diamond is typically hugged by two smaller, equally sized diamonds. For something different, use colourful stones and unique cuts.

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Stacking rings:

Sometimes, more is more. While not a new concept, jewellery stacking has taken the industry by storm. Brides have been loving stackable rings as of late.

Commonly, the engagement ring and wedding band are designed to pair up. Some brides are taking this a step further and adding more rings to the pile. Eternity rings or embellished bands add an extra style element and bling for glitz lovers. Pairing rings of different styles, like a vintage engagement ring with more contemporary cut embellished bands, is a playful way to create a dynamic and unique finish.

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Image: Pexels

Tattoos today have lost their bad reputation in exchange for declarations of love, relationships and personal expression. The most recent trend involves getting compatible tattoos with your significant other that doesn’t necessarily include their name or need to be the exact same.

If you’re wanting to take the plunge and get inked with your S.O, take a look at these cool ideas:

 

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xxx

By Yashna Balwanth

Feature image: Unsplash

We’ve rounded up some of the coolest hair accessories under the sun, fit for the modern bride looking for something a little different.
Headbands
They’re back! Big and bold, or slim and subtle, which ever you prefer. Headbands have the power to uplift your entire look with an added touch of elegance. What’s more, they’re reusable long after the wedding, and if you grow tired of them on the day, you can simply slip it off without compromising your perfectly crafted ‘do.

Dramatic veils
Although some brides are opting to forgo the tradition altogether, the veil still adds a romantic element that few other accessories can compare with. Instead of going the traditional route, set your sights on something more dramatic – think embellishments, opulent details or interesting fabrics to take you from basic to breathtaking.
3-D Florals
Forget flower crowns. Floral appliqués offer a fresh take on the otherwise bohemian alternative. Incorporate them into your hair in any way you deem fit. Clip it into your updo or ponytail along your hairline, or scattered throughout loose strands to look as though confetti has landed perfectly on your hair.
Barrettes
This quirky look has come a long way since the 90s. From  glitter and crystals, to pearls and diamonds, bridal barrettes are the perfect addition to your hairstyle for an updated take on traditional bobby pins that are mostly hidden away. Keep it subtle, or stack them on – either way you’ll win.
Hats
There’s absolutely no reason why you can’t wear a beautiful hat on your wedding day. It can take you from relaxed boho bride to ultra sophisticated, and you always have the option of taking it off when you feel it’s done it’s job (of making you look cool, that is).
Image: Unsplash