Rings Archives | Page 8 of 10

In Celebs

Anna Faris shows off yellow diamond engagement ring

February 12, 2020 No Comments

House Bunny star Anna Faris is showing off her new sparkler. In an Instagram picture, the actress officially announced her engagement to cinematographer Michael Barrett by showcasing her giant yellow diamond ring.

Faris and Barrett have been dating since 2017, a few months after she split from ex-husband Chris Pratt. In late 2019, Faris was spotted wearing an engagement ring, and her Mom co-star Allison Janney accidentally confirmed the engagement.

The actress recently shared an image with fellow actor Jason Biggs, who was a guest on her podcast Unqualified. Her cushion-cut yellow diamond ring, however, was the star of the show.

Speaking to Us Weekly, Kathryn Money, VP of Strategy & Merchandising for Brilliant Earth says, “Anna’s beautiful ring features an estimated 3-carat yellow cushion-cut diamond surrounded by a diamond halo and set on a white gold or platinum diamond-adorned band with a subtle split shank.”

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Congrats to the happy couple!

Feature image: Instagram / Anna Faris

In Accessories

Enchanting emerald engagement rings

February 6, 2020 No Comments

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

In Accessories

Domino’s unveils R130k pizza engagement ring

February 5, 2020 No Comments

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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8FYoE0CmoN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Would you wear this ring?

Feature image: Twitter / Domino’s Australia

In Engagements

Say ‘I do’ to tantalising Tanzanite

January 29, 2020 No Comments

Those wanting to bring a little colour to their life are skipping the traditional diamond in favour of a unique stone to centre their engagement ring. With so many stones to choose from, one stands above the rest.

Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite and varies in hues from blue, to violet, or purple. According to Shimansky, this gemstone is a ‘geological phenomenon’, making it 1000 times more valuable than a diamond.

One of the world’s rarest gemstones comes from a 4km strip of land at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is estimated to have been created more than 550 million years ago when Mount Kilimanjaro was first formed. However, it was only discovered in 1967 by a prospector named Manuel d’Souza and a Maasai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu whilst hunting for sapphire.

Tanzanite has only ever been found in Tanzania. The gem is believed to have been created in a unique process called regional metamorphism, in which tectonic plates collide with one another and the igneous rocks morph into one another through extreme pressure. These rocks reach near melting-point and result in beautiful crystal structures. As tectonic plates contain a variety of different minerals, the crystal structures will vary in appearance. This particular mix has never been discovered anywhere else in the world.

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Scientists believe the chances of these conditions being replicated to produce another batch of tanzanite is about one in a million. Once the mines have been emptied, there will be no more tanzanite unless a new source is found. It is predicted that within 10-15 years, gem-quality tanzanite stones will no longer exist. As such, as the years progress, this stone will continue to become more and more valuable.

Tanzanite rose in popularity when Tiffany & Co. founder Louis Comfort Tiffany’s great grandson, Henry Platt, fell in love with the precious gem. Platt renamed the stone ‘tanzanite’ after its country of origin, and considered it to be the most important gemstone discovery in over 2 000 years. Tanzanite quickly became one of the most coveted gems in the world.

Tanzanite is the official birthstone of December, and is considered to symbolise good luck and prosperity, typically associated with celebrations of new life and new beginnings. This stone is particularly meaningful for the Maasai, who believe the colour blue is sacred and spiritual. The Maasai even have a tradition in which they gift new mothers a tanzanite as an offering of health, positivity and prosperity for the child.

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Being extremely valuable and rare, tanzanite jewellery is in high demand. As such, they are considered investment pieces. Celebrities like Kate Middleton, Beyonce and and Cate Blanchett have all turned heads in this gorgeous gem.

Feature image: Instagram / @patonsplacejewellers_

In Accessories

How to choose the right diamond for you

January 24, 2020 No Comments

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:

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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:

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:

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Working On Some New White Diamond Rings Collection❄️? Thoughts?? @vechler & @gemma_finejewelry The #finestdiamondsoutthere . . . #jewelry #whitediamonds #rings #ringsofinstagram #vechlerway #engagementring #diamondcollection #jewels #2020 #diamonds #ringbling #thecaratclub #whitediamondring

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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:

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

In Advice

Vintage-inspired engagement rings for the classic bride

January 15, 2020 No Comments

The classic bride deserves a ring to match. Inspired by the past, vintage engagement rings are heirlooms in the making. Honour her love for the yesteryear with a memorable vintage-inspired engagement ring she is guaranteed to treasure forever.

Embellished with unique engravings, alternative cuts and colourful stones, these vintage rings are truly one-of-a-kind and a huge trend for 2020. In late 2019, Emma Stone debuted her antique-style ring with a centre pearl instead of a diamond. Follow in the Oscar-winning actresses footsteps with a vintage-inspired ring of your own. Here are some to guide your way.

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Feature image: Pexels

In Accessories

Put an ethically sourced, sustainable ring on it

December 22, 2019 No Comments

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but also precious commodities and rare beauties forged from the earth. Rare jewels are often backed by an underbelly of exploration and greed. The burden of ensuring products are ethically sourced should never fall on the consumer, but on the producer instead. In saying this, it is our duty to challenge the transparency of companies.

Ethically sourced wedding rings have an array of underlining principles such as fair trade wages, lab-grown diamonds, recycled materials and conflict-free diamonds/jewels. You don’t necessarily need to be an environmental advocate or human rights lawyer to protest the crimes against the diamond industry. Below you will find a list of producers creating ethically sourced jewellery for the socially conscious bride-to-be.

Taylor & Hart

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Taylor & Hart was founded by friends, Nikolay and Shane. They believe the love between partners are intangible and sacred, therefore your wedding bands should be made from the most exceptional materials on earth. The company creates beautiful handcrafted rings made from lab-grown diamonds, recycled gold and ethically sourced materials. Nikolay and Shane go beyond the Kimberly Process to ensure their diamonds are conflict-free.

Monique Pean

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A post shared by M O N I Q U E P É A N (@moniquepean) on Jan 22, 2019 at 4:01pm PST

This brand boasts unique shapes and structures specifically designed for the bold bride. The classic shape of engagement rings is challenged through Monique Pean’s artistic take on wedding bands. Although the designer has an artistic, non-conventional mindset, the materials and craftsmanship are put in the forefront. The brand truly understands creating pieces of uniqueness, which they reflect in their use of materials. Rare materials such as fossilised walrus ivory and dinosaur bone are utilised and are sustainably sourced and crafted through fair trade initiatives.

John Hardy

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A post shared by John Hardy (@johnhardyjewelry) on May 30, 2019 at 2:02pm PDT

Established in 1975, the island-inspired jewellery brand is directed by Hollie Bonneville Barden and has a well-rounded grasp of serving both the community and environment. John Hardy thrives on the community of Bali and the idea togetherness. The brand empowers the community of the island by providing apprenticeships and life long job security. In doing so, they preserve traditional artisan craftsmanship and culture, with many of the pieces inspired by the island and drawing the traditional aesthetics of the Balinese culture. The company not only preserves the community but the environment as well by committing to sourcing stones, diamonds and metals that are conflict-free and ethically produced in every step of the way.

Barino Neal

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A post shared by Bario Neal (@barioneal) on Aug 16, 2019 at 12:33pm PDT

The brand was launched in 2008 by Anna Bario and Page Neal. The owners visualised a jewellery company whereby no bounds of conformity were attached to their pieces. They believe you are free to marry whomever and however you choose. The jewellery is handcrafted and carefully designed using reclaimed precious metals, fair-mined gold and ethically sourced stones.

Ashley Heather

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Ashley Heather is a Cape Town-based brand led by designer and maker, Ashley. It’s a remarkable, innovative brand that collects discarded electronic products and recycles them into jewellery. The aesthetics of the handcrafted pieces transcend trends and the contemporary designs are simplistic and minimal. The brand believes in creating pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation in the hopes of persevering quality craftsmanship.

Dear Rae

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A post shared by Dear Rae (@dearrae) on Dec 17, 2019 at 10:30pm PST

Dear Rae is the brain child of fine arts graduate Karin Rae Matthees. The brand uses local materials and manufactures to create unique pieces. Dear Rae design aesthetic can be described as classically minimal pieces that you can wear for the rest of your life. Karin’s brand adheres to the Kimberly process as well, and sources local manufactures for production, ensuring each step of the manufacturing process is completely transparent.

By Mia Smith

Feature image: Unsplash

In Celebs

A look at Victoria Beckham’s 14 wedding rings

December 20, 2019 No Comments

You know what Victoria Beckham wants, what she really really wants? Apparently, 14 wedding rings. The former Spice Girl has not one, not two, but a whopping 14 wedding rings that she’s amassed in her 20-year marriage to football star David Beckham. Some of the rings were from her husband, and some she purchased for herself. Altogether, her ring collection is estimated to be worth a casual £10-million. Let’s take a look at the rocks she’s got…

Ring 1: 1998

Her first and official engagement ring, a 3-carat marquise-cut diamond on a yellow gold band was given to her in 1998 when she first said ‘yes’ to future husband, David.

Ring 2 : 2001

Posh Spice replaced her marquise diamond with a platinum eternity band featuring a bevelled edge and white diamonds.

Ring 3: 2003

Victoria debuted her newest ring, an emerald-cut diamond with side baguettes on a platinum band, in 2003. Bigger is clearly better in this case.

Ring 4: 2004

To celebrate her 30th birthday, David gifted Victoria with a stunning soft pink oval-cut diamond with a halo setting.

Ring 5: 2005

By 2005, Victoria upgraded yet again, this time with an estimated 17-carat pear-cut diamond on a platinum pave band.

Ring 6: 2006

One coloured diamond is not enough. Victoria got her second one in 2006, this time an emerald-cut yellow diamond on a yellow gold pave band that she often paired with to eternity bands flanking it on either side.

Ring 7: 2007

Victoria left us all green with envy with her next addition: a cushion-cut emerald with a platinum spiral setting.

Ring 8: 2008

Looking incredibly similar to her 2006 ring, Victoria added another emerald-cut diamond to her collection. However, at 15 carats, this Chopard-designed ring is much larger.

Ring 9: 2009

Victoria clearly has a thing for coloured stones. Her ninth engagement ring featured an oval-cut ruby with a diamond halo.

Ring 10: 2010

At this point, Victoria’s rings are starting to look like the rainbow. She picked up a stunning oval-cut sapphire on a platinum pave band in 2010.

Ring 11: 2010

In a surprisingly modest choice, Victoria’s 11th ring, an oval-cut pink diamond on a thin gold band, was much smaller than its predecessors.

Ring 12: 2015

And we’re back to the flash. Coming in at number 12 is Victoria’s round-cut diamond with a halo setting and round side stones. However, this one had a short lifespan. After a few months of wearing it, Victoria placed it in a vault for safekeeping.

Ring 13: 2016

This woman clearly loves diamonds. She debuted her 13th ring, a square-cut diamond on a platinum pave band, at Cannes Film Festival in 2016.

Ring 14: 2018

Victoria’s latest rock is no secret. The square-cut yellow diamond sits on a platinum pave band.

Images: Pinterest

Featured image: Instagram / Victoria Beckham

In Advice

How to take care of your engagement ring

December 19, 2019 No Comments

Your engagement ring is probably one of your most prized possessions. For many, their engagement ring is also their most valuable piece of jewellery. Not to mention the sentimental value!

The ring is meant to last a lifetime. If you don’t take all the the necessary steps to care for it, it might get spoiled. However, jewellery care is not exactly common knowledge. So, you may be worried about your cluelessness on the subject and the condition of your ring… No need!

Here are some tips and tricks to help you ensure that your engagement ring stays in the best condition possible:

– Have it insured ASAP

This should be one of the first things you do when you come into possession of an engagement ring. It will allow you to wear your ring without being constantly worried about it. Most insurance will cover loss, theft and damage.

– Keep the resizing to a minimum

Having your engagement ring readjusted too many times can cause the metal to become fragile. This will make the ring more susceptible to damage. If your hands swell because of things like pregnancy, it’s best to store the ring away until it fits again, rather than having it resized.

– Buy some ring dishes

A simple but useful tip! Keeping a few ring dishes around the house will ensure that you don’t carelessly misplace it. Whenever you remove it from your finger, pop it in the ring dish and you’ll know exactly where to find it.

– Clean your ring

The option to take your ring to the jeweller for a cleaning is available at most stores. However, cleaning your ring at home is quite easy. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a drop of dish detergent (ensure that it is not chlorine based). Leave the ring in the water for about 10 minutes, then remove it and scrub it with a soft bristled brush. Rinse the ring and dry it with a lint-free cloth or a hair-dryer.

– Remove your ring when necessary

Swimming, exercising and manual labour are all activities that you should remove your ring for. If you’re going to the beach, for example, it may be better to leave the ring at home.

– Refresh the metal setting

Professions suggest that having the metal setting refreshed every few years is a good habit to get into. Your ring comes into contact with oxygen and moisture every day and this could damage the metal. Keep in mind that different metals have different lengths of durability. Ask your jeweller how often yours should be refreshed.

– Beware of chemicals

Chemicals and abrasive solutions can erode the metal setting. If you’re coming into contact with these, its best to ensure that your ring is far away.

Image: Unsplash

In Engagements

Men’s wedding bands that aren’t boring

December 9, 2019 No Comments

A ring is a symbol of your love and eternal commitment, so why not have a special one? Men’s wedding bands have a tendency to lean towards bland. However, there are so many small touches that can elevate a ring while still being understated. If you’re on the market for a wedding band, check out these unique offerings.

American Swiss

This 9ct yellow gold and sterling silver ring, coined the Johnny ring, features a bold design of heat-treated black diamonds. Perfect for the man not afraid of a little shine.

Price: R3 299

Shimansky

This 5mm half-round band features a hammered finish crafted in Palladium, creating a subtle design for understated uniqueness.

Price: upon request

Wolf Bros

This ring is made in white gold with a combination of rope and polished edges. They can be made up in 9ct or 18ct yellow gold or white gold, as well as in platinum.

Price: material dependant

Sterns

This 9ct yellow gold men’s ring, named the Midnight Magic ring, reveals a bold design of heat-treated black diamonds in a rectangular shape.

Price: R 4 289

NWJ

This ring features Silver, Gold Diamond and White Sapphire in a unique design reminiscent of ocean waves. A true statement ring for the bold groom.

Price: R5 230

Arthur Kaplan

If you’re not one for gold, this Titanium d-shape wedding band with wild olive wood inlay is the perfect blend of rugged design and modernity.

Price: R3,199.00

Image: Unsplash