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Easy Steps to Survive the Holidays November 13, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Holiday Proposals, Jewelry , add a comment

Although the holiday season is one of the most wonderful times of year, it can also be one of the most stressful as we scurry to “get it all done.” It’s important that we do not allow the hectic holiday pace to overwhelm us. We must take the time to do something special for ourselves: dine with those long lost friends whom you have been meaning to call, laugh through the tacky light tour with friends and family, or simply sit in a warm bath for peace and solitude.

We must remember to recharge our batteries because if we are not well charged those around us will notice our dwindling light! Let your light shine by exhibiting patience and practicing random acts of kindness such as becoming an angel by buying a toy for a child in need. Be positive in your mind, and in your interactions with others. You will find that your attitude will spread like the flu! It is the little things that make a big difference in life.

Here are a few ideas to help you through the holidays:

Shop online! Shopping online is a good way to get a head start on your holiday gift giving plans. Web shopping has never been more secure or convenient and many online retailers are even offering free shipping. Easy returns and great bargains can also be found. Most of your favorite stores have easily navigable sites to lead you to the perfect gift. Buying online allows you to stroll though the mall and enjoy the decorations without having to deal with hectic crowds, long lines, or the burden of carrying heavy packages.

Classic gifts! Jewelry and electronics will always be popular. No one can have enough jewelry, and companies are constantly updating electronics. These gifts are always appreciated and there is no worrying about getting the right size, unless of course you are purchasing a diamond engagement ring. Some websites offer free ring sizers and have tips to determine that special someone’s ring size, so if you have your heart set on a diamond ring, finding the right size is easy. Most women love jewelry and men always want the latest electronic gadget.

Make memories! Movie tickets, concert tickets, and game tickets are fun and memorable gifts. If the receiver has a favorite musician or team, hop online and see when the next show or game is.

Crafty ideas! If you would rather put your talent and time into crafting a present, here are some good ideas. Create a box full of love. Cut out hearts, write something special on each heart, and fill a shoe box with reasons for loving the receiver. Or you could create a memory book. When creating this type of book it is important to pick a specific time in one’s life to cover, for example a college career or a trip oversees. Fill a book with pictures, brochures, ticket stubs, and cards to remind someone of a special time in their life. A third idea is to print T-shirts. If you and a group of friends have recently done something fun together, grab a picture, think of a funny catchphrase, and put it onto a T-shirt.

Remember the best gift you can give your friends, family and community is the gift of caring. Continue to give your best, even if it is just picking up some litter along the street, sharing a smile with a stranger or letting someone cut ahead of you in traffic. It matters, it’s contagious, and it will make you feel great! Happy Holidays!

7 Easy Steps to Survive the Holidays

– Be Patient.

– Plan ahead and make lists.

– Do more shopping online. Gifts such as jewelry, electronics and event tickets are especially appreciated.

– Have lunch with an old friend.

– Shop with friends who are looking for similar presents.

– Give to the needy.

– SMILE!


Happy Holidays

-Jill Renee

Picking the Right Diamond and Ring Setting October 11, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Palladium Jewelry, Proposing Marriage , add a comment

Deciding to propose to the special somebody in your life is a huge decision, one that will lead you down a path of even more decisions. Of course, the first thing that needs to be decided after you’ve decided to propose is what type of engagement ring to get. Between diamonds and settings there are so many choices that it can be overwhelming. Hopefully this can be cleared up.

The Diamond

While you’re probably more than familiar with the 4 C’s of diamonds, there are other things to consider when choosing a diamond, chief amongst them, the shape. Here we’ll focus on the shape and two of the C’s; cut and carat. Clarity and color can be saved for another day.

The Shape
With so many shapes out there it can be confusing as to the actual differences, so let’s simply talk about each of them and their individual merits.

” Round” the most basic of diamonds, and the only shape not considered “fancy,” this shape is very much how it sounds – a rounded diamond in the shape of a circle.

Princess Shape“Princess” arguably the most popular shape, this squared diamond has only grown in popularity while still being a relatively new shape. The princess diamond tends to find its way into solitaire engagement rings more than any of the other shapes.

Emerald Shape “Emerald” a rectangular shaped diamond, this shape is reflective of a classic and aristocratic elegance. Unlike other diamonds, the emerald shaped diamond is not a brilliant cut but rather a step cut, being comprised of larger, planar facets that resemble stair steps and act like mirrors.

Marquise Shape “Marquise” long and slender, this shape, originally commissioned by Louis XIV of France, is wonderful for maximizing the carat within the setting. The marquise shape will accentuate the length of the fingers and works well on a person with longer fingers.

Oval Shape “Oval” as the name implies, this diamond shape is a very simple oval. This shape works very well with smaller hands and shorter fingers, giving them the illusion of added length.

Pear Shape• Pear – a hybrid shape combining the best elements of the oval and marquise shapes, it resembles nothing so much as a teardrop. Typically used in pendants and earrings, this shape compliments short to average length fingers, helping to give the illusion of longer fingers much like the oval shaped diamond does.

Heart Shape• Heart – essentially a pear shaped diamond with a cleft at the top, the heart shaped diamond is the ultimate symbol of romance. This shaped diamond is frequently seen in pendants but is more than acceptable as a choice in a ring.

Radiant Shape• Radiant – this square or rectangular shaped diamond does an excellent job of combining the elegant and classic appeal of the emerald shape with the brilliance of the round shape.

Trillion Shape• Trillion – a wedge of brilliant fire, the trillion shaped diamond was first developed in Amsterdam. Traditionally a triangle shaped diamond, the amount of point at the corners is often open for interpretation, but these diamonds work well as both a compliment to a center stone, a unique center stone in themselves, or as a pair of earrings.

Baguette Shape• Baguette – very reminiscent of the emerald shaped diamond, this shape of diamond is frequently used as side stones to a larger center stone. Much like the emerald shaped diamond, the baguette shape doesn’t feature nearly the sparkle of brilliant shaped diamonds, but does offer a classic beauty that is hard to match.

The shape is only the first part of what to look for, at least initially, when considering a diamond for an engagement ring.

The Carat
Carats are essentially a way to measure the weight of diamonds. While the use of the carat measuring system may date back to ancient Oriental bazaars and the carob seed, in the present we know that the more carats in the diamond, the bigger it is.
While the size of the diamond that you get can be determinate on a number of factors, not the least of which is cost, the Setting and Mounting that you choose can also have an influence on the size of the diamond that you get for your ring. (more…)

Journey Diamond Necklace October 2, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Jewelry, White gold , 1 comment so far

With the holiday season quickly approaching, it’s never too early to start finding that perfect gift for the special woman in your life. To show her that you really care, I can’t help but to recommend the Journey Diamond Necklace. The story of the Journey Diamond Necklace is simple and beautiful – love is an adventure and a journey, one that grows and changes over time. Each diamond in the Journey Diamond Necklace graduates from smaller to larger, each one representing your love as it is ever expanding and ever changing.

I invite you to celebrate your love, its past, its present, and its future with the Journey Diamond Necklace offered by Danforth Diamonds. Designed with a beautiful 14k white gold pendant, each of the diamonds have a clarity of I1 and a color of H-I. With a total carat weight of .50 carats, this is a necklace that will draw the attention of everybody in a room.
Show her how much you really care by taking my advice and looking at the Journey Diamond Necklace from Danforth Diamond. It really is something to behold.
Jill Renee

Green Weddings: Couples Say ‘I Do’ To Conflict-Free Wedding Jewelry and Earth-Friendly Nuptials April 23, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Engagement Rings, Green Weddings, Wedding Jewelry , 1 comment so far

In the world of engagements and wedding planning, green is the new white. From conflict-free wedding jewelry, to an environmentally-conscientious reception, with an eco-friendly honeymoon to round out the nuptials, couples are throwing out the era of Bridezilla and ushering in the age of green weddings. And it all starts with that oh-so-special wedding jewelry.

Choosing a diamond engagement ring and wedding bands are incredibly personal decisions that are also becoming ethical decisions. Socially aware couples now want to ensure that their wedding jewelry selections are not linked to human rights abuses or have not negatively impacted the environment.

Conflict-free Diamonds
Until recent years, newly engaged couples were blissfully unaware that an untold number of corrupt organizations in African countries were illegally mining diamonds that are directly linked to human rights abuses.

The good news is that more than 40 nations worldwide, including the United States, now voluntarily participate in the Kimberly Process, a system that imposes stringent requirements on imports to certify that diamonds are free from conflict. 99.8% of the global production of rough diamonds is now accounted for through the Kimberly Process.

Reputable engagement and wedding jewelry retailers readily confirm the origin of any stone. Online retailers are particularly sensitive to consumer concerns regarding the genesis of their diamonds. Leading online retailers, such as Danforth Diamond, My Solitaire, and Brilliant Earth actively educate consumers by providing helpful information on their websites to ensure that accurate information is easily accessible.

Green Gold?
For those who truly want guilt-free glitter, there are a number of retailers who offer recycled gold for wedding bands and the like. Concerned about a lackluster green ring? Worry not. Recycled gold, which is melted and re-refined, is the same quality as newly-mined gold.

NoDirtyGold.org publishes an ever-growing and impressive list of retailers who support the responsible production of gold.

Vintage jewelry is also enjoying a resurgence in popularity as brides and grooms opt to purchase estate jewelry or wear wedding rings that have been passed down from a family member.

Eco-friendly weddings aren’t just for the granola crunching crowd nowadays — and conflict-free diamond engagement rings and recycled gold wedding jewelry are just the beginning. As green weddings become more mainstream, the options and price ranges are increasingly abundant.

Earth-friendly Invitations
Wedding invitations printed with soy- or vegetable-based inks on recycled paper are a mainstay for green couples. If that’s not green enough for you, perhaps paperless invitations are the way to go; simply extend electronic invitations for guests who can be contacted via email. Emailed RSVPs offer an added bonus: guests are more likely to respond promptly, allowing you to accurately plan your headcount.

Location, Location, Location
A central wedding location that requires minimal travel for most guests will save on carbon emissions. Booking a venue that can host the wedding ceremony and reception will further reduce carbon emissions. Art galleries, botanical gardens, eco-friendly restaurants, hotels and parks are all excellent choices.

Here Comes the Bride
Something old, something new, something borrowed… something green? You betcha. Green brides can choose lovely, previously-worn gowns from vintage stores or gown consignment and rental shops. Brides can also turn to their family tree for a wonderfully sentimental heirloom gown. A number of designers have also embraced the eco-friendly trend and offer extravagant gowns made of hemp silk.

Wedding Favors as Decorations
Organic, locally grown flowers for bouquets and centerpieces offer a fresh, seasonal touch. Flower arrangements used at the wedding can perform double duty by being moved to the reception. Potted plants also make lovely arrangements and can be transplanted outdoors after the wedding or can serve as gifts that guests can take home.

The Gift that Keeps Giving
Portovert Magazine, the nation’s first and only online publication devoted exclusively to environmentally and socially responsible weddings, and NativeEnergy offer a carbon emissions calculator that can be used to evaluate wedding-related carbon sources, including travel, guest lodging and power used at the wedding venues, which can help in the planning of a carbon-neutral wedding. You can find it here: http://www.nativeenergy.com/Splash/Portovert/portovert_wedding_calc.html.

Couples can also offset the carbon emissions produced as a result of their nuptials by making contributions to an eco organization of their choice or requesting that guests do the same in lieu of a wedding gift.

Paying it Forward
Eco-friendly tours, green hotel resorts, simple outdoor adventures, volunteer work for a preservation project — green honeymoons run the gamut and cater to a variety of preferences and budgets. From relaxing and luxuriant to active and outdoorsy, newlyweds can take their dream green vacation that celebrates the beginning of their new life together and the future of our planet.

And to think that it all began with a diamond engagement ring. Green weddings provide couples the opportunity to make a lifelong commitment to each other and to their world. Every wedding anniversary, from the “small” ones to the milestones years is an opportunity to renew that commitment for now and for years to come.

Perhaps a future generation will honor that same commitment by choosing to wear your “heirloom” wedding jewelry.

About the Author
Jill Renee is the president of Danforth Diamond, an online jewelry store offering engagement rings and other wedding jewelry in gold, white gold, palladium and platinum.

Great Ideas for Celebrating Valentine’s Day, Whether or Not You’re in Love February 2, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Jewelry, Engagement Rings, Romantic Tips , 3comments

You Don’t Need a Valentine to Enjoy the Most Romantic Day of the Year

When you think of Valentine’s Day, typically your thoughts venture toward valentine gifts and all things heart-shaped  candies, chocolate, balloons, greeting cards, jewelry, etc. – and couples deeply in love gazing into each other’s eyes.

Because Valentine’s Day is for lovers, right?

Actually – no. Ladies, there is joy to be had on this infamous day of pink and red, no matter your ‘couples’status.  Here are some fun ideas for the annual day of love that cover the spectrum of companionship: single, dating, committed relationship, or recent break-up.

If You’re Single . . .

Don’t allow yourself to be one of the cynical singles who scowl at any hint of Valentine’s Day decorations or gifts. Instead: embrace the day!

That’ right. We’re in the new millennium, a time when being single is fabulous. Sex & the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made being single more appealing than ever before. You don’t have to wait for a significant other to get you a gift – buy it yourself! Few things make a girls’ heart flutter more than Valentine’s Day jewelry. From a modest bracelet to a diamond ring one of the joys of being single is you can give yourself the gift you’d be giving your significant other. (more…)

Your Diamond Personality December 11, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Wedding Jewelry , add a comment

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, yes, ladies. The beloved diamond engagement ring. The starting point for the transition from the boyfriend/girlfriend journey to marital bliss.

Let’s face it – we’ve been admiring the beauty and brilliance of diamonds since we were little girls. But do you know your diamond personality? Given that you’re going to be wearing this ring for the rest of your life, you want to be careful about what type of ring your request from your beau.

In Randi Molofsky’s book, A Girls’ Guide to Buying Diamonds, he offers advice for women on finding the right diamond ring. With the trend of women buying the right-hand diamond ring for themselves, the purchase of the diamond ring is no longer restricted to couples on the road to marriage. His book is a great resource whether you’re buying the ring for yourself, or you’re helping your significant other choose a ring for you.

Check out this article on iVillage.com, “Find the Perfect Diamonds for Your Personality”, that matches personality types with different types of diamonds. As diamonds are a girl’s best friend, you want to make sure that your best friend is one you’ll want to keep around for a lifetime, right? This is a fun article.

(more…)

The Perfect Ring, The Perfect Proposal September 8, 2006

Posted by in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Engagement Rings, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Proposing Marriage , add a comment

There is something enchanting about purchasing a diamond engagement ring for your soul mate. It can be a burden and a pleasure. The market is full of beautiful rings, ones that would look perfect on her hand. Classic engagement rings have a timeless beauty that transcends time and tradition. Today, many couples share the search for a diamond engagement ring. There are many benefits to shopping together. The diamond engagement ring is the most precious piece of jewelry most women will ever own.

Even though this makes it impossible to follow the traditional pattern of proposals, it opens up new methods of making the moment special. It only takes a little imagination to create the perfect, traditional proposal.

Creating the perfect proposal does not need to involve the diamond engagement ring – yet. Plan five stages, each one romantic, and designed to foreshadow the impending proposal.

There is an old Persian custom where the couple takes the first sip of a drink from their spouce’s glass. This custom was started to thwart would be murderers, but the custom has changed over the years to become a romantic and even intimate exchange between lovers. This old custom can be used to build up to a proposal.

Dinner in a fine restaurant is also one way to suggest that something special is about to happen, without giving away the intent. Choice of restaurant is important. It must not be so fancy that the woman feels uncomfortable – but it shouldn’t be a restaurant that you visit often. A restaurant with a lovely lake view, china place settings, and delicate meals, is all that is necessary. One tip, remember to make sure the restaurant serves her favorite meal and wine.

A proposal can start in the early afternoon, climaxing late at night. For example, taking a trip to wine country for an afternoon taste tour, and then ending it with a gourmet dinner in their dining room is a fine prelude to a proposal. Then, use the Persian custom to suggest that you are ‘up to something.’ This will create anticipation.

Still, for some people, the perfect proposal must include a diamond engagement ring. If you have been dreaming of this type of proposal, then try some alternatives that blend old and new together seamlessly. One is to tie a pair of diamond earrings, or a pendent, to the stem of your glass. After putting them on your beloved, you can suggest finding a diamond engagement ring to match.

Before buying a diamond engagement ring, take the time to learn more about styles and ‘realistic’ prices. Every diamond is as unique as the person who wears it. That is why it is important to look at what is available at a diamond retailer like DanforthDiamond.com They offer more rings than most people are aware of. Their selection of diamonds allows you to select a diamond to match your soul mate’s style and taste.

Buying a Diamond: The 4 Cs: Color February 23, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Engagement Rings, Diamonds, Jewelry , add a comment

Diamond Color – Why it’s Important

The term “color” in diamond buying is really the opposite of what you may think. When making your selection, you’re not actually looking for the presence of a particular color. Instead, your ideal diamond will have as little color as possible. Most diamonds appear icy white, but many have tiny hints of color, usually yellow.

The closer to white or “colorless” the stone appears, the more valuable it is. Colorless diamonds are extremely rare, and therefore very valuable. The reason – the absence of color allows more light to pass through the stone. As more light enters, more light also exits the diamond, thereby emitting a higher level of sparkle or “fire”. However, there are no hard and fast rules for what color makes a diamond beautiful. Color characteristics in diamonds are a result of composition and will not change over time.

Diamonds were formed under intense heat and pressure. Colorless diamonds are composed of pure carbon. Traces of other elements incorporated into their atomic structure account for the variances in color. A single change in color grade can significantly affect a diamond’s value.

The color of the setting is also very important. A white diamond looks best in a white setting. This is why our engagement rings are offered in white gold or two tone, a yellow ring with a white gold setting.

Read the rest of the article to learn about the color of a diamond…

A man’s guide to buying jewelry February 8, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Diamonds, Jewelry , add a comment

Need help deciding on how to buy jewelry? If you are a man, the answer is probably yes.

If you are buying jewelry for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day, ask yourself: Would you buy a plasma TV without doing research?

Now, ask yourself: Have you ever put that much thought into buying jewelry?

You probably know as much about buying jewelry as you do about rocket science.

Take these tips from Pensacola jewelry designer and metalsmith Rocky Hard, owner of Rock Hard Designs, to ensure your sweetie will squeal with delight on Valentine’s Day.

Look at what she’s wearing. “Is she wearing yellow gold? White gold?” Hard said. “Does she like colored stones?”

Another place to look is her jewelry box. But beware, there might be pieces in there that she hasn’t worn in years or doesn’t particularly like. Try to take note of the items she wears frequently.

When snooping, look for her ring size and try to determine the necklace length she prefers. Need a ring sizer, you can order a free ring sizer at DanforthDiamon.com

Also, look for items that could use a complementary piece. If she has a pearl necklace, but no earrings to match, maybe that’s your perfect gift.

Ask around. If you’re still confused, it never hurts to ask for help from her mother, sister, best friend or even her jeweler if she’s a regular at the store. They should be able to clue you in on her likes and dislikes.

Do your homework. Know, without a doubt, what her birthstone is if you’re planning to buy a birthstone piece. Educate yourself about jewelry quality and craftsmanship so you can purchase something that will last.

Choose a reputable jeweler. If you aren’t experienced with buying jewelry, you’ll want to make sure that you buy from someone who isn’t going to rip you off. Be sure to shop around for price and service. Go with someone who is willing to spend time helping you decide.

“Don’t fall for the sales,” Hard said. “The reality is, the price of diamonds and gold is fixed because of demand. … You can’t just go out and get it for nothing.”

KrisThoma@PensacolaNewsJournal.com

The History of Valentine’s Day January 14, 2006

Posted by in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Jewelry, Jewelry , add a comment

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine’s Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor’s daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It’s no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Thanks to The History Channel.

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Giving a diamond for Valentine’s day any other occasion where your gift must be one that will transcend the ordinary is always a gift to remember. A gift of diamond jewelry will make this Valentine’s Day to remember for years to come.

For our purposes in this day and age, diamonds have come to represent a symbol of enduring love and affection. Whether for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or any other event where an exquisite gift is called for, a gift of diamond jewelry will always be sure to please.