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 commentAlthough 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
Danforth Diamond adds 18k Palladium White Gold to Diamond Engagement Rings November 1, 2007
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Jewelry, Palladium Jewelry, Press Releases, Wedding Jewelry, White gold , 1 comment so farHypoallergenic palladium perfect for those with nickel allergies
Midlothian, VA – November 1, 2007 – Danforth Diamond, the engagement rings experts, released today their new line of 18k palladium white gold diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, and earrings. Danforth makes this announcement in the face of growing demand for quality white gold rings at affordable prices, adding another option to their extensive line of top quality jewelry available at: http://www.danforthdiamond.com
By replacing the nickel or silver traditionally used to make 18K white gold with palladium, Danforth can now offer superior quality without the fear of the common nickel allergy that drives many customers away from white gold, creating another option for their valued customers.
Long used by jewelers as a substitute for Platinum, Palladium jewelry came to prominence during World War II when Platinum was reserved for military uses. As it bears many of the same properties, but not the price-tag, usually associated with Platinum, Palladium was an excellent option for top quality jewelry instead of Platinum. By adding Palladium to yellow gold, jewelers are able to produce white gold that holds the white coloring better and longer than that made with nickel or silver, and helps avoid metal allergies usually associated with nickel.
The addition of Palladium to select wedding bands and diamond engagement rings is why Danforth Diamond continues to be the jeweler more people prefer. This announcement is another in Danforth’s long line of meeting their customers’ demand for high-quality jewelry. Danforth Diamond plans to continue offering the high-quality products their customers appreciate through their site at: http://www.danforthdiamond.com/ .
About Danforth Diamond:
Danforth Diamond has over 50 years of experience offering quality jewelry for the best value. As experts they provide guidance and advice to help you enjoy the diamond purchasing process, and are known for their wedding jewelry, including platinum, palladium, yellow gold, and white gold engagement rings and matching sets. They are committed to your continued satisfaction.
Company Contact:
Jill Renee
http://www.danforthdiamond.com
Phone: 1-877-404-7464
Press Contact:
George R. Perry
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 commentDeciding 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” 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” 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” 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” 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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…)
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 , 3commentsYou 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…)
Pros and Cons to Palladium January 4, 2007
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Palladium Jewelry , 12commentsAt our consumer jewelry site DanforthDiamond.com I received a very good question about palladium. Below I have posted the question and my answer concerning the pros and cons of palladium. – Jill
I have been looking at engagement rings lately with my boyfriend recently and have heard a little about palladium. I found your website very informative, but it is very hard to find information on palladium. Are there any downsides to a palladium engagement ring? It seems that it is almost identical to platinum, except for the price and the fact that palladium is lighter in weight, which are both appealing characteristics to me. I feel like this is too good to be true and I am finding it difficult to get more information. I found a ring that is made by a very reputable ring designer which can be made in palladium and I would like to know if I would be happy with a palladium engagement ring for the rest of my life. Are there cons to all the pros of palladium? I really appreciate any additional information you can give me.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Stephanie
Dear Stephanie,
The only con to palladium jewelry is that it is a harder metal to manufacture with. However, this should not affect your purchase in any way. It matters most to the jeweler who is more accustomed to working with gold and platinum than the consumer. If you have seen a palladium ring and you like it you should not hesitate to make the purchase. Hope this helps and all the best wishes, Jill Renee
Danforth Diamond Warranty – After the Sale January 4, 2007
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Jewelry, Jewelry Care , add a commentQuestion: Does DanforthDiamond.com have a store? If you order a ring from Danforth, how do you get it fixed or cleaned, and do they come with warranties?
Answer: We have a factory that assembles and polishes our product. Our jewelers can size and fix any problems you may have with your ring. Our return policy allows you to return any product to us that has not been engraved for 30 days after purchase however we do resize and reset rings for our customers all the time. You may not want to return the ring ring to us for a simple cleaning because you would have insurance and shipping costs.
Many people get their rings cleaned at stores where they live even if it is not the original place of purchase.
Save Big Bucks When Shopping on the Web January 3, 2007
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Proposing Marriage , add a commentWhen shopping for gifts, whether for ourselves or someone else, all of us are looking to save a few dollars. No matter what you’re shopping for, from a diamond engagement ring for popping the question to a scarf for Grandma – you will save big bucks by shopping online.
The key to maximizing your savings is knowing where to look to find the best bargain. And comparison shopping, by visiting various websites, is the only way to go. Instead of fighting the hustle and bustle that comes with comparison shopping at various brick-and-mortar locations, you can find better pricing options and cover more stores with the click of your mouse.
In the past, shipping and handling fees may have deterred you from shopping online, but retailers have started minimizing or waving those fees for customers who spend a certain collar amount. And while major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Macy’s have online websites, you may be able to stretch your dollar further by shopping with other established, smaller E-tailers.
Here are some examples of price comparisons between different websites and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. (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 commentAhhhhhhhhhhhh, 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.
Is It Time to Pop the Question? November 28, 2006
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Jewelry, Proposing Marriage , add a commentYou love each other, you depend on each other, and you can’t imagine life without each other. While you may be thinking about making it all official, how do you know he’s thinking the same thing? Does he want to pop the question, but he’s waiting for a sign from you? (Because if he’s even THINKING of popping the question, you want to make sure that he knows what kind of diamond engagement ring you want – after all you’ve gotta wear that thing for the rest of your life!)
While you may be confident that you’re ready for a lifetime commitment with the love of your life, how do you know he’s ready? It’s no secret that women are often ready to stand in front of the altar long before their partners are. (more…)
Why Buy A Diamond on the Internet? March 29, 2006
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Jewelry , add a commentBuying a diamond on the internet.
Jewelry stores do provide a personal buying experience on a one-on-one basis, however, do you really need to pay 30-40% more for this service?
Conversely, is the risk of being unhappy with your diamond purchase greater, without seeing it first?
Danforth Diamond responds to both of these questions noting that the average length of time spent on our website is 2 hours, longer than you would generally spend on a jewelry store visit. Also, most busy jewelers would be unable to devote that much individual time to only you.
We draw upon our over 50 years in the diamond and jewelry business to provide a complete and thorough education to assist you with your diamond and diamond jewelry purchases.
And remember that our site is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for you to explore when it is convenient for you.
Our lower overhead on the Internet will enable you to buy a 30-40% better valued diamond. Your extra purchasing power will allow you to upgrade your clarity, color, cut, or carat weight, lowering your chances of being unsatisfied. Our inventory of stones and styles are far mhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifore extensive than most stores, and our diamonds are certified by world-known independent laboratories.
And furthermore, we offer a no risk 30-day unconditional money back guarantee.
We understand the concern that the Internet has anonymous and short-lived businesses, but so do traditional brick and mortar establishments. However we are long established jewelers that can now offer you exceptional product at great prices through the Internet.
Our goal, at Danforth Diamond, is to become your local “internet” jeweler. We want to provide great product and service with your first purchase, hoping you will feel comfortable to visit with us again for all your future anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and special celebrations.
