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The Top Destination Proposals January 22, 2008

Posted by Jill Renee in : Destination Proposals, Engagement Rings, Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , add a comment

While finding the perfect ring to propose with can be an exhaustive search, what really seems to confuse many is the actual proposal itself. When and where to pop the question can be stressful at best, and since it’s a story that you’ll both be telling for the rest of your lives together, getting it right is incredibly important.

With that in mind, more and more couples are turning to the destination proposal as a way to give the beginning of their lives together a unique twist that makes it their own. While the destination proposal will certainly take quite a bit of planning, with a little help from friends and family, and a nice sized bank account, the following destinations are a great way to ask that special someone to spend the rest of their life with you.

Venice, Italy

A city built on the water, there are few cities in the world more romantic than Venice. While proposal locations within Venice are numerous, I suggest skipping out on St. Mark’s Square and taking a gondola ride for the proposal. The combination of singing, privacy, scenery, and the tradition of kissing while passing under bridges, is the perfect combination for a proposal that will stick in her mind forever.

Paris, France

The city of lights is sure to light up her face when you show her the diamond engagement ring you’ve selected for her while standing atop the Eiffel Tower. With a view of the city that can’t be rivaled, you’re sure to take her breath away when you get down on one knee hundreds of feet in the air with all of Paris as your backdrop. Rumor has it that this was the method Tom Cruise used when he proposed to the lovely Katie Holmes.

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The Best View Possible – 3D Diamond Rings January 10, 2008

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

Purchasing a diamond engagement ring is never an easy prospect, and when you add the thought of buying that ring online, there’s an entire level of uncertainty added. One is forced to take certain things into consideration when buying an engagement ring online – Is the picture online accurate? What does the other side of the band look like? Is the metal really that shiny? Fortunately, here at Danforth Diamond, we’ve taken some of the stress out of purchasing diamond engagement rings online.

At Danforth we understand that you might not know what a cathedral style ring or channel set diamonds looks like, and if the picture on the website doesn’t give you a great view, it’s understandable why you would be apprehensive about buying the ring. That’s why we’ve added a series of 3D pictures to the Danforth Diamond website. Our 3D views are the ACTUAL ring not a computer-generated photo of the ring in 3D.

Currently featuring over 20 rings, our 3D Diamond Engagement Rings give you the best possible view of the ring your interested in. Speed up, slow down, or completely stop the rotating image to see every angle of the diamond engagement ring you’re interested in to make sure that it’s exactly what she’ll want. You wouldn’t buy a car without at least seeing what the interior looks like, so why would you buy a diamond ring without seeing what the other side looks like? Take a look at our 3D Diamond Engagement Rings and you’ll quickly understand why we’re doing everything we can at Danforth Diamond to ease the ring buying process.

-Jill Renee

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…)

Proposing at the Holidays September 24, 2007

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

If you are planning to propose this holiday season here is a great idea. It takes a little planning but you will be a superstar fiancé by Christmas Day!

Advent Calendars are a wonderful holiday tradition.

Although the traditional calendar is a wooden box etc Use your imagination and create your own. Wrap twenty four small packages and number them with the corresponding date of the month..have your girlfriend open package number one on December 1 and so on…on December 24 or 25 put your engagement ring in the package. If you are afraid she will peek wrap an empty box and arrive with the “real” package in your pocket. Tell her you forgot to include the gift and pop the question!!

Here are some ideas for the twenty five packages:

Selling jewelry over the internet has been a wonderful adventure this past year. Although our company was launched in December 2005 things did not really get rolling until this past year. As a matter of record I felt a little like the Maytag repair man for the first year! Although I have been in and around the jewelry industry for most of my life; selling through this new medium has been wonderful. One of the best parts is not having to get dressed up in heels to go to work. I can sit at my computer and converse for hours with my customers and potential customers. Now that is the BEST part. I have gotten to speak with and sell to people all over the world and it amazes me at how similar most of us area we all want to be treated with respect and honesty and we all are so happy when we are in love. Especially when we are preparing to get engaged!! It’s one of the most wonderful times whether you are young or old it does not make a difference! That’s why we make sure each ring is made with tender loving care. One of our mottos is that we need to be sending out good karma with every ring so that the good karma comes back to us! This has its ups and downs because we will not ship a ring unless it’s perfect. We are a company that is heavily female and we all love jewelry so if we wouldn’t want it we won’t sell it to our customers. Our production team has accused us of being perfectionists and that’s how we like it. Even I have been disappointed when I have ordered potential product for the website. It looks beautiful in the pictures but when it arrives its very lightweight and flimsy or the necklace or earrings don’t look or sit right when being worn (we try everything on!). This type of product never will show up on the Danforth website. As this year comes to a close I wanted to thank each one of our wonderful customers (yes we do have the best customers) for a successful year. I wish you all the happiest and healthiest of New Years!

Best Wishes,
Jill Renee

Buying Green Engagement Rings June 14, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Engagement Rings, Green Weddings, Jewelry Care , 6comments

I get lots of questions posed to me, but the one that I seem to be hearing a lot of lately is in regards to Earth friendly, or “Green” jewelry. Most recently I received an email from a gentleman that was concerned about picking out an engagement ring for his girlfriend as she was very passionate about the environment and he didn’t want to spoil his proposal by giving her a ring that would cause a conflict in her life, given her beliefs on mining. He had been doing research on Earth Friendly jewelry and came across Danforth as a supplier, and had questions about Green gold, synthetic stones, and Palladium.

This was my answer to his dilemma:
Your dilemma is not so unusual and I have been wondering what I can do to be a responsible member of our fragile planet in regards to jewelry and diamonds.Recently, one new option has been brought to my attention. Some jewelry manufacture companies have been using recycled precious metals to make their jewelry.

This metal was previously mined and made into jewelry and then remelted and turned back into pure metals to once again be alloyed and used. The challenge here is to choose a responsible refiner who only uses earth wise methods for refining. In the past harmful chemicals were used in this process but now new methods have allowed the refining process to be clean and environmentally friendly. Palladium is a metal that is also mined from the earth but the company that mines the Palladium that we use is right here in the and they are earth friendly. We can also purchase recycled Palladium. I am making a decision to offer a line of rings that are made from recycled metals only. These rings will require no mining to get the metal. The metal will be totally recycled. I think your girlfriend could feel proud and good about wearing one of these rings.As far as diamonds go I am committed to sell only conflict free diamonds from responsible vendors who comply with the Kimberley Process and all of their guidelines. Another option would be to purchase a synthetic diamond. Charles and Colvard is a company that sells moissanite which is man made silicon carbide that closely resembles a diamond. You can easily research this online. Of course there are other man made options that you could also use. If you would like to purchase a recycled ring let me know and I can help you with the setting. I only sell conflict free diamonds so I cannot help you with the synthetic stones. Hope this helps you with your decision.

Thank you and Best Wishes
Jill Renee

World’s Largest Collection of Palladium Engagement Rings March 20, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Engagement Rings, Palladium Jewelry, Press Releases , add a comment

Danforthdiamond.com Announces the World’s Largest Collection of Palladium Engagement Rings

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – March 14, 2007 – Keeping in step with customer demand and current trends in the diamond jewelry industry, Danforthdiamond.com recently introduced a large collection of palladium engagement rings on their website. You can visit the online jewelry retailer at: http://www.danforthdiamond.com/

Palladium, a metal in the platinum family that is just as durable as it’s more expensive cousin, is the hottest new metal in the jewelry industry. Scott Kay, a master jeweler and authority in the industry, is calling palladium ‘the industry’s best-kept secret.

Danforthdiamond.com decided to specifically create the world’s largest collection of palladium engagement rings because of growing customer demand. For most brides, this is the one piece of jewelry in their collection that needs to be able to endure a lifetime – and palladium’s durability makes it an attractive alternative to other metals.

“The new palladium alloys used for engagement ring manufacturing are excellent and make this a hard option to beat when choosing metal for that perfect ring,”says Jill Renee, president of Danforthdiamond.com. That’s why we have expanded our selection of palladium engagement jewelry.

Customer demand encouraged Danforthdiamond.com to become a leader in offering palladium wedding jewelry. Every category of engagement ring offered on the site: solitaires, three-stone rings and rings with side stones has a palladium option. Matching engagement ring and wedding band sets are also available.

There are several different types of customers who consistently express interest in palladium:

“Our customers are making a lifetime investment when purchasing our jewelry, and we want to give them as many options as possible to meet every taste and budget,” Renee says. “And at Danforthdiamond.com, they’ll find the most comprehensive collection of palladium engagement rings, in addition to an incredible inventory of fine jewelry pieces to enhance their collection.”

About Danforth Diamond
With more than 50 years in the jewelry business, Danforth Diamond is an online fine jewelry retailer. Their site offers high quality palladium engagement rings and wedding bands as well as earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings in gold, white gold and platinum at competitive prices. View their collection of palladium engagement rings.

Company Contact:
Jill Renee
http://www.danforthdiamond.com
Phone: 877-404-7464

The Guy Test-Drive February 20, 2007

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

Before you begin dreaming about that engagement ring and wedding bells, you may want to make sure you’ve found your right guy type.

If you’re out on the dating scene and you’re not quite sure which guy is the type of guy you’re looking for, you can always start with a list of the qualities in a man that you are looking for. Oprah’s recent show about a movie called “The Secret” discusses how we manifest our own destinies by where we decide to focus our efforts.

So, if you’re looking for that perfect soulmate, begin to narrow your search with this article from iVillage. The different types include:

Mr. Nice Romantic Guy: this is the guy who does the flowers for no reason and runs you a bubble bath without you asking him to (Johnny Depp)

Mr. Big Shot: this is the guy who always comes correct with the bling (Donald Trump)

Mr. Sexy Older Guy: make sure this guy is not your futile attempt to resolve any daddy issues, but this is the guy who can expand your horizons because he has a lot of life experience (Sly Stallone)

Mr. Man’s Man: this is the guy who’s diet consists of steak, football, beer, pizza and more steak (Craig T. Nelson’s character on the sitcom “Coach”)

Mr. Fun Social Guy: this is the popular guy whom everybody loves, who you KNOW you’ll have fun with, no matter what you’re doing (Diddy)

Read: The 5 Guys Every Girl Should Date Before Settling Down

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…)

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 comment

When 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…)