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Falling In Love: A Natural Progression November 21, 2008

Posted by Jill Renee in : Romantic Tips , add a comment

Most couples who have spent a significant amount of time building their relationship with each other eventually fall in love. It’s a natural evolution of their bond. But, it’s also an indefinable stage that is often difficult to identify. Millions have asked themselves, “Am I in love with my partner?” Some are confused by what that means. Others misinterpret harmful emotions (for example, jealousy and obsession) as love.

In this article, we’ll explore the nature of love and how it grows. We’ll also describe some of the signs which suggest that it exists in your relationship.

Understanding The Nature Of Love

Often, it’s easier to define love based upon what it isn’t. A lot of people mistakenly think that certain emotions they’re feeling represent love. For example, lust is commonly thought to signify something more than it is. Or, one partner may be so passionate about the other that physical or emotional abuse occurs in the relationship. Neither instance signifies love.

When you love somebody, the feeling transcends the physical. You feel attached to the other person in a way that you don’t feel with others. The level of physical and emotional commitment is greater than with anyone else. And while love translates into intimacy, the willing vulnerability to which you expose yourself to your partner dwarfs that which you experience in all other relationships.

Trust Grows

While love can encompass a myriad of qualities, mutual trust is one of the most important. And it expands much further than simply trusting that your partner won’t cheat physically. In this context, it means that you trust your partner implicitly. You trust that he or she will not betray you or the relationship on a physical or emotional level. As your love grows, so too does your level of trust. Eventually, that trust reaches the point at which you’re unable to even conceive of your partner betraying you.

Intimacy Issues

Intimacy issues plague many couples. But, it’s important to understand what true intimacy is. And it’s equally important to realize that issues surrounding it don’t necessarily preclude love. For many couples, a lack of physical intimacy may be a problem, though they love and trust each other implicitly. Issues involving emotional intimacy are often more severe. For example, an emotional disconnection can be a warning sign that love is waning. A lack of communication may also represent deeper issues.

Signs That You’re In Love

So, how do you know when you’re in love? Unfortunately, it’s often hard to tell because it involves two people so deeply on various physical and emotional levels. That said, there are signs. For example, if your partner is late, your initial reaction may be concern for their safety. Or, you may begin to miss them horribly when they’re away. Also, small things may constantly remind you of your partner.

Enjoying Your Partner

A true manifestation of love is found in the level of commitment, trust, physical and emotional intimacy, and mutual attachment that you enjoy with your partner. It’s a confluence of several factors and any one factor does not, in and of itself, represent love. Some claim that loving your partner is more than mere emotion. It is, in effect, a choice that you make. And that choice helps to sustain the relationship during times when any one of the above factors falters.

In the end, falling in love is about enjoying your partner on a level that no other person can hope to experience. It’s about being vulnerable, yet trusting. It’s about sharing yourself physically and emotionally, knowing that the commitment will be reciprocated. Falling in love is a natural progression toward a lifetime with your partner.

Signs of Affection – Diamond Earrings November 14, 2008

Posted by Jill Renee in : Diamond Jewelry, Romantic Tips , 2comments

Simple, yet elegant. Diamond earrings are instantly recognizable for their unique sparkle and their ability to mesmerize onlookers without calling undue attention to themselves. After dating someone for several weeks or months, you may want to give her a symbol of your affection. Something to let her know that she’s special to you. Diamond earrings can make the perfect gift. They have a natural versatility and can be worn with virtually any outfit or dress. But, buying them can be a challenge for those who have never done so. In this article, you’ll learn about the cut, clarity, and color of diamonds, as well as how to buy them as a gorgeous gift when you are on a budget.

When You’re On A Budget

Despite what some people believe, diamond earrings are not necessarily expensive. While some can cost over $200,000, others can be purchased for as little as $225. The price you can expect to pay will depend largely upon the carats. There are also other factors that can influence the price, including the cut, clarity and color of the diamonds used in the earrings.

There are a number of places from which you can purchase diamond earrings. You are unlikely to find the best deals at high-profile shops such as Tiffany’s. Instead, check with the jewelry shops in your area. They may have the earrings you need on consignment. Also, check estate sales. Don’t be put off by the prospect of buying used diamond earrings. Age and use have no impact upon the perfection of a diamond’s cut, clarity, or color.

Cut And Clarity

All diamond earrings use stones that have been cut and polished according to certain precise guidelines. For example, a Round brilliant typically has 33 facets on the top half of the stone and 24 facets on the bottom half. The purpose of these guidelines is to help ensure that the stones can scatter light properly. The more precise the cut, the more sparkle the diamond earrings can offer. The precision of the cut will have an impact on the stone’s value. Keep that in mind when purchasing the earrings for your dating partner.

The clarity of the diamond reflects whether flaws exist within the stone. Most diamonds have inherent flaws. Like the cut of a stone, a diamond’s clarity can have a significant impact on its value.

Does Color Matter?

Colorless diamond earrings will allow more light to pass through and scatter than those with some grade of color. They are graded by their level of whiteness, starting from “D” and progressing through “Z.” As you may imagine, the less color the stones have, the more valuable they are. It is important to note that stones graded “G” will have no color that is perceptible to the unaided eye. Buying diamond earrings with a “G” grade for your partner will help you save money without sacrificing obvious quality.

The Perfect Gift

Diamond earrings make a perfect gift for your partner for a number of reasons. First, they are comparatively inexpensive. Through careful, educated shopping, you can find remarkable deals. Second, they look gorgeous and can be worn as part of any ensemble. Last, and most important, giving your partner diamond earrings communicates a level of commitment and love. Simple diamond stud earrings will last a lifetime and serve as a memory of your adoration and dedication to your relationship with her.

Most people are familiar with the saying “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Diamond earrings may be one of the best ways to say, “I love you.”

The Commitment Mystery November 7, 2008

Posted by Jill Renee in : Romantic Tips , add a comment

After you have dated someone for several months, it is natural to wonder about your relationship’s level of exclusivity. After all, most long-term relationships seem geared toward commitment at some level. However, left unspoken, many people have a tendency to think that their partners feel the same way they do. They are often surprised to discover that their partners feel differently.

Are you and your dating partner equally committed to each other and to your relationship? In this article, we’ll explore how your past relationships may signal your own inherent aversion to commitment. Plus, we’ll describe a few of the obstacles on the way toward enjoying an exclusive, loving relationship.

Is Your Past Telling?

When pressed, most people will claim that they would like to pursue a committed, loving relationship with someone who feels the same. However, our past relationships often betray our claims. That is, the people we have dated in the past may have exhibited behaviors that seem inconsistent with a committed relationship. When there is a trend of such behaviors, it may imply that we are not looking for commitment.

For example, assume that you have dated a string of people who have been consistently unfaithful. Rather than leaving them, you have remained in those relationships until they have imploded of their own accord. The willingness to stay may be mistaken for commitment, but can actually imply a self-sabotaging tendency.

Ghosts Of The Past

The older we get, the more emotional baggage we carry. Ideally, we are able to dispel most of it and get on with our lives. However, many people collect the baggage from the past and carry it with them into new relationships. Unresolved, this baggage can sabotage the new relationship. Unless we take the necessary time to resolve past transgressions, forging a healthy commitment with another person is unlikely. In effect, we need to achieve closure and leave the ghosts of the past in the past.

Fulfillment, Then Commitment

Nobody else can make you feel fulfilled about yourself. It comes from within. Seeking it from someone else puts undue (and unfair) strain and pressure on that other person. That said, once you feel okay with who you are as a person, it is much easier to develop a loving relationship that is built upon mutual commitment.

At this point, you should look for consistencies between you and your dating partner. Do you share the same ideals about morality? Are your long-term goals and desires compatible? Is your partner coping with any personal issues such as addictions, health concerns, or other problems? Uncovering the answers to these questions is the next step toward a committed relationship. And it requires communication.

Being Upfront With Your Partner

In dating relationships, many people have a tendency to avoid direct communication about issues. Exclusivity and commitment are good examples. Sometimes, one partner assumes the other feels the same about the level of commitment – or, lack thereof – in the relationship. Other times, one partner may fear the answer and simply avoid asking. In both cases, the ambiguity can create a major problem.

If you are in a relationship and want it to be exclusive, you need to be upfront with your partner. Maybe they feel the same as you; maybe they don’t. But, uncertainty will only exacerbate the issue. Assuming that you are ready for a commitment, clearly communicating as much to your partner is the surest path toward enjoying a fruitful, loving relationship with each other.

Four Thoughts for a Successful First Date October 31, 2008

Posted by Jill Renee in : Romantic Tips , add a comment

Some of  us may be comfortable around our friends and loved ones, but that can be a different story on a first date which is time spent with someone we don’t know. There is a lot of uncertainty. There may be personality conflicts. Or, we may embarrass ourselves during the date. In the end, most of our nerves come from lack of familiarity. That is, we don’t know what we don’t know. But, if we can control our nerves and plan ahead, we can more easily enjoy ourselves. Below, we’ll explain the importance of planning a first date, the art of conversation, and keeping an open mind about the future.

These romantic tips provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts.

Planning A Simple Date

Typically, whomever asked the other person out on a date has the responsibility of planning it. A lot of people, men especially, plan extravagant first dates in order to impress the other person. It’s unnecessary. In fact, planning such a date can create an artificial sense of pressure on both partners.

Plan something simple to do that will leave plenty of opportunity to have a conversation. Lunch is great; movies are not. Visiting the zoo can be a good idea; a stage production is decidedly less so. The point of going out for the first time is getting to know each other. The only way to truly do that is by talking.

Being A Good Conversationalist

The art of conversation involves more than merely talking to someone. It is a “give and take” process whereby you are sharing things about yourself while giving your dating partner room to share, also. Too often, people on first dates either bombard the other person with a relentless monologue or they simply clam up. Remember, first dates are built upon conversation. It is the best way to share ideas, stories, and goals while getting to know each other.

That said, there are some topics that should be left for later. For example, there’s little value in talking about your past relationships. And discussing political or religious ideas may cause more harm than good on a first date.

Keep An Open Mind

Chances are, your dating partner won’t be perfect. Neither will you. And while first impressions are powerful, they may be misleading. For example, if your date seems distracted, it may not imply aloofness. It may be due to something that happened during that day. Keep an open mind.

What’s more, it’s unreasonable to expect your date’s long-term goals will perfectly match your own. For example, if your date wants two children and you want four, that is hardly a dealbreaker. Time spent together has a way of motivating people to modify their long-term goals.

Is There Potential?

The objective of going on a first date is to discover whether the potential exists for a romantic relationship. It’s likely that you are already attracted to the other person. Now is the opportunity to see whether there is more than mere attraction. Shared ideas, mutual interests, and similar goals can help pave the way toward enjoying each other’s company over the long-term.

First dates can be both nerve-wracking and rousing. The excitement of spending time with someone new can cause unnecessary pressure. By planning ahead, being a good conversationalist, and keeping an open mind throughout the date, you can enjoy yourself while gauging the level of mutual interest. Millions of successful relationships have begun the same way.

How to Approach the One – Essential Guidelines October 24, 2008

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From Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts.

A date will never happen without making the first contact. You can glance and gaze at another person across a crowded room all night; if neither person approaches the other, the attraction will never lead anywhere. Often, fear and anxiety hold people back and prevent them from interacting with each other. It’s understandable. Nobody enjoys the prospect of being rejected by someone they have never met. It is much easier – and safer – to stay planted in our seats. Unfortunately, if you want to meet the person to whom you feel attracted, you will need to get up, walk over, and introduce yourself. In this article, we’ll describe how to make the first contact on the road to starting a romantic relationship.

Getting Over The Fear

Most of us fear the unknown. The tendency is based upon our survival instinct. The things we are unfamiliar about carry an inherent possibility of danger. So, we naturally avoid them, unless properly motivated to do otherwise. But, this fear can actually paralyze us and prevent us from meeting new people. This is the reason why millions of people resist the urge to introduce themselves to strangers.

If you see someone that you are attracted to, yet hesitate to make contact, you need to examine your fears. Are your fears valid? Most of the time, we simply fear being rejected. If we accept rejection as an ever-present possibility, the idea of approaching someone to whom we’re attracted becomes easy.

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Initial Attraction – Played by the rules October 17, 2008

Posted by Jill Renee in : Romantic Tips , add a comment

The laws of initial attraction are universal. They ignore the restraints of culture, gender, and language. For most people, being attracted to another person is based upon how that other person looks. We are, by nature, drawn toward those who are physically attractive to us. When we gather the courage to act on that attraction, it can spark the beginning of a romantic relationship.

Occasionally, you may hear people claim that looks are not important to them. While that may suit their ideal about themselves, it ignores our basic human instinct. In truth, all of us are initially attracted to other people for the same reason: because they look good to us. Below, we’ll explore what happens during the first glance that sparks our interest in others. We’ll also take a closer look at the role that physical chemistry and sexuality play in attraction.

First Glance

Each of us has experienced the sensation that goes through our mind and body when someone catches our eye. It begins with a fleeting glance. Often, our eyes casually drift across another person while scanning a room or watching others. In that moment, attraction is instantly triggered. No matter where we look afterwards, something about that other person draws our attention. The initial attraction tantalizes our curiosity. At the same time, we become acutely aware of our own appearance to others. We struggle to keep calm even as we become increasingly self-conscious. Soon, the first glance gives way to a second and third.

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Best Marriage Proposal Videos July 22, 2008

Posted by Jill Renee in : Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , add a comment

Danforth Diamond is happy to announce a new addition to our site that we think you will find very entertaining. We recently scoured the Internet in search of the best marriage proposal videos ever created, and what we found amazed us. We uncovered videos of people proposing on the fifty-yard line of a football field, videos of people propsing immediately upon their return from Iraq, even videos of people proposing on gameshows, such as The Price is Right.

After trudging through all the videos, we decided on eight videos that will surely stand the test of time. These videos are now being showcased on our site for your enjoyment. We hope they inspire your wedding proposal ideas, and we hope you find the best diamond engagement ring for your signficant other. On the topic of engagement rings, 14k white gold engagement rings with red ruby side stones are gaining in popularity right now. You may want to consider those as you browse our selection of affordable yet elegant engagement rings.

Enjoy the videos and thanks for stopping by!

–The Danforth Team

The Best Times to Propose Marriage June 6, 2008

Posted by Jill Renee in : Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , add a comment

What is the best time of year to propose marriage? Christmas and Valentine’s Day are perennial favorites, but are they really the best dates to ask the bribe-to-be to be whether she wants to tie the knot? It may be better to pick a date that accommodates the bride’s schedule than to pick a date simply because it falls on a major holiday and “everyone else” likes to propose on that day.

Without question, Christmas and Valentine’s Day are safe bets and are sure to be met with a pleasant reaction. But the bride may be expecting a proposal on a holiday, taking the element of surprise out of the equation. Indeed, Christmas and Valentine’s Day have grown so popular as wedding proposal days that the bride-to-be may not even be surprised at all. If you really want to catch your future fiancé off-guard, propose to her the day after a major holiday. It’s highly unlikely that she’ll be expecting a 14K Art Deco Style engagement ring on February 15th.

An important factor to keep in mind when determining a proposal date is the schedule of relatives. Is your fiancé’s sister expecting a baby in June? Then don’t propose in such a way that your announcement takes away from the birth of the baby. Is your girlfriend’s brother getting married in July? Then consider not proposing in the same month to avoid any feeling of one event overshadowing the other. Wedding proposals never exist in vacuums. They ought to be viewed in the grand scope of all family-related events.

Ultimately, you know your future fiance better than anyone; therefore, only you can determine what the best proposal date is. Think about the characteristics of your fiance. Does she love the cold and generally dislike warm weather. Then don’t propose to her on a beach. What’s her favorite season? If it’s fall, then take her on a day trip to an area of the country that boasts spectacular foliage scenes and present her with a white gold designer engagement ring during a candlelight dinner. Maybe she prefers warm weather. If you feel that proposing to her during the winter is necessary, then travel with her to a sunny destination and then surprise her with the ring, perhaps a three-stone engagement ring, which is gaining in popularity every year.

You may wish to consult with your friends or immediate relatives about a proper date. Doing so might put a damper on the idea of calling them to spontaneously surprise them with the news, but if there is any potential future conflict regarding the date of your engagement announcement, it may be worth asking your tightly-knit relatives and friends for their opinions. You’ll likely get a more pointed answer than you would if you asked a random person on an Internet message board, as some people tend to do.

Odds are that any date you choose to propose will be fine in the long run. After all, a proposal is merely an announcement of intentions. The far more significant date is the wedding.

Clever Tips for Finding Your Girlfriend’s Ring Size May 19, 2008

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Jewelry, Engagement Rings, Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , 1 comment so far

You want to propose and give her an engagement ring that fits, but you don’t know her ring size. A great deal of thought goes into the preparations required to make your proposal unique, memorable and error-free. In most cases, months are spent selecting the engagement ring, coordinating the exact place and time of the proposal, and rehearsing the words that come closest to expressing what the heart feels on the day the question is finally asked. And just like the glass slipper in Cinderella, the ring must fit to confirm that you are indeed the handsome prince she has been waiting for.

Finding the ring size of your bride-to-be without making your intention to propose obvious can require imagination, ingenuity and a stroke of luck. Having a ring she currently wears on her ring finger can ease the burden, but most women keep their ring finger sacred and free of jewelry that would provide an exact ring size. To help, we provide the following list which contains a few sneaky ways to figure out what the size of her ring finger is.

Trust In Friends To Help

Most of those close to you and your bride-to-be are more than happy to help you on your quest to find her ring size. Think about her best friends, coworkers, and even her mom to get the ring size information. This can easily be done if they allow her to try on their rings, go window shopping for jewelry, or have them simply ask.

Covertly Capture the Ring’s Size

If you are fortunate enough to have a bride-to-be that enjoys jewelry, then make it a point to “borrow” a ring-finger ring once it is removed. In some cases, the wearer won’t notice that the ring is missing if it’s only gone for a few hours while you’re having the jeweler obtain its size. However, if the ring-finger jewelry is only removed for brief periods (such as while showering), a model or imprint will have to do. To capture the ring’s size, simply trace the inner circle of the ring on a piece of paper or make an imprint of the ring in a soft material such as soap, clay or bread and return the ring to its former location. In this way, a measurement can be made without the physical ring being present.

Use Paper or a String to Guess the Ring

If your bride-to-be is a heavy sleeper, then it may be possible to wrap a thin strip of paper around her finger and mark where the paper overlaps itself. This method will provide a fairly accurate ring size. A twist could also be to tie a string to her finger to make sure she does forget something you deem important. Insist on having the string tied to the ring-finger, and when it is removed pocket the string. This is crafty and works best on a very unsuspecting bride-to-be.

Bring It Up in Group Conversation

If all else fails, then simply comment (or have your friend comment) on a ring that belongs to someone else. This may get the ring size conversation going in your direction. Fabricate as necessary by talking about the similarities of the ring in question with your (mother’s / grandmother’s/ sister’s) ring; ask what size it is and if you can see it; allow your bride-to-be to try it on; comment on the stones; anything to get the ring conversation going. You don’t have to get the exact size now; you can subtly revisit and finish the discussion at a later time when the two of you are alone.

Both you and your bride-to-be deserve perfection from start to finish, and hopefully, these tips will help you to make sure the engagement ring is sized perfectly. By taking the time to secure the right ring size you open up more options on your ring selection and ensure that she is showing off her engagement ring immediately following the proposal. The time spent finding out the right ring size is sure to pay off big dividends on your proposal day.

Think Before Giving a Heirloom Engagement Ring February 21, 2008

Posted by Jill Renee in : Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , add a comment

It’s time to get engaged, and one of the highlights of the engagement is flashing that gorgeous diamond engagement ring. As the soon-to-be bride-to-be, you’re all set to say “yes.” And the best part – instead of purchasing a ring, you and the fiancé have decided to use a family heirloom instead.

Hold on sister. Before you accept that heirloom, you may want to think twice. While the idea of an heirloom engagement ring may ooze with romance, accepting the gesture can be more of a headache than it’s worth.

Read the rest of the article on the dangers of giving a heirloom engagement ring.