The first proposal with a diamond engagement ring happened in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented one to Mary of Burgundy. This started the lifelong tradition of asking your significant other’s hand in marriage with a diamond ring. Although this tradition hasn’t changed, styles of engagement rings have evolved throughout the centuries. More specifically,  in recent decades, styles have changed due to fashion trends, availability of materials, media effects, and much more.

Let’s take a closer look at how engagement ring styles have changed over the years, via a stylish reference from our own collection:

 

1920’s

In the roaring ’20s, rings began to reflect the clean lines, sleek motifs and modern geometric designs coinciding with the Art Deco period. The bold linear designs featured surrounding diamonds and side stones. While the metals of choice were often white gold or platinum. Additionally, The opening of Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922 brought with it elements of Egyptian revival – rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and other colored gemstone accents began to add splashes of color to the Emerald-cut and Asscher diamond rings.

 

 

1930’s

The 1930’s brought two main effects. On one hand, the art deco style was carried over. Only this time complementing the formers with even larger gemstones and bulkier multi-stone settings. The designs were often inspired by great architectural works such as the Chrysler Buildings glittering spire. Platinum and white gold were also very on-trend during this era. On the other hand, most of these luxurious designs were forced to take a back seat for the average couple. The Great Depression forced the proportions to scale down and carats to decrease and couples began to look for more simplified designs with smaller gemstones and detailing. 

 

 

 

1940’s

Platinum was requisitioned for war efforts during World War 2. And this caused gold to become the metal of choice for engagement rings. 

 The 1940’s saw a slow turn away from the sharp lines of the Art Deco era. And this time toward floral-inspired rings with a focus on a solitary stone instead of multiple little stones in a ring.

The 1940’s also marked the decade where diamonds became exclusively associated with engagement rings.  Thanks to the 1947 De’ Beers’ campaign which coined the term “A diamond is forever.” It was the De Beers’ ad that changed perceptions and markets. They marketed diamonds as an unbreakable symbol of love. This single ad pushed the popularity of diamonds through the roof and lasted for the remainder of the century.

 

1950’s

The world began to move past the World War II trauma. Platinum was once again available, making it, along with white-gold, the popular choice for 1950’s engagement ring styles.

This is also the decade where celebrity engagement rings started making headlines. Grace Kelly’s 12 ct. emerald-cut from Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, and Elizabeth Taylor’s 29.4 ct. ring from Mike Todd in the following year. (Suddenly Kim K’s 15-carat ring from Kanye doesn’t seem like THAT a big of a deal, does it? 😊 ) These rings became big topics of conversation and major style setters.

And of course, we couldn’t mention the 50’s without paying tribute to Audrey Hepburn. Her engagement ring from fiancée Mel Ferrer featured a trio of bands, in three different colors of gold.  They were meant to be mixed and matched. But quite often Audrey chose to wear them all together  – Hello stacked rings style!

 

1960’s

The 1960s, “classic”  diamond engagement ring look has become widely accepted and remains a popular style. However, the other two sides of the scale were inspired by celebrity trendsetters: On one side, Elizabeth Taylor (yes, again) with her massive 33-carat Asscher-cut diamond, given to her by Richard Burton; and on the other side, Jackie Kennedy’s stunning and distinctive diamond and emerald engagement ring. Which made colored gemstones in engagement rings a style statement.

 

1970’s

During this decade, brides also began to match their engagement rings to their wedding bands, many of which were yellow- and rose-gold. Coordinating wedding bands to create a complete matching set became a popular trend. And new diamond cuts became trendy in the 1970’s, including princess and emerald-cut diamonds.

 

1980’s

The engagement and wedding of the decade were that of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. But the real star of it, if we may, was her oval sapphire engagement ring. This beauty set off a major sapphire trend and totally changed the nuptials industry. A trend that has come back in full-force when Prince William had given his mother’s ring to Kate Middleton.

With the 80’s came the popularity of pear shapes and marquise cuts, along with the gold metals we know and love. This was a decade of flamboyant style, where bigger, bolder and chunkier are better.

 

1990’s

The 1990s saw the rise of even bigger stones and more fancy-cut diamonds. Marquise-cut diamonds became especially popular for their sharp edges and bold look.

Platinum makes a comeback –as does white-gold. Say goodbye to yellow gold for a few years now.

Additionally, thanks to internet usage becoming more popular. Brides-to-be were now able to search for and become inspired by a plethora of engagement ring styles. It wasn’t what their local jewelry shop was showcasing anymore, but her own unique style.

 

2000’s

At the turn of the century, engagement rings embraced classic trends such as solitaire rings and princess shaped diamonds. Princess-cut diamonds dominated engagement ring trends in the early 2000’s.

Couples in the 1990s and the early aughts favored square looks and flocked to cluster-style rings that gave a big look for less money. Vintage-inspired rings with pave diamonds, meant to look like those popular in the 20’s, also regained attention.

 

2010’s

By 2010’s, cushion-cut diamonds and halo engagement rings became the most popular choice for couples. Due to the cushion’s multi-faceted shine, and the halo setting creating the appearance of a larger center diamond and enhancing the engagement ring’s glamor.

Small or pavé-set stones encircling a modest central diamond create the appearance of a larger solitaire look for less. Thinner bands were also trending.

Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, which belonged to the late Princess Diana, re-sparks a mini-trend of blue sapphire centers and accents.

 

2020

Today’s brides are looking to express their individuality through engagement rings that uniquely fit their style and agenda. Lab-created diamonds, socially responsible mining, and recycled gold are popular wedding jewelry search terms.

Rose gold, two-tones, and fancy colored diamonds are having their moment. As well as antique or antique-inspired, nature-inspired or truly customized designs that reflect the couples’ history, present and future – each of his or her own, and of them together.

 

What’s your favorite decade and style?

 

 

 

Eeny…meeny…miny…moe, which color to pick for my beau? We are blessed to be able to choose between so many beautiful and precious materials. But If you’ve wondered what’s the difference between white, yellow and rose gold, look no further than the little, guide below.

 

What is gold?

While we all know about gold, not everyone knows the behind the scenes of how it gets to our jewelry box. So let’s start by asking “what is gold?”.  In technical terms, this beloved metal is a chemical element found in nature with a high atomic number. In its natural state it has a bright red-yellow hue. It’s also dense and malleable – so, to be able to use it, you have to mix it with other metals.

Different shades of gold depend on these added elements. And while the most popular shades are the triad alloy – white, yellow, and rose, you can also find it in shades of bronze, red, and even lime. Next, the following question arises “what’s the difference between them?”.

 

“Geometry has two great treasures; one is the Theorem of Pythagoras; the other, the division of a line into extreme and mean ratios. The first we may compare to a measure of gold; the second we may name a precious jewel.” ― Johannes Kepler

 

What’s the difference between white, yellow, and rose gold?

All the shades have almost the same percentage of pure gold, and you usually find them at the same price. But, of course, you have to take into consideration the brand’s value that you work with, where the gold comes from and its karat – 10K, 14K, 18K, 24K. Price also goes up if the color is trendy that year.

We measure the percentage of pure gold by karat. So, 24 karat gold is 100% pure, 18 karats is 75% pure, and so on. The most common metals that jewelers combine with gold are copper, silver, nickel, palladium, and zinc. Some specialists also use “plating” as a technique to add color, that’s why you can find two or even three different shades on the same piece.

 

Yellow Gold 

In order to get the shiny, vintage yellow gold color, silver, copper and zinc are added. This combo presents the shade of pure gold. But it’s more delicate than other alloys. It can scratch easily and with each polish, you lose a little bit of material. Yellow gold is a classic and will always be in style, even if white and rose catch up with it. 

While you get the advantage of using something closer to the original, the big disadvantage is that time will leave a mark on it. 

 

 

White Gold

This mix is a combination of gold nickel, palladium, and silver. You might be surprised, but yes, there is silver in gold. The strength of the alloy depends on the proportions. For example, nickel makes it hard, so it’s used in rings and brooches; while palladium gives gold flexibility to add soft gemstones to the setting. 

This particular alloy usually has a yellowish tint. This is the reason why specialists finish the product with rhodium plating. Rhodium gives the color, but it also offers a protective layer, as yellow gold is soft. The disadvantage here is that, from time to time, you have to re-plate your jewelry.

 

 

Rose Gold

The last mix of the most popular gold alloy is the rose gold, which is pure gold and copper. It can come in shades of pink, but also red, depending on the copper content. This combination used to be called “Russian Gold”, as that’s where it first appeared, in the 19th century. 

When it comes to strength, the last of the pack is very sturdy, all because of copper. The big disadvantage of this romantic combination is that it can cause allergic reactions, so it’s not for everybody.

 

In the end, the rush for the perfect gold for your jewelry depends on what you want – classic yellow, modern white, or romantic rose? Let us know in a comment below and do check in our shop the perfect ring for your better half. 

Oh hey there spring! The season when everything blossoms and comes to life. It’s the season of re-birth, which makes it the perfect time to invest in new pieces of jewelry that will refresh your look. 

From March to May in the northern hemisphere, or September to November in the southern one, Mother Earth dazzles us with birds chirping, rainbow colors and complex textures. In an ode to that, we’ve gathered up 8 of our favorite spring-inspired engagement rings to get your own blossoming going.

 

Flower moissanite engagement ring 

We begin our spring guide with this 14K two-toned gold moissanite ring. It features a beautiful setting inspired by nature, and it’s the perfect option for those who want something classic while adding a pop of color. If you’re looking to ask your beloved to get married, look no further than this two-toned gem.

Flower leaf moissanite monochromatic engagement ring

The second option for flower lovers comes in a 14K white gold setting. It’s a unique option for both minimalist and romantic souls. Once placed on her finger, you’ll see her glimpse at it every couple of minutes, because moissanites dazzle under light.

Leaf moissanite engagement ring in rose gold

If you’ve found your princess and looking for your fairytale ring, look no further than this beauty. Its setting is sure to make heads turn, and its vivid blossom will make hearts skip a bit. It will no doubt become a family heirloom, that will share the story of your happily ever after. 

Unique leaf engagement ring set in rose gold

Moissanite is a big, sustainable, trend this year. Add this to the unique flower design, you’ll definitely take her breath away. This is statement ring set, inspired by the beauty found in Mother Nature, will capture her heart from the moment she beholds it.

Lotus flower sapphire engagement ring 

If you’re into the “Zen” movement, the lotus design is for you. This nature-inspired ring comes in 14K white and yellow gold. Likewise, this double whammy will quench even the most indecisive of souls out there. (it also makes a great gift for anniversaries, birthdays or Mother’s Day!).

Floral emerald halo engagement ring

Custom handcrafted in the finest detail, this unique engagement ring features a halo emerald beautifully set in two-tone swirled mounting design with stunning flower detail.

Unique solitaire emerald engagement ring

If natural green is what you’re looking for, then this gorgeous emerald ring is a great option to pop the question!

Art deco diamonds and emerald engagement ring

Last, but definitely not least. We’re excited to present this art deco stunner! The color green symbolizes growth, which makes an emerald is a great stone for engagement rings

 

Are you excited to know what summer will bring? I know we are. Until then you can discover more unique pieces in our shop. Regardless of which season your hemisphere is in, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to comment below and let us know your favorite picks.  

 

 

[Cover Photo by Anton Atanasov from Pexels]

Today, there’s a multitude of options when it comes to engagement rings. And while we’re all familiar with the classic diamond ring, there’s one (not so little) stone out there that serves a great alternative and deserves some serious attention. But, if you’re still wondering what’s the difference between diamonds and moissanite, then look no further than the guide below. 

When we think of a classic engagement ring we tend to think of one with diamonds. Although, in today’s economy being budget-savvy is a big trend when it comes to jewelry. No doubt, we all want something that’s kind to our wallets, but also something special and eye-catching, that will stand the test of time in terms of durability. In a few words, a diamond is a precious stone, clear, made of pure carbon, which is the hardest substance on Earth. While, moissanite is a natural mineral, a silicon carbide. It was discovered by Henri Moissan, a French chemist, in 1893.

 

Moissanite – the space rock  

 

Finance & Style

Moissanite gems are becoming a big trend among couples who may not have the money to invest in a standard engagement ring. Because, while moissanite and diamonds may look similar, they certainly don’t resemble each other’s prices. Depending on the cut and clarity moissanite can be up to 90% less expensive per carat than a diamond of the same size. In addition to them being a fraction of the cost, there’s also the added bonus of having the freedom to choose larger stones along with personalized designs. Thus, eliminating the worry that your wallet won’t match up to the final product. 

 

Durability or “Toughness”

Although they’re all beautiful, not all gemstones are created equally. Certain gemstones like emeralds and sapphires are not ideal for daily wear (due to the fact that they tend to be brittle and most have tiny natural cracks that make them vulnerable to chipping and shattering). The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals – the higher the number is, the durable the material is. When it comes to toughness the only thing to come between diamonds and moissanite is boron. As Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale coming in 2nd only to diamonds, which rank as 10. This is great news because it means not only is Moissanite cost-effective but you can wear it or (show it off) on a daily basis.

 

Appearance

When comparing quartz, diamonds, and Moissanites, side by side, a lot of couples go for the Moissanite rings. Moissanites are actually more eye-catching and clearer. They have incredible brilliance, unlike the quartz, especially with the round shapes. Another advantage is that these gems have more dispersion. The stone breaks down light into spectral colors, so when you look at it against a light source, a rainbow appears. And finally, it goes without saying that the bigger the stone the more noticeable the dispersion. And thanks to the cost it means you can get a bigger stone at an even better price.

 

 

In conclusion, Moissanites are a fabulous alternative to diamonds. Not only are they cost-effective, but also durable and aesthetically-pleasing thanks to their dispersion levels that create even more sparkle! Last but certainly not least finally they are also extremely eco-friendly! Bottom line- moissanite gems are a great investment, considering both the budget and the lasting quality. 

Check out some of our Moissanite rings and let us know what you think!

 

If you’re a globe-trotter at heart or you want to match your engagement ring to a special location, then this guide is for you! We’ve drawn inspiration from the color palettes of 6 rings and matched them to international wedding locations. Because sometimes just looking at jewelry that reminds you of a special place can be more fun than buying a plane ticket… 

 

Tuscany x the Yellow Sapphire Engagement Ring Set

Tuscany is located in the central part of Italy. Its capital Florence is known for art and architecture. But, Tuscany is known for its relaxing vibes, good wine, and romantic sunsets. In order to represent Tuscany, we chose the Yellow Sapphire engagement ring. This ring has a silky setting in 14k rose gold, which is sure to make your better half think of dancing beneath the stars.

 

 

 

 

Santorini x the Halo Aquamarine Engagement Ring

Santorini is part of the Greek Cyclades Islands. It’s known for its white and blue architecture, amazing food and friendly people. For this destination, we picked the Halo Aquamarine engagement ring, set in 14k white gold. This is a ring that would make its wearer feel like a goddess.

 

 

 

Las Vegas x the art deco ruby engagement ring

Also known as the the Marriage Capital of the World! This is a destination everyone should try at least once in their lives.  Las Vegas is certainly not, it’s a bold city booming with action. And so, we’ve chosen none other than the Art Deco Ruby engagement ring in a vintage setting – it’s big, it’s shiny and it screams FABULOUS!

 

 

Hawaii x the Victorian Topaz Engagement Ring

Located on the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is truly nature’s gem. Surrounded by lagoons, filled with greenery, it’s both an exotic and a romantic place. In celebration of this unique destination, we’ve chosen a special Victorian Topaz engagement ring, set in 14k white gold, to say Aloha with love (AloVa?!)

 

 

Paris x the Natural Diamond Engagement Ring

The most romantic city in the world, where art, fashion, architecture, gastronomy, and culture meet. For this unique combination, we’ve chosen a Classic Natural Diamond as an engagement ring in a 14K white gold setting. A ring that maintains its classic beauty with love in its details.

 

 

Bali x the Pear Cut Emerald Engagement Ring Set

Bali is an island in Indonesia known for volcanic mountains, sandy beaches, and adventurous coral reefs. And while it is a place full of greenery, yoga and relaxation, there are also exciting sunrises and dangerous creatures. And so, for this destination, we’ve chosen a Pear Cut Emerald Engagement Ring Set, set in 14k two-tone gold. 

 

 

Want to do some more window shopping? Check out our online shop to see more destination-worthy rings. And don’t forget to let us know which one’s your favorite in the comments below

 

[image credit: Pexels]

The sunflower is one of the most beautiful plants on Earth, with lots of history and meaning. It’s a symbol of adoration, longevity, and loyalty, much like the Sun. To honor this unique flower which has been a wonderful source of inspiration for us, we have gathered all the unique sunflower items under one collection – the Sunflowers Collection.

 

 

Here are some more interesting stories and facts about sunflowers, that will make you go WOW:

1. There’s a lot to know about the sunflowers – Vincent van Gogh’s fascination with sunflowers is one of the most interesting works of art that we have to date. The artist painted a series during the summer of 1888, when he couldn’t leave the comfort of his house, due to bad weather. The sunflower caught his eye indoors and gave him inspiration. But it’s also a symbol of friendship, as this is what he was painting when he invited fellow painter Gauguin to join his studio.

2. A great cultural reference surrounding the sunflower comes from the Greeks. There’s this myth about Apollo and Clytie, the nymph. Apollo, the son of Zeus, was the God of Sun. The two were somewhat in love until Apollo fell for Leucothoe. Clytie became jealous and got Leucothoe killed. Apollo took revenge, turned the nymph into a flower, but even as a flower she followed him around, like sunflowers turn towards the Sun. And this is how it became a symbol of faithfulness

3. There are many meanings surrounding the sunflower around the globe. For example, Chinese people think of it as a symbol of good luck and energy, while Native Americans consider it the mark of harvest, due to its seeds, pigment and beauty.

4. The color symbolizes vitality, intelligence and happiness. Like the Sun, various religions think of it in connection with knowledge and the desire for light and truth. The Incas wore sunflowers as crowns, while modern artists like Ai WeiWei created exhibitions with sunflowers to show the relationship between the individual and the people.

5. If you are following the flowers & stones list, sunflowers can be given as a 3rd year wedding anniversary gift as a sign of adoration and strength.

6. Sunflower’s scientific name is “Helianthus” coming from the Greek words “helios” (sun) and “anthus” (flower).

7. Sunflower’s seeds are black (used for oil – for cooking or as an ingredient in the cosmetics industry) and striped (usually sold as a snack). As snacks, they’re very nutritious as a snack, as they contain a lot of calcium and good fats.

 

1. Sunflower rose-gold pendant
2. Sunflower diamond petals ring
3. Sunflower Solitaire Two-Tone Engagement Ring
4. Sunflowers Stud Earrings

 

Enjoy!

 

 

Are you planning on giving your partner an engagement ring? Are you a bride who also wants to wear her engagement ring all year around? You both don’t know how to take care of your engagement ring during the winter? Look no further than the easy guide below. The winter season is no friend to stones or even delicate hands, but it’s also not a foe. If you want to invest in a ring and you want it worn until the end of time, you can do so. Follow along some of the tips and tricks below.

If “I love my ring and I’m gonna wear it all life looong!” is your soundtrack, you might ask yourself the following questions: Can I look at it all day? Yes, you CAN! Can I sleep with it? Yes, you CAN! Can I shower with it? Yes, you CAN.

Keep your engagement ring clean
The first thing you should do during winter is clean it regularly. Because your skin dries, you apply a lot of lotions and it also sheds faster. This makes diamonds lose their sparkle. Whatever you choose, never do it above the drain, better put it on top of a towel just to make sure if you drop it it’s safe.
Sink it in warm water, add a bit of soap, let it there overnight and in the morning clean it delicately with an old toothbrush. Another way to clean it is to actually use toothpaste.

 

 

Always place it in safe environments

If you do have to take it off, make sure you carry with you a special pouch, box or dish to rest it on. If you’re traveling, you can also put it on a golden string and tie it around your neck. The best way you can take care of your ring during winter is to place it safely.

 

 

The diamond isn’t THAT resistant
If you’re prone to getting your ring stuck into sweaters, scarves or fluffy gloves, take a trip down to your jeweler to see if they can do something or at least make sure everything is still in place. This also applies if you hit it during furniture movements or even if your finger got stuck somewhere or hit a hard surface.
If you’re taking it to a specialist it’s also worth it if you could get a good professional clean. You’re supposed to do it at least once a year, but we know, we’re all very busy.

 

Happy Winter!

White or gold, with or without stones, two-tone or tattooed on, there’s a wedding band out there for you. When we talk about the bride and groom’s jewelry, we mostly address the engagement ring. But there is more to add to your beautiful hands, so discover the top 15 things to know about wedding rings.

I DO day brings a lot of joy and sparkle to a couple. It’s also the perfect time to make savvy investments that will pass the time with you. It’s important to buy good materials, classic colors and shapes because bands can turn into family heirlooms too. But more in the list below.

 

1. It’s essential that when you invest in a diamond ring you also think to match it to the wedding band. You can’t go buying a white gold ring and then a yellow band or a wedding band with stones that will make the engagement ring less important.

 

2. But there are two-tone wedding bands on the market if that’s what you want, like these models here below.

3. And since we’re talking about online shopping, half of the modern couples do their research and buys online when it comes to bands for their wedding day.

 

4. Couples usually invest in an engagement ring with a stone and a simple wedding band or just a wedding band with precious stones. The ring market is your oyster.

 

5. If you’re not interested in gold and don’t know how to play with the other materials to meet your budget, know that you can invest in a more expensive platinum engagement ring and a palladium wedding band.

 

6. Wedding bands should be thicker than engagement rings but not so that one eclipses the other. Together they should look like a chunkier band.

 

7. Simple, classic, rings are still some of the most sold models on the market.

 

8. Wedding ring fingers vary from country to country, most usually wear it on the fourth finger of the left hand.

 

9. It is said that the wedding ring trend began in the second World War when soldiers wore them to remember the wives they left at home.

 

10. The wedding band is a symbol of wealth, that the man can take care of a family, but also of eternity.

 

11. The most popular engraved phrases on the wedding rings are each other’s names and the wedding date.

 

12. Wedding bands with blue stones are believed to be a symbol of a happy and long marriage. Blue sapphires and aquamarine are meant to represent faithfulness and sincerity.

 

13. Some of the oldest materials to be used in wedding bands date back to Ancient Egypt. Couples would take papyrus paper and braid it with twigs to make a loop of love and “happily ever after”.

 

14. Wedding rings carry special powers, in some prisons, inmates get to wear their bands.

 

15. In some religions (especially Catholic and Orthodox) the wedding bands have to be blessed first by the priest in order for the couple to wear them.