June 24, 2010

The Historical Journey of the Diamond Engagement Ring

Filed under: Engagement Rings, Ritani, Ritani Rings, Uncategorized, Unique Engagement Rings, diamond engagement rings, diamond jewelry, diamond rings — Tags: , , , — admin @ 7:51 pm

Ever wonder why we wear engagement rings and wedding bands on a very specific finger? Or why diamonds are so significant to the engaged-to-be-married? If so, we have the answers…

The ancient Greeks used to give their partners rings that were braided to look like veins.  They would wear these rings on the fourth finger of their left hands because they believed that finger contained a very important vein, the vena amoris, which leads directly to one’s heart. That tradition, of course, continues (albeit on the third finger!) today.

Indeed, when it comes to engagement rings, it’s true that diamonds are forever… but the tradition of giving diamond engagement rings isn’t quite at old… just 530 years, to be exact. The trend setter?  Archduke Maximilian I of Austria gave a diamond ring to his bride to be, Mary of Burgundy in the Fifteenth Century.

Before Maximilian’s historical gesture, the more common engagement ring consisted of a plain metal band that had a poem or message about love inscribed on it.  If the suitor was wealthy enough to purchase a gem, the ring would have a ruby on it (ruby being the gem of love at the time).

So, you ask: how did we get from the modest inexpensive band to the grand diamond engagement ring that we all have come to know and love?  One of the world’s best known diamond campaigns “A Diamond is Forever” has a lot to do with it.  Typically, diamonds were advertised by photographing young Hollywood starlets wearing the jewelry.  The industry then began to incorporate males in these shoots, giving the diamonds as a gift to their objects of affection.  Eventually, diamonds transformed into the ultimate gesture of love, and the public began to see that love could best be symbolized through the gift of a diamond (and the bigger and higher quality the diamond; the bigger and higher the quality the man’s love for the women he is proposing to!) Needless to say, the campaign was huge success and if you ask us: a win for women everywhere! Like most, we are firm believers in beautiful symbols to express love… and what better way to achieve that than via a Ritani engagement ring!

April 5, 2010

Celebrity style for your big day

Filed under: Engagement Rings, Eternity Band, Ritani, celebrity fashion, diamond engagement rings, diamond jewelry, diamond rings, wedding bands — Tags: , , , , , , , , — admin @ 2:06 pm

In this celebrity culture, we are all guilty of looking at celebrity lifestyles, and thinking: how can I incorporate that into my lifestyle? Whether a piece of clothing, a handbag, a pair shoes, a home furnishing or a piece of jewelry, celebrity style is a powerful inspiration for many. Celebrity weddings are a perfect example.

A wedding is one of the most glamorous and special days in someone’s life. Planning it, however, can be one of life’s most daunting tasks! The amount of preparation that it takes to pick the dress, the jewelry, the shoes, the tuxedo, the location, the cake, the meal, the guests and the band are some of the hardest decisions to make, thus, drawing inspiration from celebrities can make the decision process a tad bit easier.

When it comes to jewels, celebrity wedding styles are often synonymous with large price tags. While you may not be able to afford the exact piece, you can use the inspiration to choose your own precious Ritani pieces for a wedding that features something

When Khloe Kardashian married Lamar Odom in September of 2009, the lovebirds exchanged microapavé platinum rings at the altar. For those who like the style, Ritani offers the Eternity band is a platinum single row micropave’ ring ranging from $1,800 to $2,300.

On her wedding day, Kendra Wilkinson’s (a former Playboy playmate from the television series The Girls Next Door) sported over $100,000 in jewelry, most notably, her platinum drop earrings. Ritani’s Endless Love collection features gorgeous swing drop earrings containing round brilliant-cut bezel set diamonds surrounded by micropave’ diamonds. These earrings range from $3,500 to $4,850.

One of the most recent celebrities to tie the knot is one of the Real Housewives of NYC, Bethenny Frankel. Frankel’s engagement ring is a pear-shaped diamond cut ring. Want a taste of that pear? Ritani’s masterwork engagement ring features a oval cut centerstone and pear-shaped sidestones with micropave surroundings. The ring is valued between $7,150 and $8,370.

(Note: no matter the celebrity or the piece of jewelry, celebrities choose to wear platinum jewelry because platinum does not lose metal over time, which means that wedding jewelry isn’t only beautiful for the big day, but is an heirloom-worthy investment. Ritani offers many options in rings, necklaces and earrings in platinum.)

Khloe and Lamar’s wedding rings are similar to Ritani’s Eternity Wedding Band.

This Masterwork Engagement Ring is similar to NYC Housewife Bethenny Frankel’s Engagement Ring.

Ritani’s swing drop earrings from the Endless Love ColRitani's swing drop earrings from the Endless Love Collection are just like the earrings Kendra Wilkinson wore on her wedding day.

lection have the same sparkle as the earrings Kendra Wilkinson wore on her wedding day.

March 17, 2010

More than ‘Friends’-David Schwimmer Engaged!

Filed under: Engagement Rings — Tags: , , , — admin @ 10:03 am

It has been announced that ‘Friends’ actor David Schwimmer has gotten engaged to photographer Zoe Buckman.  Schwimmer, 43, and Buckman, 24, met in London in 2007 while Schwimmer was directing ‘Run Fatboy Run.’  Currently, the couple is living in Chicago where Schwimmer is finishing editing a movie called ‘Trust’ starring Clive Owen.  Wish we had a picture of that engagement ring, hopefully soon we’ll get to see that rock and when they plan on getting hitched!

March 15, 2010

Carrie’s Country Rock!

Filed under: Engagement Rings — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 10:03 am

Carrie Underwood, popular country singer, is engaged to Mike Fisher, hockey player for the Ottawa Senators.  Carrie and Mike have been dating for alittle over a year when Mike popped the question in late December.  Carrie showed up to one of Mike’s game flashin’ her engagement ring, and it sure doesn’t disappoint!  A representative from the Diamond Information Center suggested that the ring has to be at least 5 carats, putting the price of the ring in at least $150,000.00!!! Another celebrity engagement doesn’t disappoint!

March 12, 2010

Timeless yet on-trend, the new Floral by Ritani line blooms this spring!

Filed under: Academy Awards, Designer Engagement Rings, Engagement Rings, Ritani, Ritani Rings, celebrity fashion, diamond engagement rings, diamond jewelry — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 5:59 pm

It seems that, this year, Alice won’t be the only one lost in a garden… given fashion’s focus on all things floral, women everywhere—from business executives to brides–will be channeling a garden theme. In ready-to-wear, there were sequined flowers, embroidered vines, the integration of natural materials computer-generated prints, psychedelic versions, bold interpretations and demure watercolors; in bridal gowns, expect both literal and subtle flower accents.

BCBG modernized the floral concept by releasing aquatic-like prints; DKNY mixed sequins and stripes to add edge to their pink and navy floral print; Diane von Furstenberg; Ralph Lauren featured floral prints that channeled an earthy, organic vibe. Among bridal designers, meanwhile, everyone from Kirstie Kelly to Peter Langner to Venus celebrated the trend with bold fabric flowers and floral inspiration in silhouettes.

A new design from the Floral by Ritani collection

A new design from the Floral by Ritani collection

Indeed, while floral themes are a classic, this year isn’t any old-school walk in the, errr… garden. We know: the general idea of integrating florals into your wardrobe can seem a bit daunting. Yet these interpretations make it easy. See celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller and Leighton Meester, who have mastered the art of the floral; along with the likes of Mariah Carey, Mylie Cyrus and Maggie Gyllenhaal, who favored floral inspired jewels at the Oscars this month.

So, how to bring these flowers home to your own wardrobe? Well, whether you go for bold or understated floral fashion, you can accessorize with diamond jewels and engagement rings that are perfectly on-trend, yet so beautifully subtle in design that they will last a lifetime: Floral by Ritani.

The new Floral by Ritani collection

The new Floral by Ritani collection

Floral by Ritani features stylistically nouveau diamond rings, pendants and earrings, all hand crafted and uniquely designed with a romantic flower-inspired take. From the diamond-encrusted micropave petals supporting each center stone, to the finely sculpted and organically derived mountings, this peerless collection of rings, engagement rings, pendants and earrings is feminine, graceful and elegant. Floral by Ritani is available in platinum, 18k gold or palladium. Retail prices begin at $1,716. The collection will bloom at fine jewelry stores nationwide this spring.

March 2, 2010

American Idol Judge Simon Cowell Engaged?!?!

Filed under: Engagement Rings, Uncategorized, diamond engagement rings — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 9:58 am

Rumors have been floating around in recent weeks as to whether or not American Idol’s Simon Cowell is engaged to be married, and according to Max Clifford, Cowell’s UK rep, the rumors are indeed true. 

All girls dream of diamond engagement rings, and for Mezghan Hussainy,the make-up artist for American Idol, she has been seen sporting one after dating Simon for over a year.  According to Max Clifford, Simon, 50, and Mezghan, 36, are extremely happy together.  “She is someone who is independent and says what she thinks and feels, and he likes that.” 

There is no wedding date set as of yet, but from the size of diamond engagement rings that celebrities give, we’re excited to see what type of extravagant wedding ring he places on her finger.  If he’s smart, he’ll make it a Ritani. 

Engagement Rings Rock! How does price relate?

Filed under: Engagement Rings — Tags: , , , — admin @ 9:03 am

Some couples cringe at the idea of  engagement rings costing less than $1,000, while other couples refuse to consider anything over $1,000. Engagement ring prices vary widely, from simple, small rings with price tags under $100 to hefty designer creations using rare stones that may cost $1 million or more. How much a couple spends depends on what they feel comfortable with. For example, a groom-to-be may want to make a statement about how well he can provide for his future wife, and therefore he’d prefer to seek out more expensive rings. A woman who works with her hands frequently and knows the ring may become damaged, however, may prefer a more affordable ring that will not be as great a financial blow if it is damaged.

In general, spending either too much or too little on an engagement ring may make either individual feel intimidated, ashamed, or otherwise uncomfortable. The best way to resolve these problems is to discuss budgeting before purchasing the ring. Shopping within that budget rather than first finding gorgeous rings that may be far outside your current financial reach helps avoid disappointment and financial stress.

January 19, 2010

The Who’s Getting Engaged Rumor Mill!

Filed under: Engagement Rings, Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 1:35 pm

In Hollywood rumors are always flying about couples hooking up and breaking up.  Recently we have been hearing a few near-proposal rumors.

It’s being said that on-again off-again couple Megan Fox and Brian Austin-Green are on-again and may have re-ignited their engagement.  While tweeting over the weekend, Brian was asked about his marital status and he said, “Engaged and have a son from my previous relationship.”  He then indicated he was sitting next to Megan at the time.  So to deduce they are engaged.  Where is this diamond engagement ring??  I will keep a lookout but if I were her I wouldn’t confirm these rumors without flashing that engagement ring.

At the Golden Globes, George Clooney was holding tight to his squeeze Elisabetta Canalis.  He made sure to include her in all of his red carpet interviews and even held the umbrella over her while he got soaked.  What a gentleman!  Anyway, he has been heard saying she’s “the one”.  He has also been quoted as saying he is a fan of marriage….in the movies.  So who knows if they may not make it official but still be exclusive.  George is a rogue spirit and it’s hard to see him conforming to the usual formalities of relationships.  This is another one we will have to keep a lookout for the diamond engagement ring to know if it is for real!

C. Sparkles

December 18, 2009

RITANI To unvail a NEW Engagement Ring Collection in the New Year

Filed under: Engagement Rings, diamond engagement rings — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 1:34 pm

 

RITANI, the leader in designer engagement rings & bridal fine jewelry announced today the introduction of a fresh new collection of diamond engagement rings set to launch this coming year.

 

Since its debut in 1999, Ritani has quickly become one of the world’s most recognizable fashioners of diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as a host of other distinctive fine jewelry. Called ‘The Masterwork Collection’, these new never before seen RITANI engagement rings are sculpted works of art revealing stylistic nuances not seen anywhere in the designer engagement ring category.

With its primary inspiration derived from the timeless themes of tradition and romance, RITANI has mined a multitude of sources to define this smart yet classic collection of engagement rings. From stylistic diamond encrusted mountings supported above elegantly sculpted shanks, this new one-of-a-kind collection represents RITANI’s unequivocal approach to progressive design. 

The Masterwork Collection of diamond engagement rings by RITANI will surely set into motion new and exciting waves across the bridal market for a long time to come.

J.A.ROE

December 8, 2009

Celebrity engagement rings for the common man and woman!

Filed under: Engagement Rings, diamond engagement rings — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 11:34 am

A lot of people like to know what celebrities wear and what they get on their engagements. Many jewelry makers from different countries produce celebrity inspired engagement rings for ordinary people to enjoy and cherish. You will find tons of options in this category with rings ranging in price from $100 to $5000 and even more. Although celebrity rings are way too expensive, with most of them costing around millions of dollars, designers try to use inexpensive materials and imitation stones to create look-alikes of those rings. If you want to know what Jennifer Aniston, Kate Walsh, Kate Hudson, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, Katie Holmes and other celebrities got on their engagement, keep reading on.

Katie Holmes was presented with an Edwardian style ring by Tom Cruise which cost over 1.5 million dollars. It is a 5-carat diamond ring in oval shape set in platinum and rose gold. The huge diamond and the setting speak of antique style which is quite noticeable. Jennifer Aniston got a ring specially designed by Brad Pitt and it is truly beautiful. It is composed of 20 diamonds set in a spiral in white gold. Replica rings of this type are now widely available on the Internet starting from as low as $35. Although these rings might not be long lasting or sturdy, they can be bought to see the exquisite design and lovely setting.

One of the most unusual and extremely beautiful celebrity diamond engagement ringsis the one received by Jessica Simpson. This ring is designed with two side stones and a center stone which is pear shaped set in platinum. The diamonds used on this ring weigh around 3.5 carats and have internally flawless clarity. These types of diamonds are rare and very expensive. Kate Hudson’s art deco style ring with 5-carat asscher cut center diamond and small pave set diamonds on the sides is gorgeous. Kate Walsh inspired CZ ring is also available out there with a similar design.

Many other celebrity engagement rings are unique and simply exquisite. And why wouldn’t they be? After all, the men who happen to fall in love with these celebrities have to spend millions of dollars to steal their beloved’s heart away. Good news for all those who love these rings and would like to have an identical ring on their engagement: there are many designers who create celebrity inspired rings which also include personalized and custom-made rings in all styles. Usually less expensive stones or diamond stimulants like moissanite and CZ are used on these rings to make them affordable for ordinary people. In place of platinum, 14k or 18k white gold is used.

Whether it’s a classic solitaire diamond ring, or a lavishly designed beautiful and luxurious ring with lots of diamonds, celebrity engagement rings are considered unique and extraordinary. Internet has made it possible for everyone to enjoy the beauty of these rings and also to order an identical ring in just about minutes. Check out the various stunning rings in this category and choose one for your sweetheart.

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