June 24, 2010

The Historical Journey of the Diamond Engagement Ring

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!

June 8, 2010

Get Back to the Basics! The hunt for an Engagement Ring

So you’re on the hunt for an engagement ring but have absolutely no idea what you are looking for.  Maybe all the rings look the same to you and can’t tell why one is more expensive than the other.  Let me help you narrow down your search.  If your girlfriend is the classy type and wants to stay away from the cookie cutter  ring mold, I suggest looking into Ritani’s Romantique collection!  The Romantique collection offers elegant and stylish vintage diamond engagement rings that have been hand carved with a microscopic eye for detail which give the feel of antique engagement rings!

For a look at our entire collection, click here!

May 18, 2010

The Ring Buyer Debate

After deciding that you’re ready to start shopping for an engagement ring, the next question you have to ask yourself is WHERE do I want to shop for a ring.  Some people think that saving money and getting a good deal by finding the ring yourself is the best idea, while others like the more traditional approach of buying through a jeweler.

There are pros and cons to each situation.  By searching online, you may be able to find a good deal on a great looking ring.  The only problem with this is that you will not be able to inspect it before buying it.  The only way you can inspect the ring is through pictures on your computer screen.  Make sure the company you are buying from is reputable and they give you a sheet containing the history of the ring.

If you buy through a jeweler, you will probably end up spending a bit more money, since jewelers want as much commission on their merchandise as possible.  However, unlike shopping online, you will be able to physically look for the ring you want and get information from an expert.  You will also be able to bring it in for repairs if there is a malfunction with the ring.

There is no right or wrong answer here.  Luckily, Ritani is able to satisfy both of these options.  You can shop online by clicking here, or search our store locations on our website to see which store is closest near you.

May 17, 2010

Got the girl; Get the ring!

Calling all guys, have you found her? Your dream girl? The one you don’t ever want to let go? Have you started planning that special day when you “pop the question?” It’s kind of nerve wracking isn’t it, with all the pressure of getting her that perfect ring. Well, problem solved - here are some tips to help you along the way.

No need to break your bank.

Know your budget, Ritani has rings that will match your budget, while satisfying your girlfriend’s style. A promise of exceptional craftsmanship that will show your everlasting love and devotion.

Guys, do the research. No girl wants to open up that pretty little velvet box and find a ring that doesn’t fit her personality.

Call her best friend, or your “future Mother in law” and ask for some tips!

Know her ring size. If you don’t – no sweat! Go in her jewelry box and borrow a ring (no thumb rings). Bring it to a jeweler and ask them to size it for you.  If you are not comfortable with that, get her best friend to go undercover and find out for you.

Narrow down her style; Is she classic, modern, glamorous, or a romantic? Ritani has a collection for everyone.

For your Classic girl – Check out Classic Engagement rings;

For your Modern girl – Check out Modern Engagement Rings;

For your Glamorous girl – Check out the Bella Vita Collection®;

For your Romantic girl – Try the Romantique Collection® or Endless love®; (picture from Endless love)

Has she mentioned any celeb rings she absolutely loves? Is she in a league of her own? Check out Ritani’s Masterwork Collection®;

Other questions? Visit the Ritani Concierge your virtual assistant that will help you regarding anything and everything jewelry related. This is such a significant moment in your life and Ritani wants to make your moment unforgettable.

March 29, 2010

In Love and Feeling Lucky??

Recently engaged? Share the news with everyone! Ritani, the premiere jewelry company for engagement and wedding rings, is sponsoring a video e-card on The Knot. The Knot website is the ultimate resource for brides-to-be: offering countless photos, links, information and ideas for making your wedding day memorable and extra-special. The video e-card is the perfect way to let those important to you know that you are now engaged. Besides, sharing the love with your family and friends, you and your soon-to-be hubby, or soon-to-be wife, are entering a sweepstakes to win wedding bands from Ritani. The rings featured are valued between $1900 and $2200. The groom’s 8mm band is classically designed featuring a domed satin finish and milgrain in white gold. The bride will receive the diamond eternity band: a platinum single row micropave full band with a diamond weight of .22ctw. Several sets of wedding bands will be awarded to three lucky couples over the year. So start sharing the love and perhaps you’ll get a little lucky!

March 24, 2010

On the Hunt for Diamond Treasure? Read on!

Who doesn’t love a treasure hunt? The challenge, the competition, the diamonds… Yes, we said: the diamonds!

On April 10 in Birmingham, Ala., Bromberg’s Jewelers will host Bromberg’s Diamond Dash a high-tech treasure hunt. The reward to the winner: A $15,000 Ritani diamond ring from Bromberg’s!

On this hunt (which free to registered participants), all of the clues and riddles will be delivered via text message to cell phones–Any cell phone, any model, on any carrier can play. Any couple or team of two can participate (if registered) and join the hunt by foot, by bike, or even by zeppelin. (You’ll want to move fast, but smarts will beat speed on this adventure!).

Register here and explain why you should be chosen to participate. Then, join the fun, which kicks off at 11 a.m. at Linn Park in Downtown Birmingham.

Good luck!

March 10, 2010

Hilary Duff Engaged!!

Hilary Duff, Disney star diva, announced her

Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie

Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie

engagement to Edmonton Oiler’s hockey player Mike Comrie.  She is the second hockey fiance of the year, following Carrie Underwood’s engagement to Ottawa Senator’s Mike Fisher.  What are they putting in the water?!?!…and then freezing it.  Hilary and Mike got engaged a few weeks ago after dating for two years while vacationing in Hawaii.  We don’t know what kind of engagement ring she is wearing, but my bet is that it’s probably a pretty fancy diamond!  If you’re looking for stylish diamond engagement rings, check out Ritani’s wide selection!

March 2, 2010

Engagement Rings Rock! How does price relate?

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.

February 27, 2010

The Bachelor Purchases Rings; Indicates Winner

As the season finale of The Bachelor approaches on Monday March 1st, it seems that viewers are getting a good idea of who Jake Pavelka is going to choose.  Pavelka happened to run into Neil Lane, the famous ring designer.  Of the two rings that were made, one of them just happens to be a diamond princess cut, coincidentally Vienna Girardi’s favorite kind because she’s “daddy’s little girl.”  Girardi, an ex-hooter girl and one of the two finalists, is rumored to be the favorite to steal Pavelka’s heart on Monday night’s season finale.  Earlier in the season, Girardi admitted that if she were to get engaged, a diamond princess cut is the one she would choose…and now it seems to be in her grasp.  Tune in to see the “surprise” ending.

February 12, 2010

Make this Valentine’s Day Memorable with Diamond Engagment rings and Wedding Bands

A diamond engagement ring can be anything and everything you desire it to be. You have spent many amazing years together and have a lot of wonderful memories to keep. In this fast loving lifestyle, you hardly have time to put much thought into a Valentine gift, so you end up buying the usual bouquet of flowers or chocolates. Don’t you just wish that you could somehow bring back the fire and passion of when you first met?

Diamond Engagement Rings

Leave her awe struck this Valentines Day by giving her a sparkling diamond engagement ring. This gift will be much more than an eye opener, and will be a token of your love, admiration and ceaseless commitment. All our diamond engagement rings have been crafted by a talented team of jewelry designers. Each ring reflects beauty, magnificence and grace. Precious metals of gold and platinum add a touch of class and elegance to the designs.

A diamond engagement ring is no longer out of your reach.  Ritani has an elite range of best quality diamond rings. You also have the option of customizing the ring to better suit your taste and budget.

Browse through an endless set of designs to find that perfect ring for your loved one, a piece that she can feel proud of. Every woman dreams of owning a diamond ring make her desire come true by gifting a lovely diamond solitaire ring from our beautiful collection. Even if your lady has a collection of diamond jewelry, this is one gift that she’ll never get tired of. Diamonds are forever and each one has its own distinctive character that enhances your personality in their own special way.

Though most of our designs are focused keeping today’s woman in mind, we’ve not left out the men totally. We have a bold and charismatic collection of platinum men’s wedding rings. Compared to women, men are missing in the fashion sense department, so what better way to show off your man that adorning him with a handsome diamond wedding band. Add a rich and stylish touch to your man’s personality and wardrobe. So give your man something unique this Valentines a make him feel as special as he makes you.

C. Sparkles

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