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!

June 4, 2010

Interpreting the styles of SATC 2

Filed under: Ritani, Ritani Rings, Uncategorized, celebrity fashion, diamond jewelry — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 2:13 pm

The very fashion forward Sex and the City cast has been wowing and inspiring fans for over a decade now.  The foursomes’ bold and unique styles are better than ever in their new movie Sex and the City 2.  With a wardrobe budget of 10 million dollars it would be hard not to look gorgeous.  Take the looks of your favorite Sex and the City stars and make them your own  without spending 10 million by using similar pieces by Ritani.

One of the movie’s most popular looks was the four-leaf clover motif…

Here’s Ritani’s take…

http://www.ritani.com/products/view/694/in_category/9

Cuff Bracelets like the one Carrie is wearing below, were seen often throughout the movie…

Ritani’s Endless Love Collection offers similar style cuffs…

http://www.ritani.com/products/view/725/in_category/6

Carrie’s gold stilettos are a big hit in the sequel…

They would pair perfectly with Riatni’s stiletto earrings…

http://www.ritani.com/products/view/969/in_category/9

Charlotte’s pretty in pink outfit suits her sweet personality…

Ritani has the perfect piece to complete the outfit…

http://www.ritani.com/products/view/804/in_collection/3

Many colorful pieces can be found in the movie, like Samantha’s chandelier earings….

Ritani offers very similar earrings…

http://www.ritani.com/products/view/838/in_category/9

May 26, 2010

Rare Diamonds

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 9:32 am

Rare Diamonds

Did you know that colored diamonds are known in the jewelry world as “fancy colored diamonds”… rarer and more expensive than their white counterparts.

The conditions are rare in which these colored diamonds are made.  It is said that for everything 10,000 colorless diamonds there is one natural colored diamond to be mined… It is this entirely natural process of geographical formation which ensures that each natural color diamond, like these from our Masterwork Collection is one of a kind.

How do these uniquely colored diamonds form? Well it depends on pressure, and natural elements in the atmosphere.

* For a yellow diamonds like these to form, nitrogen must be present during heat and pressurization.

Other fancy colored diamond colors are formed by different circumstances:

- Blue diamonds form when boron is present and reacts with carbon molecules.
- The presence of hydrogen will impact a diamond to become a violet hue.
- Pink and red diamonds form when there is an abnormal amount of molecular compression during the diamond’s formation.
- Natural radiation over the years will give a green hue to a diamond.
- Brown diamonds also form when intense compression is present.
- The black diamond is probably the rarest of them all. A black diamond is not a single crystal it is made up of millions of tiny crystals bonded together. Microscopic deposits of sulfides between these bonds are responsible for the dark color.
For your own colored diamonds check out Ritani’s selection of fancy yellow diamonds.

For more information on colored diamonds see these great articles – What gives a diamond color & Facts about colored diamonds.

May 17, 2010

Got the girl; Get the ring!

Filed under: Academy Awards, Asscher Cut Engagement Ring, Choosing A Diamond Ring, Press Releases, diamond jewelry — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 2:12 pm

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 24, 2010

On the Hunt for Diamond Treasure? Read on!

Filed under: Designer Engagement Rings, Ritani, Ritani Rings, diamond jewelry, diamond rings — Tags: , , , — admin @ 12:33 pm

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!

February 12, 2010

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

Filed under: diamond rings — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 10:04 am

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

February 11, 2010

Miss America 2009 Trades Her Crown For An Engagement Ring

Filed under: diamond engagement rings — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 2:44 pm

Our current Miss America, Katie Stam, is about to retire her crown this weekend to the next 2010 winner.  While at a fundraiser in front of 600 guests, her boyfriend Brian Irk, got down on one knee and proposed to her with an emerald cut diamond engagement ring.

Brian said to her, “I love you so much.  Will you be my Miss America forever?”. Katie said she started hyperventilating with the excitement before accepting his offer.  The next morning she thought it had been a dream, until she looked at her ring finger and saw the sparkling engagement ring as proof.

Katie has said “It`s bittersweet but being engaged and going back to Indiana knowing that I`m engaged to the man that I love, makes it really special and makes it easier to let go of being Miss America. I`m kind of trading one in for the other”.

Best wishes to the newly engaged couple, and I look forward to seeing the emerald cut engagement ring Brian gave her.  what kind of wedding bands will they choose?  Will they be RITANI wedding rings?  I hope so if they want to have something truly special to symbolize their union.

C. Sparkles

February 1, 2010

The Right Hand Diamond Ring Trend

Filed under: Eternity Band — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 10:13 am

Have you ever admired a diamond ring in a jewelry store, but figured since you weren’t married, it wasn’t a worthwhile purchase?

Long gone are the days when only the married ladies can wear and enjoy a gorgeous diamond ring. The “right hand” ring is one of the hottest trends in the diamond jewelry industry to come along in the last 10 years. There are so many options out there for single woman who works hard for her money and wants to treat herself with a spectacular diamond right hand ring.

The key to pulling off this look is to purchase something that could not be mistaken for a traditional diamond engagement ring. Typically, this means a solitaire style ring.  I would stay away from this style if you want to avoid it  being mistaken for an engagement ring. This still leaves a whole slew of styles to choose from.

One popular option is a cluster style ring. Cluster rings usually feature a lot of smaller diamonds grouped closely together to create the illusion of one large stone. The overall look is usually bold, and very sparkly. Because the diamonds in these types of rings are small, you can find cluster rings at reasonable prices.

Another option to consider is a vintage diamond ring. There are many very attractive diamond vintage rings that are not reminiscent of modern engagement rings. If you look in antique stores or go to estate sales, you will find a wide assortment of diamond rings. Many of them are very ornate, with delicate filigree work and scroll detail. Vintage and antique rings are most suited for those who appreciate the most feminine and delicate of details.

What about a colored diamond? Although pricey, colored diamonds are a perfect way to make a right hand ring statement. A colored diamond is a great option because they are so unique and beautiful—exactly what you should look for in a right hand ring. Since color is an unexpected option for a bridal ring, these types of stones are ideal. Look for diamonds in all colors—chocolate, canary, and blue are among the most popular.

I have also noticed a lot of really cool, detailed diamond bands in a lot of jewelry stores. Look for a diamond band – one maybe with cutouts or a scalloped edge—to avoid a bridal look. If you opt for a thinner diamond band, look for rings that will stack together. This will give you the ability to customize your look.

As you can see, diamond rings have come a long way since the traditional bridal solitaire. The concept of the “right hand” ring is still new, but I don’t think it is a passing fancy. I believe that this is one trend that really has some legitimate staying power. I am looking forward to spotting all of the newest right hand ring designs that will be hitting the stores in 2010.

C. Sparkles

January 27, 2010

Diamond Rings For Every Occasion

Filed under: diamond rings — Tags: , , , — admin @ 4:05 pm

Everyone knows that recent tradition tells men that a proposal screams for a diamond engagement ring. But what if you have already tied the knot? Are there other times in a woman’s life when a diamond is an appropriate gift?

Past Present & Future

If you ask me, a diamond is always an appropriate gift—but I may be biased because I am a lifelong diamond aficionado. Below I have listed when I think it is especially appropriate to give a gift of diamond jewelry to the woman in your life.

1) The birth of a child. What better way to commemorate the most significant event in your life as a parent? Show her your appreciation with an elegant diamond pendant. Bonus point if the baby is born in the month of April.

2) A big promotion at work. There is nothing that says “I’ve made it” like a pair of diamond stud earrings.

3) On Valentines Day. Skip the flowers—they will wither in a few days. Give a gift of diamond heart jewelry; she will remember that Valentine’s Day forever.

4) Your anniversary. Maybe when you first got engaged you were just starting out and could only afford a modest ring. Knock her socks off with a 3- stone past, present, future diamond ring.

5) A big birthday. Whether she’s turning the big 3-0 or the big 8-0, a woman expects a little extra pampering on her milestone birthdays.

Whatever the occasion treat the woman in your life to diamonds, one of the most precious gems that mother earth has to offer.

C. Sparkles

January 25, 2010

ANNOUNCING YOUR ENGAGEMENT COULDN’T BE MORE FUN!

Filed under: Something Cool — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 4:04 pm

People are proposing marriage everyday, and giving their loved one’s a beautiful diamond engagement ring.  These days life passes by so quickly we don’t have time for the mail to be delivered.  There have been some clever ways people have come up with to share with their families and friends about their engagements.  Virtual contact is the norm now, and if you don’t have a presence on the web somewhere people think you are from the Dark Ages.  Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have become platforms for couples who want to shout from the rooftops announcing their engagements.  The internet is bombarded everyday with news of celebrity couples and other famous faces getting married or engaged.  Now the masses are getting their 5 minutes of fame.

There is a big hit on YouTube right now that a very clever couple has produced to ask their wedding guests to save the date.  Which is a way to announce your engagement instantly by emailing the links to contacts in your address book.  A couple named Jeff and Erin have made a movie trailer parody featuring bits like Indiana Jones and the Matrix.  These two are a clever couple and seem to really be in a fun relationship and want to really show how much fun they have together.

For those of you who don’t have the access to producing such an elaborate video, check out Announce Your Engagement on the web and make a video of you and your favorite girl or guy and send to all of your loved ones in a really fun and easy way.  Once you slip that engagement ring on her finger and she jumps for joy and screams ‘YES’ get online and choose your favorite photos of you and create an eCard that will animate you dancing in a setting of your choice.  Are you two beach bums?  Well there is a beach scene and tropical music to dance to.  Or maybe the two of you are more refined and enjoy a nice tuxedo and dance the Tango, there is something for you as well.  Whatever you choose, have fun and make sure to share with the world how happy and in love you are!

C. Sparkles

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