Palladium Engagement Rings: While platinum diamond rings have ruled the scene for decades, there’s no denying that palladium engagement rings are looking to take over in 2012. Palladium looks almost identical to platinum (and no wonder – it’s considered part of the platinum family) and has similar durability and strength. Palladium is also considered a great choice for those couples who suffer from metal-related allergies. Add to the fact that palladium is a perfect choice for those brides-to-be on a budget (it’s remarkably cheaper than platinum), and it’s no wonder palladium is set to be the hottest engagement ring style for 2012.

Colored Gemstones: Colored gemstones first came into our lives, thanks to the Royal Wedding – and they’re not going anywhere in 2012. The interest in colored gemstone engagement rings is only surging, with stylish brides-to-be intent on choosing a ring in their favorite color. From deep-rich ruby reds to brilliant sapphires, colored gemstones are a perfect (and trendy!) way to inject a little color into your engagement ring.

Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Rings: While princess cut diamond engagement rings certainly ruled the scene for the last decade, the Asscher cut diamond engagement ring is ready to take hold of the style crown. Asscher cut diamonds look similar to princess cut diamonds; however, the subtle differences make a huge difference in the final price of the former. Asscher cut diamonds use subtle laser cutting to create a multi-facet appearance, giving the diamond an enviable amount of shine. This kind of laser cutting also makes smaller diamonds look much larger – which is perfect for the glamorous couple who wants to save money on their stylish diamond engagement ring.

Multiple Stones: 2012 marks the beginning of another diamond engagement ring trend: multiple stones. From pave-set diamonds to eternity bands, multi-stone diamond engagement rings are a fashionable way to celebrate your love story. Be sure to show those multiple stones off with a gorgeous platinum or palladium metal band.

No matter where your love story takes you in 2012, why not celebrate with a stylish yet timeless diamond engagement ring? Choose one of these of-the-moment engagement ring styles, or select a vintage style – whatever your choice is, be sure to pick the diamond engagement ring style that makes your heart soar!

Wondering why there’s such a huge fuss over gift ideas for this magical holiday? The Valentine’s Day gift speaks volumes about your relationship – and there’s no denying that if you want to take your relationship to the next level, this gift can be provide you with the perfect opportunity.

So with that in mind, let’s take a look at the Valentine’s Day gift ideas he’s sure to love!

If You’re Just Starting Out: If you and your sweetheart are just starting your relationship, you need to tread this holiday with caution. Fail to give him a sentimental gift, and he’ll think you’re not serious about him; give him too much of a gift, and he’ll freak out that you’re moving too fast. If you want to master Valentine’s Day and keep your new relationship growing, go for humor over sentiment. Some fantastic Valentine’s Day gift ideas include his favorite childhood board game, a DVD of his favorite comedian, or a day spent at the arcade (you’ll be providing the quarters, of course). It’s a touching way to let him know you care without putting too much pressure on a new relationship.

If You’re In a Serious Relationship: If you’re in a serious relationship with your sweetheart, there are plenty of opportunities to show him that you care. If you really want this Valentine’s Day to be the best one yet, consider these wonderful gift ideas that are Cupid-approved:

1. If your man likes his fair share of bling – and let’s face it, who doesn’t? – consider giving him the gift of diamond earrings. Not only are these diamonds man-approved, but they’re very much on-trend in 2012. After all, you shouldn’t be the only one to benefit from the gift of diamonds this Valentine’s Day!

2. Do you have a sports fan on your hands? Then go all-out for the ultimate sports experience. Buy a couple tickets to see his team play, and treat to post-game beers and wings. If you’re not a fan of the game and you really want to earn some serious girlfriend points, insist that he take his best friend to the game. He’ll be able to get into the game without worrying about if you’re having a good time.

If You’re Ready to Take the Next Step: If you’re ready to make your relationship official, don’t wait for him to spring the diamond engagement ring on you; instead, get down on one knee and present him with a diamond engagement ring! Platinum or palladium bands with a single diamond are great man-approved diamond engagement rings, plus they can double as a stylish wedding band.

No matter what your relationship status, turn this Valentine’s Day into one he’ll always remember with our great gift ideas for the man in your life!

The engagement party.

The thought of having a party to celebrate your life might make you jump for joy, but be wary – there’s a host of potential etiquette blunders that could set a negative tone in the run-up to your wedding. Now that you have your diamond engagement ring, here’s the engagement party etiquette you need to know:

1. You’re not allowed to throw your own engagement party – period. The engagement party must be offered by one of your relatives, or your sweetheart’s relatives. Similarly, a close and generous friend could offer to host the party. No matter who offers, the couple is not allowed to host their own party, as this can be seen as tacky and greedy. If no one offers, consider dropping a subtle hint to your parents. After all, that’s what family is for.

2. If you’re wondering whether you should have an engagement party at all, consider this general rule of thumb: if your wedding is more than a year away, you’re good to go. If, however, you’re getting married in just a few months, an engagement party is unnecessary and inconvenient for your guests. Remember, it has nothing to do with you – and everything to do with etiquette, time constraints and considerations for your friends and family members.

3. If you’re at your engagement ring party, feel free to show off that gorgeous diamond engagement ring (after all, that’s what it’s there for!). But it’s proper etiquette to ensure that the party’s primary focus is to introduce both sides of the family to each other. Therefore, make sure that all of your attention is on introducing his mother to your cousins, or your friends to his brothers. That way, everyone will feel completely comfortable with each other by the time the wedding rolls around – and that’s certainly a recipe for an awesome reception.

Remember, the engagement party has its own set of rules and etiquette that doesn’t necessarily apply to the wedding. However, never forget the ultimate rules of the party: relax, enjoy your close friends and family members, and show off that beautiful diamond engagement ring!

Or is it?

Whether you’re the one doing the proposing, or you stumbled across this article because you’re looking for a subtle way to hint at your boyfriend (ahem) that you’re ready to walk down the aisle, here are a few diamond engagement ideas that won’t break the bank.
After all, you’ll need all that money for your upcoming wedding!

1. Put your feelers out there and see if you have any friends or family members who work in the jewelry industry. Jewelers get great discount rates on diamond engagement rings, meaning you’ll benefit from having that sweet connection. If your search turns up empty, don’t be afraid to enlist a few trusted friends to see if they have any contacts themselves. You’ll never know who will turn up – and how much money you could potentially save on a diamond engagement rings.

2. Skip traditional jewelers in favor for online vendors. Not only do online vendors offer far more diamond engagement rings (read: more budget options), but many also offer better deals than chain stores and independent jewelers. Be sure that the vendor you shop with offers exceptional customer service in case you need to return the diamond ring. If you’re not sure, send an email to the vendor and search online for what other customers have to say about that particular company.

3. Be sure to pay careful attention to the cut and style of the diamond engagement rings. Many cuts can make larger diamonds look smaller, while some can make smaller diamonds look positively Kim Kardashian-worthy. If you’re on a budget, try looking for an Asscher-cut diamond engagement ring instead of a princess cut, or opt for a single solitaire diamond on a slender palladium or white gold band (both metals resemble platinum, but are far cheaper). You’ll be amazed at what you can buy on a budget.

Remember, you don’t need the budget of a billionaire to buy your dream diamond engagement rings. These creative techniques will help you get the ring you deserve – and at a price that won’t make for a bare bones wedding!

It’s about ensuring that your wife, mother, sister, girlfriend, and even your auntie get something under their Christmas tree that will make them gasp in delight.

So that’s that perfect Christmas gift for all the women in your life? Simple: this season, give the gift of diamond stud earrings!

Nothing warms a woman’s heart quite like jewelry – and if you give the gift of diamond stud earrings, you can bet that the special women in your life will be warm all through the winter season. Diamond stud earrings should be an essential part of any woman’s wardrobe: timeless, classic and utterly elegant, diamond stud earrings make any outfit look absolutely stunning. Whether they want to wear their diamond stud earrings for a night out on the town or paired with their favorite work outfit, you can bet that their diamond stud earrings will be a permanent wardrobe staple.

Diamond stud earrings are also an incredibly versatile gift to give the special women in your life. Want to let your mother know just how much you appreciate all she’s done for you? Want to let your girlfriend know that you’re madly in love with her? Diamond stud earrings can say so much to a woman – thereby guaranteeing that it’s the perfect gift to give this holiday season!

Whether you’re shopping for diamond stud earrings online or at your local jewelry vendor, make sure you understand the ins and outs of buying a great pair of diamonds. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to watch out for diamond quality, just like you would if you were buying a diamond engagement ring. This means studying up on the diamond grade scale, which ranges from flawless to I-1, I-2 and I-3 (this means that there are visible marks on the diamond). If you’re unsure as to the quality of the diamond, ask the jeweler for assistance, or bring along someone who knows diamonds.
There’s no denying that for the special women in your life, you’d do anything for them. So why not make this Christmas extra special by giving them all the gift of diamond stud earrings? It’ll be one Christmas they’ll never forget!

Whether you’re planning on proposing to your boyfriend this holiday season or are just interested in this developing trend, here are the dos and don’ts of diamond engagement rings for men:

1. Think beyond the mall’s jewelry store if you’re on the hunt for diamond engagement rings for men. Unfortunately, male engagement rings are still quite rare, so your search will need to be conducted in specialty shops or online. Don’t limit yourself to familiar brands – instead, branch out to experience the wonderful online jewelers (like 25karats.com!) that offer unique and modern engagement rings for men.

2. Don’t fixate on the idea that you need to find a diamond solitaire ring for your man. If you want to propose in a ring that won’t make him feel feminine, try looking for platinum, palladium or gold bands with diamonds embedded in them. For a different twist on an old traditional, custom order a ring with your birthstones on it, or simply present him with a plain band with a special message engraved in the underside. He’ll be proud to wear a ring that celebrates your special relationship and celebrates his masculinity.

3. If you do opt for a man’s diamond engagement ring, make sure your boyfriend is a diamond guy in the first place. Too many women make the mistake of assuming that since they love diamonds, their men will be just as overjoyed to receive one. However, some men simply don’t like the look of diamonds, while others don’t want to wear expensive jewelry due to their job requirements (construction, military, etc). Subtly drop the hint to see how he reacts to the idea of wearing diamond jewelry, especially rings. You should have your answer in no time.

4. Finally, be sure to propose to him in a way that celebrates his hobbies, passions and habits. If he’s a shutterbug, have him develop a photo of his engagement ring. If he loves hiking, propose at a mountain summit. We guarantee he’ll be overwhelmed by your touching gesture.

If you’re tired of waiting for your man to propose, take matters into your own hands with diamond engagement rings for men!

But before you can get started on happily ever after, there are a few obstacles standing in your way: namely, wedding planning.
Whether this is your first engagement or your third, here’s the ultimate guide on what to do after getting the diamond engagement ring.

Have “The Talk”
Once you’ve shown off your new diamond engagement ring to your adequate satisfaction (believe us, the thrill never goes away!), it’s time to have an honest discussion with your sweetheart about when and where you’d like to get married. Traditionally, the wedding ceremony is in the bride’s hometown; however, modern couples can choose between an array of options, including eloping and destination weddings. Ask your honey what he wants from the wedding ceremony, and share your opinions with him.

Remember, this day is about the two of you – so don’t shrug off his ideas and wishes just because you think it should be “your” day.

Come Up With a Timetable
Now that you have the location and style of the wedding ceremony ironed out, it’s time to come up with a timetable that will help you manage everything you need to do. Based on when you and your sweetheart want to get married, set up a calendar countdown to your wedding. Be sure that your timetable prioritizes the biggest tasks you need to get out of the way: booking the locations for your ceremony and reception. Ideally, you should space out your wedding planning so that you won’t be overwhelmed by all that there is to do.

Come Up with a Budget Spreadsheet
Sure, it’s not necessarily the most romantic part of what to do after getting a diamond engagement ring – but having a firm figure in mind for your wedding budget will help prevent any nasty invoice surprises down the line. Have a talk with your honey and determine the exact amount you’ll contribute to the wedding. If you want your parents and future in-laws to contribute, approach them with a budget range that works for them. Be sure to tell them exactly what their money will be going towards, as they’ll want to know what they’re paying for. Traditionally, the in-laws pay for the rehearsal dinner.

No matter what your timeline, be sure to enjoy your new diamond engagement ring. Being engaged is a very sweet moment in your relationship, and you should savor it for as long as you want!

After all, 11/11/11 only comes around once every century – so make this year the one where you ask the love of your life to marry you!

Want to make 11/11/11 even more special? Then here are a few special engagement ideas for November 11, 2011:

• Autumn is all about cool days, fresh breezes and gently falling leaves – and nothing is more reminiscent of the autumn season than picking apples in an apple orchard. Make this 11/11/11 incredibly special by asking your sweetheart to join you at an apple orchard. Pick a bunch of apples, grab a cup of hot apple cider and, when she least expects it, bend down on one knee and present her with the gorgeous diamond engagement ring of her dreams.

• Another great fall idea is to take a drive in the country and ask her to marry you at a particularly scenic spot. If you live in the city, this is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy that beautiful country air. Why not make a weekend of it and book a room at a romantic bed and breakfast? It will give you plenty of time – and the best atmosphere – for celebrating your new engagement.

• A great proposal idea for 11/11/11 is to let a scarecrow do the talking for you. Using an old shirt and pants, stuff a scarecrow with the fallen leaves in your yard. Take a pumpkin and write the words “Will you marry me?” on the outside with black marker. Put it in a noticeable spot (like your driveway). When she comes back from work or running errands, she’ll immediately notice your adorable little scarecrow – and you kneeling next to it with a beautiful diamond engagement ring!

• As the November weather gets colder, celebrate the coming holiday season by cooking up a big autumn feast for her. Proposing over pumpkin pie is so romantic!

• Finally, just because the days are turning cooler doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the summer activities you love. See if a local winery does autumn wine tours, or bundle up for a picnic on an isolated beach.

With these special engagement ideas for November 11, 2011, she’s guaranteed to fall in love with you all over again!

However, when it comes to wedding ring engraving, many couples aren’t sure where to start. Should they ask the jeweler about their engraving services, or do they have to find a specific artisan to do that? How long does wedding ring engraving take? What if you want to engrave more than a few words on the band?

If wedding ring engraving makes your head spin, then you’re in luck: this article will guide you through the wonderful, sentimental and fascinating world of wedding ring engraving:

10 Days is the Safe Bet. While there’s no standard rule for the amount of time it takes to engrave a wedding band, leaving thirty or more days between now and your wedding day is a safe bet. Some jewelers can engrave your wedding band in just a few hours, while other services require a 10 days to complete the engraving. If you want to ensure that your engraving meets your tastes – not to mention arrives in time for the wedding – then leave at least 10 days for wedding band engraving.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask. Plenty of independent and chain jewelers offer wedding ring engraving services, even if it’s not advertised in the store. If you’re interested in engraving, ask your jeweler if he or she provides the surface. You’ll often be surprised at what they can offer you by asking the right questions. Don’t forget to find out how long the engraving process takes!

Machine or Hand Engraving? For those couples on a budget, wedding band engraving doesn’t have to be a major expense – especially if you opt for machine engraving. As a general rule of thumb, machine engraving costs around $1 per character (this includes spaces); however, the font type you select can also determine the final cost of the engraving. If you have a little extra money in your wedding budget to play around with, you can opt for hand engraving, which costs up to five times that of machine engraving. A hand engraving will give your wedding rings a more personal touch, and can also give you a more specific ring engraving.

Wedding band engraving is a sentimental way of ensuring that your special union is celebrated long after the day of your nuptials.

But have you ever wondered what your diamond engagement ring reveals about your wedding?

As it turns out, you can pretty much predict the kind of wedding you’ll have based on your favorite diamond engagement ring. Think of it like being an engagement ring psychic: with just a single glance at your rock, we can tell you the style and tone of your wedding. Take a look at our predictions below to see if we nailed your own wedding:

Oval Diamond Engagement Ring: If you’re following in the footsteps of Kate Middleton, then you can bet that your wedding will be similarly over the top and dramatic. From your grand entrance at the ceremony to your glitzy and glamorous reception, every ounce of your wedding will be dripping with dramatics – and that’s exactly the way you like it.

Solitaire Engagement Ring: You’re a traditional girl at heart, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have an eye for current style. Your wedding will probably blend the best of both worlds: you’ll have a traditional reception, with a relaxed and fun reception. Your wedding dress will also be just as traditional and classic as your diamond ring: think strapless with a sweetheart neckline with an A-line skirt.

Princess Engagement Ring: You are the epitome of style, and you want your wedding to reflect your trendy tastes. If any tradition makes its way into your wedding, it will be shrouded with the latest in wedding trends. Think a white wedding dress with a colored ribbon around the waist, or a reception where your guests line up for a sushi buffet. You can pretty much bet that your on-trend wedding will be the talk of the town.

Heart or Pear Shaped Engagement Ring: You’ve hardly looked at a single wedding magazine while planning your reception – and it’s because you have such a strong and unique sense of style yourself. You love antiques, vintage clothes and the glamorous sirens of old Hollywood – and you want your wedding to reflect this love of all things vintage. Don’t be surprised if you end up picking a wedding dress with a shorter hemline and hire a big swing band to serenade your reception guests.

Your diamond engagement ring says plenty about your personality – but it can also reveal the type of wedding that will fit your tastes and style to a tee!