Roses are Red, Diamonds are…

Most people think that diamonds are white. In fact, “white” diamonds are actually colorless and the more colorless i.e. the “cleaner” they are, the more they are worth. Natural fancy color diamonds are actually much rarer than colorless diamonds – 10,000 times rarer in fact. They come in the following colors – blue, pink, orange, green, red, yellow, champagne, black, white, chameleon, violet, purple, and gray. These may be the basic colors but colors often come in 9 intensity levels and over 90 secondary hues. There are even stones with a secondary and third hue. Consequently, each fancy color diamond is absolutely unique.

Not all Fancy Color Diamonds are Created Equal

All fancy color diamonds are rare but some are rarer than others.

Among the rarest of colors are red, violet, and purple. Pink, green, blue, and green are a close second, with chameleon and orange right behind them, and the remaining colors of yellow, champagne, black, white, and gray completing the rarity list.

As is the case with all diamonds, their value is, at least partially, determined by their rarity. Prices for large, saturated diamonds in the rarer colors can exceed USD2 million…per carat. Yes, beauty and rarity does not come cheap. However, there are fine stones in almost all of the colors that can be found for prices within the reach of most people.

Engaging with the Stars

So what has made fancy color diamonds come to prominence over the last few years?

People have known about and coveted fancy color diamonds for centuries. Royalty and the extremely wealthy have collected these stones fully aware of how precious they are.  However, with the advent and proliferation of the Internet coupled with people’s obsession with celebrities, fancy color diamonds have really started to come into their own.

Beyoncé, J-Lo, Kate Hudson, Heidi Klum, Mariah Carey, Anna Kournikova, Carrie Underwood, Kristen Bell and Paris Hilton are among some of the stars who have been the recipients of fancy color diamond engagement rings.

Kim Kardashian, Melissa McCarthy, Penelope Ann Miller, Livia Firth, Blake Lively, Alicia Keys, Natasha Bedingfield, Lea Michele, Diane Lane, Freida Pinto, and Selena Gomez are just some of the other celebrities who are wearers of fancy color diamond jewelry.

And what the celebrities do, mere mortals want to emulate. So it has come to pass that together with the ability to learn about these treasures of nature without leaving their computer terminal and seeing celebrities who are admired indulging in fancy color diamond, “regular” individuals also want to indulge in a fancy color engagement ring, and why not?

Finding the Perfect Ring

Fancy color diamonds are an even more specialized field than colorless diamonds as they comprise a much broader range of stones. Similarly, not many jewelers or diamond merchants even have the expertise to deal with these types of diamonds – experience is of paramount importance.

Thankfully, the Internet comes to the rescue once again. There are reputable dealers with educational websites from where you can gain an understanding as well as find that perfect fancy color diamond engagement ring.

So if you too want to stand out from the crowd with your engagement ring, there is no looking past a fancy color diamond.

Written by experts at Leibish&co., for more information on loose yellow diamond rings and other fancy colored diamond rings we’d love for you to visit us!

You may view this post at the Just Weddings.org Blog

Hire a fairground

This may sound like a very extravagant wedding entertainment option but this is really not the case. Fairground companies are now offering married couples to-be the opportunity to rent out dodgems, helter-skelters and carousels. Hiring out a fairground is now an affordable way to give your guests a fun day and what better way to celebrate your first day of marriage than a ride on the dodgems. Hiring a selection of fairground attractions for your big day can now cost as little as

Invite some look-alikes

Why not make your wedding a star-studded affair by inviting some A-list celebrities. Ok, they may not be actual celebrities, but you can now hire out some seriously realistic look-alikes for your wedding day. Many look-alike agencies now exist enabling you to invite the likes of Brad Pitt, David Beckham and Britney Spears to your weddings. Hiring look-alikes will give your guests the chance to pose for pictures with their favourite celebs and definitely provide a few giggles. Look-alikes don’t come cheaply, renting out a David Beckham look-alike will set you back £645.

Hire a professional DJ

Ok, I may have previously mentioned DJ entertainment as quite weak, but there is a difference between hiring the local DJ and hiring a professional wedding DJ services. A professional DJ will ensure you have a musical playlist in accordance with your musical tastes and provide lighting and other disco equipment that will be sure to get your guests up and dancing. When looking for a wedding DJ look at their previous experience and look for testimonials from previous couples who have used their services.

Hire a caricature artist

Why not employ the services of a caricature artist, they can mingle amongst your guests during pre-dinner drinks and create some really funky pictures that will be sure to create some laughs. Why not get the guests portraits framed by workers from your venue and hand the portrait out before the guests leave (possibly with a piece of cake). This way your wedding will live on in the memories of those who attended the ceremony.

Create a casino

For many years now couples have been hiring “fun casinos” to bring a bit of edge to their wedding day. Fun casinos enable guests to experience the real casino feel, but not lose any money (you can offer prizes out to your guests if you wish). Casinos are a great source of entertainment for your wedding; combine a casino with a professional DJ and a James Bond look-alike you are guaranteed to have a wedding that your guests will remember.

You may view this post at the Just Weddings.org Blog

Simon G’s engagement rings are among the most sought after on the market day. Discerning brides are enchanted by the bold yet classic designs that add a modernity and refinement to a look which exudes class. And with over 120 designs in this range there is sure to be something to suit everyone.

But why should the girls have all the fun? In Simon’s world, they shouldn’t. Simon G. offers a comprehensive range of men’s rings either with or without diamonds to complete the look of the man about town.

And whilst he’s at it, Simon G. has taken conflict free diamonds to the next level. Exclusive to Simon G. is the patented Swana Diamond. Originating in Botswana, these diamonds feature a unique 89 facet cut that reveal a perfect eight-pointed star in the heart of the diamond that enhances the brilliance of the stone. Not only are Swana Diamonds magnificent and conflict free, each purchase of a Swana Diamond results in a donation to children in Botswana. Enjoy the best while benefitting others – a great example of “pass it forward.”

Although Simon G. has carved a niche for himself in the engagement and bridal market, that doesn’t mean that he has forgotten other aspects of the craft. An extensive range of fashion jewelry including rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces, cuffs, bracelets, and bangles in precious metals with precious or semi-precious stones ensures that there is something to suit every taste and budget.

The Organic Allure Collection differs from Simon G.’s traditional work. In fact, it differs from most jewelry, period. Merging precious metals with precious stones, these incredible pieces replicate nature in their replication of leaves, flowers, and other motifs of nature. No doubt Simon sees the irony in the use of materials that have been taken from nature, processed by man, and re-worked to imitate and build on nature – a great concept brilliantly executed.

There is a very good reason why Simon G. jewelry is sold in over 900 locations and what started out as a one man operation is now a business employing over 60 people – quality and style crosses all barriers.

Written by Sharon on behalf of Genesis Diamonds, who offer a wide selection of Simon-g engagement rings.

You may view this post at the Just Weddings.org Blog

Every bride wants that beautiful bridal glow, but some don’t think about how much time it takes to prepare your skin for your wedding day. Tell your makeup artist to ditch the illuminator and follow this planning guide to achieve a natural bridal glow:

6 Months Until Wedding Day

1. Find a dermatologist or an aesthetician and find out about skincare packages for peels and facials. Most will offer discounts if you purchase a package of facials and peels.

2. Start thinking about your diet and incorporate foods high in these vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin A

• B-Complex Vitamins

• Vitamin C

• Zinc

3. Join a gym or find a trainer and start sweating! Exercise is not only healthy for your body, but it helps improve your complexion as well and brings out a natural glow.

4 Months Until Wedding Day

1. You’re in a safe zone at this point and far enough from your wedding so you have time to experiment a little bit. Test out different self-tanners or take a visit to your local salon and try out a UV-free tan. Keep your eye on it for the next few days and notice if it rubs off on any clothing and also pay attention to the smell.

2. Reach out to your friends, family and the social media work to find the best makeup artist for your big day. While you may fall in love with the first makeup artist you see, make sure to try more than one for different styles and techniques.

In the Victorian era, the superstitions surrounding weddings were taken far more seriously than they are today, when little if any exist.  It’s not just the traditions and superstitions that have changed over time, some of the greatest love story’s ever told, such as ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Jane Eyre’  often told of marriages been arranged as mealy business deals, for status and money rather than for love. Thankfully today in the 21^st century, things are a lot different and weddings are a far happier, superstition free occasion, but if you were a bride from ages past, here are some of the things you would need to think about and consider when planning your big day.

The Proposal

Today, proposals of marriage typically involves knee bending and a sparkling ring, but years ago a marriage proposal was a far more a formal affair and involved a lot more people! , it all started with the groom to be sending members of his family or friends to visit his beloved and her family to express his interest in marriage, rather than just taking her out for a nice meal and bending down on one knee! On their journey, if they saw:

*Goats

*Pigeons

*Wolves

It was seen as a good sign and the marriage would be a happy one, but however if they saw:

* Monks

*a pregnant lady

It was seen as bad luck and the marriage would appear to be doomed, luckily today, we don’t see that many monks walking around the high street, or wolves for that matter!

Nice day for a white wedding

The date of the wedding was a huge deal, especially for brides of the Victoria era. Surprisingly Saturdays, which are the most popular day today to get wed, were seen as bad luck. Fridays were also not seen as a good omen. Victorian brides we so superstitious, they followed this simple rhyme, when picking their wedding day:

*Monday for Wealth

*Tuesday for Health

*Wednesday the nest day of all

*Thursday for Losses

*Friday for Crosses

*Saturday for no luck at all

And this rhyme when selecting the month:

*Married when the year is new,
He’ll be loving, kind and true.
*When February birds do mate
You wed nor dread your fate.
*If you wed when March winds blow
Joy and sorrow both you’ll know.
*Marry in April when you can
Joy for maiden and the man.
*Marry in the month of May
And you’ll surely rue the day.
*Marry when the June roses grow
Over land and sea you’ll go.
*Those who in July do wed
Must labour for their daily bread.
*Whoever wed in August be,
Many a change is sure to see.
*Marry in September’s shine,
Your living will be rich and fine.
*If in October you do marry
Love will come, but riches tarry.
*If you wed in bleak November
Only joys will come, remember
*When December’s snows fall fast,
Marry and true love will last.

June was considered a very luck month to marry, as it was named after the roman goddess of love an marriage, may on the other hand was considered very bad luck indeed.

Thankfully, today in the 21^st century, these traditions and superstitions have almost vanished, and brides are free to choose whoever and what ever they like. So modern day brides, let raise a glass to the brides of a by gone era.

Written by Stephanie Payne, who works on blogging and PR at The Watch Hut, the UK’s largest watch website.

Wedding Day Rhyme was sourced  from Wedding Guide UK

You may view this post at the Just Weddings.org Blog

• Customized hoodies or clothing items. Creating custom hoodies or other screen-printed items for the bride and groom is a great gift not only because it is personalized, but because it is something they can use over and over again.  When designing the perfect customized shirt, hoodie, or other clothing items consider the interests and activities of the couple as well as the personalization you have added.
• Picnic blanket and basket. When I got married, this was one of my favorite gifts we received. It’s not something the couple will buy for themselves, but they will be able to use it over and over again. Try finding a blanket that is good for the outdoors (strong fabric, easily washable) and a basket that will hold everything they need.
• Complete scrapbook. Using photos of their early years as well as their courtship you can create a memorable scrapbook for the newly wedded couple.  A great way to look back on the time they had falling in love.  You can also offer to add to the scrapbook unique pages from their wedding experience or simply do a wedding scrapbook instead.
• Customized jewelry items.  Jewelry is a great way to remember a specific date and event.  You can easily have custom jewelry items made or can simply choose already made pieces and have them inscribed with a message or simply the wedding date.
• Customized wine glasses. Another memorable gift is customized wine or shot glasses.  Even for the couple that doesn’t drink, imprinted wine or champagne glasses can be a great memory for display.  When designing customized glasses consider an image as well as include simply names and dates.
• Framed pictures, frames, or meaningful sayings. One of the most personalized and unique gifts you can give to a couple getting married is a beautifully framed picture or saying that has meaning to them.  There are thousands of options to choose from when it comes to customized prints, frames, and images.  From unique architectural designs used as lettering to simple saying embossed on a photo.  Consider the couple and their interest and tastes when choosing the right gift.

Customized gifts make not only unique wedding presents, but they are gifts that will never be forgotten and have meaning even over time.  These gifts allow for great hopes when received and great memories many years later on.

You may view this post at the Just Weddings.org Blog

Omega’s Seamaster Skyfall Model is Fit for 007 Himself!

One watch that has been benefiting from pop culture lately is the Omega Seamaster seen in the latest James Bond film, Skyfall. Omega has long enjoyed enduring fame for having been the first wristwatch to reach the moon, but in 1995, it also became the official watch of the world’s best known secret agent. Seamaster has a round dial, metallic hour markers and lance head-style hands. There is a date window at three o’clock, and the bracelet is brushed stainless steel. The groom can wear the model with Teck-Opaline silver dial, and the groomsmen can wear Seamasters with Teck-Grey dials.

Rolex is a legend unto itself, a name that commands respect as much for its handsome styling as for its uncompromising quality. One of the company’s outstanding creations is the Datejust, a watch with a clean, wide dial and a bracelet of brushed metal links. The various models have polished or crenelated bezels with large hour markers and narrow hands. The date window is at three o’clock and has a magnifier set in the crystal above. The Datejust II in stainless steel boasts the gentlemanly refinement of the groom, while the groomsmen can wear the dark-dial model to lend a slight variety.

Sleek, elegant designs from long ago are in demand, and many respected watchmakers have started vintage lines to revive their beloved classics. Founded in 1833, Jaeger LeCoultre made iconic fashion watches of yesteryear, and its Grande Reverso Ultra-Thin was one of its most popular creations. Still in production, it has a suave, rectangular case with large Arabic numerals and narrow hands. The case has a wide bezel with triple rows of narrow horizontal bars outlining the face at the top and bottom. The groom can wear the model with the stitched leather band, and the groomsmen can wear its cousin with the metal bracelet.

De Grisogono is a relative newcomer to the watchmaking field, but has established a reputation for its unique, imaginative style incorporating elements of both the past and future. Its FG One is an exceptional piece with a thin, rectangular case with a gentle curve to match the wearer’s arm. Strong vertical grooves run down the case and outline the round dial and semi-circular seconds hand. The stitched leather band gives a slightly nostalgic look to an otherwise futuristic composition. The groom can wear the bright stainless steel model, while the groomsmen can continue the theme with blackened steel models.

“High tech” is another popular trend in watches, and for that, there is no better source than Japan’s Citizen Watch company. This watchmaker has pioneered a new power source that will keep a watch running for its entire lifetime. The technology is called Eco-Drive, and it is the first watch power system capable of converting any kind of light into electricity; even a few minutes under a desk lamp will give an Eco-Drive watch enough power for several months! To make this watch run down, it would have to be left in total darkness for more than half a year. Citizen’s Stiletto has a beautiful, unnumbered face, needle-thin hands and no other markings except the company logo. The groom can wear the model with blackened steel case and bracelet, and the groomsmen can wear its stainless steel cousin.

About the Author

Kevin Reyes is a tailor, stylist, and fashion blogger who specializes in weddings, graduations, and other formal events. Of all the timepieces on this list, he most recommends Jaeger LeCoultre’s highly-respected Grande Reverso Ultra-Thin watch. He lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife and two young children.

You may view this post at the Just Weddings.org Blog

For some brides the big day is all about making a statement with in-season or hot house blooms. But even if you’re in favour of keeping flowers to a minimum they’re still a key part of any wedding planner’s to do list.

The type of flowers you choose for your big day will depend on your colour scheme, your theme and most of all – your budget. It might seem obvious if you’re familiar with buying flowers but a rookie bride can often find herself disappointed if she’s chosen an out of season bloom that costs a fortune.

Do your research first

It pays to get in touch with a few florists, or even just pop in to your local shop and have a chat with the people who work with flowers every day. Ask about the most popular wedding flowers, how much they cost and which are in season around the time you plan to get married.

If you are having a spring wedding then a bouquet of daffodils and iris’ tied with pretty green silk ribbon and finished with pearls won’t break the bank and even better it captures the spirit of your wedding.

Think outside the box

If you’ve set your heart on flowers that are delicate and possibly expensive, such as cherry blossoms, you could be putting more stress on yourself and your florist than necessary. A neat way around this is to hire or buy silk flowers.

Silk cherry blossoms on sprigs of willow are a great way to achieve the look you want without worrying about the blossoms being blown off their branches before they reach your top table. Silk flowers can be complimented by fresh flowers such as hydrangeas and blush roses for an on-trend look.

Carry your theme into your outfit

Whether you are a punk rocker with flowers in your hair… or a beautiful bride looking for a touch of floral elegance … Fresh and silk flowers are traditionally worn as part of the bride’s hairpiece.

Again though, fresh flowers can cause un-needed stress on your big day – who wants to worry about wilting petals and drooping stems when it’s time to throw shapes on the dance floor?

Luckily Glitzy Secrets have just launched their wedding hair flowers range just in time for the 2013 wedding season so check it out as a gorgeous way to add flowers to your wedding day.

What flowers are you planning to have at your wedding and did you choose them based on cost or theme?

Mhairi Steele is a writer on all things wedding! She writes about gorgeous vintage bridal jewellery, wedding hair trends and how to make your wedding special and unique to you. Trends she loves at the moment are wedding hair flower accessories and glam lace wedding dresses.

You may view this post at the Just Weddings.org Blog

Source: sxc.hu

Weddings are about bringing family and friends together to share a special moment in your life. However, while it may be “your” big day, you wouldn’t want your wedding guests to get bored, or worse – leave early, right?

If you fear your guests are close to yawning or checking their watches every 5 minutes – even with the booze flowing – here are five clever entertainment tips you should consider:

1. Organize local activities.

If there’s a chunk of time between the wedding ceremony and the reception, grab the opportunity to give your guests a tour of your vicinity. If you’re getting married in the city, show them the sites on a double decker bus. If you’re getting hitched in the country, set up wine tours. If you’re getting married in a park, arrange a horse-and-carriage tour.

This idea is great for guests who are from other towns – they get to attend your wedding and check out the sites as well!

2. Keep the food comin’.

Source: sxc.hu

Food will definitely keep people entertained! Start off the reception with appetizers or go directly into the buffet or sit-down dinner. After dancing, present guests with special snacks.

If you’re having cocktails hours before the traditional meal, make sure to have several hors d’ oeuvres options but don’t go overboard as your guests might lose their appetite. Interactive chef stations make for great conversation as this gets people moving around the room.

There’s nothing like a full tummy to keep your guests energized and re-energized!

3. Let the games begin!

Wedding reception games is a fun way to break the initial uneasiness among guests. It also serves as a means of mingling with others. You can opt to have lawn games or indoor games – depending on the weather and the space.

Popular indoor games include musical chairs, wedding garter relay, scavenger hunts, raffles, and classic board games such as Checkers, Scrabble, and Uno. On the other hand, outdoor games include corn hole, croquet, life-size checkers and giant jenga. Kids would love it too!

4. Pose for a shot.

Source: Pinterest

What can be more fun than a photobooth at a wedding? No matter how many times we’ve seen it done, people can’t seriously get enough of it. Make sure you have funny props at hand. If you don’t, then it time your guests get creative!

Fun for both young and old, posing for pictures will make everyone smiling all night long. It also provides you and your guests with hilarious moments to cherish for a long time.

5. Hire professional entertainers.

If you haven’t booked a live band for your wedding yet, then you better do so! Live music always goes over well, especially because guests love to dance. Talented wedding bands will keep the party going and your guest dancing all night long.

If you want to try something alternative, you can hire a magician, a harpist, a dance troupe, or a stand-up comedian. This will keep feelings light, interactive and fun!

What about you? Do you have ideas on how the bride and groom can keep you from getting bored at their wedding? Tell us here!

About the author: Melissa Page is a professional writer who loves everything about weddings. She blogs for Music for Scotland Ltd, a premier live music agency who represents talented wedding bands in Scotland. When she’s not busy writing, she hangs out with her friends in a coffee shop. She also loves traveling, bowling, and books.

You may view this post at the Just Weddings.org Blog

photo Gareth Williams

The following apps will help make your engagement stress-free and memorable:

WeddingHappy

Wedding Happy will become your digital best friend as the days to your wedding count down and you try to stay on top of your planning schedule. The wedding tool will alert you to tasks such as booking the venue, finalizing the wedding date and determining a budget. The app also organizes tasks by showing completed and to-do tasks, including “last completed task” and “next tasks.” iPhoneness.com adds that WeddingHappy “offers vendor management and contact integration too.”

The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner

As an alternative to WeddingHappy, The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner manages your wedding planning by providing features for creating checklists, budgeting and inspiring ideas.

Using the app’s dashboard, you can access:

• My Checklist
• My Budgeter
• My Favorites
• My Picks
• My Vendors
• My Guest List

Rely this app to also create photo galleries, (e.g. dresses and reception decor), and add to the galleries whenever you’re inspired.

BeCouply

Among venue appointments and decision-making, reserve time for just the two of you to go on a date. The newly-released app BeCouply recommends “date ideas locally or in other cities based on the time of day,” describes USAToday.com. As you go on and accumulate more dates using BeCouply, you can also “create a virtual scrapbook of your ongoing relationship.” Imagine being able to digitally capture and reflect on your romantic excursions as the happiest day of your life approaches. Relationship expert Ed Young, author of “Sexperiment: 7 Days to Lasting Intimacy With Your Spouse, also encourages that couples “cultivate their relationship… through date nights.” Just hop into the car after cake tasting or meeting with the photographer and rely on BeCouply for nearby fun, spontaneous date suggestions.

Android Remote Sensing (AIRS)

Whether you’re reducing your guest list or thinking about your future partnership, your engagement can be mentally and emotionally stressful. The Android Remote Sensing app (AIRS) can help you eliminate stress and wedding plan more happily. The app analyzes all your external elements, monitors your emotional state and measures physiological reactions. The app will alert you whenever your physical, mental or emotional activity is causing anxiety, thus creating stress self-awareness and management.

Breathe and Relax

Late nights mailing invitations and long hours researching photographers can tire a soon-to-be-bride and raise her stress levels. A gal who’s on full-force wedding-planning mode knows that completely clearing her head of to-do lists and appointments is wishful thinking. Relying on the Breathe and Relax app will serve as your breathing coach. Calming voices will lead you through a series of short breathing breaks and longer breathing exercises. Dave Greenbaum from GigaOm describes the app as “a great pick-me-up throughout the day.” On days booked with appointments, program the app with reminders to be focused, mindful and aware.

Samantha Rhodes

Samantha is an entrepreneur and freelance writer who loves to share ideas on how women can empower themselves through technology.

You may view this post at the Just Weddings.org Blog