Jennifer Aniston’s Engagement Ring

Jennifer Aniston’s and Justin Theroux are officially engaged. The couple started dating a little more than a year ago after meeting on the set of Wanderlust in May 2011. But what about the engagement ring? According to Life & Style, “It’s a huge emerald-cut diamond. It’s a rectangle with tapered diamond baguettes on the sides.”

Looking for a similar ring style?

Fusaro

 

Planning the moment vs. When it feels “right”

A lot of men have proposed to the women they love over the course of history. Some plan out every detail while others go by the seat of their pants. Is there a right or wrong way to propose?

More than likely, yes. But we’re not here to judge whether or not you used an itemized list of to-dos to ensure your engagement is flawless or if you romantically got down on your knees at a gas station like Jim did for Pam in “The Office” TV series when they met halfway between their long-distance homes for an impromptu meeting. What we can offer you are the pros and cons of proposing when it is planned out to a T or when the moment is “right”.

Planning the moment

Pro:

• You know what will happen and when
• You can show how much thought you put into it
• You can hire a photographer (or get a talented friend) to hide for when the moment is right to document it
• You can get her parents/loved ones to be nearby to share in the joy afterward, if you wanted
• You can write out what you want to say or at least plan what you want to say
• You can have a worst-case-scenario exit strategy planned if you need to escape if she says “no”

Con:

• If something doesn’t go as planned, you may panic or freak out
• Someone may let the cat out of the bag and tell her early
• She may see the photographer if they aren’t hiding well enough
• It may not feel organic enough or feel really fake

Waiting for the moment to feel “right”

Pro:

• It feels very organic because it is
• She won’t suspect a thing (because neither will you)
• No one will know so they can’t tell her ahead of time
• It would be simply romantic because of how spontaneous it is
• You won’t be panicky because you haven’t built up the moment in your mind
• You can surprise your families together later

Con:

• The “right” moment may never come
• You may miss the “right” moment if you hesitate
• If you’re carrying around the ring in your pocket for a long time, you may lose it
• You may propose without a ring (and she probably really really wants the ring to be there)
• You may not know what to say if you hadn’t thought about it enough
• You won’t be able to get any photos of it, which are always a nice addition to a proposal

Whatever you choose, we’re sure your proposal will be perfect for you. But feel free to consult Engagement 101 for all your proposing needs.

Nikki

The perfect proposal trickery

Boy meets Girl. Girl is a workaholic. So how do you propose to her when she doesn’t take time to breathe? Work her proposal into something work-related and completely blindside her.

Yup, that’s what this guy did, and his trickery was absolutely seamless. It’s quite amazing. Best part? Because it was something special and work related (or so she thought), his lady definitely dressed up for the occasion. Why is this a good thing? Boys, if you plan on having your proposal captured in any way (video or pictures), your girl will not want to be in sweats and a t-shirt. Making part of the trick a reason for her to get dressed up is a plus.

What’s really adorable about this proposal is that in the video, there’s an “OMG” count on the right-hand side of the screen. That’s right. This bride-to-be is SO shocked by her proposal that she says “OMG” 35 times. That’s a lot of OMGs.

Check out this masterful example of proposal trickery and take some notes. If you want to distract your girl with some half-truth before your proposal, this is the way to do it.

Nikki

Three things NOT to stress about during your proposal

Asking someone to marry you is a huge decision. And sure, it can be stressful at times, but don’t let misplaced anxieties distract you from the important parts. Here are some things to avoid stressing about to hopefully free you up for the finer things in life– like enjoying this happy time with the one you love.

1) Will she like the way I propose?
Sure, the way you propose is important and you should definitely put a lot of thought into it. But let’s get real for a moment– OF COURSE she’ll like the way you’ll propose to her. If you’re pretty certain she’ll want to marry you, then asking the question alone will be enough of a surprise and joy to her that any creative thing you do will certainly be received with open arms and lots of praise (and for some girls, lots of high-pitched screaming). I’m not saying don’t plan a proposal at all or only half-fast it. Just don’t stress about it. Pick a way and go for it. Think about your girl and what she would like. She’ll love it because she loves you.

2) What if I say the wrong thing?
As long as you somehow work in the question, “Will you marry me?” you’re golden. Everyone flubs their words here and there. I’d probably avoid calling her fat or stupid. But other than that, nothing you can say will be able to mess up your proposal as long as you do ask. If you’re that worried about your words, cut the speech short and just make the question the headliner. Heck, my husband said “I can’t grow old with you” when he proposed to me when he really meant, “I can’t wait to grow old with you.” Things happen. It makes for great memories. Just laugh at yourself and focus on what’s important– the “will you marry me” part.

3) What if I drop the ring?
Now, this is definitely a valid concern. But something to stress over? Definitely not. Just remember to never hold it outside of the box if you are 1) over a body of water or 2) if you are on sand or some other kind of rough terrain. Once she says YES and everyone stops shaking and wigging out, THEN take the ring out of the box to put it on her finger. However, if you do fumble the ring (hopefully on some kind of flooring that’s easier to find), then there’s nothing to worry about. She’ll think it’s cute and endearing. Plus it makes for great memories.

Remember, if you truly have a good one there– your proposal will be special no matter what because you’ll be starting a new chapter with your best friend.

Nikki

The Right Diamond for Your Engagement Ring

Picking the right diamond for your engagement ring is a very important step of the process. While educating yourself online , you have most certainly come across concerning issues around diamonds. It is very important when picking a diamond to learn about his history. You would do the same thing buying a house or a car. Forevermark can help you through this research.

The Forevermark sourcing standards guaranties conflict free diamonds. Forevermark selects eligible countries based on a number of variables, including Kimberley Process membership, a positive and proven human rights record, a stable and acceptable political climate and likewise, a stable and acceptable socio-economic situation. Forevermark diamonds also benefit the communities in which they are operating.

For example, Rockwell Diamonds Inc. is a mining company from which selected Forevermark diamonds are sourced. With their operational head office based in Barkly West, in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, Rockwell has funded the refurbishment of the Barkly West orphanage and place of safety for local children in need. Rockwell has ensured that the nutritional requirements of the orphans are met by engaging a dietician and funding the newly updated menus. In partnership with the Department of Education, Rockwell has not only helped to refurbish the Vaal River High School and the school’s hostel facilities which provide accommodation and shelter for the under-privileged students, but they also sponsor three meals a day for 70 students and have provided computer centres to three schools in Barkly West.

In addition to this, each Forevermark diamond is inscribed with the Forevermark icon and its very own identification number which makes it easy to identify. That way, your diamond could find its way to you if it gets lost or stolen.

Forevermark collaborates with lots of talented jewelry designers to create unique settings for the diamonds.

 

 

Filming more than just the proposal

Capturing the magical “YES” moment and then posting it on Youtube is all the rage. Everyone loves catching these beautiful, romantic glimpses into strangers’ lives and also judging their creativity.

But what about the rest of the proposal? It is more than just the two second “YES” or even the moments leading up to the big question. There’s the planning, the asking for permission, and of course, racking up the nerves.

This guy starts his video off talking about the days leading up to the moment. His plan? A bungee jump proposal. Pretty exciting, right? What I liked most about this video was he filmed his parents’ reactions when he told them he was going to propose and then filmed the phone conversation with her parents. What a beautiful thing for her to look back on. Everyone is always so focused on the girl’s reaction, that we so often forget about the parents. I thought it was beautiful.

Then of course he filmed his plans, setting up his plans and the actual proposal. It’s very adorable but my other favorite part— which I think more guys should think about doing— is that he made a shirt for her to wear afterward that says “I SAID ‘YES’!”

It’s a bit dorky or cheesy, perhaps, but I know I was so stoked after my proposal that I would have totally worn any shirt he made me and run dancing through the streets announcing what just had happened.

Moral of the story– why just film the one minute to two minute proposal, guys? At the very least, consider filming the conversation you have with her and your parents. Don’t go crazy and make a feature film or anything, but this is something she’ll have forever for the two of you to look back on. Why not make it great?

Nikki 

Natalie K New conflict Free Diamond Engagement Ring Collection

Natalie K just launched a brand new engagement ring collection featuring ideal² diamonds. Those diamonds are mined in Canada and are conflict free.

Each diamond yields a Hearts & Arrows pattern when examined through the Hearts & Arrows scope.

Natalie K offers an array of different settings to accommodate those beautiful center stones.  The collection starts around $2500 and prices go up as the settings and diamonds grow larger.

 

15 Essential Tips to Protect Your Jewelry

There is many ways to protect your cherished jewelry. Here are 15 essential tips provided by   Perfect Circle™ Jewelry Insurance:

1– Dirt buildup may hasten the wear of your jewelry. Visit your jeweler at least once a year to have your fine jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected for worn or cracked prongs, faulty clasps, or other potential problems.

2– Some gemstones are prone to fading, so store jewelry away from constant sunlight.

3– Salt water and jewelry don’t mix. ocean water can damage some stones and metals.

4– Keep jewelry in unlikely places. Jewelry boxes are an obvious place for thieves to look.

5– Having your values updated periodically to accommodate fluctuating value is a smart investment.

6– When traveling, keep valuable jewelry at home or store it in the hotel safe, not your room safe.

7– Remove jewelry before swimming. Fingers constrict in water, making rings more likely to fall off.

8– Don’t place or store your jewelry near vents, grates, sinks or drains.

9– Pearls are easily damaged by an array of personal products like cosmetics and lotions.

10– Most burglaries happen in broad daylight. Always keep doors and windows locked during the day.

11– If you bump or snag your jewelry, have it inspected for potential damage that may be unnoticeable to you.

12– Always take time to place jewelry in a secure place, not in a pocket, on a counter, or in a public area.

13– When not wearing your jewelry, place each item in a separate, soft, compact container. If cluttered together, jewelry cam become scratched – even diamonds.

14– Avoid heavy blows to your diamonds. Diamonds can chip if struck at the right angle.

15– One of the best ways to keep valuable or extensive collections secure is to store them in a burglary and fire-resistant safe.

An Insurance for Your Engagement Ring

Afraid to loose your engagement ring forever? Why not protect your valuable ring with an insurance?

Jewelers Mutual officially launched their Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance with offers a great insurance plan for your engagement ring and other fine jewelry items.

A major benefit of Perfect Circle is the repair and replacement policy. The policy allows consumers to return to their local and trusted jeweler of choice to repair and replace their jewelry rather than utilizing a service prescribed by another insurer. Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance also ensures that branded jewelry will be repaired and replaced with the same brand. You are a Simon G.  girl? You’ll stay a Simon G. girl.

A Perfect Circle insurance policy offers worldwide coverage for occurrences such as loss, theft, damage, mysterious disappearance and much more. The turn around to get your ring replaced is very fast. The package is a competitively priced when compared to home owner’s insurance, which may not offer complete protection. The premium depends on the ring value and the deductible.

 

Another reason why Jumbotrons are a proposal no-no

You may be aware of the warning out there that maybe Jumbotron proposals aren’t the best way to go (it does work for some girls, but it’s a risky move). We’ve given you tons of reasons why it’s not the greatest idea– it’s impersonal, she may be shy, she may miss it, etc. etc.

Well, while on my honeymoon last week, I witnessed firsthand another reason why you should definitely think twice before shelling out the cash for a big time, Jumbotron proposal.

You see, my new husband and I were happily enjoying a Yankees game in New York when all of the sudden the announcer starts rattling off birthday after birthday after anniversary. First of all, it was like “Come on already. Stop talking and get back to the game.” There were just so many, it all ran together and no one was actually listening.

Well then the announcer said, “It’s proposal time!” Naturally my ears perked up. The announcer quickly read the proposal to some girl and then— almost without taking another breath— read the proposal for yet ANOTHER girl.

That’s right. Two back-to-back proposals at the same game, at the same time. Can you imagine sharing your big moment with someone else?

Of course not.

So if you were thinking about taking your chances with the Jumbotron– think again! There’s no guarantee that you’ll be the only one proposing. And who wants to hear the remnants of someone else’s proposal being read in the background while trying to respond to yours? Not cool. Not cool at all.

What do you think of Jumbotron proposals? Seriously?

Nikki