Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Engagement Ring Advice: A ring or a bike?
Some women really do not want an engagement ring. But in my experience, I find that percentage is incredibly small! A story that always reminds me of this fact, involves my friends Sandy and Jeff. Sandy and Jeff live in the Pacific Northwest, and to describe them as “outdoorsy” would be an understatement. When it came time for Jeff to propose, Sandy made it very clear that she did not want an engagement ring but that she preferred a titanium mountain bike. So instead of a shiny ring, Jeff presented Sandy with a shiny, full suspension “engagement” mountain bike, which she properly got covered in mud riding the trails the next day. Two weeks later, I was surprised to hear Jeff’s voice on the telephone asking about engagement rings. I asked, “What happened to the bike?” Jeff simply replied, “ Its great. She’s on it right now. But I guess Sandy is a bit more girly than we thought. I think what she really wanted was the bike and a ring.” Needless to say, I had a ring made for Sandy the next week- out of titanium of course! Because a girl should always match her engagement ring to her mountain bike.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Engagement Ring Advice: The Coldest Feet!
Many people get cold feet a few days before proposing, but the story of my client Richard might be a world record. Richard came into my office and chose an emerald-cut diamond ring with a platinum band, paid for his purchase, and set a date to pick up his completed ring. When the day came for Richard to pick up his ring, he called to say that he would not make it and that he would be in the following week. The next week, I called to confirm our meeting, but he again apologized and rescheduled for the following week. This pattern continued for several weeks- I would call and he would postpone picking up the ring. After two months, I decided to safely store away his ring and wait for his call.
Nearly a year and half later, Richard stopped by my office unexpectedly to pick up the ring. With a look of shock on my face I couldn’t help but ask, “What took you so long?” He shyly explained that the pressure to create the “perfect proposal” was the reason he had postponed picking up the ring. Ironically, he added, his girlfriend had gotten so tired of waiting, that she finally took the initiative and proposed to him herself. “And, you know what,” he continued, “It was perfect!”
Nearly a year and half later, Richard stopped by my office unexpectedly to pick up the ring. With a look of shock on my face I couldn’t help but ask, “What took you so long?” He shyly explained that the pressure to create the “perfect proposal” was the reason he had postponed picking up the ring. Ironically, he added, his girlfriend had gotten so tired of waiting, that she finally took the initiative and proposed to him herself. “And, you know what,” he continued, “It was perfect!”
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
How it all Started
You might be asking yourself, “So how did this whole engagement ring tradition start anyway? And why is it that the majority of people give their prospective spouse an engagement ring to signify their upcoming marriage?” Although the custom may have deep roots, the wide spread tradition is not be as old as you might think.
The first incidence of a circular ring worn as a symbol of love and eternity can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The Pharaohs of Egypt wore a circular ring to represent happiness, love, and the eternity of life- all things that they believed to have no beginning and no end.
The specific use of an engagement ring can be traced back to the Fourth Lateran Council presided over by Pope Innocent III in 1215. Pope Innocent declared that a longer waiting period must be observed before a couple could wed. Simple gold, iron, or silver, bands were used to represent the awaiting couple’s intent on marriage.
But although the ancient Egyptians and Pope Innocent introduce circular rings or bands, it was the engagement of Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477 that created the tradition of a diamond ring. Upon the recommendation of a trusted advisor, Maximilian presented Mary with an uncut raw diamond ring in order to impress his future father in-law. And thus began the tradition of the diamond engagement ring.
But for hundreds of years the diamond engagement ring kept its place in western culture strictly with royals and people of extreme wealth. Until the year of 1947 when the now famous “A Diamonds is Forever” campaign was launched by De Beers, making the idea of a diamond engagement ring attainable to the common person. The campaign was an instant success and quickly helped popularize the romance of giving and receiving a sparkling diamond engagement ring when “popping the big question”. Diamond rings also began making a high profile entrance into Hollywood films, further enforcing the fantasy surrounding the engagement experience. So what began as a simple metal band thousands of years ago has now turned into an essential custom that signifies the beginning of a couple’s journey into marriage.
The first incidence of a circular ring worn as a symbol of love and eternity can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The Pharaohs of Egypt wore a circular ring to represent happiness, love, and the eternity of life- all things that they believed to have no beginning and no end.
The specific use of an engagement ring can be traced back to the Fourth Lateran Council presided over by Pope Innocent III in 1215. Pope Innocent declared that a longer waiting period must be observed before a couple could wed. Simple gold, iron, or silver, bands were used to represent the awaiting couple’s intent on marriage.
But although the ancient Egyptians and Pope Innocent introduce circular rings or bands, it was the engagement of Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477 that created the tradition of a diamond ring. Upon the recommendation of a trusted advisor, Maximilian presented Mary with an uncut raw diamond ring in order to impress his future father in-law. And thus began the tradition of the diamond engagement ring.
But for hundreds of years the diamond engagement ring kept its place in western culture strictly with royals and people of extreme wealth. Until the year of 1947 when the now famous “A Diamonds is Forever” campaign was launched by De Beers, making the idea of a diamond engagement ring attainable to the common person. The campaign was an instant success and quickly helped popularize the romance of giving and receiving a sparkling diamond engagement ring when “popping the big question”. Diamond rings also began making a high profile entrance into Hollywood films, further enforcing the fantasy surrounding the engagement experience. So what began as a simple metal band thousands of years ago has now turned into an essential custom that signifies the beginning of a couple’s journey into marriage.
Monday, November 10, 2008
First things First Engagement Ring Tips and Advice
Since you are reading this blog, I can probably make two assumptions:
1. You are thinking about purchasing an engagement ring (or know someone who is).
2. You are not an expert on engagement rings
Fortunately, you don’t need to be an expert; I have that area covered for you. I’ll be by your side throughout your entire shopping and purchasing journey. Along the way, we are going to break many of the rules that are often associated with selecting an engagement ring. I will help you turn one of the most intimidating purchases of your life into an exciting and enjoyable experience. But most importantly, I will give you the skills and confidence to attain the ring of your dreams, no matter what your situation or budget may be.
I can do this because I have spent the last 28 years involved in all aspects of the rare stones and jewelry industry. From the time I spent behind the gavel at Christies as the Head of Jewelry Auctions to my current occupation as a private precious stones trader to many clientele in New York City and the world. In my years of experience, I have consistently had to break down people’s preconceived and inaccurate ideas and “rules” about purchasing jewelry. We have all heard them before, rules such as, “you should spend 2 months’ salary on an engagement ring”, “a certified certificate determines the true quality of a diamond”, “you must pay close attention to the four C’s”, and “an engagement ring must have a diamond”. These so called “rules” are meant to help a person select the perfect ring, but all they really seem to do is over complicate an experience that is actually quite simple and clear cut (no pun intended). The number one thing to remember is that there is no right way to pick out an engagement ring just different ways!
1. You are thinking about purchasing an engagement ring (or know someone who is).
2. You are not an expert on engagement rings
Fortunately, you don’t need to be an expert; I have that area covered for you. I’ll be by your side throughout your entire shopping and purchasing journey. Along the way, we are going to break many of the rules that are often associated with selecting an engagement ring. I will help you turn one of the most intimidating purchases of your life into an exciting and enjoyable experience. But most importantly, I will give you the skills and confidence to attain the ring of your dreams, no matter what your situation or budget may be.
I can do this because I have spent the last 28 years involved in all aspects of the rare stones and jewelry industry. From the time I spent behind the gavel at Christies as the Head of Jewelry Auctions to my current occupation as a private precious stones trader to many clientele in New York City and the world. In my years of experience, I have consistently had to break down people’s preconceived and inaccurate ideas and “rules” about purchasing jewelry. We have all heard them before, rules such as, “you should spend 2 months’ salary on an engagement ring”, “a certified certificate determines the true quality of a diamond”, “you must pay close attention to the four C’s”, and “an engagement ring must have a diamond”. These so called “rules” are meant to help a person select the perfect ring, but all they really seem to do is over complicate an experience that is actually quite simple and clear cut (no pun intended). The number one thing to remember is that there is no right way to pick out an engagement ring just different ways!
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