The Four C’s: A Guide to Cut

The Four C’s: A Guide to Cut

The best tool anyone can carry with them when shopping for an engagement ring is knowledge. It’s important to know what you want, but it’s not going to be easy to express that if you lack the terminology necessary to explain. As a continuation of the previous delve into diamond 101 (A Guide To Color) let’s discuss another one of the Four Cs. Cut.

Cut, not to be confused with shape, does not designate the shape that your diamond will be styled. It actually decides how much light will be reflected by your diamond. The better the cut the more sparkle.

Let’s get to know your diamond. It is comprised of 5 parts: the table, the crown, the girdle, the pavilion and the culet.

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Source: Choosing Diamonds

The depth of the pavilion is integral is creating the best sparkle. A diamond can fall into

any of 3 basic cut categories: ideal, shallow and deep.

diamond cut
Source: DNEA

Shallow Cut: A shallow cut means that the pavilion is too short. More light will escape through the sides and bottom of the diamond; it runs right through it instead of reflecting back. As a result the diamond is less sparkly and a bit dull.

Ideal Cut: The ideal cut, is well, ideal. It is cut with the perfect proportions to reflect the most light back out of the table of your diamond. The brilliance of this diamond is of the highest quality, as well as, the highest value, because during its production more of its raw material is cut away.

Deep Cut: The deep cut means that the pavilion is too long, this often causes light to be redirected to the wrong facets of the diamond allowing more light to escape. The center usually appears darker.

For more information about cuts: Jewellery Monthly and Brilliance

A Modern Band for a Modern Romance

A Modern Band for a Modern Romance

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NK13851

He’s a man who goes after what he wants. Since the day he first saw you, he knew his life would not be complete without you in it. He pursued you relentlessly and won your heart with his kindness and charm.

Now that he has promised you forever, show the world he is all yours with a wedding band by Natalie K.

From the Beau Collection, this stunning piece boasts a sleek and stylish design. The white gold band holds twelve rows of five channel set diamonds. The diamonds are the perfect update to a simple and traditional ring, perfectly reflecting your man’s personality.

This piece is modern and  unique, making it sure to stand out. He’ll love your choice of ring, and forever treasure this one of a kind wedding band that is a token of your never-ending affection.

The Elegant Precision of a Square Cut

The Elegant Precision of a Square Cut

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NK27877-18W

She’s had her life planned out since she was a young girl. When she sets her mind to something, there’s no stopping her. She is very capable and strong, which is what you so fervently admire about her. It’s time to show her how much you love her, and give the woman of your dreams the ring she has always deserved.

From the Princesse Collection by Natalie K, this brilliant ring boasts a diamond encrusted shank and large center stone. The centerpiece is surrounded by a halo of diamonds, giving an angelic effect. The square cut diamond radiates precision and accuracy, perfect for your lawyerly lady.

She’s at the top of her game and has earned the highest place in your heart. Propose to your love with a ring worthy of her admiration.

Dare-to-Wear, Non-white Wedding Gowns

Dare-to-Wear, Non-white Wedding Gowns

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Source: firstVIEW

THE wedding dress is one of the most important elements of your special day. Clippings have been collected, sketches have been drawn and bed sheets have been draped delicately to try to envision what that extraordinary gown will look like the day of, and all before we’ve even been proposed to.

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Source: Huff Post Weddings

With so many options it’s hard to decide exactly what will be the perfect look. Designers and ever-evolving trends make that even more difficult. Recently some very non-traditional gowns have been making statements strutting down the runway. Gowns with multicolored accents near the hem, like this Zac Posen gown on the left, offer the classic white gown look but with a pop. Other designers, like Oscar de la Renta, have taken that subtle floral theme, amplified it and spread it over the entire gown. It is spring after all.

And for the most daring of brides: the RED wedding dress. While a tender blush tone made an appearance it seems that red was the color of this spring season. Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and Romona Keveza all sent stunningly, jaw dropping, gowns down the runway. This look is definitely for the defiant, off-beat bride with a kick who wants to own her aisle.

For more gowns and runways trends: Martha Stewart and HuffPost Weddings

How to Politely Point and Shoot that Registry Gun

How to Politely Point and Shoot that Registry Gun

wedding registry
Source: Life’s a Journal

We’ve certainly all fantasized about the day we’ll be pointing and shooting that all powerful registry gun, but we must keep some composure and a few simple rules of etiquette in mind.

While the power of a registry gun might be too enticing to resist, self restraint is key. It’s important not to go overboard. It may be tempting to run all across town and step foot in every store that catches your eye, but it is best to keep the list short. Choose only a few stores, it is best if they’re nationwide chains for the convenience of your guests, although one or two specialty shops can also be sprinkled in. And although your list of stores should be short don’t be afraid to make your list of gifts long. Having more items on your registry, than guests at your wedding may seem presumptuous but it is actually a convenience. Many options, in a wide range of price points, insure that your guests will be able to make a choice they’re comfortable with.

It’s also important to register ahead of time. Be sure to start early so that you can give yourself enough time to choose items that will suit your present life as well as the life you’re building. The extra time also gives your guests plenty of time to peruse your selection.

Most importantly, write thank you notes. The sooner, the better. Your guests have taken the time to select gifts you’ll love and have use for, be sure to show your gratitude. If you review your registry list often, you’ll be able to see the gifts your guests will have already purchased, start early so that you can enjoy your marital bliss.

For more Dos and Dont’s: Martha Stewart and Life‘s a Journal