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Men confess their love for their ladies! Watch a marriage proposal on a bus and another right on stage. Tears rain down as the brides-to-be are handed stunning engagement rings from Whiteflash. Later, Matt Bean of Men’s Health gives tips on how to pull off the perfect proposal without breaking the bank. Learn how to purchase a diamond and the latest trends in stones. Plus, expert advice on what makes a successful marriage.
Tyra Banks
About the Ring
The growing popularity of vintage rings is proof that great styles are never out of date. Our beautiful Sarah’s Surprise is an 18k white gold “vintage-inspired” ring with a Whiteflash A Cut Above 1.01-ct. center stone and side stones totaling an additional 0.25 ct. If you two prefer classic over contemporary, then take our advice—this stunning heirloom will keep your love forever young.
The recent 51st San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF), which took place April 24 through May 8, 2008, brought audiences 177 films from 49 countries in 38 languages. Bringing the best of world cinema to Bay Area audiences, the Festival also boasted red carpet world premiers, sensational parties, award presentations, tributes and post-screening to more than 80,000 film lovers and hundreds of filmmakers, journalists and film industry professionals from around the world.
San Fransico International Film Festival
In good company with title and premiere sponsors like Vanity Fair, Wells Fargo, Nordstrom and BMW, WhiteFlash.com (www.whiteflash.com), the internet’s premiere diamond jewelry retailer, made its debut at the Festival with their Eye Candy® Media partnership which ran in San Francisco’s bustling Embarcadero Center. A new WhiteFlash.com mini commercial specifically created for the event, played on the Festival’s main informational screen located in the heart of San Francisco’s busy business district. The spot ran continuously across the jumbo screen introducing audiences to the brand’s wide range of fine diamond jewelry and accessories.
Drawing celebs like Warren Beatty, Maria Bello, Mira Sorvino and popular television actor Jason Lee from “My Name is Earl”, the oldest film festival in America brought together an eclectic mix of power-hitters who are setting the trends and breaking down boundaries within the international motion picture industry.
Much like WhiteFlash.com’s charitable initiative spirit as seen in their specialty Dreams of Africa Collection (www.DreamsofAfrica.org) and newly launched AWEAR kid’s jewelry line, the Festival’s organizers San Francisco Film Society, is a nonprofit arts and education organization dedicated to celebrating the world of film and media.
Dreams of Africa
No stranger to red carpet events and Hollywood premiers, WhiteFlash.com has dressed many notable celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Jessica Simpson, Elizabeth Banks, Lindsay Lohan and Adrianne Curry. Also recently involved with promotions surrounding some of Hollywood’s top flicks like Definitely Maybe, Good Luck Chuck and Waitress, WhiteFlash.com is a favorite with tinsel town’s trendsetters.
WhiteFlash
A decade ago, only the most risk-tolerant consumers would consider making diamond engagement ring purchases through online channels, says Whiteflash. In those early days, the internet was hailed as a revolutionary way to buy small-ticket items, but most wouldn’t have dared to buy something as emotionally and financially significant as an engagement ring online.
Today, more and more people are turning to trustworthy virtual vendors to make substantial, multi-thousand-dollar purchases with complete confidence.
WhiteFlash
Convenience and increased variety have always been primary attractions for the internet shopper. Traditional storefront hours often don’t fit into today’s demanding schedules, and local merchants often cannot stock the wide selection platinum rings and princess cut diamonds or round brilliant diamonds online.
How has that translated to increased comfort when purchasing luxury goods online? Lesley Harris, Director of Sales at Whiteflash.com, explains. “More wealthy people are becoming comfortable making large diamond and jewelry purchases from trustworthy e-tailers due to the transparency in both pricing and offerings. Savvy customers can educate themselves through online research to compare price, selection, and vendor policies.”
Does buying online mean giving up excellent service and personalized experiences associated with high-value transactions? Whiteflash doesn’t think so.
“We focus on listening intently to what our customers want,” Harris says. “We have been known to make ‘personal house calls’ to show our ideal cut diamonds or beautiful customized engagement settings.”
Judging by recent trends, Whiteflash.com is clearly doing something right. “In recent months, we’ve experienced a spike both in custom settings and in sales of large diamonds, up to and exceeding the six-figure range.” Whiteflash notes several recent transactions involved 4 to 5 ct ideal-cut round brilliant diamonds exceeding $100,000.
It would seem their clients concur. One recent high-value client praised Whiteflash.com’s service, commenting “few (others) invest the time in earning business today.”
Ashanti wearing Whiteflash
On Saturday, July 29, 2006, Whiteflash.com wowed the Hamptons jet set by throwing an exclusive summer soiree at the Stereo House in the Hamptons. Celebrities and socialites alike decked themselves out in exquisite – and one-of-a-kind – Whiteflash designs and partied the night away to the tunes of DJ Sky Nellor.
Actress Chloe Sevigny, model Lydia Hearst, and R&B star Ashanti were amazed by the craftsmanship of Whiteflash.com and they glittered among all the guests. Famous for her starring roles in “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Big Love,” Chloe wore Whiteflash’s newest piece from their Alpha Omega Collection: an exquisite kunzite, amethyst, peridot and Whiteflash ACA diamond drop necklace. She topped this off with another stunner: an 10 carat amethyst, peridot cirtrine and ACA diamond cocktail ring, worth $4300.
Party hostess, Lydia Hearst, the current face of the 2006 Bottega Veneta campaign and famous for gracing the covers of Italian Vogue and Nylon magazines, chose a one-of-a-kind icy rarity as her centerpiece; an amazing 7.52 carat Whiteflash ACA Hearts and Arrows pendant on a 0.40 carat diamond and platinum chain. Lydia wowed the partygoers with this standout piece, along with a 4.75 carat white gold mesh diamond bracelet and Whiteflash signature 11.48 carat diamond earrings. All in all, Lydia was no “diamond in the rough” this evening, dressed in over 23+ carats of Whiteflash ACA diamonds worth over $600,000.
“Round, square cut or pear shape, diamonds are timeless, and can never be too big,” smiled Hearst. “And, I must say, this is certainly the case when it comes to Whiteflash! Whiteflash.com is a new generation of diamond designs with brilliant and dazzling cut. As the saying goes, diamonds are a girl’s best friend!”
Hollywood starlet and Grammy award winning R&B singer, Ashanti, also stopped by the party, but not without accessorizing herself properly. Ashanti wore a striking pair of dark citrine, blue topaz, peridot and Whiteflash ACA diamond drop earrings worth $5,800.00 from the Alpha Omega Collection, which perfectly complemented her yellow halter dress for the night. For bangles she chose simple but classic Whiteflash bangle bracelets – one in yellow sapphire and diamonds and the other in pink sapphire and diamonds – to complete her wardrobe for the evening.
“I love the combination of precious gems and diamonds in the Whiteflash pieces,” said Ashanti of her Whiteflash jewelry. “The earrings, bangles and gorgeous necklaces can be worn on the red carpet and to special events alike.”
“This was the perfect time and backdrop to throw a fun summer party in the Hamptons,” said Debi Wexler, CEO of Whiteflash.com. “The 7.5 carat Whiteflash ACA diamond Lydia wore may be the world’s most finely cut large diamond and deserves a night out to party.” she pronounced. “All three of them dazzled the guests with our designs, and I am especially glad that Chloe and Lydia wore pieces that have never been seen in public before tonight.”
Attention all brides – beauty class is in session. Today’s topic besides wedding make –up is what drop diamond earrings to wear that don’t break the bank. Brides Magazine well known for young upcoming Brides looking for affordable luxury. Here is a great pair of drop earings with Whiteflash A Cut Above diamonds for an excellent value.
Brides
The Knot
We know you’d be happy with a twist tie as long as you’re married to Mr. Right, but if your engagement ring isn’t the fairy-tale bauble you’ve always dreamed of, consider trading up.
Upgrade your Engagement Ring
Why upgrade?
Trading in your rock has become more popular than ever—from stone swapping to adding more bling to your existing ring. “The trend with young adults is that they’ll get a $10,000 ring, and a few years later, they’ll want it to be larger,” explains Debi Wexler of whiteflash.com. “It’s a way of showing their appreciation for the longevity of the relationship.”
Here’s why many choose to upgrade
* Size: You love the shape of your diamond, but you came down with DSS (Diamond Shrinkage Syndrome). The more you look at it, the, uh, smaller it seems to get.
* Style: Your mate chose a pear-shaped cut in a gold setting, but you’ve always had your heart set on a princess cut in a platinum setting. Let’s face it: you’re not sporting “The Rachel” haircut anymore, right? Why not wear a ring that reflects your style?
* Stones: You’d love to add more stones to your original ring to amp up the sparkle.
* Setting: You were given an heirloom from one of your or his relatives that you want to reset or turn into a necklace or keepsake. Now you’d rather have a more modern, everyday ring that reflects your individuality and doesn’t feel like the old “family stone.”
Work with your original jeweler
Before you even think about upgrading your ring, find out what your jeweler’s policy is. It can vary: for example, whiteflash.com offers a lifetime policy on their branded diamonds, which allows you to trade them in for the full value you paid; Tacori applies a percentage of credit (usually around 75 percent) toward purchasing a new ring; and De Beers will upgrade your ring depending on an on-site appraisal of its current value.
Also, factor in setting costs. An upgrade from a 1.5-carat to a 2-carat won’t fit into your original setting, so you’ll need to get a new one, which will increase the price of your upgrade. You don’t have to toss the original setting, though; consider putting a colored stone in it for a right-hand ring.
Brush up on the basics
Here are the top things to remember when you trade in your ice:
* Cut: Keep in mind that round and princess cuts are easier to upgrade than fancier cuts like radiant, pear, or cushion.
* Quality: A higher-quality diamond is more likely to receive a higher upgrade value. Your diamond should be in the same condition as when you received it.
* Certification: Certified diamonds (AGS or GIA) are more easily upgraded than non-certified diamonds. Always ask to see the certification for the new diamond.
Get more bling yor your buck
There are some sneaky ways to squeeze the most value out of your upgrade:
* Don’t round up: Going from a 1-carat to a 1.9-carat is cheaper than going to a 2-carat, but you can’t tell the difference visually.
* Skimp on clarity and color: You might assume that the four Cs are all of equal weight, but that’s not the case. Clarity and color aren’t as important as cut or carat when it comes to making a visible difference.
* Go online: You can often get better deals from online discount jewelry retailers like bluenile.com, goldspeed.com, whiteflash.com and ice.com; these sites are ranked among the top online jewelry retailers by internetretailer.com.
* Buy used or estate jewelry: Search for estate sales in your area and frequent the classified section of the newspaper for deals.
* Shop overseas: Take a second honeymoon to the Bahamas, Cayman islands, or Mexico, and save 40 to 60 percent on new jewelry.
Weigh the sentimental factor
Not willing to part with your original rock? Consider these options:
* Try a past, present, and future ring: You can place the upgraded stone in the middle (which represents the present) and have two other smaller stones set on the outside (to represent the past and future).
* Reuse a portion of the ring: Take your original stone(s) and have them remounted as earrings or a pendant.
* Keep the original setting: If the size difference isn’t significant, you may still be able to replace the diamond without affecting your original setting.
* Add anniversary bands instead: If the idea of altering your diamond in any way leaves you uneasy, take a different route altogether by adding stackable diamond bands.
Whether you insured your first ring or not, now’s the time to cover your new assets:
* Get appraised: If you’ve added value to an existing ring or purchased a new one, you need a new appraisal (from a certified gemologist or your jeweler) in order to update your existing insurance policy.
* Secure a rider: Ring insurance is best purchased as an extension (typically referred to as a “rider”) to add on to your renters or homeowners policy. You must provide all your receipts and an appraisal.
Questions to ask
* Is the ring covered if you lose it accidentally, or only if it’s stolen?
* How will the company replace the ring?
* Is the ring insured to its full value?
* How will you need to prove that the ring vanished if you make a claim?
Hot on the pages of Oprah’s O Magazine July 2008 issue is a stunning diamond cuff bracelet by online jewelry sensation Whiteflash.com. Wearing the bold piece in the July feature story “Hello, Sexy!” was Judson O’Hair (page 196) a 41 year old technology sales executive who has admitted to loosing her sensual edge when it comes to style.
Oprah's O Magazine
The captivating feature story redefines the meaning of the phrase “inherently sexy” by transforming four everyday working women’s looks and uncovering their hidden inner bombshell.
Known for featuring wearable and transitional stylish accessories and fashions, Oprah’s O Magazine hit the mark by selecting the show-stopping cuff for Judson to wear in her final “reveal” when she transformed from everyday mousey into seductive red carpet diva.
Featuring 10 carats of stunning bezel set “A Cut Above” diamonds in a slinky fabric-like 18K gold cuff, the bracelet typified her new found fearlessly bold inner self. 162 Whiteflash ACA diamonds adorn this bold bracelet.
162 Whiteflash ACA diamonds adorn this bold bracelet
No stranger to helping to create red carpet looks for Hollywood’s trendsetting divas, WhiteFlash.com has dressed many notable celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Jessica Simpson, Elizabeth Banks, Lindsay Lohan, Gina Davis and Adrianne Curry.
For more versatile and unique styles to transform your look, visit www.WhiteFlash.com or www.dreamsofafrica.org for Whiteflash’s view on conflict-free diamonds.
A line of elite Princess Cut diamonds has been introduced by premier online boutique Whiteflash.com. Acclaimed for best Visual Balance™ the Whiteflash ACA Princess Cut Diamond is the dazzling darling of shoppers who are seeking the crown jewels this holiday season. The Whiteflash ACA family dances with rainbow colors and pops like a flock of paparazzi, thanks to the cutting edge design : All Whiteflash ACA diamonds are guaranteed conflict-free, cut and polished in the same controlled facility and offered exclusively through Whiteflash.com.
For history buffs, the Princess Cut Diamond was introduced in the 1960s. It became popular quickly because other square shapes lacked the vivid sparkle associated with round diamonds. Princess cuts use triangular faceting on the bottom, or pavilion, to increase brilliance and give them a snappy performance kick over other squares.
The world of Princess cuts changed dramatically in 2005, when the American Gem Society (AGS) introduced the industry’s first-ever diamond evaluation based on actual light performance. The lab uses human analysis and computer ray-tracing to determine precise numerical values for each diamond’s performance. The AGS top grade of ‘Ideal’ is the world’s strictest laboratory standard for cut. Every exquisitely crafted Whiteflash ACA Princess diamond receives this coveted grade, topping the world’s highest standards in proportions, polish, symmetry, and most important; direct light performance. It is estimated that less than 3% of all diamonds are capable of earning this rating.
Online shoppers require the highest level of pedigree and guarantees and Whiteflash.com doesn’t fall short in this area. Along with the ringing American Gem Society endorsement, Whiteflash.com extends a no-questions asked inspection period and gives buyers a unique lifetime trade-up option allowing future diamond selections with full credit for your trade. Seeking a setting? Hailed as “Lord of the Online Rings” by Kiplinger’s, Whiteflash is known for premier custom jewelry creations as well. So ‘ring’ in the holidays by dazzling your queen. We’re betting there’s room in the castle for a princess or two.
From the grace of halo to the sophistication of micro pave, design trends in engagement ring and wedding band settings are changing, reflecting today’s busy lifestyles. Ergonomic designs reign supreme in today’s market, no longer does pure panache determine the design that leads to ‘I Do.’
“Some brides prefer an ergonomic design that can comfortably be worn day in and day out,” says Debra Wexler, President of Whiteflash.com. “Others look for added style in an intricate or trendy setting; which, unfortunately, can be limiting when it comes everyday wear,” adds Wexler. Whiteflash.com is an e-jewelry boutique specializing in Hearts & Arrows diamonds and custom-designed engagement rings.
Here’s a peek at the up-and-coming trends in engagement rings according to the boutique’s jewelry designers:
Myth: solitaires stand tall
Not true of today’s diamond solitaire settings, says Wexler. “Solitaire settings are traditionally upswept, raising the diamond to make a very bold statement,” he adds. “However, people are also choosing settings where the center stone sits down low, creating a look that is extremely elegant and also ergonomic.” With the diamond down in the setting, brides-to-be are able to wear the engagement ring in everyday work and play situations long after they say their “I Do”s.
Halos make a comeback
The likely reason for that comeback, according to Wexler, is that the halo-style ring setting makes the center diamond appear larger than it really is. “And the appearance of a high carat weight in the center stone is extremely important for many who are headed to the altar,” says Wexler. Whiteflash.com has introduced several halo designs to its line of engagement rings in the past year, including one with beaded diamonds along the shank as well as around the center stone, Increased sales prove the design’s resurgence and staying power.
A toast to the ‘Champagne’ setting
One design stunning even to the most fashion-savvy is the ‘Champagne’ setting. “Those who desire this setting know exactly what they’re looking for…and that’s something unique,” says Wexler. “The Champagne style of setting has an unmistakable following.” The designers at Whiteflash.com deserve a toast of the bubbly for their interpretation of the Champagne-style bubble design in their U-prong Champagne engagement ring…among others.
Wexler says the company’s Champagne fashions have produced a great deal of spin-off custom-design work, much of which incorporates Whiteflash.com’s exclusive Whiteflash ACA melee diamonds. “The design of the Champagne setting intermixes several components…it’s these combined features that really draw[s] people to it,” she says.
“Often people ask us to replicate one aspect or another of the Champagne design into a custom project, and of course we don’t hesitate to do so.” According to Wexler, the U-Prong, domed shank and accent diamonds are examples of features that can be applied to any custom piece. “Our Whiteflash ACA melee diamonds have been adopted into thousands of projects, and are a stunning complement to any setting style,” comments Wexler.
Delicate pave and micro-pave designs
The old debate: Delicate versus complex, which is better? According to the designers at Whiteflash.com, this season the style leans more heavily towards delicacy rather than complexity.
The diamond pave setting is widely admired for its refinement. To give the setting its simplistic, yet exquisite appearance, beads of metal are raised to create secure channels where the diamonds sit securely in the ring. According to the craftsmen at Whiteflash.com, the raised metal of the band (or ring) is used to create the tiny prongs that hold the petite diamonds in place.
Center stage: Eternity bands
The pave and micro pave settings come into play when customers are looking at smaller diamond settings like the eternity band. According to Wexler there has been a recent push for smaller diamonds in settings. “In some cases even solitaires are being replaced with semi, and even full eternity bands,” she says. The trend is likely a response to the aforementioned movement towards dainty-looking styles and those that offer daily wear. Eternity bands traditionally are set with diamonds anywhere from one to three points (carats).
Brides trade up
The ‘trading-up’ trend will never fade into obscurity. “We’ve found that it makes a difference in the design process if the bride-to-be is involved up front,” says Wexler. “If the groom chooses to go it alone, he typically gravitates toward a simple design with a smaller-than-desired diamond. And what happens next? The bride-to-be upgrades the size of her diamonds, even adding side stones, and looks for a setting more suited to their tastes.”
‘Trading up’ need not always be done up front. Many couples consider upgrades for important milestones like anniversaries, birthdays and holidays. “While her engagement ring was [current] as a newlywed, many years later she might change or modify her setting to reflect transition in her own life or to keep up with current jewelry trends,” says Wexler. “Even if she keeps the setting forever, there is a chance that down the road she may require a larger diamond. We have many repeat customers who upgrade their diamonds with us,” she finishes.
Whiteflash.com anticipates change as a constant and has made it simple for customers to upgrade with a unique guarantee: Every certified diamond sold at Whiteflash.com comes with a lifetime trade-up option. The company will accept the return of any original purchase and extend full credit in the amount of the original purchase price. The credit can be used to purchase a different diamond.
“Marriage is a lifetime commitment,” Wexler says. “When you choose Whiteflash.com, we’ll be there for a lifetime with you.”
On Friday, September 15, 12 Nobel Peace Prize winners gathered in Denver, Colorado to voice their desire for the building of education and peace in impoverished and war-torn areas of the world. This was the largest-ever gathering of Nobel Laureates on US soil. Luminaries such as the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu attended to speak out against global conflicts and increased military spending at the expense of human health and welfare, especially children’s rights. As a part of this momentous conference, Debi Wexler, CEO of the premier online diamond retailer Whiteflash.com, presented the new Dreams of Africa(TM) pendant to WCCCI founder Betty Williams, a 1976 Nobel Peace Prize winner, to support the company’s commitment to providing safe havens and educational opportunities for children.
Dreams of Africa
Signifying the beginning of a charitable partnership between the two organizations, 100% of the sales proceeds of this $4,400 conflict-free diamond pendant necklace (available exclusively at www.whiteflash.com) will be donated to the WCCCI in the creation and support of learning centers to provide a second chance for children to be educated about peace.
“Our Dreams of Africa are not for partial peace. They are for total peace,” Wexler said. “Betty and I are aligned in our vision to build safe and nurturing environments for children who need a second chance in life. If we start teaching peace at the beginning of these young children’s education, we will help these children to shine like brilliant diamonds for the world.”
Specifically, Whiteflash.com will focus on efforts to help children who have suffered from conflicts in Sierra Leone, Liberia and other African countries. Conflict or “blood” diamonds are illicitly smuggled diamonds, the sales of which are used to finance wars against countries’ legitimate governments.
“We need consumers to understand that there is a huge difference between blood diamonds and conflict-free diamonds,” said Wexler. “Not all diamonds are ill-gotten. When diamond mining is undertaken in the correct manner, without child labor or government conflict, the profits build infrastructure and serve as a source of livelihood for hundreds of thousands of people. As a socially responsible design company in the diamond industry, we believe it is our duty to support children who have suffered under blood diamond conflicts and to create awareness in order to combat such illicit diamond trade.”
Dreams of Africa
In coming months, Whiteflash.com and WCCCI will work to establish the first center for learning, headquartered in Italy, with the purpose of providing scholarships for children from Sierra Leone and other African countries, and to instill values of peace and understanding during these children’s’ early education. Land has already been donated by the Italian government to start these centers until hot spots of conflict stabilize in vulnerable areas of Africa. Whiteflash.com and WCCCI will also work to develop a web site that features the Dreams of Africa(TM) pendant as well as information on the largely-successful United Nations resolution, the “Kimberly Process,” which uses rigorous tracking to ensure that illegal blood diamonds are not available for sale around the world.
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