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Cross-posted from Whiteflash News: Brides.com’s Top Ten Engagement Ring Styles
Brides.com, one of the web’s top sources for information for all things bridal, has just released their annual top ten list—and this time it’s the engagement ring styles for 2011. Check out this list of must have styles, and make sure to circle your favorite and leave it where your boyfriend can see!
- Emerald-cut diamonds. The emerald cut is a step-cut, meaning its facets are arranged parallel to the girdle. When set in an engagement ring, this cut shows off the diamond’s clarity and luster. The simple but dramatic stone suits a simple engagement ring setting.
Emerald-cut diamond ring
- Oval diamond solitaires. The oval diamond is an interesting take on the classic round stone. They make trendy but timeless rings, and the cool thing about oval diamonds is that they can be set in either direction
- Three-stone rings with pear-shaped accents. Three stone rings have been popular for a while, and recently, brides have begun experimenting with more unusual and untraditional styles, from colored gemstones to unusual side stone shapes. Pear-shaped stones add a nice touch of balance and symmetry to a three stone ring, while drawing the eye to the center stone.
Three-stone marquise cut diamond ring
- Rough diamonds set in recycled gold. For the eco-princesses among us, looking for that earthy look in a diamond ring, the rough diamond is an unusual engagement ring choice. Before you opt for the diamond in the rough, keep in mind that it may be difficult to get your diamond cut and polished should you ever opt for a more traditional look.
- Diamond solitaires set in rose gold. Rose gold, a gold alloy formed by mixing a small amount of copper into the 18 karat gold base, is a pretty and polished look for any kind of jewelry, especially engagement rings styles and wedding bands.
Diamond solitaires set
- Pink sapphires. Although most people think of the sapphire as a blue stone, it can actually come in many colors. Pink sapphires are a beautiful and feminine choice for a center stone on a solitaire or an embellished engagement ring. The gorgeous color will really pop if you place a few small diamonds in the setting. A pink sapphire engagement ring is a more accessible replacement for the true pink diamond, which are extremely rare and pricey.
Pink sapphire flower ring
- Vintage-inspired settings for cushion-cut diamonds. Vintage is everywhere these days, from the red carpet to the walk down the aisle. The cushion-cut diamond is the perfect balance between vintage appeal and modern brilliance.
Vintage-inspired setting for cushion-cut diamonds
- Three-stone rings with diamonds. Sometimes, you just can’t go wrong with a classic, like an ultra-sleek three stone ring set with three top-notch stones like the Whiteflash A Cut Above brand diamonds. A simple setting draws the eye to the sparkle and fire of the center stones, and the three stones play off each other to form a perfect bling trio.
Three stone diamond ring
- Princess-cut diamonds. The princess-cut is the second most popular diamond shape. It combines the superior brilliance of the classic round brilliant stone, with the visually interesting shape of the other square-shaped diamond cuts. Princess cut diamonds are stylish now, and they will stay timeless forever.
Princess-cut diamond ring
- Cognac diamonds. The deep, smoky color of a fine glass of cognac can be found in a fancy colored diamond or colored gemstone. Gemstones such as citrine or topaz can be found in a wide range of colors from paler yellows to deep oranges. These stones can be more subtle than the more traditional colored gemstones, and they work well in yellow gold settings. Additonally, fancy colored diamonds can be found in a wide range of shades that will give your ring that gorgeous cognac shade.
Cognac diamond ring
Bold Software today announced its relationship with an inventive e-tailer who is relying on BoldChat this holiday season. Whiteflash has seen a significant spike in website traffic during this time of year, and staff their live chat implementation with product experts in order to keep visitors happy and drive increased
“With both business and consumer-oriented websites seeing a considerable increase in traffic during the holiday season, it’s important to ensure that online experiences are positive ones,” said Bold Software President and CEO Steve Castro-Miller. “Website owners are interested in turning increased traffic into sales, and live chat done well is an excellent way to facilitate positive customer interactions and boost sales.”
In fact, a recent report from Forrester Research Inc. states, “Many online consumers want help from a live person while they are shopping online; in fact, 44% of online consumers say that having questions answered by a live person while in the middle of an online purchase is one of the most important features a Web site can offer.” (Making Proactive Chat Work, Forrester Research, June 4, 2010)
A Time of Year for Saying “I Do”
Specialty jeweler Whiteflash is an e-commerce diamond jeweler specializing in A CUT ABOVE® ideal cut diamonds. Widely viewed as the diamond experts and worn by celebrities, the Whiteflash brand is synonymous with fire, brilliance and beauty. Given their specific focus, the goal of the website is to educate prospective customers regarding the intricacies about buying a diamond in advance of any purchase..
To deliver that expert guidance to valued customers the world over, Whiteflash opts to have certified gemologists team up with diamond consultants to respond to chat inquiries.
“Our clientele is often highly educated on diamonds by the time they contact us, and as a result they have questions a typical customer service representative wouldn’t be able to answer. If the potential customer is not knowledgeable about diamonds, then our goal is to educate them. Our diamond consultants team up with our master gemologists to provide the analytic support when needed,” states Ashley Bailey, web content manager for Whiteflash. “We originally looked at several live chat providers and went with BoldChat because of its features and ease of use. Since implementing, the response has been excellent. Our Diamond Sales Team really appreciates having an additional channel to talk to customers, and customers appreciate interfacing with a ‘live human being’ vs. revolving answering machine. Many clients opt for BoldChat as this is a discrete way of buying a diamond without their girlfriend knowing. They say they are ‘working’ when they are actually talking to our sale team late into the evening.”
Cross-posted from Whiteflash News: A Broadway Star: Introducing the Broadway Solitaire Engagement Ring Setting
Just in time for the holidays, Whiteflash is proud to broadcast the entrance of a fresh solitaire engagement ring setting to their already-formidable lineup of ring setting options: the Broadway. The Broadway is an elegant but simple solitaire setting; the great option for an engagement ring whether you are selecting it as a gift or for yourself.
The Broadway solitaire engagement ring setting has a gently curved head that gracefully highlights the center stone, as well as four prongs that grip the stone securely without distracting from it. The four-prong style allows as much light as possible to reach the center stone, allowing it to sparkle and shine. The shank of this versatile new solitaire setting is unusual as well—a half-domed shape, it is rounded towards to the top and narrows to a comfortably slim fit around the finger, tapering from 2.6 mm to 2.2. mm. This gives the ring an eye-catching look and a comfortable fit at the same time.
The Broadway solitaire engagement ring setting is sold without a center stone, allowing the customer to select her own stone from one of the many varieties available through the Whiteflash diamond search feature. It can also be set with any stone of your choosing, making it a perfect way to update an heirloom engagement ring and bring it into the 21st century with a fresh new setting. The Broadway solitaire engagement ring setting is currently available for round stones only.
Like many ring settings carried by Whiteflash, the Broadway is available in 18 karat white gold, yellow gold and platinum. White gold has the benefit of a brilliant, modern sheen at an affordable price point, and yellow gold has its trademark charm. But for all-out glamour, you can’t beat the durability and luster of platinum, which will need minimal care despite years of daily use.
The holiday season is the perfect time to propose, and if you are planning on popping the question, it’s time to get started choosing a ring. The Broadway solitaire setting is the perfect place to start.
Rounded Open Cathedral Diamond Engagement Ring
Dear Whiteflash.com Sales Team,
I can honestly say that Whiteflash have been the most helpful and prompt company I have ever dealt with.
I purchased an engagement ring and before the whole process was very concerned about spending so much money, and particularly to a company overseas where I knew phone contact would be limited due to the time differences.
My concerns were immediately quashed when I spoke on live chat to Traci at what must have been about 7am US time which was a pleasant surprise as I was expecting to have to do the whole thing by email during US working hours.
The customer service even improved from this point as I was kept updated at every single step of the way with the whole process and they were very happy to answer any questions a complete diamond novice had!
Professional photos of the ring were provided before shipping which confirmed that the Rounded Open Cathedral Engagement Ring looked incredible, and everyone that has seen it has said the same thing since.
The whole process was absolutely faultless and I will be recommending Whiteflash to anyone and everyone that will listen, which is VERY unusual for me!
Thank you to the whole team for making a potentially daunting process very easy and stress free for a UK based buyer.
Thank you,
Martin G.
Rounded Open Cathedral Diamond Engagement Ring
Cross-posted from Whiteflash News: How to Show Off Your Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
When you find that gorgeous diamond solitaire ring onto your right hand, you’re going to want to show it off to everybody. The manicurist, the waiter, the lady next to you on the subway, no one is safe from your sudden passion for waving your hand in her visage and waiting for the obligatory oohs and aahs. While you know that your diamond solitaire is the newest engagement ring on the world, here are some sneaky tricks for making sure everybody realizes that too.
A diamond solitaire this stunning deserves front-page news status
- If you don’t usually talk with your hands, now’s the time to start. Practice waving your hands around a lot while you talk so the diamond catches the light. Make sure you gasp and raise your hand to your mouth whenever anyone says anything the least bit surprising.
- Go for a manicure in a look-at-me shade of red, which will contrast nicely with your icy diamond solitaire and give you that Old Hollywood touch of glamour.
A diamond solitaire this stunning deserves front-page news status
- Yawn a lot. Let me say it again. Yawn a lot. Did you find yourself yawning? With your hand politely covering your mouth, of course? Good.
- Make a point of complimenting the bank teller or woman waiting next to you at Starbucks on some piece of jewelry she is wearing, even if it’s a necklace with a portrait of her cat. She will return the favor and soon find herself dazzled by the beauty that is your diamond solitaire.
Oh, sorry! Am I blocking your beach photo with this gorgeous diamond solitaire?!
- Find out a little about how to take awesome diamond jewelry photographs and take a whole bunch of pretty photos. Email them out to everyone in your contact list with the subject heading, “Free Diamonds!” Inside, write, “Use these free diamond pics as your desktop background. Oh, P.S. Come check out the real thing on my finger!”
- If all else fails, play with the diamond solitaire on your finger. The eye is naturally drawn to anything that’s moving.
Dear Whiteflash.com Sales Team,
We got an email from Vera this morning that the ring will be shipped!! YAY! It’s so odd not o have my Caroline Pave Diamond Engagement Ring on me… All those girls at my work were all asking me where the ring went, and they have been complementing the ring non-stop since my first day working there. 
Some girls even say “I hope my husband can get me a diamond ring like that one day” and they’d ask where Chris got it. And when the girls are talking about it, most guys would keep silent lol… I guess the boys really don’t know what to say in that situation…
Caroline Pave Diamond Engagement Ring
I’m so glad we had your help to pick the wedding rings, especially the A Cut Above Diamond on my e-ring!
Also, here are some pictures of the rings from our wedding day and the day after that we want to share with you! We wouldn’t have those pretty pictures without your help!
Thanks,
Joy
Photos courtesy of Hyon Smith Photography
Akoya Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Whiteflash.com is giving one lucky Facebook Fan a fabulous pair of 14K Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl and Diamond Earrings. The Akoya Pearl and Diamond Earrings are perfect for every day wear. They are very delicate but pack the perfect amount of bling! This pair of stunning 6.5mm Akoya Pearls will glow while sitting atop sparkling Whiteflash A Cut Above® Diamonds.
To Win the Pearl and Diamond Earrings from Whiteflash:
• Register or sign into OneWed
• Facebook Like this blog post.
• Like Whiteflash on Facebook
• Comment on this blog post, and any other blog post this week.
• Contest ends Friday, October 29th, and we’ll announce the winner that same day.
• The winner must contact SavvyScoop@OneWed.com within a week of winning to claim this fabulous prize.
Akoya Pearl and Diamond Earrings
2011 seems far away right now, and the spring wedding time seems even farther, but all roughly the country, brides and grooms of Spring 2011 are cracking open their bridal magazines and dusting off their wedding websites. One of the lot items on the agenda: wedding rings. Here’s a sneak peek at the hottest trends in wedding rings rolling off the runway, to help you narrow down the field. What’s vast for 2011? Luxury is back, but this time its classy and understated, with little intricate detailing and reasonable variations of the classics.
Three Quarter Sapphire Bezel Set
This season is all about judicious use of color, and sapphire and diamonds are like a match made in heaven. Adding a few sapphires to a diamond eternity wedding band is a great way to introduce some fun and color to your wedding band set. In this example, the bezel set sapphires alternate with diamonds, not only adding a beautiful color but also making the entire wedding band more affordable.
Elegant Petals on Wedding Rings
Filigree is another big look in wedding bands for this year, with fine craftsmanship finally returning to its rightful place in the spotlight. A delicate filigreed design like this one is a great way to incorporate only a few small melée stones but still have powerful visual impact. This wedding band also provides that handmade, vintage look that is so hot right now, and it coordinates well with a simple engagement ring. One caveat—filigree may not be the best option for those who work with their hands.
Narrow Chanel Set on Wedding Ring
A narrower wedding band is the perfect way to get that diamond-encrusted look without overspending. This unique wedding band features channel and bead set pavé stones, whic has both the sleek silhouette of the channel setting and the great diamond security of a classic bead setting. The narrow sides of the wedding band means it will wear nicely with an engagement ring, even a wider, more intricate one.
Amazing Wedding Ring
The three-quarter eternity wedding band has many advantages over the classic full eternity band. For one, replacing the diamonds in the back of the ring with a smooth metal shank makes the entire ring more comfortable. Additionally, the three-quarter eternity wedding band can be had at a much more affordable price point due to those strategic missing stones. Lastly, the exposed metal shank makes it much easier to adjust the size of the wedding band if need be.
Wedding Band Set
Sometimes, simple is best. A solid white gold or platinum wedding band with a sleek silhouette and a comfortable shank may be all you need to accent an intricate engagement band. In this his-and-hers set, the man’s ring is accented with nothing more than a band of frosted metal, and the woman’s is left simple and beautiful.
Cross-posted from Whiteflash News: Fit For A Princess: All About the Princess-Cut Diamond
The princess-cut diamond is the second-most faomus diamond shape, after the round diamond. It is popular for many kinds of jewelry, including earrings, pendants, and of course, engagement rings. A princess-cut is simply a square diamond with pointed corners and a similar brilliance level as the round brilliant.
Square-cut ACA diamonds
The princess cut was developed in the 1960’s and quickly became a more modern alternative to the traditional round diamond. These days, many engagement ring setting styles are adaptable for use with a princess-cut, and more and more people are turning to the princess for their big day. Celebrities have opted for the princess-cut’s classy and interesting look as well. Eva Longoria Parker wears a three-stone engagement ring with a hefty princess-cut stone flanked by two trapezoids, while Ashlee Simpson received a beautiful and simple princess-cut stone in a pavé setting from rocker Pete Wentz.
Princess-cut diamond ring
Although in some ways, the princess-cut, or modified square brilliant, takes the round brilliant as its inspiration, in other ways, it is completely different. A princess-cut stone will weigh slightly more than a round stone of the same diameter because of its extra corners and deeper depth. Its unique faceting pattern is called the Double French, in which a series of chevron-shaped facets in the pavilion combine to give the stone a distinctive reflection. This unique faceting gives the princess-cut a similarly high level of light return as the round brilliant, while still retaining the interesting shape of other square diamonds.
Princess-cut diamond ring by whiteflash
Despite its uniqueness, the princess-cut can sometimes be slightly less expensive than round stones of a similar size and quality. This is because less crystal weight from the original rough diamond is lost when cutting a princess-cut stone than when cutting a round brilliant. However, due to their lesser popularity and the fluctuations of the market, prices can vary.
.jpg "4 Prong tiffany style Diamond Solitaire for Princess")
When buying a princess-cut stone, it is important to educate yourself about the dimensions that are ideal for maximum light return. The AGS and GIA do not grade princess cuts in the same way they grade round stones, so you have to arm yourself with knowledge to make sure you get a stone you will always love. Length-to-width ration is one important factor. For a square-looking diamond, opt for a ratio between 1:1 and 1:1.05. For a more rectangular look, look for a stone with a ratio over 1:1.10.
Four prong princess-cut diamond ring
The four C’s remain the same as they would for a round brilliant, although you will want to make sure that you opt for a good color grade and make sure that there are no inclusions near the corners of the stone, which can make them prone to chipping. Since princess-cuts can only be made from high-quality rough diamonds, their clarity grades are generally quite good. Princess-cuts are not as good as round brilliants at hiding diamond color, so you will want to choose a color grade of at least I. Cut can be a little trickier, but a rule of thumb is to look for a total depth between 72% and 75%, with a table percentage of under 75%.
The princess-cut is a gorgeous, classic diamond shape that will never go out of style. A princess-cut ring will become a family heirloom, passing on your good taste to the next generation.
Dear Whiteflash.com Sales Team,
I did a lot of research and learned more about diamonds than I really wanted to when searching for that perfect little rock. The mission: Quality, which led me to the hearts & arrows, then Whiteflash A Cut Above vs Hearts on Fire…the fight was on! I wanted to compare the two side by side, WF encouraged me to do so, HOF retailer did not like the idea! Side by side, WF won…my wife gets tons of comments on her WF A Cut Above Diamond, the thing puts out some serious light…she is a happy girl! Thanks for the integrity and great customer service! We’ll be back!!!
Thank you,
Chad
Conflict Free Diamonds – DreamsofAfrica.org
AWEAR
WhiteFlash
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Bride's Choice Awards 2011
