Guest Post By: Mark Rhodus, of Elizabeth Diamond Company

At Elizabeth Diamond Company we are often asked by our customers, “What are the most popular designer engagement rings?” As a result, we did some research on our recent past sales and interviewed representatives from TACORI, Verragio and Simon G. Although we could easily point out which engagement rings were EDC’s most popular, we were interested in the factual data across the board.

Additionally, we also conducted our own Pinterest study. Pinterest (Pinterest.com) lets you organize and share with others, items, ideas and information in order to determine favorites through feedback, comments and votes. We used Pinterest to determine the most popular TACORI, Verragio, and Simon G engagement rings.  We placed pictures of each designer’s rings on Pinterest and created a couple different boards; then posted the group to each board to see if the results varied or stayed the same. Whichever picture got the most repins, likes, and/or comments were deemed the most popular. Overall, the choices were similar with the findings from Elizabeth Diamond Company and TACORI, Verragio and Simon G.

With all the research from these reliable sources, we proudly present the Top Five Designer Diamond Engagement Rings in order of popularity.

TACORI 2620RDMDP from the Dantella Collection

by Jim Allen, JamesAllen.com

 The proposal: a moment every woman dreams of. Filled with emotion and evoking dreams for a future filled with happiness. For many women, it is something they envision almost as long as the dress they will wear, the flowers they will carry, and the venue they will choose to host it in. After all those wonderful moments pass by, though, the only objects that will remain a constant reminder of your love are your engagement and wedding rings. And not just yours – his as well! Don’t you both deserve the best?

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Erica Courtney has built one of the most recognized fine jewelry brands in the industry today and was named one of the top 10 jewelry designers in the world by United Brands just this year. In 2006, inspired by her son’s engagement, Erica launched the Gorgeous and Engaged® bridal collection. The line consists of the most distinguished and exquisite engagement rings and custom wedding bands created in platinum. Many of the designs feature initials engraved or paved into the setting for an extra special romantic touch.

Flower Basket Earrings

We asked Erica about her wedding jewelry collection.

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Guest Post by: Celebrity Jeweler and Master Platinumsmith, Philip Press

Many couples are overwhelmed by the choices of engagement and wedding rings. With a little effort, you can become a knowledgeable buyer, and more confident in choosing the right rings for you. Educate yourself not only about diamonds, but also about metals and jewelry workmanship. From personally guiding thousands of couples in choosing or custom-designing their rings, I learned to focus individuals on what’s most important:  1) the quality of the materials used; 2) the craftsmanship; and 3) designs that match tastes, lifestyles and budgets.

Platinum engagement rings by Philip Press

Superior quality is important in both the gemstones as well as the precious metal chosen. When choosing a precious metal, know that platinum is the highest standard. PLAT 950, meaning that 95% of the alloy is platinum, is a higher grade than PLAT 900. Platinum is hypoallergenic and its natural white color makes diamonds look incredibly white. Platinum is 60 percent denser than 14k gold and more substantial. White gold is never truly white and must be plated to become similar in color to platinum. However, this plating wears-off over time, requiring additional upkeep and expense. We strongly recommend 950 PLAT for anyone seeking heirloom-quality bridal rings.

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Guest Post from Tacori

Have you made your most important wedding purchase?   Long after your wedding, when the flowers are gone, the cake has been eaten, and the dress safely stored….your wedding rings will be the ultimate visible and lasting symbol of your commitment.

From the wedding day onward, wedding bands are an enduring symbol of eternal passion.  While many brides and grooms plan key wedding items months in advance – it’s importance to place the same amount of serious thought and planning into the purchase of wedding bands.

TACORI designers create platinum and diamond wedding bands for the Bride and Groom that are uniquely united through matching crescent silhouette design elements.

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Guest Post By Bridal Expert Alison Rowe

Your wedding and engagement rings are important symbols. Outwardly, they signify your commitment to your relationship. To each other, they are timeless symbols of your love. No other jewelry you buy will have greater sentimental value, so it’s only natural that you want to take care the greatest care of them.

Tacori Engagement Ring

The general caveat with all jewelry–especially pieces containing diamonds or gemstones–is to remove them before any heavy work, or when you are using harsh bleach or chemicals. Despite being incredibly strong, even diamonds can chip or crack if they are struck hard.

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Guest Post By Michael O’Connor, Jewelry and Style Expert

It’s your posse, your gal pals who’ve been there for you. This milestone in your lives together should be marked with a keepsake worthy of the occasion. There is no better gift than jewelry to convey how you feel about these important women in your life.
The tradition of buying gifts for wedding attendants dates back to ancient times when Egyptian noble women presented precious metals and gems to their ladies-in-waiting.

The pieces you choose are as unique and precious as the women you ask to stand up for you. Approximately 60% of brides give jewelry as attendant gifts.  Necklaces and earrings are the most popular gifts for about three quarters of brides surveyed. More than a quarter of brides choose bracelets.

Platinum and diamond pendant by Gumuchian, price ranges from $1501-$2500

There’s so much you can say with fine jewelry that will last a lifetime. Here are some of my top choices:

• Classic platinum and diamond stud earrings since they will look stunning with most outfits
• Various sizes and styles of hoop earrings
• Delicate pendant necklaces on a platinum chain that can be layered post-wedding
• Jewelry that builds awareness for a charitable organization
• Custom design a piece like celebrity bridal blogger Jen Schefft (of The Bachelorette fame), who connected with jewelry designer Erin Gallagher to create pearl bracelets for her bridesmaid and herself

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By Michael O’Connor, Jewelry and Style Expert

The same advice I give couples buying an engagement ring holds true when shopping for the wedding bands: Select rings you’ll be happy wearing everyday of your life.

Remember, your wedding rings are not “of-the-moment” purchases, like many that constitute the bulk of your wedding budget.

Platinum and diamond engagement ring, and his and her wedding bands from Memoire

Think of it this way, if you had to wear one outfit all the time you’d choose wisely, buying the most durable, comfortable, beautiful fabric crafted in an enduring style that speaks to your personality. The same applies to the one symbolic, signature accessory you will wear day in and day out.

1. Make purchasing your wedding bands a priority.

Unarguably, a great deal of attention is paid to the bride’s engagement ring, which merely signifies the “promise” of impeding nuptials. But the wedding bands, the actual symbols of your marriage and commitment, are often relegated to last minute decisions when they should be your highest priority.

His and her platinum wedding bands from Furrer Jacot

On average, couples spend $29,000 for their wedding, excluding the honeymoon, with more than 50% allocated to the reception, and less than 10% earmarked for both wedding bands. Some bridal budgets suggest allocating higher percentages for one-offs like invitations, music and favors than the more important rings.

2. Shop for bands while shopping for the engagement ring.

Platinum and diamond engagement ring and wedding band from Ben Bridge

I advise couples look to at wedding bands while shopping for the engagement ring. If not then, at least begin shopping six months prior to your wedding date. Most jewelers offer layaway plans so you can pay off the rings over time. I’ve found that couples who wait to buy their wedding bands until the eleventh hour of the planning process end up relinquishing smart considerations like platinum and extras like diamonds because they’ve gone over budget by then.

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Guest Blog By Jewelry and Style Expert, Michael O’Connor

Kate Middleton is viewed as one of today’s fashion icons. Like many of today’s modern women she lives a more active lifestyle (rumor has it that she and William even do their own housework).  For her jewelry choices on the big day she’ll probably look to pieces that will be classic and sophisticated yet a little vintage allowing her to wear them again and again. My prediction is that she will go with platinum and diamond stud earrings because she will be able to wear them regularly to both dressy and casual functions. I’m sure, like most brides, she’s also aware that the natural white color of platinum will maximize the fire and brilliance of the diamonds, making them pop but keeping them securely set for a lifetime.

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It’s not often that we find a stunning new collection for our ground-breaking boutique which we know will knock the socks off of our lesbian brides and gay grooms alike! But, folks! We’ve found it!

GayWeddings.com is pleased to introduce a dazzling new line of rings which have been custom-designed to satisfy same-sex couples as they celebrate their engagements, unions and legal marriages. Our new exclusive Tux in the City line, developed with the help of a talented NYC-based jeweler, features 14 karat white gold rings and high quality, SGI/EGL certified white diamonds (HI-SI2) paired with attention-grabbing, color enhanced Black Diamonds.

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