It's Valentine's Day, everybody!

Happy Valentine's Day to all my readers! This is the day when chocolate, roses, gifts, jewelries, diamonds and romantic date come out without any reserve. But mind you all, don't let this day be the day when your pocket gets drain and your saving account becomes empty! You don't need to go all crazy just to make this day special and memorable. The love that you're celebrating is special enough.

Speaking of Valentine's Day, I got a couple of request from my guy friends for me to make a special jewelry set for their beloved ones. Pretty romantic, these guys, aren't they? When I teased why don't you just buy the ready made ones, most of them said it's more special to have it custom made. Well, one said because it's cheaper! So, I started with asking them what color do they like and if I happen to know their girlfriends, it's easier. I know what they like! Anyway, my point is, if you're looking for a gift to give your love one, it's more romantic to have them custom made.

Another guy friend of mine out of the blue insist on asking me to teach him to make a simple bracelet so he could do it himself. I guess, it's more special and personal that way too! I would go all giddy and over the moon if my fiancé present me with a bracelet and tells me that he made it himself... *hint...hint.... Anyway, I taught him the simplest bracelet making technique and he got it down pretty well. The bracelet was adorable, I might add!

So, if any of you out there decided to go all pro and fancy and buy your girl diamond jewelries instead, let me remind you not to ignore the 4C factors. Remember, take note of the carat, clarity, cut and color. These determines good diamonds. If you want to spend a lot of money on something, might as well pick out the best among the best, right? If you have no idea what I'm talking about, means you haven't read my previous post. So, read it here.

On the other hand, if your love one is a pearl girl, there are 5 points that you must take not. Which are: nacre, surface, luster, shape and size. Nope, you couldn't just simply pick out a strand of pearl necklace without considering these quality check. Because even if you couldn't tell the different, you girl could. Here is my previous post for men regarding how to buy a quality pearl.

So, men, I wish you all the best. And ladies, start practicing your surprise and super grateful expressions! Have a lovely Valentine's Day everybody!

Antique Engagement Rings: a unique way to propose

There are as many good reasons to consider purchasing an antique engagement ring as there are reasons for deciding when to pop the question. While modern day jewelers struggle to offer customers something unique and contemporary, the bride-to-be may be more inclined to appreciate the style and inherent charm of an antique. Another perfectly acceptable reason for purchasing antique engagement rings is they often offer buyers a better quality diamond at a lower price than purchasing a new ring.

Before beginning your search for the perfect wedding ring, it is best to ask yourself a few questions.

Do you know about the four C's?

The four C's are the criteria professionals use to determine the value of a diamond.

"Clarity takes into account the number, character, and visibility of flaws within the stone. These are often referred to as inclusions. The fewer inclusions, the better the quality of the stone."

Carat is the size or weight of the diamond. The larger the stone, the higher the cost. An advantage to buying antique engagement rings is that in the 1930s and 1940s jewelers often compensated for a smaller sized diamond by setting it in an intricately designed white gold, square-shaped box. These made the stone appear larger.

"Color is a matter of taste. Modern-day standards put a higher value on a clear diamonds, as a rule. In the past, buyers wanted their diamonds to reflect a rainbow of colors, soft pinks, yellow, or green tints. While colored diamonds are still available today, they were considered more valuable in the past. It is also important to note that many of the modern colored diamonds are artificially altered to enhance the color."

Cut is also a matter of taste and another reason antique engagement rings may be the best answer. Over the years, the preference of cut has changed. Additionally, a laser now cuts most diamonds; whereas older stones were normally cut by hand, giving them a more customized, romantic look.

What is the difference between an antique ring and an estate ring?

Antique rings normally refer to rings that are over 50 years old. Rings less than 50 years old and purchased used are considered as estate rings.

What are the styles of different eras?

Victorian Era (1835-1900) - Victorian era antique engagement rings featured diamonds or pearls set in yellow or rose gold. The ring styles varied from simple elegance to intricate detail. Many settings featured rows of diamonds that were cut with an extra facet in the bottom of the stone. This was known as a mine cut.

Edwardian Era (1900-1920) - With the invention of the oxyacetylene torch, platinum became the preferred metal for the period. The wedding bands were often crafted with lacy and pierced shapes, milgraining, filigree detail, and scrollwork. Rose-cut diamonds and sapphires were the preferred stones.

Art Deco Era (1920-1930) - Art Deco antique engagement rings feature a streamlined geometric look. They also reflect Egyptian, Asian, and Native American cultures. These rings were often made of platinum featured colorful, contrasting gemstones as well as diamonds.

Where can antique engagement rings be purchased?

Antique engagement rings can be purchased in a number of places: antique stores, estate sales, pawn shops, auctions, and there select vendors online and larger cities who specialize in the purchase and resale of antique jewelry. No matter where you purchase your engagement rings, remember to get a full description of your purchase in writing and look to vendors who offer a written returns policy. You may also ask if the jewelry comes with a certified gemologists report, which provides optimal proof that the jewelry is as described.

More Christmas Jewelry Gift Ideas

I love browsing around looking for gift ideas. And here are some more jewelries that I found and reminds me of Christmas.

A heart-shaped angel pendant necklace just screams Christmas, isn't it? This one is a 24K gold plated with a single solitaire diamond. A symbolic of a praying angel watching over the recipient of this lovely gift.

A heart-shaped pendant necklace sparkles with Swarovski Crystal is a sentimental jewelry for you to give your love ones. Be it your daughter or your sister. The flower is a symbol of how those who receive this gift from you brings you colors and joys. And you love toward them simply blossoms each day.

A sparkling silver star diamond necklace is another gift that will earn you a smile and a big hug! It'll bring a sparkle on your Christmas.

Christmas Gift Ideas

When I think of Christmas, I'll think of the color red and white. White for all the snow and red for the Santa's costume. So, when I saw this white gold necklace complete with a red colored diamond, I thought this is a perfect gift idea.


And then there's snowflake design that caught my eyes. These snowflakes earrings are just lovely. Another perfect Christmas gift!