Swapping the Engagement Rings for Wedding Rings: The Summer of Love

Just as Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer season, Labor Day weekend marks its end. Before long, the weather will get cooler, the leaves will start to change, and the holiday shopping will begin. But before we bid a formal farewell to the warm weather, let’s take a moment to recognize that this really was one romantic season.

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green: Lost but not forsaken
In June of 2010, Brian Austin Green proposed for a second time, to girlfriend and movie star Megan Fox, on the beach in Hawaii. According to rumors, Fox was so excited that she promptly dropped the diamond engagement ring in the sand, where it was never to be seen again. Nonplussed, Green replaced the ring, and the two were wed in Hawaii a few weeks later.

Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky: American Royalty
Although the two have been friends for almost twenty years, Clinton, daughter of political power couple Bill and Hillary, did not confirm that her childhood friendship with Mezvinsky had blossomed into romance until 2005. The August 2 wedding was an interfaith ceremony held in Rhinebeck, NY that reportedly cost about $3 million. While it wasn’t the only royal wedding this summer, it was as close as this country can possibly get to the real thing.

Robbie Willaims and Ayda Field: A classy, clean affair
For a man that used to live his life so publicly, reformed rogue Robbie Williams certainly snuck his wedding under the radar. On August 7th, the British Singer wed actress Ayda Fields in a ceremony that was so last minute, his band mates weren’t able to attend. Those that were able to make it to their L.A. home in time, celebrated with finger sandwiches and cups of tea in deference to the groom’s wishes.

Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie: A fairytale romance
Back in the day, Hilary Duff was the reigning tween, pop culture princess, but just because she has grown up doesn’t mean she can’t have a wedding fit for a queen. This past February Duff announced her engagement to NHL player, Mike Comrie, whom she had been dating since 2007. The two exchanged vows in front of about 100 guests in Santa Barbara this past August 14. The requisite attire for a fairytale bride? Vera Wang, of course.

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Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer: Blood may be thicker, but water is more fun.
Constant danger and conflict might plague their on-screen romance, but things couldn’t be more harmonious for this real-life couple. The True Blood costars exchanged wedding rings  during an ocean side ceremony in Malibu on August 21st. The pair, who have been engaged since last August, were joined by a small group of friends, family, and a few costars, some of whom joined the groom when he stripped down to swim trunk for a post-nuptial dip in the ocean.

Chad Lowe and Karen Painter: Life goes on
Closing out this particularly packed season of matrimonial bliss, Actor Chad Lowe wed his longtime girlfriend, Karen Painter in another California beachside ceremony on August 28. Lowe was once known as the other half to Oscar winner Hillary Swank. And although their love did not last, the actor proved that life goes on when he exchanged vows with film producer Painter in a ceremony attended by friends and family, where the couple’s daughter acted as ring bearer while famous brother Rob Lowe acted as best man.

So take a page from the playbook of the stars and enjoy the beach while you can, because just like their engagement rings eventually turn to wedding rings, summer will soon turn to fall. Don’t fret though, there is sure to be an avalanche of fall brides coming our way with a whole new style. Beach weddings are so last season.

Can’t Believe We Missed This Wedding…

Lately we have been cataloging the celebrity weddings that have been held this past summer, which have been abundant in number, but somehow this legendary party boy slipped under our radar.

British singer and notorious playboy, Robbie Williams, exchanged wedding rings with his longtime girlfriend, Ayda Field, this past August.

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The former lothario married the American-born actress in a last minute ceremony at his Los Angeles home on August 7th. Due to the last minute nature of the ceremony, his band mates were not able to attend, but sent video well wishes to be played after the ceremony.

Ten years ago Williams was well known for his music career, both with the band Take That, and his solo career, but better known for his hard partying ways. From the time he left his band in 1995 until the time he met Field in 2007, rumors of his drug use and alcohol abuse ran rampant. As well as detailed stories of a more personal nature from friends and tour mates.

But Williams has since settled his wild ways for Fields, even giving up his cigarette habit, which was once as high as 60 smokes a day, so that the two can have children.

In November of 2009, Williams proposed to Fields live on an Australian radio show. Later, after allegations of pulling a publicity stunt, Williams claimed it was only a joke. However, the actress was soon seen around L.A. sporting an diamond engagement ring reportedly worth $250,000.

The 40 minute ceremony was an alcohol free affair at the request of Williams, who has been battling his substance abuse addiction for years, and attended by celebrities Jonathan Wilkes, Claire Danes, and Hugh Dancy.

Wedding Tip #1: Retro Chic

Wedding Tip #1: Retro Chic

Now that you have found the perfect engagement ring, the planning begins. If you’re looking for something to make your special day especially yours, try weaving a subtle vintage theme throughout the details of the affair.

The explosive popularity of the television series Mad Men continues to influence today’s pop culture and Retro is a hot trend for the fall. It can also offer a unique style to a home spun wedding or simply add some old-school style to the reception.

If you’re feeling extra inspired or daring, choose a tea length wedding dress, or see if your grandfather still has that old tuxedo in his closet. Make it your own with new shoes and accessories to give it a more modern take and avoid playing dress up.

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Or try having a cookie bar to accompany your wedding cake. Not only is it a good alternative for the kids, but it is the perfect excuse to decorate the dessert table with retro-style milk bottles. It will be a unique touch, reminiscent of the days when milk was delivered to your doorstep.

For weddings held outdoors, try lighting the walkway with antique lanterns to help give the setting a country feel. Tie ribbons around the bottom in your wedding colors to add a more personal touch.

And for those who are die hard fans of a retro themed wedding, get going from the very start by selecting a vintage inspired engagement ring. The single solitaire diamond concept with a modern twist is perfect for the bride who wants a little flare with this timeless style.

Another Bachelor Love Connection

Another Bachelor love connection

The ABC reality franchise, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, continues to crank out the happy couples.

Jesse Csincsak and Ann Lueders exchanged wedding rings during a ceremony for friends and family in Las Vegas over the weekend.

The couple, who were originally on different seasons of The Bachelor and its sister show, is expecting their first child next year, and couldn’t be happier to finally be married. Csincsak told Us Magazine that he had waited his whole life to be married to Lueders, and wanted to just enjoy their lives together.

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Csincsak presented Lueders with a princess cut diamond engagement ring, reportedly worth $220,000 on an island off of Lake Eerie after the two met on a reunion cruise for the television series.

The wedding was attended by more of the show’s alum, including recent newlyweds Jason and Molly Mesnik.

So it looks like Leuders might not have won her season, but she came out on top in the end.

Engagement Rings and Other Murky Areas: Should the man surprise the woman with an engagement ring of his choice?

Engagement Rings and Other Murky Areas

With so many conflicting ideologies on the do’s and don’ts of proposals in the modern age, there can often be grey areas on what is proper etiquette.

Should the man surprise the woman with an engagement ring of his choice?

In a perfect world, a man would know the woman he is going to marry so well that he will magically pick the engagement ring of her dreams, and genuinely, pleasantly surprise her with that little velvet box. But in the real world, that is not always the case. Remember, this is the ring that will adorn her finger for the rest of your lives, why not begin your marriage as you mean to continue it, together. Surprises are always welcome, but it is perfectly acceptable to include your bride-to-be in the selection process. This will ensure her happiness and cut out the hassle of resizing. But is this proper etiquette? Yes. As times have changed, so have the rules.

Does a man ever wear an engagement ring?

In most cultures, it is only the female that receives an engagement ring to solidify their betrothal, but there have been some notable exceptions.

When international soccer star David Beckham became engaged to his wife Victoria Beckham, he presented her with a 3 carat marquise cut diamond engagement ring, flanked by baguette diamonds on each side. And then presented himself with a matching male counterpart; a band adorned with 7.5 carats worth of diamonds.

Most recently, Canadian singer Michael Buble decided to honor his fiancé, Luisana Lopilato, by wearing an engagement ring of his own. In Argentina, Lopilato’s homeland, it is tradition for the couple to exchange rings for an engagement, much like during the wedding ceremony.

So gentlemen, it is perfectly proper to wear an engagement ring of your own, and can be a beautiful way to display your commitment when your fiancé is not on hand. But sorry Beckham, at least make sure you lady has the bigger diamond.

Who buys the groom’s wedding band?

Here is another tradition that has changed with the times. Traditionally the groom would purchase the engagement ring and subsequently the bride’s wedding band as well. However, unless the groom is planning on using a family heirloom for himself, it was up to the bride to select and purchase his band.

Today it is much more common for the couple to purchase their wedding bands together, just like any other part of the wedding preparations. With so many different styles of wedding bands, who can blame a person for wanting to participate now that the surprise factor is over?

So whether you have the engagement ring, or are just beginning to look, remember that traditions are always changing and nothing is set in stone. Just forget what you should do, and do what you want to do.

And Visit us on Facebook to let us know if there are any other questions you would like answered, or traditions you’d like to see change.

ABC’s Bachelorette Soon To Be Single No More. Ali Fedotowsky pairs her diamond engagement ring with a designer dress

ABC’s Bachelorette Soon To Be Single No More

Ali Fedotowsky pairs her diamond engagement ring with a designer dress.

The latest bride-to-be from the ABC reality show has revealed that she is leaning towards walking down the aisle in a gown from designer Monique Lhullier.

Fedotowsky, who recently revealed her engagement to Roberto Martinez, also from season six of “The Bachelorette,” told Us Magazine that she likes the “flowiness” of Lhullier’s designs.

Wedding details have begun to leak after Fedotowsky had been seen flashing her diamond engagement ring around town. The ring, that Martinez presented her with on the season finale, is a 3.03 center asscher cut diamond, accented with 184 round cut diamonds. As we have said before.

Asscher cut has become increasing popular around Tinsel Town, and this particular diamond is set onto a platinum band. Other stars, such as Megan Fox, Emily Blunt, and Carrie Underwood have also favored platinum settings during this summer of celebrity weddings.

The two have been rumored to be considering an elopement, as opposed to the wedding they had originally planned, and while Lhullier’s designs are often admired for their simplicity, there is nothing simple about Fedotowsky’s engagement ring. Not that we would begrudge Ali a little sparkle. After all, every bride is entitled to some indulgence and a lot of happiness.

Here’s one for the expectant grooms to be…Quick guide of some of the more popular diamond cuts to help maximize her happiness

Here’s one for the expectant grooms to be…

So you have found the woman of your dreams. Now all you need is the ring of hers. Here’s a quick guide of some of the more popular cuts to help maximize her happiness.

For the lady who is always in vogue: Engagement ring with Asscher is the way to go. Often called the Royal Asscher, this variation of the classic Emerald cut has gained popularity among the Hollywood set. After an appearance on the television show Sex & The City, the Asscher has been seen on celebrities like Kate Hudson, Elizabeth Hurley, and Jessica Alba. The blocked corners and downward cut creates a hall of mirrors effect that is perfect for a woman that likes to keep up with the trends.

For the lady with a lot of class, but also a little sass: Present her with a Princess ring. We have already extolled the virtues of a Princess before and while its popularity ranks just behind the more common Round, this style is second to none. Since its invention in the 1970’s, the Princess has since become a modern classic. With clean lines that create a square shape, it still retains all the sparkle of a Round. If your love is a modern lady who is just a touch old fashioned, the Princess is a safe bet.

For the lady who has it all: Try a Cushion cut. Not only is this an interesting alternative to a more prevalent Princess cut, but it is relatively rare. This cut is a combination of a round and square cut, crafted to look like a cushion. Whether it is made as a solitaire or paired with other stones, this style is sure to be something her girlfriends don’t have.

And finally, for the lady who is a classic beauty: Make her happy with an Round cut engagement ring. Although it has been around for centuries, the cut was perfected in 1919 and now truly works with any design. Whether it is mounted on its own or surrounded by jewels, a Round cut radiates the most brilliant sparkle. With its 360 degree symmetrical view, this style has stood the test of time. If your fiancé has a vintage sense of self, this style should please her well past your golden anniversary.

So remember; know her personality, know her ring. And make sure to visit us on Facebook to tell us what ring you chose and why.

Top shapes in diamonds; First pick has always been the round cut, followed by the princess-cut

Engagement Rings from the Couture Collection: Couture-0404

When it comes to the diamond shapes round has always been the top pick, followed by the princess. Couture-0404 engagement ring by Verragio elegantly showcases the princess-cut center accompanied by the two sides in this classic example. What is your favorite shape of diamond? Why don’t you let us know on the Official Verragio Page on Facebook?

http://www.verragio.com/Verragio-Engagement-Rings/Couture-Engagement-Rings/COUTURE-0404


Couture-0404 pictured here in Palladium with a one carat princess-cut diamond and also accented with 0.60 carat of diamonds on the ring. Retail suggested price in Palladium is $3150, center is sold separately.

Engagement ring: Classico-0297 from Verragio’s Classico Collection

Classico Collection: CLASSICO-0297

The engagement rings in the Verragio Classico Collection are some of the most sought after designs in the world. Made with the revolutionary Lumino Setting, each ring truly maximizes the beauty of your diamond.

Engagement rings in the Classico Collection features a variety of timeless and elegant styles from which you will discover the perfect ring to showcase your diamond and your love…for a lifetime.

Engagement rings from the Venetian Collection: Personalize and Make It Yours!

Completely Customizable. Unlike Any Other Ring.

The new Venetian Collection is the first in engagement ring designs to allow you to choose a particular look for the bottom portion of the ring.
 
When ordering a Venetian style, you will have the option to customize your ring by choosing between five different options in shank designs. Whether you prefer a classic look or a bit more intricacy in design, the Venetian Collection allows you to express your individual style.
 
Venetian Collection, a line of engagement rings and wedding bands with a flair for style and the perfect combination of old-world craftsmanship and cutting edge technology. Featuring Verragio’s signature crown shaped bezel beneath the center stone and meticulous attention to detail, each ring within the Venetian Collection puts an emphasis on accentuating the side profile.

Venetian Collection Engagement Rings