Memories abound in life. Milestones mark the memorable moments that we cherish most with our loved ones. Who could forget the first clumsy steps their toddlers take? Or the first words that their children utter, tongues still dormant from all that time in their mothers’ wombs? But what could beat the thrill and excitement of when a soul mate proposes? Save for maybe the wedding itself, the proposal could be the most romantic thing you ever experience. An engagement does not simply show one’s affection for the other, it literally means that he who falls on bended knee wants to spend the rest of his life with you!
Engagement rings, no doubt, play an essential role in one’s proposal. While they may not necessarily influence the answer of your beloved, it would certainly be nice to have something to back up your word. The proposal merely symbolises your love and devotion to each other; the ring sets everything else in stone.
Needless to say, Tiffany & Co. has become one of the most iconic brands in jewellery today. What other names could spark more enthusiasm in any self-respecting fashionista? Even the New York branch itself has seen more of the lights of Hollywood than any aspiring starlet, having been featured in films such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s. What truly sets Tiffany apart from its competitors however, is the status symbol that comes with the purchase of any piece of jewellery. Women who are able to afford—or better yet, have husbands who are able to afford—something from Tiffany’s don’t live in riches they; live in luxury.
For the tottering man-in-love devising the perfect proposal strategy, Tiffany & Co. has the perfect ring for whatever suits your lover’s fancy. The company offers custom engagement ring settings with five different designs to go with a stone of your choice. Popular with most couples today is the solitaire setting that is both simple and understated. For those who prefer extravagance, the three stone platinum engagement ring setting may suit your needs. These settings, paired with the diamonds that may be cut to your liking, will surely set the stage to win you the answer that you’ve been waiting for. For the proposal gone awry, Tiffany & Co. also provides trial rings that may be returned or exchanged should you go a little off your game.
Another contender in the jewellery market is Tacori, a company born and bred in California. The jeweller is regarded for their excellent quality, and rightly so as each individual piece of finery is crafted by hand in the American state. The company, established by a European couple after their relocation to the United States, skyrocketed to fame when one of their rings was featured in the popular television sitcom Friends.
Tacori is famous for its tendency to create rings of conventional design. Whether you’re looking for vintage or antique engagement ring settings, the company offers the most appealing range of classical designs. What intrigues buyers the most is perhaps the knowledge that each ring is handcrafted to perfection by a dedicated jewellery maker. Who doesn’t want to own something that someone else has poured their heart and soul into? One of Tacori’s engagement ring settings is so unique that the company just won’t do without patenting it. The Crescent Silhouette gives the appearance of half moons carved along the band of the ring, and has become Tacori’s signature ring setting. The ring’s semi-mount setting also means that the centrepiece of the ring—the stone—can be cut to one’s liking, and then fixed onto the accessory. This promises much customisability as the diamonds, or even other gems, can be switched according to preference—and that could make all the difference.
No article on jewellery is complete without a mention of France. In this case, a mention does not do it justice. Aside from housing one of the largest fashion capitals in the world, the country is also home to romantic outdoor settings, fresh butter croissants, and the sultry French accent. It doesn’t hurt that some of the biggest names in fashion also hail from France—names that, of course, include Cartier. The French company that specialises in jewellery and watches has had a long running history since its establishment in 1847. After being made a household name worldwide, it would be insane not to consider Cartier when one is pondering engagement ring choices. After all, the jewellery has caught the eye of icons such as Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe, the latter of which made her name singing about diamonds.
Cartier engagement rings offer a huge variety of choices. Whether you’re looking for vintage engagement ring settings or something more cutting-edge, the company has you covered. There are several lines of ring settings for the groom-to-be to choose from, each line offering a distinct style. The Ballerine line of engagement ring settings for instance, has won the hearts of many with its graceful design and floral themed banding. Keep in mind that these are designer engagement ring settings and are not customisable to the buyer. Those seeking to create their own special ring would have to defer to Cartier’s other lines of engagement rings, or an entirely different company for more flexibility. If the lack of customisability does not bother you however, rest assured that the long-running history of Cartier also means that quality is assured. To those who wear them, Cartier’s engagement rings are made to last a lifetime; to those who gift them, Cartier bids you bonne chance!
Much to the dismay of men all over the world, the proposal can be as daunting a task as maintaining the marriage itself. There are no signs telling them when or where to do it—they just simply have to know. With a ring in hand and boundless courage, they take the leap of faith; the former giving what little confidence it can provide. They say happiness doesn’t come without risks. Are you ready to take that chance?
December 26, 2011
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