Most guys think the hard
est part of proposing is deciding on the diamond engagement ring. Sorry…but it’s not.
What many forget is that once that part is over…they need to actually buy the ring in her correct size. And let’s be serious…what guy actually knows this bit of information?
I really recommend taking time to determine the correct size. Any woman who gets an engagement ring is going to be absolutely thrilled and more than eager to put it on and show it off. How disappointing would it be if the ring was too small…or worse, if it was too big and she happened to lose it right away?
I’m not saying you have to be perfect – that’s pretty hard to do. But if you try one of the tricks below…it should help you to get it close enough that she can enjoy it until getting sized properly.
Trick #1: Use a Ring Sizer
Many websites (like Hearts On Fire) will let you download or request a ring sizing tool online. You can also call a jewelry store and ask for one to be sent to you. Once you have it, match it up with a ring from her jewelry box and determine the size. Preferably one that is worn on a ring finger, but if not, just know what finger it is from since all of her fingers are not the same size. Plus, her non-dominant hand ring finger is generally about ¼ size smaller than the other.
Trick #2: Ask a friend
There’s a good chance she has looked at rings herself or has mentioned it to a friend. Confide in her closest friend or sister (if you trust them) and ask them if they know her size or can help get it.
Trick #3: Size it on Your Hand
This is a trick I learned from my own fiancé! I only owned and wore one ring prior to my engagement ring, so one day while I had it off, he slipped it onto his own finger. He marked how far down it went on his hand, and when he went into the store they were able to measure it with their ring size to estimate my size. And guess what…it was perfect!
There are many othe
r ideas out there, so think about what works best for you before jumping right in. Once you have a good idea of size, just talk it over with the salesperson and he or she should be able to advise best from there.
Finally, once you give it to her – even if it seems like a perfect fit – take it in to get it checked as soon as possible. It will make both of you sleep a little better at night!
If you have a ring sizing tip or trick…feel free to share below.
Good luck!
♥ HOF Girl
Chances are, your husband-to-be took a good amount of time deciding on the 
perfect diamond engagement ring to propose with – so why do so many people blow off how important choosing a wedding band to complement this meaningful piece of jewelry is? A diamond ring that signifies your union as husband and wife, a diamond ring that you should love and cherish every time you look at it.
Is it really just as simple as choosing the wedding band that perfectly complements your engagement ring? Many diamond jewelers, including Hearts On Fire, offer matching wedding bands to help make the decision easy, but this isn’t necessarily the right answer for everyone.
I recently went through this dilemma myself. As I continue to (so quickly!) approach my 2012 wedding date, there are more and more decisions to be made, and next on my list is ordering wedding bands! I thought this would be fairly simple – as I had my eye on a certain diamond band for several months now – but when it came time to sit down and decide, I’m left completely unsure of what to do…
Now, I know how my fiancé felt when he was choosing my engagement ring. Since these rings are traditionally worn together on your left hand, it’s important to consider the look of the two rings together and how they fit your hand, personality, and style. But there are really so many options that work!
Luckily for me, I’ve narrowed it down to two options, both of which look beautiful with my engagement ring - but they are also very different options. So what do I do?
1. I could choose the Perfectly Matching Band. This is what I alway
s thought I would want, since many engagement rings and wedding bands are designed as a set and fit together, side-by-side, with a seamless look. As many women do, I like the perfect symmetry and appearance of two matching rings, each with diamonds of the same size and shape and a similar design in the metal. But then…
2. I could also choose a More Unique Band – one that still complements the look and feel of my engagement ring, but stands out on its o
wn as well. After trying on different designs, I realized that an exact match didn’t necessarily make me happier, and I know that this unique look is becoming increasingly popular with women who may choose to wear their wedding band (or engagement ring) alone or on a different hand. While that isn’t the route I think I will go, I still think that this design option might be right for me!
In the end, every woman is different when it comes to choosing the right wedding band. I absolutely recommend trying on different designs of diamond rings, even if you think you know what you want, in order to ultimately choose the perfect wedding band for you.
So what will I choose? Any words of advice before making the big decision?
♥ HOF Girl
If you were watching diamond jewelry trends in 2011, you’ll know that last year was quite an exciting time in the world of diamond engagement rings. From all the pomp and circumstance of Kate Middleton’s royal engagement and wedding, to the made-for-TV hooplah of Kim Kardashian’s marriage (and subsequent divorce), and all the celebrity engagements in between, 2011 kept the diamond jewelry industry busy trying to keep up with all the ladies of Hollywood and their trend-setting engagement rings.
Now, while I can’t necessarily predict which celebrities will be saying their “I dos” in 2012, I have spent some time debating what I think the top three diamond engagement ring trends for the year will be. So ladies, and gentlemen, time to listen up!
In my opinion, the diamond fashion trend for 2012 will be eye-catching designs that create an overall striking and unique look. Think rings that seamlessly mix creativity and style with elegance and class, and it’s really no surprise that these three styles are sure to be such a hit with brides-to-be in 2012.
- The Halo—Halos are in, and it’s easy to see why. Originally a fashion icon of the 1920s and 30s, halo diamond engagement rings create a beautiful, art dec
o look that maximizes the brilliance of your diamonds for a truly spectacular look. Especially for couples who are looking for superior value in their engagement ring, the halo of diamonds around the center stone create an amazing effect to make the center stone pop. I expect to see a variety of halo-style diamond engagement rings on the hands of celebrities and average brides alike in 2012…and not just because it’s my personal favorite style (yes, I have a halo and yes, I am biased!).
- Split Shanks—So, sometimes the prettiest things have less-than-beautiful
names, as is the case here with split-shank engagement rings. I used to confuse this style with the typical twisted band, but it’s definitely worth it’s own category. Spectacular for showcasing your center diamond, the defined split shank creates a striking look that maximizes the light returned from every angle (making your diamond sparkle even brighter!). A long-time favorite of Hollywood’s leading ladies, I have a feeling the split shank will once again be making the rounds as one of 2012’s most popular styles for women everywhere.
- Big Solitaires—Solitaire engagement rings are always in, but the key to this year is “big.” And yes, I mean, one, two and even three carat dazzlers. For a while, it seemed t
hat couples were understandably scaling back, but we’ve really been seeing that trend take a turn upward in the past few months. Maybe it’s all the press around enormous stunners on celebrity hands making women yearn for their own, but honestly, who doesn’t love the look of a brilliant round or Dream cut solitaire engagement ring? With multiple options on the band design that make it perfect for any woman’s fashion style or personality, these timeless classics are going to once again light up the bridal industry of 2012.
What style are you hoping for in 2012?
♥ HOF Girl
Let’s be honest. Every woman secretly hopes her boyfriend or husband understands the complex lingo of the diamond world…therefore, understanding how to select the perfect piece of diamond jewelry for her.
But, I say “hope” because for many cases, the answer is “No, he has no idea.” Sorry guys, but we know it’s true.
That’s why I’ve reached out to a few of my male teammates here at Hearts On Fire to get their help. To pick their brains about all things guys want (and need) to know when it comes to buying diamond jewelry, especially engagement ri
ngs.
As the first major diamond purchase a man will likely ever make, buying an engagement ring can quickly become an uncomfortable, stressful and frustrating situation. The guys I spoke with here all agreed. But I’m hoping that with their help we can make this process a little bit easier for everyone, starting with an understanding of a few of those daunting terms:
- The 4 C’s – The four characteristics used to describe the quality of your diamond: clarity, color, carat weight and cut.Read more about all four in our Understanding the 4 C’s section.
- Setting (also, blanks or mounts) – This is the mounting on which the diamonds sit and holds the diamond in place. A setting alone does not include a center diamond.
- Semi-mount – A ring that is already decorated with diamonds and has space for a central, featured stone. Again, this alone does not include a center diamond.
- Pavé – A semi-mount featuring tiny diamonds on the band set closely together (so that very little metal shows through).
- Complete Engagement Ring – A ring that already includes a center stone and any accent diamonds in its setting.
- Solitaire – A diamond engagement ring with one featured (center) diamond.
- Multi-stone – A diamond engagement ring with two or more featured diamonds.
- Fire (or dispersion) – The flashes of color in a polished diamond.
- Brilliance – The brightness that comes from the center of the diamond.
- Inclusion – An impurity on the inside of the diamond and generally formed from the Earth.
- Blemish – An impurity on the outside of the diamond and generally formed from the environment it encounters.
- Proportions – The measurements of the diamond that determine the quality of the cut.
While this list doesn’t include every diamond term out there, it should help get anyone started!
Stay tuned for Part 2 with my HOF Guys (better name TBD)…as they continue to offer invaluable advice for any man immediately sweating at the thought of entering a jewelry store.
♥ HOF Girl
When it comes to purchasing a brilliant Hearts On Fire diamond, we always love for people to go into one of our exclusive jewelers and experience the dazzle for themselves. And our family of retailers is truly amazing – so if you go into a store to shop for your diamonds, you really can’t go wrong.
But then why do we even bother to sell online? Especially when some people tend to be hesitant about making big purchases there…
Because, to be honest, in-store purchases aren’t for everyone, and many people today are incredibly savvy, online shoppers. Maybe you are a guy who isn’t totally comfortable going into a jewelry store alone, and you want to be able to shop at your convenience without the pressure. Or maybe you’re a woman who doesn’t want to seem overly aggressive by going into a store to pick out your own perfect diamond ring or gift…but you need somewhere to browse and drop a hint to your man (in a place that’s easy for him to purchase too!).
No matter what your reason may be, when you invest in Hearts On Fire, we understand that you want your gift to be perfect in every way. That’s why we are doing everything we can to make our online shopping experience the best possible one for you. I’ll admit - even though I am slightly obsessed with shopping online, I used to not be sure about purchasing my diamonds jewelry there. But now, I’m thinking…why not? Especially when you can get perks such as…
1. Fast, free shipping and returns – even though I’m confident that you will love your purchase, sometimes you need to make a change when you come to find out she had her eye on the earrings, instead of the pendant.
2. A live Perfection Stylist – available seven days a week via online chat or phone, the Hearts On Fire Perfection Stylists can answer any question you have. And that includes making perfect recommendations or directing you to your closest jeweler if that works best!
3. New payment plan options – only available for online purchases, this can sometimes help give a little peace of mind for those who just want to split up their payments a bit.
4. Endless information – for those times when a Hearts On Fire retailer just isn’t convenient to your lifestyle, you still have all the info you could ever need to browse or buy online! That includes FAQs, product details and prices, our Company history and diamond difference, and even a diamond buying guide.
As I said at the beginning, no matter how you purchase your Hearts On Fire diamond, you can’t go wrong, and we promise you a fabulous experience. But if there is ever anything we can do to make your online shopping experience better, please let us know! We always love to hear from you, our amazing customers.
♥ HOF Girl
Around the holidays, it’s hard to ignore that warm & fuzzy feeling you get inside. The feeling that makes you just a little bit happier, a little bit more in love. And a little bit more willing to discuss it all (guys included).
For couples, these holiday feelings can quickly grow into discussions around “our future together” – and questions around what happens next. For some people it’s easy, and they make the decision together about when, where and how to get engaged. Today, many couples even go out and buy the ring together – in fact, about 65% percent of women are involved in the ring-buying process.
However, for many women, this isn’t how they want it to happen. That’s why “dropping a hint” becomes so important…because, let’s be honest, we almost all want some sort of say in a ring we’re wearing for the rest of our lives. That was me – an old-fashioned romantic, but incredibly picky fashionista. Yet I ended up with a ring that I wouldn’t change for anything in the world.
My fiancé and I have always been extremely open and willing to discuss our relationship – maybe it’s our strong-willed and stubborn natures – so when we talked about marriage I knew that an engagement was in my future (near or far, I wasn’t sure).
At that time I wasn’t working in the jewelry industry yet. So when the opportunity arose for a fun, girl’s night out at a local jewelry event, I eagerly RSVP’ed with my best friend. It was the first time I had actually looked at diamond engagement rings in person. It was the first time I had actually tried one on. But best of all, I went home with a beautiful Hearts On Fire catalog to remember it all (and the style I loved)…and to, of course, show it to my boyfriend immediately.
I’ll give him credit – guys are more observant than we think. This was (honestly) the only time I showed him a ring that I liked. But he remembered the event that I went to, he asked my best friend for a reminder of the style to be sure, and he went from there on his own. Who knew – I had dropped a hint, and I barely even knew it.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I would have loved any ring my fiancé got me because nothing means more when it comes to the thought, love and emotion behind it. But am I happy that I got one that still makes me a little giddy every time I look at how much it sparkles?…I sure am.
As we all get a little warm & fuzzy for the holidays, do you have a question or suggestion when it comes to dropping a hint?
♥ HOF Girl
So now that we’ve talked a lot about what it’s like to get engaged, how to start planning your wedding, and tips for proposing, I thought it was time to provide a glimpse into the world of sparkle that all the ladies out there are dreaming about.
That’s right – it’s time for a few dazzling, Hearts On Fire diamond engagement rings.
I think this part of “doing your homework” is really important. And it doesn’t mean you have to choose your own engagement ring (unless you want to). It doesn’t even mean that you have to drop a hint about what you want in a ring to your boyfriend. But, hey – it’s fun to look no matter what you do with it!
Because not every ring is right for every person. And to be honest, you probably won’t know what style you love the most, or what looks best until you actually try a few on. I always thought I wanted a 3-Stone ring, but when it came down to it I fell in love with the Transcend Dream Single Halo style.
So what’s right for you?
Some people love simple and elegant, with a solitaire that really dazzles (pic #1).
But some people like a twist on the original (pic #2).
Some people like soft and feminine (pic #3).
Some people like a bold and glamorous halo (pic #4).
And some people love something completely unique with a style stands apart (pic #5).
They’re all beautiful, but really think – what sets your heart on fire?
♥ HOF Girl
How you handle the beginning of any project in life is extremely important, as it can be both exciting and overwhelming. A wedding is no different. I’ve already talked about how post-engagement bliss can quickly turn to stress. That’s why I want to take it one step further and explain why getting started on your wedding journey the right way is oh-so-important.
I’m the first person in my family (and my fiancé’s) to get married, so I didn’t have much wedding experience to rely on at first. However, the following 3 tips were given to me at the beginning of my own journey and proved incredibly helpful …
1. Get creative with a Style Board – Let’s be honest, the first thing you’re going to do after you get that ring on your finger is go online or flip through magazines to look for wedding ideas. While it’s a great idea to gather inspiration, all of a sudden you have piles of magazines, ripped out pictures and bookmarked links…and the confusion begins building. A fun, new idea is to join an online scrapbooking site such as Pinterest which allows you to tag items you like from all around the Web in one place. Plus, you can check out other people’s pages for ideas too!
2. Set a budget and priorities list (and stick to it!) – No matter how you plan, weddings are expensive. That’s why this step is SO important. As the first open and honest conversation of the wedding planning process, really take time to sit down with your fiancé and decide what works for you and your families. A trick we used was to rank all of the elements of our wedding in order of importance for us (food, venue, music, photography, flowers, dress, etc.). That way, if you are trying to stay under a certain price, you realize how much you are willing to spend on each area.
3. B
efore you start, take a break – It sounds strange, but unless you are planning under an extremely tight turnaround, take a few days (or weeks) to truly enjoy your engagement. Don’t think about planning, budget or timelines just yet. Don’t rush out to order your dress or start dieting. Just celebrate with your fiancé, family and friends, and maybe even throw a party! Because this perfect moment only happens once in a lifetime.
Do you have a tip to add to this list? I’d love to hear it!
♥ HOF Girl
I read an amazing fact the other day – 20% of all engagements occur in the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Add in New Year’s and it’s predicted that more than 1/3 of all engagements for the entire year will have occurred! I knew this was engagement season, but talk about pressure…
So, as we enter November, gentleman, this one is for you.
Is this holiday season going to be the time you get down on one knee? Have you thought about what a proposal should entail, and more importantly, what your diamond engagement ring should look like? The holiday season is quickly approaching, and let me tell you…this is your moment to shine.
Not to stress you out, but lot of women view the proposal as even more important than the wedding itself. And maybe I’m old fashioned, but I love the thought and effort that goes into a good proposal. I love the time it takes a man to figure out what his girl would love, shop around and do his research, talk to friends and family, and plan the most perfect, memorable day.
But when it co
mes to the oh-so-important diamond engagement ring, I’m not blaming you for being intimidated. Most guys have never looked at a diamond ring before this time, and the information presented to you can be overwhelming. Here is one simple thing to remember, the cut (read my last post for more details) of your diamond will determine the brilliance - otherwise known as how much it sparkles on your fiancé’s hand and how happy it makes her to show it off to her friends.
So, with all that in mind here are five tips I’d love to share with you:
1. It takes the average groom 3 months to find his perfect diamond engagement ring, but if you’re behind, don’t worry, there are people who can help (like our Perfection Stylists – available to talk you through any questions by phone and live chat).
2. Let her drop a hint if she wants. Or ask her friends & family what she would love the most. But in the end, this is your gift to her – and it should represent your love together. Trust me, she will love whatever you choose for her.
3. On that note, add a personal touch to the ring or the proposal, or both. This will make it completely unforgettable.
4. Big flashy proposals aren’t for everyone. But neither are sitting on the couch on a Monday night proposals. Really think about what suits you and your girlfriend best.
5. And finally, when you propose, get down on one knee. Again, I might be a hopeless romantic, but I think the majority of women out there will agree with me. It means a lot.
It seems like a lot to consider, but then again, this is your perfect moment. This is your moment to make her truly and breathlessly happy.
So, are you and your girl going to be one of lucky third this holiday season? The statistics are in your favor, so you better get shopping…
♥ HOF Girl
(*stats courtesy of The Knot Market Intelligence)
Most people know the 4 C’s of diamonds – clarity, color, cut and carat weight. But if you didn’t Google or ask a professional jeweler, do you actually understand what they mean?
Probably not. But with a major purchase like diamonds, most people do their homework (to varying degrees) and come prepared when it’s time to shop. At Hearts On Fire, our Perfection Stylists often hear: “Yes, I’d like to see a VS-1, G diamond. What is the price of that?” That was me. It probably was, or would be, you. But lucky you – I’m about to tell you a secret most people don’t know.
If you saw a VS-1, G diamond and an SI-1, H diamond side by side, would you really be able to see the difference? Not likely. Cut (the forgotten “C” in this scenario) is actually the most important one, as this is what most affects the beauty and brilliance (what you see) of the diamond. Shockingly, if two diamonds have the same color, clarity and carat weight, the cut will still affect its beauty and value by 50% or more. 
Take a minute to think about why you’re buying that diamond. Most likely, you want a beautiful diamond that will sparkle with perfection, a diamond that means something. A diamond that has value and shouts emotion.
I could tell you how we cut diamonds differently at Hearts On Fire to achieve this exclusive perfection (don’t worry I will later!) or how our approach is leading to a revolutionary paradigm shift of the entire diamond industry (again, stay tuned!). But for now, just know this…while many people think first of carat weight, followed by clarity and color gradings, when they buy diamonds, cut is the one attribute that ensures maximum brilliance and sparkle.
At one point, I was a skeptic (maybe much like you). I thought diamonds were too expensive and didn’t believe that one “brand” or cut could really be worth more. And it wasn’t my new job at Hearts On Fire that changed me – it was the Hearts On Fire diamond experience. It was the first time I actually saw one of The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamonds sparkle from across the room.
But I’m not here to convince you in my words – that’s not how it works. I just want to give you a bit of insider knowledge that I was lucky enough to learn (and wish I had known sooner). And then I want to encourage you to take a look for yourself the next time you get a chance. I’ll bet you find diamond perfection that you can actually SEE.
♥ HOF Girl
