A Brief History of Engagement Rings – Where Did the Practice Really Originate?

All good things seem to stem from Ancient Greece. Engagement rings are no exception, since some of the earliest records speaking of lovers sharing rings before getting married originate in that ancient, fascinating land. The Romans have also adopted the tradition around the same time, and according to some historians, the origins of engagement rings can only be traced back as far as Rome.

Throughout the following centuries, engagement rings became commonplace in Rome, and later spread to other cultures as well. The Visigothic Code depicted in the 7th century required that a ring be used to commemorate betrothals. Also, Pope Nicholas I was the first pope who acknowledged the use of engagement rings in the western Roman Catholic Church.

The first documented use of a diamond ring dates back to the Renaissance, while the age of Enlightenment saw the use of posie and gimmal rings as being the most popular choice for engagement practices.

With the increase of diamond output in the Victorian Era, diamond rings slowly began to become the most popular choices for betrothal rings during the mid 1800s, and the practice was later adopted by the United States after a brief period when diamond rings had gone out of style during the First World War and the Great Depression.

Family owned Denver jewelry repair and design stores can help you start your own special history by working with you create a beautiful engagement ring.

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The Most Popular Diamond Engagement Rings Throughout the Past Few Decades

Ever thought about buying your fiancee a diamond ring? If you want some inspiration regarding your choice, or if you’re just interested to see what the biggest ones might looks like, here is a list of the most impressive and popular diamond engagement rings in recent history:

• The rings that Audrey Hepburn received from Mel Ferrer are some of the most stylish and popular engagement rings of the 20th century. The famous actress received three different engagement rings, a rose gold, a white gold and a yellow gold one, with each featuring its own perfectly carved diamond.
• Queen Elizabeth II received a gorgeous platinum band featuring a singular 3-carat diamond. The ring was presented to her in 1947, when she was still Princess Elizabeth.
• Arguably one of the most famous marriages of the 20th century was that of the King of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley. His engagement to Priscilla was commemorated by a 3.5 carat diamond ring that had 20 additional, detachable diamonds. Priscilla’s daughter, who later married actor Nicholas Cage, also received a remarkable, 10+ carat diamond engagement ring that, according to some, was even more impressive.
• Finally, actress Elizabeth Taylor received what might have been the largest diamond ring in history: a ring offered to her by her soon to be husband, Richard Burton, which featured an impressive 33-carat Krupp diamond.

While you may not be able to provide your bride to be the Krupp diamond, custom designer jewelers can help you create a beautiful ring that fits your style and budget. When you finally get that ring, look for the best jewelry repair in Denver for long-term care of your custom ring.

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How Can You Decide Which Ring to Buy for Your Fiance-to-Be?

Before proposing, the choice of buying the right engagement ring can be a nerve-wrecking experience. At this point, you should already know your significant other well enough to make an informed choice about a ring design and a stone that they will love.

First, think about their preferences: do they prefer gold, silver, or maybe another metal? Also, how do they feel about intricate flowery designs? Maybe they are more interested in something that looks more modern with straight lines and sharp cuts.

Next you have the stone. Here you have a lot of options, even though the traditional choice would be to buy a diamond ring. Diamonds, however, can be more expensive, and if your SO likes crystals and gemstones for their mystical and astrological properties, then you might do better by buying her a ring with her birthstone.

If she would prefer a more colorful ring or one with a more unique appearance, you can also consider stones like opal, tourmaline, pearl, ruby, peridot and onyx. Some of these stones can still be very valuable, so it will be up to you how much you are willing to spend and whether or not you might prefer to aim a little lower than the most expensive gemstone that might be available.

Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, or even if you are not sure, Littleton Jewelry professionals will happily help you find the perfect ring that meets her expectations and your budget.

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What Are the Most Popular Stones Used in Engagement Rings?

When it comes to buying an engagement ring, nothing really tops beautiful diamond engagement rings Denver options. Although the tradition was created purely for the purpose of promoting diamonds as a commercial asset, the past 80 years or so have seen diamond engagement rings become extremely popular and a part of US culture.

Fortunately, however, you don’t have to spend $20,000 on a brand new diamond ring. Aside from diamonds, there are many other popular gemstones and precious stones that can be used as a viable and meaningful alternative.

Garnets, emeralds and sapphires are three of the most popular types of stones still used in the manufacturing of engagement rings. Still highly valuable in their own right, these stones can be stunning and colorful, as well as quite pricey. So no one can tell you that you were cheap, if you buy your fiancee an engagement ring featuring one of these stones.

If you don’t have a lot of money at your disposal, you can also get away with buying beautiful looking gemstones that are considered significantly cheaper, but that also hold great meaning. Amethyst is one of them, being considered one of the most mystical gemstones ever found. Pearl, lapis lazuli and green tourmaline can also be used for engagement rings, while the color and shine of a gorgeous topaz ring will make your fiancee feel like she’s wearing a genuine blue diamond.

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Questions to Ask Before Repairing Your Watch

Finding a great watch repair Denver service is not easy, especially if the watch that needs mending is a vintage piece or a precious and cherished family heirloom. Before you leave your watch in the repair shop, you need to find out as much as you can about the process and about what it involves in terms of costs and completion time. Here are a few things you should ask the watch repair expert:

– Costs – some repairs can be very costly, especially if the item to be fixed is an antique piece, so it is very important to get an accurate repair estimate before leaving your watch in the care of the repair expert;
– Repair time – some repairs can be done quickly, others involve the lengthy process of ordering or manufacturing special spare parts, so ask questions about that aspect as well;
– Warranty – look for a shop that offers a warranty of at least one year on the repairs done and on the parts replaced;
– Maintenance – old watches need to be maintained regularly to avoid costly breakdowns. When you take your watch to the repair shop, ask about the necessary maintenance procedures and intervals, too – they are determined based on the age and the type of the watch as well as based on how and how often the watch is used.

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What Does Your Wedding Ring Say about You?

Many people think that the design and the material that the wedding ring is made from say a lot about the relationship between the couple to be married, about their financial resources and social status. According to personalized custom jewelry Denver designers, here are a few of the conclusions that others who see your ring might draw about you and your significant other:
– The cut of the stone – princess cuts are considered to be chosen by romantic couples, round cuts are more frequently chosen by couples who have been together for a long time and know that their relationship has already stood the test of time, while emerald cuts are for people who are not afraid to show their love for glam;
– The metal – platinum is currently the most expensive metal used for making wedding rings and it is also the most durable of them – if your wedding ring is made from this metal, it symbolizes strength and durability in your relationship as well. Gold is a more common material for wedding rings, but not less spectacular – its versatility is suitable for modern couples as well as for those who value tradition;
– The color of the metal – while platinum rings usually come only in the metal’s original color, gold rings are often colored. The classic color of gold rings is the original color of the metal – it is usually the preferred choice of traditionalist couples. The other colors available for those who are looking for a more unconventional touch are white, rose and green.

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Choosing the Era to Make the Most of the Charm of Antique Engagement Rings

When used in connection with engagement rings, the term “antique” or “vintage” usually refers to pieces of jewelry that are 50 years old or older. These old and elaborate rings come in various styles, depending on the trends that were dominant in the era when the rings were made, so here is a quick guide to find the elegant antique engagement rings in Denver that you want to surprise your loved one with:

– Victorian rings – made between 1835-1900, these rings are made from yellow or white gold. Their design usually includes pearls and several rows of small diamonds that feature a special cut called a mine cut, with an extra facet on the bottom;
– Edwardian rings – made during the first two decades of the 20th century, many of these rings use platinum and delicate, lace-like designs. The stones most frequently used in rings made during the era are rose-cut diamonds and brilliant sapphires;
– Art Deco rings – typical of the jazz age in the 1920-1930, these easy to recognize rings are made from gold or platinum and they feature geometric shapes, stones and décor elements that are colored and glittering. Art Deco rings are among the most popular choices of all antique engagement, wedding and anniversary rings.

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