The diamond engagement rings - a timeless expression of love and commitment.

The classic styles available - solitaire and pave, for example - still are popular today, but there are emerging trends of which you, the potential buyer should be aware.

Note: One thing that never changes is what grooms tend to pay for engagement rings - quite a bit! Latest statistics show the average amount spent is $3,000, according to these sources:

” $3,044 (Bride’s Millenium Report)
” $2,982 (Bride’s Magazine)
” $2,909 (Modern Bride, as cited in Weddings for Dummies)
” $3,576 (Conde Nast Bridal Group)
” $3,165 (Modern Bride Magazine)
” $2,807 (National Bride Service)

Hot ring trends - classic, antique and modern lead the way

For example, classic solitaires are very popular. Many women are choosing a classic-cut diamond solitaire. These are assured of never going out of style and make good heirloom pieces.

However, a traditional solitaire setting is upswept and raises the diamond high. Some people today select settings where the center stone sits low, creating a look that is elegant and ergonomic. Another popular setting is one that is intricately raised, as well as twisted band.

And while the round cut continues to be popular, it is becoming more common to see the oval cut, as well as the emerald.

The pave setting, where the band is studded with diamonds seamlessly, is elegant and is becoming more popular. The idea is that smaller stones are set so close together that no metal can be seen between them. This maximizes the wattage of the ring without pushing the cost too high.

Antique, vintage rings that your grandmother might have worn also are trendy, which combines an historical, period look with current fashion. Look for gold filigree settings, floral accents and gemstone baguettes. The cuts typically are cushion, round, pillow and Asscher , and their larger facets radiate more fire under less light.

Also becoming more popular are modern styles. This type features clean, streamlined designs for a cosmopolitan, chic look. The most contemporary styles feature a bezel-set and designs where the diamond seems to “float,” which is a type of tension setting.

engagement rings with colored stones also are an emerging trend, with colored diamonds being quite the rage. Many celebrities, such as Jennifer Lopez, have chosen colored diamond engagement rings and this has cemented their popularity.

For something different, consider new diamond cuts on the market. The Zales diamond cut has more facets than traditional cuts and can increase the stone’s fire. Also consider the princess cut - a modified square.

Platinum - hands down the choice today

Regarding the ring itself, platinum is definitely the hot trend. Platinum is popular because its rich luster sets off the brilliance of a diamond like no other metal. This metal is naturally white and will always keep its shine, unlike yellow gold, which may tarnish. Platinum is the strongest precious metal, and is twice as heavy as most gold alloy rings.
Some women want their platinum ring carved with designs or inlaid with gemstones.

About the Author:

James Wattvord is a freelance content writer, specialising in Jewellery diamonds related matters.
He has published many articles on diamond industry and diamond engagement rings, and is partial to the world of diamonds.

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If you’ve ever done shopping for the Nintendo Wii gaming console then you know how much of rarity it really is. Finding a cheap nintendo wii console is even harder. When it comes down to it, its about smart shopping and being tactful in your purchasing endevour. By doing so you can guarantee getting your hands on a cheap nintendo wii console and games that fit your needs perfectly. Below are 5 tips for success when finding cheap nintendo wii consoles and games for sale at the lowest possible price while still buying a working product.

1. Consider the source - If you are looking for a Nintendo Wii Sale from a local vendor, your likelyhood is next to nil. The benefit of buying from a local dealer is that you can usually assume that the product is new, but you are going to pay for it. Buying retail means that you are also paying for labor wages, their electric bill, taxes and probably somewhere around a twenty percent mark-up if not more for the item. Needless to say, you pay more, but for a new product.

2. Buying online is another method that may be useful, however again, consider the source. When buying online for a cheap nintendo wii console or cheap nintendo wii games, read the fine print (if any), check for notations about scratches, inproper functionality, etc. Be thorough in this process.

3. Buy bundled and save! Buying a cheap nintendo wii bundle with games is a great way to get both games, accessories and the console at a single low price. Be aware though, sometimes bundles are a way of really jacking up the price. Always do price comparisons with the games and accessories to see how much of a deal you are really getting.

4. Buying second hand online can be fruitful! Buying second hand online is a great way to save big. often times people just didn’t like their Nintendo Wii gaming system, or they got two for christmans, or they wanted a playstation 3, whatever the case always make sure to protect yourself. Buy insurance when applicable, ask about return policy, get all the answers befor you click (buy now). By proceeding with caution you can help ensure that you are getting a great product at a low price.

5. When buying a cheap nintendo wii console and cheap nintendo wii games, find out why they are really cheap. Not to say you should be paranoid by any means, but do atleast bring up the question.

Simply stated when buying a cheap Nintendo Wii console for sale, you don’t ask, you don’t get. Finding an sale on a cheap Nintendo Wii is very easy to do when you are both analytical and frugal. Stay sharp, ask questions, and when you see a good deal, act.

For a Cheap Nintendo Wii Console at a great price online visit www.Cheap-Nintendo-Wii.com where we have great prices everyday.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Don\’t love and a Message in a Bottle just fit together like Fred and Ginger, like Lucy and Ricky, like Brad and Jennifer, well, used to?

A Message in a Bottle and love are just naturally perfect together. What man or woman could resist finding a love poem or love note waiting for them in a Message in a Bottle? Really, saying I love you with a Message in a Bottle is so intimate. Imagine the excitement you\’ll feel tucking a Message in a Bottle holding your own special love message into your significant other\’s purse or briefcase for them to find!

Imagine the excitement that person will feel when they find your Message in a Bottle love note or poem. Talk about appreciation! The person may be so happy and excited that they rush to you and whisk you away for a romantic lunch or dinner-or to the nearest bedroom!

Seriously, it could happen! Taking the time and effort to say I love you in your own special way in a Message in a Bottle shows that you\’re no slouch in the love department. It shows that you\’ve put more thought, energy, and, most importantly, care into saying I love you than you could ever do just by buying a card. And that\’s bound to reap you a lot of rewards.

And when it comes to saying I love you with a Message in a Bottle, dare to think out of the bottle! Can you imagine how delighted a special child in your life would feel if you gave them their own personal I love you message tucked in a Message in a Bottle! Just thinking of the smile on that special kid\’s face is enough to make you smile.

After all, love just isn\’t for lovers, all people, young, old, large, small, and in between need to know and be shown that they\’re loved. Got a teenager that you\’re having just a wee bit of trouble communicating with these days? Remind him or her that you still love them and are there for them with a Message in a Bottle. They won\’t feel pressured or bothered or, worse, uncool-they\’ll feel loved! They may not tell you but they\’ll feel it and remember forever.

What about that friend who you\’ve known since college and who means so much to you? A Message in a Bottle with a special I love you message in it just for them will mean the world to them. Especially if you do it when they least expect it!

After all, surprising the people you love with a love you message in a bottle is best way to show that you love them and care for them. Anybody can say I love you on a person\’s birthday or around holidays. But it\’s just somehow more loving when you say I love you in an unexpected way at an unexpected time.

So you\’ll want to order a lot of Message in a Bottles. Because you love a lot of people and you want to show them you love them with a Message in a Bottle. But be sneaky about it, okay? Everyone has more fun that way.

For More Information Please View : http://www.bottlemeamessage.com/lovemessageinabottle.htm

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\” I am the creator of the Original MIBs, and all the other products you will find at dreamweaverstudios.com. People often ask me \”What inspires you?\”. My answer is simple, \”First you sit and watch the sunset, or the sunrise if your up earlier enough, gaze at the stars, stare at the Moon, watch children play at the park, listen to a child laugh, look deep inside,let your imagination guide you, \”Find a need and Fill it.\” By purchasing one of our products, especially a MIB you most definitely will be brightening someone\’s day, and that\’s my goal to provide you the consumer with something to add a little shine to the world each and everyday.\”

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That’s it. I had to have it. If I had to go to 10 different stores, line up at 4 AM on “Black Friday” or go online and bid far more than my pocketbook would allow, the hot toy of the season was going to be mine. I pictured my daughter’s face opening it up. It would be the picture-perfect moment when at last she would tear open the toy she had begged for all season. A year has now passed. Now what was that toy? I honestly can’t remember… and I’m sure she can’t either.

Now rewind to that same Christmas. I also made her a pillow with her own name on it. I do remember carefully selecting the fabrics. I remember feeling so “gitty” when I found just the right color choices that would coordinate with her bedroom so perfectly. Everything that made her room hers, I found! I remember the night I put her to bed and ran to my sewing room so excited to get started on my project. I would hope she’d love it as much as I loved making it for her. Watching her elation as she opened that gift was 10 times more enchanting than seeing her set aside the “had-to-have” toy a few short hours later. She was captivated by the pillow, and happy to ask, “Mommy! Mommy! Did you make this for ME?”

The “D-I-Y” phenomenon is here and more and more people are choosing to give handmade gifts to those on their gift-giving lists! So why give handmade this holiday season?

1.Because It’s Cost-Effective
More often than not, you can make something for less. Of course there are exceptions, but this works well when you have a holiday budget to stick to. I recently made some chalk-board mats for my nieces and nephews. Can you believe I was able to make 9 of them out of 1 yard of fabric? Talk about a bargain! Another friend of mine made purses for all of her girlfriends for their gift exchange. I also like to write down my gift-giving list early, and then think of how I can make several of the same gifts for a group of people- such as favorite teachers. In assembly-line fashion, I can purchase all I need at once, lay out my materials, and thrust into the project at hand. Before you know it, I’m finished with something that was not only enjoyable for me to do, but cost very little in relation to purchasing something at a store.

2.Because It Can Be Personalized
When I make a gift for someone, I always keep in mind what is important to them or about them. Whether it’s a name on the gift, remembering their favorite colors, or making something of a sentimental nature, a handmade gift is one way of showing you care. Handmade gifts can be very unique and different. Countless times I’ve been so impressed with those who can create the same project, yet individualize each one to make them special to the one they are giving it to. Whether it’s something that has been knit, sewn, painted, or glued, you can make the right gift for just the right person.

3.Because It Can Become a Treasure
I still have a crocheted blanket my grandmother made for me when I was a child. Seeing this reminds me of her love and dedication to our family. I can imagine the excitement she must have felt while making it. In retrospect, I don’t know if I ever showed my full extent of gratitude when that gift was given. Oftentimes, that may be the case. But looking back, my heart is filled with thanksgiving as I recognize the hours that must have gone into something so extraordinary.

Do I still purchase gifts for family and friends from the stores? Of course I do. But while acknowledging that making handmade gifts does take more time, for me giving a gift that is handmade is very fulfilling to both the giver and receiver.

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Kim Christopherson is the owner and creator of YouCanMakeThis. Find hundreds of downloadable patterns and “how-to” eBooks for your home and family. Sign up for the YCMT newsletter and receive a $75 ebook bundle package for FREE!

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