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JEWELRY

Not So Mellow Yellow Engagement Rings

It’s the time of year for anyone planning to pop the question on Valentine’s day or scheduling a June wedding to find a ring. Most couples today choose together which makes it a lot easier to find “the one’ that represents everything they desire and will speak to the individual aspect of their relationship. Although platinum is on its way to making a comeback in all categories of jewelry , yellow gold has been the metal of choice for all styles of engagement rings for several years , and even as the price for gold continues to soar, it continues to be the popular metal among of a variety of demographics.

Here, a variety of styles from nostaligic and romantic to clean lined and ultra modern:

Berlinger Emerald Shape Calibre Diamond Mosaic Ring with handcut diamonds in 18K gold

Eva Fehren 18K gold portrait cut diamond ring with diamond meleet Undercover ring.

Retrouvaí one-of-a-kind Cushion Brilliant Diamond Heirloom Bezel Ring

18k yellow gold with diamond

White Space toi et moi ring with emerald cut and pear shaped diamonds.

Rachael Boston 18K yellow gold an champagne diamond ring

KATKIM 18K gold pear-shaped diamond Diamond Infinity Pave Ring

K8 Jewelry Vive Canadian diamond Bridal Set in 18K yellow gold

Jillian Abboud 18K yellow gold ring with antique cushion cut diamond centerstone and antique cognac diamond side stone.s

Estate Diamond Jewelry crown-style solitaire engagement ring that centers an antique old European cut diamond The 18K yellow gold mounting is decorated with hand-engravings and adorned with diamonds along the shoulders and under-gallery.

Grace Lee 18K gold baguette and pear-shaped diamond Helix Ring

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JEWELRY

As engagements rise, Herrin jeweler offers advice on ring selection

HERRIN — As people gradually return to pre-pandemic lifestyles, jewelry experts predict an increase engagements in 2024. Amid the projected increase, a Herrin jeweler is offering advice for couples looking to purchase diamond engagement rings.

Don Asbury has been making jewelry for 50 years. He owns Asbury Custom Jewelry & Repair with his son.

Asbury said the store gets more calls for engagement rings now than in recent years, and more often people are choosing alternate stones.

With diamonds, however, he advises buyers to keep two things in mind — whether the ring is hand-made or lab-made, and whether it is sold by an independent jeweler or not.

Asbury said while lab-made diamonds have been around for a long time, they have become much more prominent recently. He thinks 2024 will be the first big year for lab grown diamonds, especially because of the price difference.

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Asbury said he could sell a man-made three-carat diamond for around $10,000, and a natural diamond for $85,000. “There’s no way you would know [the difference],” he explained.

Asbury said he believes people should be cautious when purchasing lab-grown, because, according to him, there is more room for error when assembling small stones and delicate designs.

“All you have to do is polish it and it’s ready to go ” He said about lab-made diamond sellers. “They don’t have to sit there and set the stones. It takes hours to do this.”

Oftentimes, lab-made diamonds fall out after a few years, he said, and depending on the design and assembly, he can’t always fix rings when that happens.

“I have to turn people away and say ‘sorry, nothing I can do,’ ” he explained.

He also said buying independently can help ensure a knowledgeable, honest

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JEWELRY

Jennifer Lopez just wore an “affordable” engagement ring and you probably missed it – see photos

Jennifer Lopez never fails to provide us with fashion and beauty inspo with her excellent social media content. 

Whether she’s trying daring new trends like the “no trouser” trend, or showing off dresses that use underwear as outerwear, the multi-hyphenate star’s Instagram account is a hub for a boost of sartorial serotonin. 

MORE: Jennifer Lopez just nailed the daring ‘no trousers’ trend

READ: The Engagement Ring Trends Set To Dominate in 2024

In her latest look, the JLo Beauty founder captured attention in a skintight beige bodycon dress from It-girl-adored label Magda Butrym. Opting for muted tones from head to toe (surprising for JLo yet unsurprising in the quiet luxury landscape), she paired her dress with transparent pointed-toe pumps, a nude manicure and her ultra elegant sleek bronde locks.

JLo's dazzling ring was from jewellery brand Effy© Instagram
JLo’s dazzling ring was from jewellery brand Effy

She finished off her look with a dazzling diamond ring from jewellery label Effy – the brand founded by the late designer Emmy Hematian in 1979. The dazzling ‘Bouquet 14K White Gold Diamond Ring’ is adorned with round diamonds, making a statement from every angle.

Bouquet 14K White Gold Diamond Ring - Effy
Bouquet 14K White Gold Diamond Ring – Effy

Though we know JLo is already married to her former Y2K sweetheart Ben Affleck, her Effy piece is actually the perfect engagement ring.

Forking out £2,512 on a ring isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s much more affordable than plenty of diamond-clad engagement rings on the market. JLo’s own engagement ring from Ben is worth between $5m and $10m dollars according to Stylecaster: “JLo’s new engagement ring is 8.5 carats with a natural green diamond center stone. The ring is estimated to cost between $5 million to $10 million. The diamond was sourced by Ilan Portugali of Beverly Hills Diamonds. ‘Congratulations Ben & @jlo on your engagement’”.

HELLO!’s

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JEWELRY

How Much Should I Spend on an Engagement Ring?

Before your head goes spinning from the sheer number of engagement ring designs, diamond retailers, and digits of price tags, let’s take a moment to remember why you’re here. Understanding how much to spend on engagement rings isn’t something we’d expect you to subconsciously know. But this piece of jewelry doesn’t have to put you into debt to make you and your partner happy. In fact, several factors go into purchasing a ring, from creating a spreadsheet budget to enlisting the help of the “four Cs.” Here are five pieces of advice for keeping your head on your shoulders while searching for that perfect engagement ring. 

1. Understanding the Average Cost of an Engagement Ring

If you have absolutely no idea where to start on how much to spend on an engagement ring, it’s not a bad idea to look at the average amount people spend. The rule of thumb people typically followed was the two-month salary guideline—which was created during the Great Depression, when diamond sales weren’t doing too well and De Beers, a leading diamond company, sought to improve the situation. The marketing campaign cast diamonds as the ultimate symbol of love and encouraged buyers to put aside one month’s pay (which the company later boosted to three), to purchase a diamond engagement ring. 

In the present day, this means a salary in the low six figures could translate into options that are at least $25,000 and up. But this rule is outdated for several reasons. While engagement rings are a pricy investment, the usual cost tends to be below $10,000, with a national average of $6,000, according to The Knot’s 2022 Jewelry and Engagement Study. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other factors to take into consideration for your wedding ring, like the types of

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JEWELRY

Victoria Beckham has a whopping 15 engagement rings in her collection

Victoria Beckham reportedly has a collection of 15 engagement rings, according to Elle.

Over the course of their 24 years of marriage, her husband – retired football star David Beckham – has gifted her with 15 different engagement rings. Each has a different design and flair, beginning with the simplicity of the very first one, which David reportedly used to propose.

The former Spice Girl has a plethora of different diamonds to choose from, and cycles through them regularly, donning whichever one suits either her outfit or her mood.

In 1998, David proposed to Victoria with a three-carat marquise-cut diamond set on a plain yellow gold band, which at the time was reportedly valued at around $85,000. After their wedding, Victoria transitioned to a platinum-set eternity band, the design featuring a beveled edge as well as white diamonds. She wore it for 18 months and it was the only single band ring she ended up wearing.

Victoria switched things up in 2003 – around the time she and David renewed their vows – and upgraded to a platinum-set, emerald-cut diamond with side baguettes.

To ring in her 30th birthday, David pulled out all the stops and reportedly gifted Victoria a halo-set, pink champagne diamond ring that at the time was valued to be worth $1.1m. The following year, David gave Victoria what is arguably the biggest ring in her collection – a pear-cut 17-carat diamond set on a diamond pave band – and is one of the rings she still keeps in her rotation, as she is regularly photographed with it.

Her next ring was her second foray into colourful diamonds. This time around in 2006, it was an emerald-cut yellow diamond set in a yellow-gold pave band that served to enhance the diamond’s colour. The ring

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JEWELRY

Miss Manners: My fiance wants a diamond ring, even if the stone comes from Russia

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am very much against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and I don’t want to support it by buying a diamond engagement ring, since the stone is likely to come from Russia.

I told my fiancee I would like to buy her a ruby, emerald or sapphire ring — her choice — but she says the only ring appropriate for an engagement is a diamond. What is your advice?

GENTLE READER: This is not the jewelry department, so Miss Manners cannot advise you on how to find a diamond with a clear provenance (or a lab-created one). But that is what you must do.

The reason is not because there is any etiquette rule about diamond rings. Frankly, we don’t even care if there is a ring, much less what type. Etiquette considers that all an engagement requires is an agreement between two people to be married. It is not we who invented that bended-knee routine.

But your fiancee craves this. And your marriage will go better if you acknowledge that while a spouse’s moral convictions should be respected, so should a spouse’s emotional longings.

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DEAR MISS MANNERS: If one is dining alone at a restaurant and must burp, what should one do afterwards? It seems coarse to say nothing, but it seems odd to try to engage nearby diners.

By saying “excuse me,” would one be asking the salt shaker for a pardon?

GENTLE READER: Even if dining alone, one should say “excuse me.” Especially if the people at the next table jumped.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

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JEWELRY

Ashley Benson’s Engagement Ring Is Likely Worth $1M+

The sighting: Pretty Little Liars actress Ashley Benson is newly engaged to her beau, Brandon Davis, grandson of a billionaire oil tycoon. The pair revealed their new status (and the huge diamond) on their Instagram Stories.

The jewels: Benson’s engagement ring is a sizable oval diamond on a thin gold band, held in place by four elegant tapered prongs. The couple did not confirm the ring’s maker, size or price, but it’s obviously big and beautiful.

I spoke with Inna Kushnirski, bridal merchandiser for Gabriel & Co., and she said that the ring “appears to be around 7 to 10 carats” and that at this size, “I would say it’s going to be nearly perfect in clarity, cut and color, in which case you’re looking at upwards of $1 million.”

Kushnirski added: “Oval cuts continue to dominate as the most in demand fancy cut for engagement rings, and we will definitely continue to see this trend grow thanks to stunning rings like Ashley’s!”

The trends: Ovals, ovals, ovals! They’ve been the diamond shape of the moment for the past few years, and they’re not ready to cede their superiority yet. All signs point to the oval moment staying strong for a while longer.

Other celebs who have recently chosen oval engagement rings: Olivia Culpo, Vanessa Hudgens, Kourtney Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, Jasmine Tookes, Lana Condor and Blake Lively.

What do we think? Every time I think the oval diamond engagement ring trend is on its way out, a celeb does something like this. We’re not done with ovals yet, folks.

I’m getting a little tired of seeing this shape over and over again, but I have to admit it looks good at this size. I just hope those dainty prongs are up to the task of keeping that iceberg attached

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JEWELRY

See Ashley Benson’s Giant Engagement Ring From Brandon Davis

Ashley Benson is sporting some new bling. On July 6, the actor revealed her engagement to Brandon Davis by sharing photos of her diamond ring on Instagram Stories. The classic design features a simple yellow-gold band and singular oval-cut gemstone so enormous, it nearly takes up the width of her entire finger. “Love of my life,” Davis wrote while sharing a close-up of his latest splurge, while Benson added, “My best frienddddd I love you” when she reposted it. The “Pretty Little Liars” alum also showed off the ring while FaceTiming several friends to announce the big news.

With a diamond that huge, it should come as no surprise that Benson’s ring has quite the hefty price tag. Diamond expert Zack Stone of UK-based jewelry retailer Steven Stone estimates the central stone is eight carats and the entire ring is valued at anywhere from $600,000 to $800,000.

Oval-cut engagement rings remain a popular, timeless choice among celebrities. Benson’s longtime friend Vanessa Hudgens received a strikingly similar ring from Cole Tucker when he proposed, and both Hailey Bieber and Kourtney Kardashian also have the same diamond shape on their respective rings. Other trendy engagement ring design elements as of late include Toi et Moi settings, round-cut diamonds, colored stones, and pavé bands.

Take a zoomed-in look at Benson’s giant engagement ring ahead, but perhaps slip on a pair of sunglasses first, because it’s shiny AF.

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JEWELRY

The 10 Biggest, Sparkliest Engagement Ring Trends of 2023

According to a literal diamond expert.

<p>Getty Images</p>

An engagement ring represents a lifelong commitment — to your partner and to a piece of jewelry you’ll wear for the rest of your life together. While the world of engagement rings;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “engagement rings doesn’t exactly follow the fast and furious pace of seasonal fashion trends, it does evolve. Having a sense of the trends that do arise can help you decide which ring might be right for you.

We consulted with Kristina Buckley, Managing Director of the Natural Diamond Council, the industry authority and resource on natural diamonds, to get a read on what’s trending in the world of engagement rings for 2023. The recurring theme that kept popping up? Uniqueness and rule-breaking. There’s not one dominant trend in engagement rings these days, because everyone seems to want a ring that’s unique, personal to them, and reflective of their individual style and values.

Related: The Special Meaning Behind Jennifer Lopez's Green Engagement Ring

That means a lot of the old rules are out the window. Three months salary as a standard budget? Nope, set whatever budget feels right to you. Grading diamonds on a traditional scale? Nah, imperfections can be part of the draw. “We always suggest looking ‘beyond the 4 Cs,’ says Buckley, referring to cut, color, clarity, and carats. “Once you fall in love with a stone, any inclusions or color grading it may have on paper doesn’t matter.” Wearing your ring on your left ring finger? Not necessary if you’d prefer somewhere else. You get the gist: Anything goes!

Below, learn about  a few of the trends Buckley says couples are embracing in 2023, from “moval” cuts to akimbo settings to salt and pepper diamonds.

Related: The Most Gorgeous Celebrity Engagement Rings

Ovals and “Movals”

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