lab grown
lab grown

lab grown

JEWELRY

Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Engaged? The Latest Rumors

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift have been dating for nearly a year (I’m rounding up, leave me alone!) and naturally some fans want to know when Travis is gonna pull out a ring and say “Marry me, Juliet, you’ll never have to be alone I love you, and that’s all I really know.”

The answer? No one’s business, to be quite honest, but that hasn’t stopped everyone from talking about it. And when I say everyone, I mean sources, insiders, friends, and even Travis himself. Multiple times!

Time to Get Your PhD in Taylor Swift
celebrity sightings bauer griffin 2012
A Quick Refresher on Taylor Swift’s Complete Dating History and Exes
afc championship kansas city chiefs v baltimore ravens
A Handy-Dandy Timeline of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Relationship for Ya
<a href=taylor swift the eras tour mexico city, mexico” title=”Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour – Mexico City, Mexico” width=”4000″ height=”2667″ decoding=”async” loading=”lazy”/
Just Calculated Taylor Swift’s Net Worth and Now I’m Crying

Due to being truly committed to the Taylor Swift + Travis Kelce discourse and wanting to procrastinate on the rest of our responsibilities, we’ve rounded up literally everything everyone’s said about a possible engagement. Enjoy!

What “Sources” and “Insiders” Say

Back in December 2023, Page Six spoke to a “source close to Kelce” who claimed Trav asked Scott Swift for his permission to propose to Taylor. Ahem: “Scott has been asked for his blessing and has wholeheartedly given it, and Travis has been talking to friends about a ring.”

Then in January, Page Six reported “there’s buzz around Swift’s camp” that Travis and Taylor will get engaged in the summer, and Travis only didn’t propose on Valentine’s Day because “they don’t want it to seem like it’s rushed insanity.” Their source added, “Taylor and Travis discussed it and there is a plan. They will get engaged on their one-year

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

Travis Kelce fuels Taylor Swift engagement, baby rumors on podcast

Is he ready for it?

Travis Kelce fueled engagement and baby rumors with girlfriend Taylor Swift while discussing lab-grown diamonds on his podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce.

“You can’t tell me that dude wasn’t made in a f–king lab over there in France,” he said on the “New Heights” podcast Wednesday, referring to NBA star Victor Wembanyama, who is over 7 feet tall.

Travis Kelce has the Swifties talking after his latest podcast episode. New Heights Podcast
The Kansas City Chiefs star fueled engagement and baby rumors with girlfriend Taylor Swift while discussing lab-grown diamonds on his podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce. New Heights Podcast
“Lab-grown diamonds, that’s a lab-grown f–king NBA player. Can’t wait til I f–kin’ make one,” he said. New Heights Podcast

“Lab-grown diamonds, that’s a lab-grown f–king NBA player. Can’t wait til I f–kin’ make one,” the Kansas City Chiefs star, 34, added.

Jason quickly interjected, pleading with his younger brother to stop the conversation before he caused conspiracy theories to emerge.

“Don’t do this. Do not give any of these other conspiracy theorists anything else to latch onto, please,” the retired NFL star, 36, said.

Jason pleaded with his younger brother to stop the conversation before he caused conspiracy theories to emerge. GC Images
“Mini me in coming 👀,” one fan tweeted. REUTERS

Fans on social media reacted to Travis’ new comments.

“This will get people to tune in that’s all I think this is if they we’re engaged or getting engaged I think Jason would be the one to hint at it not Travis also I really think it would be a family ring or vintage ring not a new ring,” tweeted one

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

How To Buy An Engagement Ring 2024

Figuring out how to buy an engagement ring is a momentous task in and of itself, because it precedes a proposal—arguably one of the most important moments in your life. (No pressure, right?) Whether you’re shopping together with your partner or want the ring to be a total surprise, this guide can help simplify your process, from picking the right diamond to figuring out insurance and warranties.

Fresh off the heels of my own engagement, I’m sharing my advice as well as pro tips from experts, including NYC-based jeweler and ADA Diamonds founder Lindsay Reinsmith and Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America. I also included a handful of favorite places to shop and a variety of ring styles to help you get started.

1. Set Your Budget And Stick To It

Although it’s tempting to browse rings without a budget in mind, like with any big purchase, it’s best to decide on a realistic budget before you start shopping. “Consider a price point you’re comfortable with,” says Reinsmith. “Try to identify what that number is, and make a commitment to yourself to not go over that number. There’s a tendency to move the goalpost because it’s such an emotional purchase but you shouldn’t go into debt for a special purchase like an engagement ring,” she says.

Now that lab-grown diamonds are widely available and an affordable alternative to mined stones, you’ll have a lot of choices, even

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

10 Best Gemstone Engagement Rings 2024

The best gemstone engagement rings feature vibrant gemstones, such as sapphires or rubies, and typically cost less than diamond rings. Although diamonds are more traditional, gemstone engagement rings have become increasingly popular due to their color, affordability and opportunity for self-expression. Tapping into our extensive experience reviewing jewelry, we gathered the most stunning picks to consider. Our list includes Angara’s Sapphire Ring, which was inspired by Princess Diana’s engagement ring, Blue Nile’s glamorous Sapphire Engagement Ring and James Allen’s Accent Ring that you can customize with 11 dazzling gemstone options.

One thing to keep in mind: Sapphire, ruby, topaz, aquamarine and amethyst are some of the most durable gemstones that hold up well to daily wear and tear. Still, if you’re careful with your jewelry, you can consider softer gemstones, such as opal and pearl. Ahead, you’ll find all the best gemstone engagement rings that we highly recommend.

Editor’s Picks, At A Glance

MOST POPULAR

This stunning engagement ring features two pear-shaped sapphires on the side of a center diamond—which you can customize by choosing the cut (round, princess, cushion) in various sizes, ranging from 0.25 to 8 carats. You can further personalize your design by selecting the metal type (platinum or 18k white gold) and adding a complimentary inscription. Blue Nile works with both natural and lab-grown diamonds and offers a lifetime manufacturer warranty on all pieces.

Capucinne is an excellent option if you’re looking for a custom engagement ring with vintage-inspired details. The brand started as a popular Etsy shop and has since become a fine jeweler that specializes in custom pieces. (In addition to wedding bands and engagement rings, it has necklaces, bracelets and earrings that

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

Over 50% of People Would Choose Larger Stone for Engagement Ring, Survey Finds

In National Survey of Engagement Ring Trends, Angara reveals consumers are gravitating toward lab-grown, colored gems and larger stones

Angara - Modern Engagement Ring Survey Press Release.Angara - Modern Engagement Ring Survey Press Release

LOS ANGELES, January 30, 2024 (Newswire.com) – Angara, the leading international online jeweler, today released its first annual “Engagement Ring Trends Report” emerging from nationwide survey data. The survey polled 2,000 respondents with engagement rings to explore rising consumer trends, revealing preferences toward colored gemstones, lab-grown and larger-sized stones.

Survey data includes:

  • Interest in colored gemstones rather than diamonds: 23% of respondents would replace their current stone with a colored gemstone, compared to 5% preferring colored gems a decade ago.
  • Preference toward lab-grown over natural stones: 38% of Gen-Z respondents gravitated towards a 3-carat lab-grown stone rather than a 1-carat natural stone. Additionally, about half (48%) of Gen-Z respondents recognized lab-grown as real stones compared to 88% of Baby Boomer and Silent Generation respondents reporting lab-grown as artificial stones. The data indicates a larger acceptance and pull toward lab-grown for younger generations.
  • Stones larger than .5 carats: A majority (73%) of respondents preferred an engagement ring with a stone larger than .5 carats, with the ideal size ranging from 1 to 3 carats. Additionally, more than half (51%) of those surveyed would prefer to upgrade their current stone for a larger stone in their engagement ring, if given the opportunity.

“Our survey illuminates the evolving landscape of engagement rings and consumer preferences,” said Ankur Daga, CEO and co-founder of Angara. “We’re seeing a societal pivot toward unique, colorful expressions of commitment and love. Our trend report reflects that pivot, showing a cultural shift away from traditional, colorless diamonds and toward a new wave of colorful engagement ring preferences.”

Angara’s Engagement Trends Report also found 50% of Gen-Z would either choose a three-carat lab-grown

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

How to Create a Bespoke Engagement Ring

Olivia Landau, founder and CEO of The Clear Cut notes that close to 90% of her customers work on designing a bespoke ring as a team. “Most of the time during the first phone consultation or while picking out the diamonds, both people will work together and then one person will drop out for an element of surprise,” she shares. “A lot of couples collaborate financially, too. It’s a very involved process and something that’s super personal. You’re going to wear it on your hand forever, so you want to make sure that you love it and that you’re making the right investment.”

Start With Ring Education

Before you begin the process of designing a custom ring, you should educate yourself on the ins and outs of engagement rings. If you plan to have a diamond engagement ring, learning about the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) is essential. This can give you a scope of the quality, size, style, and, ultimately, cost of your center stone.

“I think budget is the biggest piece that influences what the ring inevitably looks like,” notes Gottlieb. “We always want to manage expectations for a couple, we would never want them to be trying on rings that don’t suit their budget. Upfront, have a conversation about that and then figure out what that means from a carat size perspective and what types of compromises you’re willing to make on quality to get to a certain size.”

You also should consider whether you want to purchase a natural or lab-grown diamond. Some couples prefer ethically sourced natural diamonds for their time-tested value and ability to support local mining communities, while others prefer lab-grown stones due to their lower costs and more sustainable production. Certain designers work exclusively with one type of stone,

… Read the rest
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.

People are also reading…

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

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

Why couples buy artificial diamonds and save thousands on engagement rings

In the landscape of engagements and proposals, a notable transformation has taken root: a growing inclination among couples towards artificial diamonds. This shift represents more than a fleeting trend; it signifies a deliberate choice aligning with contemporary ideals, economic sensibilities and ethical awareness.

Over the years, traditional diamonds have symbolized enduring love and commitment. However, the burgeoning popularity of artificial diamonds — also known as lab-grown or synthetic diamonds — has reshaped the narrative surrounding engagement rings and wedding bands. This evolution stands as a testament to changing perspectives and a conscious move towards jewelry that embodies not just emotional significance but also aligns with ethical values and financial prudence.

This transformative shift prompts a reevaluation of what constitutes meaningful and valuable symbolism in the realm of engagements, reflecting a deeper understanding of personal values and a desire for authenticity in the choices made when celebrating love and commitment.

Traditionally, diamonds have been hailed as symbols of everlasting love and commitment. However, the allure of artificial diamonds has been steadily growing, prompting couples to reconsider their choices for engagement rings and wedding bands.

The Evolution of Artificial Diamonds

Artificial diamonds, also known as lab-grown or synthetic diamonds, are produced in controlled environments that replicate the natural processes that form diamonds deep within the Earth’s crust. While the natural formation of diamonds takes billions of years, technological advancements have enabled scientists to create identical diamonds in laboratories within a matter of weeks.

Unveiling the Appeal

1. Cost-Efficiency
One of the primary reasons behind the surge in popularity of artificial diamonds is their affordability. Compared to their natural counterparts, lab-grown diamonds are typically priced significantly lower, allowing couples to allocate their budget more sensibly, perhaps towards other aspects of their future together.

2. Ethical Considerations
Concerns regarding the ethics of

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

What to know before you buy, according to an expert

Man proposing to his wife on Christmas Eve

Here’s what you need to know before proposing this Christmas. (Getty Images)

If it seems like every time you open social media there’s a new engagement announcement, you’re not imagining things. With the holidays just around the corner, we’re well and truly in the throes of peak engagement season.

Based on a study by The Knot, December is the most popular month of the year to get engaged, with Christmas Day taking the top spot of the year as the most popular day to get engaged.

With just a few weeks to go until the big day, if you’re looking to find the perfect ring to commemorate your relationship, keep reading for everything to consider before making your purchase.

Close-Up Of Cropped Hands With Wedding Ring

Take the stress out of engagrment ring shopping eith these expert tips. (Getty Images)

How much to spend on an engagement ring

The decision on how much to spend on an engagement ring is a personal choice — despite the outdated “rules” that may suggest otherwise. While costs can vary, the average engagement-ring-cost-in-the-us-and-around-the-world/” data-ylk=”slk:engagement ring in Canada;cpos:2;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “engagement ring in Canada is around $5,500, while in the United States the average cost in 2023 was $6,000, according The Knot.

That said, you should decide on a budget that fits within your income and lifestyle before you set out to purchase an engagement ring.

Consider your engagement ring’s centre stone

There’s no denying the appeal of a diamond ring to mark an engagement, since the precious stone symbolizes commitment, faithfulness and love.

Stones like Moissanite are gaining in popularity as alternatives to traditional mined diamonds, diamonds remain the most popular stone of choice with with 85% of ring shoppers choosing them as their centre gem.

However, in light of growing ethical and environmental concerns, the

… Read the rest
JEWELRY

Fully Customize an Engagement Ring

Sponsored content. Us Weekly receives compensation for this article as well as for purchases made when you click on a link and buy something below.

Thinking about proposing? Want to make sure your future fiancé knows exactly what you want? It’s time to start looking at engagement rings. Whether you want your ring to be a total surprise or personally customized to the very last detail, you need to shop at Blue Nile!

Blue Nile has many gorgeous, ready-to-ship engagement rings that may suit your exact preferences, but we want to make sure you know about the Design Your Own Ring tool as well. There are so many shiny, sparkly options to help showcase your love!

Build your own engagement ring at Blue Nile here! Shop ready-to-ship rings here!

If you want to build your own ring, you can start with either your setting or your diamond — or non-diamond! Yes, you can choose a colorful gemstone like emerald, sapphire or ruby for your ring. If you love the classic diamond look, however, you’ll have both ethically-sourced natural options and lab-grown options. Learn more about the magic of lab-grown diamonds here!

There are also recommended diamond options for each setting, so in case you’re feeling a little lost, there will be a guiding hand available to help!

You can customize your diamond in so many ways, depending on your setting. Explore shapes like round, pear or heart and choose the clarity, carat and cut details according to your budget. You can filter options by price too! Beneath the filters, Blue Nile will show you everything that fits your criteria. Prepare to be dazzled!

Start designing your own custom engagement ring at Blue Nile here! Shop these top 20 engagement rings here!

Blue Nile

… Read the rest