05/11/2011
Ritani Masterwork Engagement Ring
Engagement rings with halo settings are all the rage, but when we came across this gorgeous Ritani ring from their Masterwork collection, we were hooked.
The halo setting of micropave diamods is ‘scalloped’ to create a floral-like shape, which is something we do not often see. We love the thick shank with rows of pave diamonds and the intricate setting. How beautifully romantic!
05/06/2011
Anita Ko Spike Rings
LA based designer Anita Ko’s modern jewelry collection has quickly become a staple on the red carpet, and it’s not hard to see why. Today we feature her edgy yet gorgeous spiked rings which come in white, yellow and rose gold, and which we think would make an ultra unique choice for wedding bands.
05/05/2011
David Yurman Bridal Collection
We are such huge fans of David Yurman’s designs and his new collection of bridal jewelry does not disappoint. Incorporating his trademark cable bands with his David Yurman Signature Cut diamond (cushion cut), he creates beautiful engagement rings, matching bands and men’s wedding bands that come in platinum and 18k gold.
05/04/2011
Harry Winston Rock Bands
A few months ago we visited the Harry Winston store in New York City and we so taken with their Rock Band collection of wedding bands and we have been thinking about them ever since. They’re diva, they’re fierce, they’re sparkly, and they’re plain brilliant.
L-R: Harry Winston Rock Bands, radiant cut, oval cut and emerald cut set in platinum
04/26/2011
RingSpotlight: Royal Asscher
Last month, we had the pleasure of meeting Lita Asscher, the President of Royal Asscher America in New York and we’re excited to feature the Royal Asscher Foundation today – one of the most renowned and prestigious brands in the diamond industry.
Why the Royal title?
Royal Asscher was founded in 1854 as the IJ Asscher Diamond Company and became Royal Asscher in 1980 after being awarded the rare privilege of a “Royal” title by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.
What’s the difference between the Asscher and the Royal Asscher cut?
In 2001, Joop and Edward Asscher introduced the Royal Asscher® Cut, a superior and more beautiful 21st century successor to the original Asscher cut. Today, the Asscher name is used for marketing the generic square emerald cut, which Royal Asscher no longer cuts.
What is a Royal Asscher cut diamond?
Royal Asscher’s signature diamond has 16 more facets than the square-emerald Asscher, 74 in total, and is perfectly symmetrical – the diamond has spectacular scintillation and dispersion. There are only 75 diamond cutters in the world who are trained to cut the Royal Asscher Cut and only 5% of rough crystals meet the criteria necessary to create a Royal Asscher Cut. Royal Asscher Cut diamonds are natural, non-treated and conflict-free.
Philanthropic Efforts
Royal Asscher’s unique and impressive history has greatly contributed to making it one of the most respected brands in the diamond industry. Royal Asscher introduced one of the most innovative and amazing collections in 2009: the Stars of Africa Collection, a jewelry line showcasing floating diamonds. The Stars of Africa initiative was launched in 2008 and aims to improve infrastructure in Africa by creating funding for healthcare, education and self-sufficiency programs. Part of the proceeds from the sale of each piece goes to the Diamond Empowerment Foundation, to benefit children from diamond-producing countries.
Royal Asscher hopes to continue its legacy and remain a highly respected and desired brand in the diamond industry. Lita Asscher, President of Royal Asscher of America, says, “If you want true beauty, you want a Royal Asscher Cut; never settle for anything less!”
04/15/2011
Dear RingSpotters, My Rings Need a Makeover!
A reader wrote in asking for some advice on what to do with her engagement ring and 22 stone infinity wedding band. Married for nearly 14 years, she is looking to give her engagement ring and wedding band an affordable makeover, mainly because she is afraid of the stones at the bottom of her band will become loose and fall out – which has already happened. Here is her current set:
We put together a few options for her to consider:
1. Keep the engagement ring as is, but split the wedding band into two identical rings that will flank each side of the engagement ring. You can even consider adding the same gold piping to the engagement ring to create a matching set. Have a look at this lovely cushion cut multi-stone ring with two eternity bands.
2. Remove 6 stones from the bottom of the wedding band and add them as side stones (3 on each side) to the engagement ring. Another option which we love would be to remove the bezel setting in favor of prongs to allow more light to reflect off of the beautiful center stone.
3. For a more dramatic change, remove 7 stones from the bottom of the wedding band and create a floral setting around the center stone. Similar to an illusion setting, this will give the impression of a larger center stone. Here’s an example of a gorgeous ring that does exactly that – this one happens to have another layer of sapphires.
Have any tips or ideas to share? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think!