For Eternity Engagement Rings

Engagement rings are a constant source of fascination for me. There are very few objects in the world that symbolise so much - they represent a choice, a promise, hope for the future, and of course love. I've long been a fan of the solitaire diamond - to me, the single gemstone meant my husband had chosen his one love. But now I'm intrigued by the new trend in eternity rings - and they way they look forward to the future. This diamond band by Silly Shiny Diamonds is particularly pretty - would you choose an eternity ring for your engagement?

{I want this!} Diamond Eternity Ring, £560 by Silly Shiny Diamonds

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Introducing 77 Diamonds Engagement Rings

When my husband went down on one knee in the snow, he wasn't holding the elegant diamond solitaire I now wear every day, but a giant comedy ring with a rock-shaped stone! He was too nervous to buy my actual ring without me. But then choosing an engagement ring can be an overwhelming business. After a house and a car, it's going to be the third biggest purchase your boyfriend ever makes! Then add in the fact you're going to wear it for the rest of your life..... It's not surprising more and more men are proposing with a temporary fun ring {like my husband!}, and making the trip to the jewellers a joint project. Luckily award-winning jewellers, 77 Diamonds, are here to help.

They've introduced an easy-to-understand Diamond Buying Guide {click on the pic to zoom}, so you can get all the info at home, without the pressure of an over-enthusiastic sales-person. With seven C's to consider, this is definitely a page to accidentally-deliberately leave open on your computer!!

Their brilliant website will help you choose the ring of your dreams, whatever your budget. Now all you need is the Ring Size Chart, and you're good to go! Look out for the vintage-style rings - they're my favourites!!

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Wedding Trends of 2015 - Skinny Engagement Rings

We're all used to the concept of wearing two rings on your wedding finger, but this year is going to be all about ring stacking. Instead of one expensive solitaire, fashion forward brides and their grooms are choosing several, skinny engagement rings. It's such a fantastic idea! Every dainty ring complements the next, and you can carry on adding each anniversary, or when you have your first baby. It's also the perfect choice for budget-conscious couples, as each ring can cost as little as £100. I love these rings by Nicole Scheetz, but you can find plenty more from Nikki Stark Jewellery, Crystal Stone London, and from Cat Bird NYC {aka my favourite jewellery shop of all time}.

{I want this!} Clockwise from top left: 1. Opal Ring Set, £185 | 2. Stacking Ring Set, £75.50 | 3. Infinity Stacking Ring Set, £130 | 4. Birthstone Ring Set, £203

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Tie the Knot Wedding Rings

Spotted! This gorgeous ring from fabulous Etsy-seller Sparklethots.  Each ring is individually handcrafted and made to measure - perfect for a promise ring, if you're planning to pick out your engagement ring together. Or they'd made fantastic bridesmaid's presents - a lasting momento of the day they watched you tie the knot!

♥ Click for more wedding ring ideas! ♥ And tonnes of elegant weddings! ♥

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Autumn & Winter Wedding Ring Bearer Pillow

There's a moment at every UK wedding when everyone turns their attention to the best man - it's his big moment, time to hand over the wedding rings. At US weddings they do things differently - usually the rings are carried on a pillow by a pageboy or flower girl. I'm super-keen on the American tradition, particularly because it's another opportunity for you to personalise your big day with pretty wedding details! For example, take a look at this rustic pine cone ring pillow by Etsy-seller Rustic Blend. It's the perfect accessory for an autumn or winter wedding, and I love its handmade charm. For more ring pillow ideas, take a look at my Pinterest board.

♥ Want more winter wedding ideas? ♥ Or how about more wedding ring ideas? ♥

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Engagement Rings Advice

It's surprising how many of my male friends say they don't want to get married because they're worried about the cost of an engagement ring. If only they knew that their girlfriend would be happy with a Hula Hoop, if only they'd propose! But there's no doubt that the boys do get the more expensive end of the deal, and many of them are nervous about going into jewellery shops, and getting laughed out the room because of their puny budget. Or course they don't need to worry, because engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes, and in all budgets. From solitaire diamond rings to multi-jewelled knuckle dusters, there's something out there for everyone. Here are a few of my hints and tips on how to buy wedding jewellery....leave this page open on your laptop, so they can 'accidentally' read it! Plus if you've got any advice, please do add it to the Comments section below.

{Photo Credit} Stephanie Williams Photography

1. Traditionally a wedding ring should cost two month's salary before tax. I've heard some US jewellers suggest it should be three months!! But there in the UK it's definitely supposed to be two.

2. Lots of little diamonds give a really dramatic effect, but don't cost nearly as much as solitaire diamonds.

3. Coloured stones are often a cheaper option, but remember that diamonds match everything, and your bride is going to want to wear her engagement ring every day of her life.

4. If the clarity isn't perfect, don't worry. If the flaw can't be seen by the naked eye, then who cares!

5. Why not buy a smaller solitaire diamond ring for your proposal, and promise to replace it with a bigger rock when you've saved up the money? Your bride will be thrilled to be engaged - she won't care about the size of the rock.

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Simple, Stunning Gold Wedding Band

Ever since Prince William struggled to get 'that' Welsh gold band on Catherine Middleton's finger, I've had a thing about simple wedding rings. I love the organic feel to this gold ring - it's satiny finish and smudgy edges! Created by Beth Cyr Weddings out of 100% recycled gold, it's also an eco-friendly option. Beth makes each one as a bespoke project, so you can choose any size you like. Simply elegant and gorgeous!

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Boys! Feeling left out?

Okay, so I'm the first to admit Before the Big day errs a bit on the side of the bride, and although I don't want to send the men away, I would recommend future husbands check out GroomGroove and Staggered. GroomGroove is an American site, but it's still got plenty of hints that translate into English {!}.  One of my favourite tools is the Diamond Engagement Ring Calculator, where you can enter your salary and find out how much you should be spending....although I always thought it was supposed to be one months, not two?

Product Credit - Cake Toppers from Goose Grease

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With This Ring...Choosing a Diamond Ring

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, except when you're picking one with your husband-to-be, under the watchful eye of a pushy salesperson. It helps to know what you want, but unless you've made a habit of wondering into jewellers and trying on rings just-in-case {ahem}, then there's a fair chance you won't have the slightest idea. Diamonds are a tricky thing - there's the four C's to balance, plus your boyfriend's bank balance, and knowledge (of the former) is key. One of the best sites I've seen in a while is Blue Nile. Check out their Diamond Guide, and then enjoy fiddling with the sliders to work out just what you can get for your money. Next comes the fun bit, picking a setting, choosing a matching wedding ring and best of all, pressing Buy!

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Supporting Japan

With the crisis in Japan on all our minds, here's one way you can support their local businesses, and donate money to the Relief Fund. Pick up some of these gorgeous creations from independent craft sellers on Etsy. I'll be featuring more ideas all day.

{Product Credits - 1. Koide Studio, 2. MaaP Studio, 3. Green Optimist}

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