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Author: michael

What is a Halo Engagement Ring and Could It Be the Next Marquis Diamond?

With a distinguished and classic appearance, halo engagement rings might make your significant other feel like a famous celebrity.

Hollywood stars and members of the Royal Family gravitate towards this particular ring style because it looks breathtaking on the finger of their beautiful lady, while symbolizing old-world charm.

But many jewelry experts wonder whether this trend will precede along the same path as the marquis diamond, which became outdated after celebrities no longer fueled the fire.

About Halo Engagement Rings

Jewelry designers create the halo effect on an engagement ring through placing smaller diamonds or other gemstones around the center stone. This allows the center stone to sparkle brighter and catch more light.

Gemologists have found that not all diamond shapes work with the halo design, so they typically use the round cut, oval cut, princess cut, cushion cut, and radiant cut diamonds for this ring style.

Many future brides choose halo engagement rings for their versatile nature, since there isn’t just one way to interpret the look. A woman who values tradition may prefer to have a diamond as the center stone, whereas a more style-minded woman may put a colored gemstone in the middle.

Having smaller diamonds also increases the carat weight of the halo engagement ring, but it provides more bang for your buck than buying one with a larger single diamond.

Another popular aspect of halo engagement rings – and one not often pondered – is the fact that the pavé gemstones form a shield around the center stone, therefore protecting it from accidental damage.

More Than a Fashion Trend

Marquise diamond engagement rings were in their prime between the 1970s and the 1990s, when the popularity of disco music turned everyone’s fancies toward vivid and eccentric looks. Eventually, their ubiquitous presence in bridal jewelry made them into secondhand pieces which were passed from mother to daughter – and they faded from the stores. Jewelry designers have ventured the theory that halo engagement rings will do the same.

Given the long history of these settings, however, we would argue that they will maintain the same favor as the solitaire engagement ring. Here are some reasons why that might be.

Consider that a woman can never have too many diamonds for her taste, and buying a halo engagement ring guarantees plenty of them. Whether the diamond takes center stage or appears in the pavéd crown of the halo, her engagement ring will brighten the room for every side.

Plus, jewelers discovered that they could not do much with a marquis diamond and it wasn’t contemporary enough to last. The same isn’t true for halo engagement rings, because they can vary the precious metal used for the setting, the stones in the ring itself, and the cut of the diamond to add a modern twist.

Come Visit Us for Your Halo Engagement Ring Needs

Located at 829 Asbury Drive in Mandeville, Anne Dale Jewelers’ newly expanded engagement ring gallery features a wide collection of halo-style settings. We offer all shapes and metals, including some platinum options.

If you still don’t see an engagement ring that you like, visit our showroom to design a customized piece of jewelry. A GIA-certified gemologist and a master goldsmith are always on hand, making sure that you receive a product that you will cherish forever. You can also call to set up an appointment at (985) 626-4266.

Engagement Ring Bands: White Gold or Yellow Gold?

No two metals are more classic than white gold and yellow gold for an engagement ring band. Each one provides a distinct beauty for the center stone, and jewelers adapt their trends to match these setting choices. When you are deciding on the perfect metal for your unique engagement ring, it’s important to know whether white gold or yellow gold works best.

We will compare the two metals in depth, so that you can be more informed while you seek out – or customarily design – your engagement ring.

Engagement Ring Bands a Case for White Gold

White Gold Looks More Attractive

Jewelers recommend a white gold setting to their customers because it is an impressive metal that never goes out of style. Not only will the milky color enhance the appearance of your engagement ring, but it will also accentuate every shade in your closet.

White Gold Is Less Expensive than Platinum

You might desire a lighter tone for your engagement ring, but the price of platinum gives you sticker shock. That’s why so many people choose white gold settings instead. White gold is more prevalent than platinum when it comes to the mining process, so it doesn’t cost as much. Choosing a white gold setting will save you some money, while ensuring a great purchase.

It’s Easy to Find a Selection of White Gold Rings

Jewelers have picked up on the secret that white gold is more affordable than platinum, so they offer a wider range of options for these settings. With this fact in mind, you will never have trouble looking for a white gold ring – but you might not be able to choose your favorite, either!

White Gold Works Better with Colored Gemstones

Most people mistake white gold settings for silver, because the rhodium plating creates a pearly sheen on the ring. Perhaps this is the reason why white gold pairs better with colored gemstones, especially the cool-toned ones like emeralds and blue sapphires. Jewelers also find that white gold makes diamonds look purer.

The Drawbacks of White Gold

White Gold Is More Fragile

Jewelers advise that white gold does not endure as long as other metals, because it’s naturally softer. These settings gradually shed their coating over time, causing visible scratches to appear on the band. With everyday wear, the ring will therefore develop a yellow shade instead of the white tint which first caught your eye.

White Gold Rings Require More Maintenance

Sustaining the manufactured color of white gold takes some work to accomplish, and the upkeep will eventually cost you a small fortune. Make two yearly appointments with your local jeweler to put a new rhodium plating on the ring, one for the first six months and another for the next six months. You will also need to polish the ring regularly, since it will easily lose its luster.

White Gold Might Cause Allergic Reactions

Rather than being made from pure gold, white gold is actually a combination of many lighter-colored alloys. This mixture often includes silver, palladium, nickel, and zinc, which might irritate sensitive skin for wearers who have allergies to any of those metals. No engagement ring will look beautiful on an itchy and red finger!

The Case for Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Creates a More Iconic Look

Jewelers will promote yellow gold engagement ring bands for their stately appearance and their reputation as the quintessential precious metal. After all, 18-karat gold is the purest form available. Plus, yellow gold settings can be used to give engagement rings a vintage touch.

Yellow Gold Complements All Skin Tones

Prospective brides who have darker skin tones, especially olive and brown, might be more attracted to yellow gold engagement rings. The golden hues emphasize the warm color of the skin, while simultaneously making the ring stand out on her finger. Those with cooler tones benefit from yellow gold settings, as well, since they have found that it casts a small glow and actually brightens their skin.

Yellow Gold Is Easier to Manage

If you purchase an engagement ring that’s set in yellow gold, it will save multiple visits to the jewelry store for maintenance appointments. Yellow gold is a natural metal, so it holds onto its color without the hassle of replating every six months. In addition, you will find that it can effortlessly be upgraded and modified – should you find the occasion to make any changes over the years.

The Drawbacks of Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Overwhelms the Diamond

Jewelers have found that, when paired with a yellow gold setting, diamonds develop an amber tint in certain types of light. This might reflect the way that the diamond has been shaped, because it most often happens with shallow-cut stones. Light escapes through the bottom of these diamonds, causing it to pick up other colors. If you want the perfect sparkle and clarity for your ring, choose a different setting than yellow gold.

Yellow Gold Demands Frequent Repair

Although yellow gold does not need to be replated like white gold, greater care is vital to this metal’s stamina. By nature, gold is a softer metal than others used for engagement ring settings like platinum. This makes it more prone to being scratched and dented, so you must polish the engagement ring regularly.

Yellow Gold Is Not Cheap

We already mentioned that yellow gold is one of the purest precious metals, because it contains no mixed alloys. This ensures that, in every jewelry product with a yellow gold setting, there is a timeless and beautiful work of art. However, it also means that the ring will cost more than those engagement rings set in other metals. If you consider money to be an object, you might opt for white gold instead.

Whether you prefer an engagement ring set in white gold or yellow gold, Anne Dale Jewelers will surely have the ideal piece of jewelry for you. Now located at 829 Asbury Drive in Mandeville, we have recently expanded our engagement ring gallery to feature a larger selection of bands and styles. Meet with a GIA-certified gemologist and master goldsmith to find – or design – the ring of your dreams.

Top 8 Tricks to Keep Your Engagement Ring Clean

Ever since you answered the proposal with a resounding yes, you likely haven’t wanted to take off your engagement ring. Of course not – it is a status symbol and it affirms the love of your fiance. After wearing it every day, however, you may notice that the ring no longer bears the same sparkle.

You shouldn’t worry, since you can easily restore the gleam to that rock on your finger. Here are some tips from a GIA-certified gemologist to help your engagement ring clean and stay beautiful.

Tip #1: Remove Your Ring When Working with Your Hands

You probably don’t realize how much you use your hands until you are wearing a dearly loved piece of jewelry on a daily basis. We recommend taking off your engagement ring whenever you are working the garden, using tools, exercising at the gym, moving heavy objects, swimming, or anything else that involves dirty work to keep ring clean.

Tip #2: Avoid Letting Lotions Touch Your Ring Clean

You will want to leave your engagement ring out of your skincare routine, as lotions can make the stone and the setting appear filmy over time. It would be best to take off your engagement ring while applying makeup, too, because you take the chance of gathering powder and dust on your jewelry.

Tip #3: Stay Away from Harsh Chemicals

It is always important to remove your engagement ring when you are doing housework or otherwise dealing with any harsh chemicals. Cleaning supplies like dish soap and bleach contain caustic substances that can damage the metals used for your ring’s finish – not to mention, ruin any colored gemstones.

Tip #4: Schedule Regular Cleanings with Your Jeweler

To make sure that your engagement ring always looks tidy, we recommend visiting your jeweler for a thorough cleaning every six months. Just like a dentist does for your teeth, these professionals use special cleaners and industrial tools on the diamond to restore its sparkle. Even if they can’t provide the service, they can suggest a good solution to purchase.

Tip #5: Never Cook While Wearing Your Ring

This might seem like a strange idea, but it’s a highly practical one. Cooking utensils are typically made from metal, so you run the risk of scratching the stone or hurting the ring itself. Cooking oils and pan juices might also prove destructive for the diamond’s beauty. Plus, food particles can collect in the prongs on your engagement ring – and you do not want to spend time picking them out. That being said, you should take off your jewelry before making daily meals.

Tip #6: Do Not Touch the Center Stone

You may not have considered this piece of advice, since the stone in your engagement ring looks so gorgeous. However, it is important to refrain from touching the diamond at all times. Diamonds naturally attract dust, dirt, and body oils, which can make your ring appear dingy. To take off and put on the ring, we suggest grasping the sides of the band instead.

Tip #7: Polish Your Ring Every Week

You wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to give yourself some tender loving care every week, so your engagement ring should not be any different. You may consider using Anne Dale’s professional jewelry cleaner and take a few minutes on a particular day to soak your ring, scrub gently with a toothbrush then rinse in warm water. Afterwards, run the ring under warm water for a few seconds.

Tip #8: Never Sleep in Your Ring

We understand that you want to make everyone jealous with your engagement ring, but no one will see it while you’re sleeping. With that in mind, you would be advised to take off your ring before you slide back the covers at night. Your skin can shed all kinds of oils and dirt during sleep, wreaking havoc on the stone in your engagement ring. So it would be best to place your ring in a dish on your nightstand.

You won’t always remember to take off your engagement ring before performing certain activities, but we still hope that these tips might give you some subtle reminders about protecting the beauty of the stone and the setting. No matter how much wear and tear it goes through, rest assured – your engagement ring can get back its sparkle with a little work. When you need an appointment to have your ring cleaned, either visit Anne Dale Jewelers at 829 Asbury Drive in Mandeville or call (985) 626-4266.

Before Buying an Engagement Ring

Planning to propose can be a daunting task buying an engagement ring. Between settling on the details of the proposal and conquering your nerves, you need to select the perfect ring for the occasion. We have compiled a list of the questions which you must ask yourself and your jeweler when purchasing an engagement ring.

Before Buying an Engagement Ring

How much money can I afford to spend?

You will want to begin with an assessment of your bank account, then determine the ideal ring that fits your price range. Also think about the personal significance which this piece of jewelry will hold for your betrothed and future generations. Communicate your budget to a jeweler immediately, so they can help you choose a stylish and high-quality ring with your financial preferences in mind.

What shape would she like?

Your significant other will most likely have a distinct style, from her wardrobe to her values. This aspect should ultimately influence the shape of the engagement ring you buy for her. To gather some clues, notice the clothes that she wears on a daily basis. Take some notes, and make sure you bring them to the appointment with your jeweler. They will be able to recommend a particular shape based on this information.

Which metal would work best for her?

Choosing the most appropriate metal for your engagement ring will involve another glance into your significant other’s closet. Specifically, you will want to focus on the colors that she wears most often – and the jewelry she already owns. Again, once you tell the jeweler what you have observed, they can help you pick the right metal. Another note: if your significant other has sensitive skin, you should also let the jeweler know.

When Shopping for an Engagement Ring

What are the four C’s of this diamond?

After your first meeting with the jeweler, they will prepare a selection of the diamonds that fit your established specifications. You will want to ask about the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of each stone, so that you can get the highest possible quality for your engagement ring. The jeweler should be able to walk you through the aspects of each diamond and help you make the correct choice.

May I see the grading report on this stone?

You will also want to inquire about the grading report on each stone that the jeweler has chosen. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) appraises every diamond for some important characteristics, including the four C’s, any treatments on the stone, and light performance. The jeweler should readily present this document to you, and then explain each part for the particular stone in question.

What are my payment options?

Purchasing an engagement ring will be a large investment, so you will certainly wonder about paying for it. Each jeweler approaches this situation from a different perspective, and they all have different rules. While some jewelers will request an upfront deposit, others will provide payment plans or special discounts. Ask your jeweler which fits their clientele better.

General Questions

What kind of maintenance do I need to perform, and how often?

When you have decided on the engagement ring that you’ll purchase, your attention should turn towards preserving this crucial asset. Talk with your jeweler about the steps which are required to keep your diamond in sparkling condition and maintain the beauty of the setting. They will let you know their personal tips, or even offer in-store services for this important step.

Will you be able to repair the ring, if needed?

Over time, your engagement ring will get damaged from wearing it every day. No matter whether the stone is misplaced or scratched, a jeweler should have the skills to fix the ring without any hassle. Before you buy the ring, ask the jeweler if they will repair your piece in the store.

What types of warranty can I get?

It is important to know exactly which repairs will be covered by the jewelers’ warranty on your engagement ring. These typically include lost stones, broken prongs, or polishing services. You should have a discussion with your jeweler about the warranty which they provide on engagement rings – and more specifically, your distinct piece of jewelry.

Modifying the ring later, and how easy is it?

Your engagement ring might initially look like a dream, but you may want something better within a few years. Some couples choose to add stones during their marriage, change the size of the ring, or engrave something special in the band. Regardless of your intentions, you will want to know the modifications which the jeweler can make on the unique ring you have chosen. Also ask the jeweler about the costs to implement these modifications.

Located at 829 Asbury Drive in Mandeville, Anne Dale Jewelers has helped several couples find the perfect engagement ring over the past 40 years. The store offers a large selection of diamonds in the newly renovated engagement ring gallery. We can answer all these questions and more. Just call (985) 626-4266 to book an appointment with our GIA-certified gemologist and a master goldsmith today.

Valentine’s Day

Most people associate Valentine’s Day with images of heart-shaped candy, flowers, and other romantic symbols.

But the origins of this holiday are not as rosy as their modern interpretations would let on.

Instead, they are deeply shrouded in historical legends that involve curious rituals about February 14 commemoration bears.

The ancient Roman calendar included a holiday to encourage the health and fertility of the city’s people. A date that men and women selected their potential mates’ names from a jar, around the fifth century, the current pope outlawed this ritual in favor of honoring Saint Valentine.

Some mystery surrounds the exact identity of the Saint who deserves the credit for bringing lovers together, though. Historians recorded three different narratives about a man named Valentine being martyred on the same day, February 14.

The most popular tale depicts Saint Valentine as a Roman priest who married young soldiers against the emperor’s wishes, and he was executed for his crimes. As a result,

Valentine became regarded as the patron saint of romantic love.

If you are searching for the perfect gift to impress your Valentine, look no further than Anne Dale Jewelers. The family-owned and operated jewelry store, now located at 829 Asbury Drive in Mandeville, features a wide selection of diamond jewelry including bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and of course, engagement rings. You can also find classic pearl designs and colored gemstone pieces, such as sapphire, ruby, emerald, and tanzanite creations. A local north shore community’s jewelry store since 1999, servicing the cities of Covington, Abita Springs and Madisonville.

Since 1983, Anne Dale and her husband Michael have offered a unique experience to their customers. Each client receives the opportunity to interact with the gemologist and the master craftsman right in the store, as they understand that only the highest quality of jewels went into their purchase.

The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 5:30pm, (also by appointment) on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.[/vc_column_text]

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