Diamonds and Engagement Rings

The New Tacori Dantela Varietal Engagement Rings Collection: A Fresh Twist on a Modern Classic Calling all future brides or guys looking to give her that “WOW” ring that will make her heart soar! Tacori just unveiled their newest incarnation of the bestseller Dantela Collection. The word Dantela means “lace” in Romanian, which refers the lace-like look of the diamond pave detailing that surround the center stone in the crown of the ring. When Tacori first debuted the Dantela Collection, it took the Bridal Jewelry world by storm and became an instant bestseller worldwide. This summer they decided to re-fresh their iconic design and the results are stunning. If you already loved the Dantela, you will absolutely adore the new Varietal Version. Natalie Feanny, Graduate Gemologist, Diamond and Bridal Buyer for J.R. Dunn Jewelers, describes the new Dantela Varietal Collection as having “an updated modern elegance with their cleaner lines, smooth channels, and diamond encrusted detailing.” Guys, don’t know what she would like, but want to make her knees buckle? You can’t go wrong by choosing the Dantela, with its feminine and timeless appeal. She will surely treasure it for years to come!

Recently, I was in a lecture hosted by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Alumni Association and AGS (American Gem Society) Guild of South Florida given by Art Samuels, GG GIA, in which he asked the assembled group of many gemologists and jewelry industry professionals, “Is fluorescence in diamonds a bad thing? Would you personally buy a diamond with ’strong‘ fluorescence to give to your future spouse?” The practically unanimous answer was a resounding “No!” So, what does his question mean? Basically, diamond fluorescence is the effect a diamond has under ultra-violet (UV) light. Approximately one-third of all diamonds exhibit this natural quality that occurs when trace minerals found within each individual stone react in a particular way when exposed to UV light. It’s the same effect as when your teeth appear whiter or when your white clothing glows purple under a night club’s blue-light, for example. Samuels shared that while it may be taught by schools like GIA that strong fluorescent should be avoided, the actual truth has a little caveat. Strong fluorescence in a colorless diamond may make it appear hazy or oily,thus affecting its beauty. This is why most people shy away from it. Since only about 33 percent of diamonds even exhibit fluorescence, there are only a few cases where it affects their good looks in such a manner. Since about 95 percent of all diamonds that do fluoresce do so in a blue tone and blue is the complementary color to yellow, the most common tinted color in diamonds, blue fluorescence can make yellowish diamonds look white or colorless in daylight. How does fluorescence affect price? The three components to diamond pricing are size, color and clarity. So. Obviously, slightly off-colored diamonds are less expensive than colorless ones. But when you have a J-K graded diamond that looks like an H-I in daylight, that’s a good thing for the buyer. Fluorescence in this case can save money when you utilize this natural property of diamonds to your financial advantage. The other great aspect of this quality is that you then don’t need a GG degree to know if your diamonds are “real”. If you head into a nightclub and your gemstone has some fluorescence, you know it’s not a Cubic Zirconia or Moissanite, which do not exhibit this quality at all. That can’t be bad either,right?

While there are guidelines shared by jewelry professionals, friends, family and virtually anyone with an opinion, an engagement ring is a matter of personal taste. Go and try on what you like; you just might find your perfect fit. After all, you found the perfect mate…!

Getting married gives couples the opportunity to communicate who they are, from the proposal and offering of an engagement ring to the venue, food and beverage, invitations, attire and wedding bands. You can probably count on one hand the times of your lives when you’ll find all eyes are on you, with everyone just waiting to see how you express yourselves. When it comes to engagement rings and wedding rings, there’s a strong spirit of individualism in the air. Are you dramatic? Relaxed? Romantic? Taditional? Choices in engagement and wedding jewelry give you the opportunity to express yourselves beautifully, whoever you are! If you’re looking to “put a ring on it” in 2015, here’s what’s trending right now: Engagement Rings While recent history has shown the top shapes for diamond engagement (in order of popularity) to be round, princess, cushion, Asscher and emerald, and white gold the lead choice of precious metal, followed by platinum and yellow gold, there are some outstanding options out there for millennial couples to embrace, including: Color – Check out a new hue, with an emerald, ruby, sapphire or topaz center stone. Blue, champagne and pink diamonds are also gaining in popularity. This is an easy way to add meaning and symbolism to your ring. Diamond clusters – Small stones gather together to form a larger circle (or other shape). This type of ring has more sparkle per square inch than a single stone. Double row and split shank bands – These options give you a chance to display your creativity! East-West Settings – The gem sits on its side, rather than straight up-and-down. A horizontally set stone makes the gem look larger. This decidedly different look works well with fancy shapes, like emerald, marquise and oval. Eternity bands as engagement rings – Declare your love in a glamorous way! Fancy shaped diamonds – Cushion (with a pillow-like appearance), emerald, heart, marquise, oval, princess shapes add visual interest. Pear shaped diamonds, as accent and center stones will be seen as well; this teardrop form is often found in antique and period jewelry. Floral Accents – Details taken straight out of the garden include flowers, petals and vines that can twist up the sides and surround a diamond. Halos – This style, where smaller stones frame the center, making it appear larger, continues to be popular, having secured its place in history as a new classic. Rose gold settings – Softness and warmth exude from this pink-toned precious metal. The coppery tones provide a very complementary contrast to sparkling white diamonds. Stacking bands as an engagement ring – A fresh take on a standard single band, additions can be made as the years pass for significant milestones. Twisted bands – Add some swirl and curl! Vintage rings have been re-imagined – Choose from hand-engraving, wheat and milgrain motifs and filigree finishes. Yellow gold settings – This traditional choice is making a major comeback, as brides-to-be go back to basics. Of course, custom-designed rings and the iconic solitaire are always in vogue. Wedding Bands Brides-to-be are looking at eternity bands as well as stacking rings to wear as wedding rings. Some will want to match their wedding band to their engagement ring, but it’s also fashionable not to! Wedding rings with pave diamonds offer an elegant look while giving a nod to vintage appeal, influenced no doubt, in part, by “Downton Abbey” (think afternoon tea, garden parties and al fresco dining). Men are now choosing bands that get them noticed! Among the popular and noticeable fabrications and styles of wedding bands available for men: Etching and borders Two-tone or mixed metals (cobalt chrome with rose gold, for example) and unique patterns, with and without stones (white and colored) Palladium – A strong metal that’s a relative of platinum and suitable for everyday wear. Platinum and gold bands that incorporate diamonds or colored stones. Rustic-looking, hammered pieces that have a striking artisan appearance Sustainable woods like bamboo, ebony and rosewood A variety of metals, from cobalt to palladium, platinum, titanium, and tungsten carbide. Cobalt, a hard (five times more so than gold!), lustrous white metal, is where modern technology meets sophisticated style. It won’t scratch-resistant, won’t chip, fade, tarnish or shatter. It’s reliably strong and shatterproof. Palladium, a sister metal to platinum, is modern and elegant. It’s strong, non-tarnishing and hypo-allergenic. Light, comfortable to wear and affordable (at half the price of platinum), it has been used since 1939, when platinum was declared a strategic government resource during World War II. No rhodium plating is required. Platinum is considered the most precious of all jewelry metals, valued for its purity, rarity and strength. Naturally white, and shiny, it’s heavy and hypoallergenic. It won’t tarnish but, instead, age with a lustrous patina developing over time. Titanium is a silver-colored, durable yet lightweight metal priced for its strength. Tungsten carbide is more durable than other types of wedding ring materials. Light grey in color, it’s resistant to corrosion, scratching and tarnishing. A bit heavier than 14kt gold, you must be sure to get the right size from the get-go, as resizing is not an option. Just as you know he or she was “the one,” you’ll know what ring is truly yours. Where can you find help with your selection? There are videos, images and blog entries on the web; social media sites; magazines; and local private, independent jewelers and retailers, like J.R. Dunn Jewelers, as well as national and regional jewelry chains. Visit our Lighthouse Point showroom to browse assorted ring styles, search more than 15,000 certified loose diamonds of all shapes and sizes, cut, color and clarity, and view the engagement ring settings and wedding bands offered from the bridal designs of Art Carved; Calla Cut; Crown Rings; Forevermark; Michael B; Michael M.; Robert Pelliccia, J.R. Dunn’s award-winning in-house designer who creates one-of-a-kind pieces; Sasha Primak; Scott Kay; Simon G.; Tacori; Varna; Vatche; and Verragio. There are also ready-to-give rings that are ready-to-go. When you’re ready, go to the source: J.R. Dunn Jewelers, your engagement and wedding ring specialist!

Congratulations on your upcoming engagement! While the trend today is for cuples to shop for an engagement ring together, some men prefer to plan a surprise proposal. Rest easy. Shopping for an engagement ring without her can be “Mission Possible”…when you have the right information. That’s where we come in. Following is a roundup of “things to know before you go,” which we’ll try to keep it short, sweet and simple. Because, let’s face it, you’ve got enough on your mind without “information overload!” Bottom line: The shopping expedition for an engagement ring is about her. Ask yourself “What would she buy?” and make it your mantra. What she wants in a ring will trump what you like every time! An engagement ring is something she’ll wear 24/7, 365, forever; with everything from sweats to eveningwear. Ask her friends and family – yours and hers – for help. Be sure whoever you talk to can keep a secret. They can provide indispensable information that you can use. But you may already know more than you think about what she will like. Look at the jewelry she already has; it’ll provide clues to her preferences. What’s it made of? Yellow gold? White gold? Rose gold? Two-tone? What’s her style? Does she prefer vintage? Classic? Contemporary? Are her pieces delicate or chunky? Simple or ornate? The same people can also help you with her ring size, if you don’t already know it. If nobody knows, borrow one of her rings and trace the inner circle of one of her rings on a piece of paper, or press it into a bar of soap to make an impression. Or slip one of her rings onto your finger as far as it will comfortably go, mark the stopping point in ink and show the mark to a jeweler for assessment. This will give the jeweler a ballpark idea of her ring size. You can also propose with a simple solitaire “stand-in” ring, and then go shopping together so she can select the perfect ring. Before you set out, set a budget for this monumental purchase. Stand firm. You want to get the best ring you can afford, without going into debt. Also, settle on the metal type; gold or platinum. There are two parts to an engagement ring: the diamond and the setting. The key to successful engagement ring design is getting the shape of the diamond and the setting in perfect harmony. The Diamond The diamond will account for the vast majority of the ring’s cost. Get the best bling for your buck! Buy an independently certified diamond from a top lab, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS) or Forevermark. Shapes Asscher – Extra facets give added brilliance to this stepped square cut Cushion – A hybrid of rectangle and oval shapes, this distinctive, antique style with rounded corners. It looks like a pillow. Emerald – A quietly elegant rectangular shape. Heart – A fancy shape that looks as its name implies! Marquise – An oval with pointy ends, the stone can look larger than it is. Oval – The shape that puts a twist on the classic round is experiencing a revival. Pear – An unconventional cut. Princess – A square, brilliant feminine shape with intricate faceting for extra sparkle. Radiant – An additional sparkle to an emerald shape is achieved through more facets on the underside. Round – The most traditional and often-purchased shape, also known as “brilliant.” Marquise and oval shapes will make fingers look longer; a wide band can make short fingers look shorter. Quality There are a few things we must share before you Click here to learn all about the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity and carat: What does your eye see? Pay for the obvious color, size and sparkle Diamonds with clarity of SI2 (slightly included) or better should be “eye clean,” meaning that they have no imperfections that are visible to the naked eye and will show no discernible difference in outward appearance. To get the most “bang for the buck” go “near colorless” (G-I grading); buy a stone just under the landmark weights of ¼-, ½- and full carats); an “eye clean” diamond, with no imperfections visible to the naked eye will show no discernible difference in outward appearance. Get the highest cut grade within your budget, rated “very good,” at least, on round diamonds. For fancy shapes, look at a number of stones to find out what appeals to you. Also, as Cost is often considered the fifth C, bear in mind that while diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, they’re not the only option. Consider rings that have another precious or semi-precious center stone with diamond side stone or accents. Maybe you want to incorporate her birthstone? Her favorite color? Sapphires are a great choice, second only to diamonds in hardness. This makes them especially well-suited to daily wear. They also come in just about every color imaginable. A colored stone may allow you to purchase a bigger, higher-quality gem. The possibilities are endless! The Setting The mounting sets the tone for an engagement ring. A number of types of settings are available, from classic to contemporary. Among the varieties available for your consideration: Baguette – These side stones are most commonly rectangular, with rows of step-like facets. Bezel– A metal rim, with straight or scalloped edges, fully surrounds the perimeters of a stone. Channel – A row of stones with no metal separating them are sandwiched between two grooves (channels). Diamonds are kept flush and fit snugly. This style works particularly well for women with active lifestyles. Bar Channel – Channel setting with bars between the stones that allows more light to enter the side stones. Channel End – Stones are secured with thin vertical bars of metal between them, either around all or part of the ring. Half-bezel – A metal ring partially surrounds a stone, leaving part of the girdle (where the top of the stone meets the bottom) exposed. Halo – This look, with small diamonds surrounding a center diamond, has a high “wow!” factor. The setting secures the ring’s center stone underneath a rim decorated with diamonds (pave-, invisible- or channel-set). Invisible – A grid of princess-shaped or square diamonds are set side-by-side to give the appearance of an all-diamond surface. Pave – A timeless style, with tiny diamonds held in place by raised gold beads that secure flush small stones. This results in additional sparkle and the illusion of greater size. Prong– Three (3) to eight (8) claws can hold a stone firmly in a metal “head” or “basket.” Prongs may be pointed (protects heart, marquise and pear-shaped center stones), rounded, flat (usually best for an emerald-shaped center stone) or V-shaped. Among the pros of this setting: a raised diamond’s light disperses easily, creating flashes and displaying rainbow colors when not hindered by much metal. Tension – A diamond is held in place by compression-spring pressure, which holds the stone firmly in place. The impression is that the stone is “floating.” Three-Stone – Stones representing you past, present and future share “equal billing” in this setting. They are either uniform in size, or the center stone is larger, giving a slightly more tapered look to the piece. Be sure to buy her engagement ring from a place that rates well online. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, The Knot, etc. The store should have a long-standing, solid local reputation. Staff should be knowledgeable and allow you to compare diamonds side-by-side on a white background, looking at them through a loupe. Be sure to get an appraisal on the ring and find out about the location’s return and diamond upgrade policies. And, while you’re there, check out the wedding bands! Once she’s said “yes,” be sure to get the ring insured. As an independent jeweler, J.R. Dunn has unique styles and settings, along with the ability to make a custom ring. The family-owned-and-operated business, located in Lighthouse Point, FL, knows that “comfort is key” when looking for a jeweler (and jewelry!). The two generations of Dunns that you’ll find on-premises considers customers a part of their extended family!

Songs have been written about them (The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” is about a 10 billion-trillion carat diamond 50 light years from the earth), they have been the subject of quotes cited (the oft-married Zsa Zsa Gabor said, “I have never hated a man enough to give his diamonds back.”), and had an unwavering popularity for generations. What are they? DIAMONDS! Formed from carbon that has been put under intense pressure and temperature deep within the earth, the journey of today’s diamonds began billions of years ago. One of the best-known and most sought-after gemstones they are highly regarded for their exquisite beauty. Diamonds are the most precious and enduring of all gemstones in the world, and have a universal appeal. This beautiful, mysterious, and rare material is one of the hardest (58 times harder than anything else found in nature) and most valuable found on the planet. A timeless classic, their beauty never fades. Today’s diamonds are not your mother’s (or your grandmother’s) gemstones: they’re yours, and they have come to represent more than just love and marriage, which they’ve symbolized since at least the 15th century. The fact is, in our society, diamonds are given as engagement rings and wedding bands, worn as cocktail rings, and have started appearing as right-hand rings among strong, independent and successful women. The diamond is also the birthstone for those born in the month of April, and is the gem that marks 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries. Throughout the last century and prior, diamonds were offered to celebrate life’s most important moments, from engagements to wedding, anniversaries and the birth of a child. And now, a brief history of famous diamonds (and there are many on record): The Hope Diamond (the “King’s Jewel”), described as the “most famous diamond in the world,” is currently housed in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, DC following a very colorful (for lack of a better word!) history. Its saga includes being owned by King Louis XIV, stolen during the French Revolution, sold to earn gambling money, and worn for fundraising. This 45.52-carat fancy dark grayish-blue diamond gained notoriety as a stone that is cursed. Its estimated value is $200-$250 million U.S dollars. The Koh-i-Noor (“the “Mountain of Light”), originated in India and was 793 carats prior to cutting. Now a 105.6 carat diamond of the finest white color, clarity and transparency, its cut is called a “stellar brilliant” because of extra facets on the stone’s pavilion. The Koh-i-Noor is part of the British Crown Jewels, currently set into the Crown of Queen Elizabeth IItaylor (the Queen Mother), and on display at the Tower of London. If Kate Middleton, the wife of Prince William, who is second in line to the throne, eventually becomes queen consort she will don the crown holding the diamond on official occasions. The Taylor-Burton Diamond, famous for being the first million-dollar diamond, received publicity when actor Richard Burton purchased the gem for then-wife Elizabeth Taylor…at her request after he insulted her hands. She wore the 68-carat pear-shaped gem – a D-color, flawless stone -- as a necklace to Princess Grace of Monaco’s 40th birthday celebration and to the 1970 Academy Awards (it was initially set in a ring). Sometimes it’s the people who wear – and/or have given – large diamonds who have name-recognition: Jacqueline Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis – 40.42 carats Marquise Lesotho III diamond Beyonce’s and Jay Z – 18 carat flawless Octagon-cut set in a platinum split base Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt – 16 carat custom-designed Emerald-cut Kim Kardashian and Kanye West – 15 carat Emerald- or Cushion-cut Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger – 14 carat Pear-shaped Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie – 14 carat Princess-cut Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco – 10.47 Emerald-cut diamond flanked by two diamond baguettes Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade – 8.5 carat Cushion-cut Jennifer Aniston and Jason Theroux – 8 carat Oval-set Radiant-cut Amal Alamuddin and George Clooney – seven carat Emerald-cut Jessica Biel and Justin Timerberlake – vintage-inspired six-carat Radiant- or Princess-cut Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler – 5.2 carat Asscher-cut Jessica Alba and Cash Warren – 5 carat Asscher-cut And not all famous women sport rings where fancy diamonds take “center stage”: Thinking Pink – Songbird Mariah Carey and actress Blake Lively have pink diamond engagement rings from husbands Nick Cannon and Ryan Reynolds, respectively. Walking on Sunshine – The husbands of country music sensations Carrie Underwood (hockey player Mike Fisher) and Kelly Clarkson (Brandon Blackstock, her manager’s son) as well as actress Rebecca Romijn (actor Jerry O’Connell) both popped the question with yellow diamonds (as did Donnie Wahlberg when he got engaged to Jenny McCarthy). What do you need to know about buying diamonds (things get a little more “technical” here)? They’re graded and certified based on “The 4 C’s” which, together, are the global language of diamond quality: 1. Color (diamonds can be found in every color, including colorless) The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) rating system for color is universally accepted, and assesses diamonds from “D” to “Z”, with the finest-quality diamonds – those absolutely free from any color -- receive a grading of “D”. Gemstones scored “F” are colorless, “G”-“J” are near-colorless, “K”-“M” slightly colored and “N”-“Z” yellow or brown in appearance. The hue and coloration of a diamond can either detract or enhance its value. Diamonds with unusual or intense coloration are sometimes labeled “fancy” diamonds. Large, vivid fancy color diamonds are extremely rare and very valuable. Among the rarest: red, green, purple and orange, followed by pink and blue. Yellow and brown diamonds are the most common fancy colors. 2. Cut, which describes the manner in which a diamond has been shaped and polished from rough stone to final gem. This is both an art and a science. There are mathematical guidelines for the angles and length ratios for cutting diamonds to reflect the maximum amount of light the best to show their “fire” (which comes from a diamond’s hardness and dispersion of light) and brilliance; a variety of shapes accentuate these characteristics. 3. Clarity, a measure of inclusions (internal defects) Did you know that only approximately 20 percent of all diamonds mined have a clarity rating high enough for it to be considered appropriate for use as a gemstone? 4. Carat, which measures the mass of a diamond. A big – five-carats or more – diamond shows the stone’s natural beauty. Large diamonds are rare and more desirable for use as gemstones. Where are they? At J.R. Dunn Jewelers, of course! You can buy with confidence at – and be confident in –J.R. Dunn Jewelers, which does everything in its power to ensure their diamonds are conflict-free, by adhering to the regulations of the Kimberley Process. J.R. Dunn Jewelers purchases diamonds from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations regulations. Additionally, the family business has been delighting customers with expert professional and personal service for 45 years!

Guys, if you are getting ready to pop the question or your fiancee to be wants to test drive a few rings it is important to have a game plan. Usually if you are at the point of wanting to go physically see some engagement rings, you've done enough research online and probably browsed through quite a few bridal magazines together. If you haven't done that yet, I highly suggest you do so before trekking from Miami to Boca in search of the perfect engagement ring. In the magazines you will find tons of designer rings like Tacori, Verragio, Scott Kay and several others. They truly make beautiful rings and most have a slightly modern twist on vintage styles. You will also see rings advertised from the iconic names in the jewelry business like Tiffany, Cartier and Harry Winston to name a few. These giants of our industry seemed to have always stayed true to a more classic design, less frills, but that is easy when you a showcasing a 10 carat diamond which not many of us can afford. The point is you'll get an idea of what she likes from vintage styling to classic or perhaps, a blend of the two. So now you've got your homework done and you are ready to see some rings. I suggest you make a night of it and go to a nearby mall with big name fancy jewelry stores and try on settings first. Sometimes they look different in the magazines than they do on the hand and nothing like taking a test drive and actually see how the ring will look on your loves finger. You fiancee to be will have a blast trying on rings from the likes of Harry Winston, Cartier and Tiffany, just be sure to complete the experience and take her nice dinner afterwards. Bal Harbour shops (or Aventura) is a great place to do this as they have some yummy restaurants there. Next it time to try on rings from bridal designers like Tacori, Scott Kay and Verragio. Go on their respective websites and each should have a dealer locator where you can find who carries their engagement rings in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale or Boca Raton. Some dealers will have more inventory than others so you may want to jump on the authorized dealer's website and check out review sites and read what people are saying about the store before you make a trip 40 minutes up the road to shop for your ring in Ft. Lauderdale or Boca Raton. Most of the jewelers who carry branded engagement rings in South Florida are family owned and operated and will have their own private label rings to choose from too if you'd rather budget more for the diamond and a little less for the setting. Once you narrow the engagement ring setting style down with her, most guys will venture out on their own and hunt down that perfect diamond. This keeps thing romantic by keeping the exact ring and timing of your engagement a surprise. Again, it is best to do your research online prior to shopping in-stores so you can get a good feel for what type of diamond you can get for your money. Start by checking out the video produced by the Gemologial Institue of America below and learn the 4'c. It is all about rarity. The rarer the diamond is the more it will cost. Once you've got the 4 C's down go online and see what the various combinations of color, cut, clarity and size will run in dollars and cents. Ultimately you will want to see what these diamonds look like in person but you want to be prepared. When you go into the jeweler show them what you have been looking at (GIA reports) and ask right away whether they are willing to compete in the same ballpark or not. If they don't take the research you've done seriously, it is time to turn around and walk out. There are pleny of other jewelers in South Florida who want your business and will price things competitively. If you compare apples to apples you will also find that many independent jewelers will not only compete on price but also offer you more added value when compared to the online diamond stores. There are some nice little perks when you buy locally like 100% upgrades, ring cleanings and inspections etc. Plus a good jeweler will want to build a relationship with you so you come back for future purchases like wedding bands, anniversary gifts etc. Why are the prices different on diamonds that appear to have the same exact qualities? This is probably the hardest part of diamond shopping and will warrant you driving from Miami to Boca Raton looking at different diamonds. Even though two diamonds are graded the same it doesn't mean they will look exactly alike and how they actually look to the naked eye and under a microscope will make a difference in the price of 5%-10% or even a little more. A good jeweler or gemologist will point out these subtle differences to you and explain how they affect the price. If your jeweler is working in that "ballpark" he is being fair. The best case scenario is try and go to a jeweler who can show you multiple diamonds of a similar size, color and clarity side by side so you can pick the best one with your eyes. Not only will this save you some time, it is worth the effort simply because you will feel great knowing you searched high and low and found her the prettiest diamond you could afford! Finding the right jeweler How do you find these jewelers who will shoot you straight and be in the "ballpark" when it comes to diamond prices? Most of the time you have a friend or relative who may have built a relationship with a jeweler over time and this is definitely worth exploring, just don't over commit. You don't want to feel obligated to purchase if the friend of a friend doesn't seem to have the right deal or the right diamond for you. The best way to find jewelry stores that specialize in engagement rings in South Florida is to actually go online and see how committed each store is to the diamond and engagement ring business. If they carry a lot of the big bridal brands online or show tons of diamonds on their website the store is probably worth a visit. Also, I am sure you've seen quite a few jewelry stores that advertise diamonds and engagement rings on TV and radio. Simply pick up the phone and call them, let them know what you are looking for and ask if them about their selection and if they are competitive with the pricing you are finding online. I am betting that you will have the most favorable responses from the family owned independent jewelers. The point is to save you time and make sure you get the best experience whether you end up buying your engagement ring in Miami, Boca Raton or online. I hope this post will give you some valuable information and help you get a great deal. This is an exciting and enjoyable time in your life and we'd be honored if you stop by and give J.R.Dunn Jewelers a try too. We pride ourselves on having a large selection of GIA certified loose diamonds and ring settings for you to choose from and we promise to shoot you straight.

The Difference Between Antique and Vintage Engagement Rings Actually there isn't one! Both terms describe a look of jewelry that mimics the styles from the 30's and 40's. These are rings that remind you of your grandmother's engagement ring or the lace on her best tablecloth. It is a wistful romantic look that I believe all of us women start out wishing for as a young child when we finally realized why boys existed. Then we started planning our weddings at the ripe old age of 10. What our dress would look like....and what our ring would look like. We start out with romantic and sweet but some of us grow up and start admiring a more modern look and some stay with what they wished for as a child in the Victorian/Vintage style. So for those of you who want that hint of vintage antique there is plenty to choose from. The one bridal line that has the perfect example of these styles is Tacori. In the past Tacori had a heavier look, if you haven't seen Tacori lately, take a look! They have lightened the look to be more feminine and more affordable. To see more Antique Engagement Rings go to www.jrdunn.com. Happy Shopping!

Big diamonds get our juices flowing - A lot of us here at J.R.Dunn Jewelers get kinda immune to the 'big stuff' that goes through our inventory every day. But everyone here is going absolutely crazy over this three stone ring! This important diamond is over 18 carats and is cut beautifully. WOW! This is one of those diamond rings you only see once in a lifetime and the woman who gets this ring will be VERY happy! 'Diamonds are a girls best friend!' Large diamonds like this are very rare and over the past few years they have appreciated considerably. The demand for important diamonds like this is at an all time high and that leads us to believe the prices will still continue to rise due to supply and demand. We can by no means guarantee this to be the case but what a nice side effect if history repeats itself. At J.R.Dunn we sell diamonds as an investment in your happiness, the rest is just gravy!