Cyrstal Bowersox's Engagement Ring Revealed

While the jewelry hound pack knows I love myself a diamond, I've always been a fan of the non-traditional engagement ring. Ever since Princess Diana got that stunning sapphire for her ill-fated union waaaaay back in 1981, I've been fascinated by brides who opt out of the diamond for their ring finger bling.


American Idol runner-up, Crystal Bowersox, isn't the first person you'd think of to keep Diana's company, but People reports her diamond-free engagement ring was all the rage at her surprise wedding to fellow folkie and longtime friend, Brian Walker last weekend.

The bride wore an organic, hemp and cotton wedding gown from Vermont designer Tara Lynn, according to People and sealed the deal with a 1.1-carat princess cut ruby ring designed by Walker and crafted by Chicago’s Traci Coughlin and Steve Quick Jewelers.

“There are no diamonds to be found as we don’t believe in the violence and injustice that occurs within the diamond trade industry,” Bowersox explained. “Both rings feature the masonry symbol, an infinity 8, and the Sanskrit symbol for the sound ‘om’ and a personal design that for us represents three: Brian, Crystal, and Tony.”

I won't judge her 'diamond-free' political statement (check out my previous rant on 'eco-friendly' jewelry for more on that), but I do love her ruby replacement. And for brides and grooms on a bauble budget, rubies and other gemstone styles are often a more affordable option than the traditional diamond.

I'm afraid I can't find a picture of Crystal's ring (yet!), but I found this ruby wedding band option on JewelClub for under $300 if you want to go the Bowersox route for your big day. Or for any day, by golly.

What do my fellow jewelry hounds think of the non-traditional engagement ring trend? Anyone out there have one? Weigh in!

Anna Paquin's Wedding Ring Revealed!

Sookie Stackhouse (aka Anna Paquin) said 'I do' to her favorite vampire, Stephen 'SSSSooookie No!" Moyer this weekend in a Malibu wedding fit for all creatures alive and undead.

Her wedding ring was spotted by the paps today as she flitted about town running errands with her mom. The vintage style was custom-made by jeweler Cathy Waterman, who also designed Moyer's simple wedding band (spotted here while he was skateboarding in LA).

Vampires skateboard?

Vintage diamond engagement rings must be popular with the blood-thirsty set. This vintage style was designed by Twilight author, Stephanie Meyer, as a replica of the ring Edward gives to Bella in the series.


To get a live glimpse of Anna's rocks, the happy couple will be presenting at the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday with True Blood costar Alexander Skarsgard. (Come tweet with me and a bunch of other fab jewelry bloggers during the red carpet shenanigans - using #emmyjewelry hashtag)

Here's hoping they all come out like this!

A Jewelry Store Proposal?

Diamond rings have been given by way of champagne flute, dessert dish and just plain old bended knee, but recently one New Yorker used a jewelry store window to do the deed - and do it well.

The New York Daily News reports that one creative Manhattanite used an Upper East Side jeweler's display window to stage a fancy wedding proposal for the love of his life - and she said "yes."

"Oh, my God, it is beautiful," Alex Routenberg (26) said, as Tom DeBourcy (26) slipped a 2-carat diamond ring on her finger.

DeBourcy popped the question during a stroll past Jeri Cohen Fine Jewelry on Third Avenue, where he had arranged for flowers and a "Will you marry me Alexandra?" sign to be displayed.

The love birds attended the same high school near Chicago but didn't meet until he looked her up on (wait for it...) Facebook!

"I asked who the hell he was, and two and a half years later ...," she said.

And while the bride-to-be gave her sig. other props for the creative proposal, she was perhaps more excited to discover the jewelry store he used is the same one New York Housewife Jill Zarin frequents.

"I always walk by and say to my mom, 'This is the place where Jill Zarin goes!'"

Gotta love a woman with priorities.

Do you have a fun proposal story to share? Weigh in!

Nicole Richie Wears Wedding Band?

Nicole Richie is a jewelry maven, with her House of Harlow 1960 jewelry line hitting the big time and her signature boho chic style influencing fashionistas from coast to coast. But the former reality star is making news for jewelry of a different sort this week.

Richie has been spotted by X17 wearing what appears to be a gold wedding band on, well, the finger that tells the world that you're hitched. Despite denials from hubby, Joel Madden, to the contrary, Nicole seems to enjoy flaunting the ring finger bling and keeping us all guessing in the meantime.

What do you guys think? Did she and Joel run off shotgun style before their latest addition (a son named Sparrow) arrived? Or is she just having fun with the paps on this one?

Weigh in!

Bridal Jewelry for Every Budget

A wedding is the most expensive type of party you'll ever throw and you're sure to want to look your best from head to toe. Finding the perfect dress is part of the overall look, which will come to life with the right hair and makeup, shoes, and of course, the jewelry. Bridal jewelry is key, because you want to have a look that will capture attention and look fabulous in all of your photographs. But just because your accessories need to steal the scene, doesn't mean they need to break the bank. Here, we take a look at some great bridal jewelry options to ensure a bride on a budget can indeed look amazing.

CZ jewelry is a favorite among brides. Packing lots of sparkle, CZ jewelry provides a wow factor that will get you noticed from the minute you walk in the room. Since the wedding day is supposed to be all about the bride, you should feel like a princess. Therefore, over the top jewels are perfectly acceptable, even encouraged. Depending on the style of your dress and the theme of your big day, choose CZ jewelry that compliments, but doesn't compete with your gown. CZ jewelry is available in everything from art deco to antique inspired to modern contemporary.

Another option for affordable bridal jewelry is jewelry sets. These will get you the most bling for your buck. Mostly sold as a necklace and earring combo, jewelry sets allow you pull together your look with complimentary pieces that are balanced and beautiful. Jewelry sets come in Cubic Zirconia, colored beads, pearls and metallics that will add a touch of class to your dress. They also make great bridal party gifts or accessories for the mother of the bride.Sterling silver jewelry is the way to go if you are having a low key wedding such as a garden or beach location. These pieces can be worn again and again for maximum value. They are also great bridesmaid gifts, and are versatile enough to go with any color scheme or type of gown. Choose from longer layered pieces or shorter statement pieces or pendants.

American Idol Judge Weds in Dozens of Diamonds

Wedding jewelry for most of us consists of a diamond ring and matching band and perhaps some pearls here and there. But if you’re a celeb, the high-end jewelers come out in droves to make sure you’re dripping in their diamonds – and American Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi is no exception.

The superstar songwriter and Bikini Girl wanna-be walked down the aisle on July 5th in Prospect, Maine wearing a Vera Wang gown and almost 100 carats of diamonds from jeweler to the stars, Neil Lane.

She sparkled in a 30-carat diamond-and-platinum bracelet and chandelier earrings with 20 carats of diamonds. The total value? $250,000.

"She wanted something glamorous," jeweler Neil Lane told People about DioGuardi's wedding bling.

I guess 250 large qualifies.


Kara got engaged to Mike McCuddy, a general contractor, on December 8th after a year and a half of dating. The engagement took place while they were on vacation in Mexico and the alternative engagement ring was another Neil Lane creation featuring a smokey topaz center stone instead of the more traditional diamond fare.

In fact, many women today are going for colored stones instead of diamonds for their bridal bling – including the Today Show bride, who is sporting an emerald solitaire on her ring finger for her big day.

What do you guys think? Would you wear a colored stone engagement ring or are you afraid to buck with diamond tradition? Weigh in! And in the meantime, take a gander at Jewelry.com’s education section about the many ways to skin the engagement ring cat.

Ok. Bad metaphor. But you get the idea…

How To Choose A Wedding Band

While traditional gold bands will never go out of style, modern brides and grooms are opting for more unique options in the wedding band department these days. Here are a few tips to keep in mind and important links to Jewelry.com's treasure chest full of affordable and fashionable options.

Although gold is still the metal of choice for wedding rings, platinum has become extremely popular as a bridal metal. The allure of platinum is its unparalleled strength, durability and purity. Many wedding rings also combine the warmth of yellow gold with the cool white of platinum, providing a contemporary twist to a traditional classic.

For those who like the look of platinum but can't afford it, there is always white gold. White gold, which is pure gold that has been mixed with nickel, zinc, silver or other white metals, costs considerably less than platinum, but is also less durable.

Not only can today's brides and grooms choose from a dizzying array of fashionable solid metal bands, but they can also opt for wedding rings with diamonds or colored stones. Channel set bands - rings with a line of small diamonds set in a groove, or channel, along the band - are particularly popular.

An increasing number of men are choosing wedding rings with diamonds, as well. One word of caution, however: when buying either a men's or women's diamond wedding band, make sure the stones are small enough so they don't overpower the engagement ring.

Other considerations for buying a wedding ring include:

Consider your lifestyle. If you or your spouse are athletic, outdoor types or work with your hands, pure gold (24 karat) probably isn't the choice for you because it's scratches and shows wear easily due to its softness.

Consider your existing jewelry. Look at the kind of jewelry and watches you already wear, and consider how your wedding band will look next to them. A bride-to-be also needs to consider whether she'll wear her wedding band and engagement ring on the same finger, or whether she will move her engagement ring to her right hand and just wear the band on her left. If she plans to wear them together, she'll need to choose a wedding band that matches the engagement ring and sits comfortably against it.

Establish a budget. Plain gold bands can be bought for less than $150, but fashion comes with a price. High-fashion bands with diamonds or other gemstones can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the size and quality of the stones and the workmanship of the piece. Also keep in mind that a men's band tends to be more expensive than a woman's, because it tends to be larger, wider and denser.

Jewelry for Your Wedding: Bridal Jewelry

On the most important day of your life, it's important that everything is just perfect, down to the last detail. Of course you'll want to look your absolute best for your special day. Bridal jewelry can do just that. It can help to compliment your dress and complete your look, while making you feel like a princess.
Many brides go for a traditional pearl necklace, but there are actually a lot of other necklace options from which to choose. Your bridal jewelry is your one chance to be extravagant and opulent, so why not take advantage and go all out?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) set against sterling silver can really help you shine in person and in pictures. There are numerous options when it comes to choosing a setting for your pendant necklace. Choices include: teardrop (which is more narrow), peardrop, bezel set, brilliant cut or emerald cut. Alternatively, you can choose to go with a sparkling cluster effect, with a CZ bubble design.
If you're not into massive amounts of sparkle, you can still get a beautiful effect with diamonds by the yard, which spaces the stones every few inches on a long chain. This type of necklace can be draped and worn in multiples, if needed.

Once you've selected a necklace, there are still other baubles which may help to flatter and complete your ensemble. A delicate pair of chandelier earrings can help to pull everything together.
Make sure that your bridesmaids are taken care of as well. It is your responsibility to provide the wedding party with guidance on what type of jewelry you prefer. To make it as easy as possible, offer to purchase necklaces or bracelets for everyone as a part of their bridal party gift. This will ensure that you achieve a consistent and beautiful look on your big day.

Wedding Jewelry Trends: Summer 2009

Tired of Easter egg pastel colored bridesmaid dresses and single strand pearl necklaces? Well, so is everyone else. For the up-and-coming bridal seasons of 2009, gear up for fresh combinations, bold accessories and risk-taking numbers that throw caution to the wind. After all, today's bride is as fashion forward, trendsetting and stylish as ever; her jewelry should be too!

While pearls have always been a classic bridal favorite, it's time to spice things up with new designs and colored cultured pearls. Try cocoa colored, gold hued or black pearls in a multi-strand necklace to add awe to a neutral colored dress. Add matching earrings for a pulled together look. For a bracelet, try wearing multiples or don a mother of pearl oversized cuff. Remember that even though it's your wedding day, you shouldn't have to sacrifice your true style and the jewelry in which you'll feel most comfortable.
Colored stones are a great way to incorporate some interest into your bridal look. Jewelry sets with rich sparklers in ruby red, sapphire and emerald gemstones are eye-catching and can pull in the color of your bridesmaid's dresses. Black stones such as onyx or black pearls look fabulous as a stud earring and can also provide great contrast with a white dress. Incorporating color into your look is a modern and fun way to remember your big day.
The cuff bracelet is all over the runways at major fashion shows, and it's also becoming a staple of wedding jewelry as well. With so many choices, you can be sure to find a cuff that will work with your look, whether it's dainty and divine or heavily adorned with stones. If going with a statement piece, try raw gemstones and diamonds set in matte gold for a truly stunning bridal cuff that will make any Mrs. -to-be shine.

Blue Necklace-Blue Crystal,Diamond,Silver Necklaces,Which Style Do You Like Best?

Blue necklace-Blue necklaces, blue pendant necklaces, blue crystal necklaces, blue diamond necklaces, blue silver necklaces, which style do you like best?

The Origin of Wedding Rings

In many countries' culture, it is indispensable for the bridegroom and the bride to exchange their wedding rings in the wedding ceremony. Generally, a wedding ring (wedding band) consists of a metal ring, generally on either the left or right ring finger. Such a ring symbolizes marriage: a spouse wears it to indicate a marital commitment to fidelity.

It was a Austria king who first used wedding ring as a love token. In 1477, the king met a princess called Mary. Mary's beauty and grace attracted the king. Although the king knew that Mary had had affiance with another guy, he still tried his fortune by giving Mary a very precious wedding ring. At last, Mary was moved by the exquisitely carved wedding ring and the king's sincerity, so they married with each other. From then on, people have treated Diamond wedding ring as a love token.

Nowadays, with the development of technology, more and more shapes and styles of wedding rings come out. People now have more chances to show loves to their sweethearts.

Emitations' sterling silver promise wedding rings and CZ promise wedding rings are both elegant and inexpensive. Perfect CZ or sterling silver promise wedding rings are easier found here. Make a never-ending promise to that special woman; buy an elegant and affordable solitaire wedding ring.