Friday, May 16, 2014

The Best Halo Engagement Rings Based on Craftsmanship

As the saying goes, “a diamond is forever.” But not all engagement rings are made using the same high quality materials, manufacturing processes and commitment to service as others, especially when it comes to halo engagement rings. These stunning designs use a frame of small Pave diamonds to highlight the center stone, add sparkle and increase the visible size of the piece. No wonder so many women adore this look. While you may be tempted to jump at a low-cost offer, you may end up sacrificing more than you realize. Discover why it’s so important to choose high quality when it comes to halo rings, and make sure you only trust the best for your most important purchase.


Looks Can Be Deceiving



Square Cushion Cut Engagement Ring 
with Double Halo and Split Shank

It’s understandable that you get a little dizzy when you first lock eyes on a stunning halo engagement ring, but don’t let their beauty cloud your judgment. Many flaws and inclusions are invisible to the naked eye, so you must rely on a quality diamond purveyor in order to get a gem that is what it seems. Always request a GIA report to determine the true quality of a diamond. Some disreputable sellers may say they know the grade of the diamond by memory, but they’re legally allowed to fudge the facts to a certain degree. A trustworthy store will offer proof readily.




Materials and Craftsmanship Matter


Pear Shaped Engagement Ring with 
Halo and Twisted Diamond Shank

You may not think too much about the quality of the metal in the band of a ring, or where a piece of jewelry is manufactured, but both of these details can make a huge difference in the life of your ring. Some companies cut corners by using foreign factories and workers to save money. This can lead to lighter metal content, unstable settings and lower quality diamonds making their way to your local store. Always ask where the halo engagement rings are designed, soured and manufactured before committing to a purchase. As with most items, made in America is best.




Not All Guarantees Are Created Equal



Radiant Cut Engagement Ring
with Halo and Split Shank

Some shoppers take for granted that an item as expensive as an engagement ring naturally includes a strong warranty, but many shops not only offer inferior guarantees, they may not offer one at all! Carefully read the fine print on any warranty contract and ensure that they cover all defects and issues for the life of the ring. A lifetime warranty should absolutely come with the purchase, no ifs, ands or buts. Remember, you want that ring to look as beautiful on your 50th anniversary as it did the day your husband slipped it on your finger. Demand a solid warranty.



Buying a diamond halo engagement ring is one of life’s most thrilling moments. Don’t let your most precious memory become blemished with the realization that your ring is of substandard quality. Ziva’s engagement rings are superior because they only use the best of everything, from ethically sourced materials to expert customer service. Details matter, and at Ziva you can rest assured your engagement ring will last a lifetime, just like your love.


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

The Perfect Proposal: Making Your Request Memorable

The time has come. You might have spent years developing a friendship or known from the moment you set eyes on each other, but either way you know she’s the one you’ll love forever. When it comes time to propose, the standard habit of buying a ring, taking a knee and presenting it to her is no longer enough. The era of dramatic, unforgettable marriage proposals is upon us, and you had better have a plan. Not sure what to do? Don’t worry; we have some ideas that will make her jaw drop and heart sing. Try one of the following to guarantee an enthusiastic acceptance when you ask to spend eternity together.


The Treasure Hunt


Double Halo Engagement Ring 
with Square Halos

If your significant other is the playful type, this might be the ideal way to request her hand in marriage. Begin with a clue at home, and take her through a series of adventures that relate to your relationship in some way. At each “treasure” spot, include a memento of a special moment and a clue to the next location. The final clue should lead to you on bent knees with a stunning diamond engagement ring. It’s a fun adventure with the best present a girl could ever hope for.





The Party Proposal


If your ladylove likes to party, why not host an event that results in a proposal? Either come up with an idea to have a party without telling her the true purpose, or plan a surprise party. Go about the party as usual, but have guests wear shirts with each letter of the phrase “Will you marry me?” on it (they can wear them under their real clothes). Towards the end of the party, tell everyone to gather for a picture and give your beloved the camera. The people should line up in order to spell the message while you drop to a knee with a jewelry box in hand.     
3-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring with Sapphire Sides
Diamond Ring with Sapphire Accents
                                                                                                            

The Romantic Getaway


For high drama and romance, ask your wife-to-be to meet you at the bar or restaurant of a fancy hotel she’s always admired. Once she arrives, enjoy a wonderful drink or meal. When it comes time to go home, tell her you’ve actually arranged a room for the night. When she opens the door to the room, she should discover flower petals covering everything, candles lit, a bottle of champagne and an open jewelry box with a glamorous vintage engagement ring sitting in the center of the bed.

                                                          Vintage Princess Cut Diamond Wedding Ring
                                                     Vintage Princess Cut Engagement Ring



While some people are hiring skywriters, choreographing flash mobs or hiding rings in dessert, all you really need to do is make the request personal and significant to make it memorable. An unforgettable proposal is possible at any price point; just make sure the ring is a real stunner, however you ask.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Vintage Jewelry: How to Choose the Right Designer

Finding the perfect vintage jewelry designer involves more than selecting a name randomly from the yellow pages or choosing a store from a Google Ad while on Facebook. Even asking friends for recommendations isn’t always the best way to find true love via designer jewelry. If you’re hoping to find the ideal ring, necklace or bracelet with more than a hint of vintage-inspired design, you’ll have to vet the company or individual first. Here are some quick tips on what to look for to ensure you end up with vintage jewelry you can cherish forever and never feel guilty about.


Choose Based on Ethics

Ruby Ring With Diamonds Around

The true test of a vintage jewelry designer isn’t the beauty of their designs or their affordable price point; it’s their commitment to providing ethically sourced fine jewelry that you can be proud to wear. Fortunately, Ziva ensures all its goods come from reliable places that treat the people who mine and produce the gemstones fairly (and with appropriate compensation) and manufacture the designs in-house in the U.S. No matter where you go to buy your jewelry, make sure they treat others as they would like to be treated.



Choose Based on Quality

Art Deco Diamond Bangle Bracelet

After determining whether or not a brand, company or indie designer uses ethical practices, the next chore is discovering the quality of their materials. Many independent designers, like the ones you find on Etsy or elsewhere, may use lower quality metals, gems or other materials in order to increase their profit margin. Even large companies are guilty of this deception. Ziva only uses the best supplies, including high-end jewelry must-haves like gold, platinum, diamonds, sapphires and more.




Choose Based on Customer Service


Vintage Sapphire Ring with
Moon Shape and Pave Diamonds

When you buy jewelry, even if you’re buying from a collection, you want the piece to be special. Any store worthy of the prices that beautiful jewelry costs will endeavor to provide you not only with unique jewelry (regardless of whether it’s custom made or not) and a unique experience. Taking the time to answer questions competently, help you as long as necessary and support your choices even if it means making less money or losing a sale is crucial. Don’t ever stand for bad service.





Finding the right fit with a jewelry designer might not seem all that important at first, but as you experience the highs and lows of shopping for vintage and vintage-inspired jewelry you’ll quickly realize the details matter. Trust Ziva to put your needs first, always, while providing exceptional products with a lifetime guarantee.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

How to Get the Best Custom Made Ring

There are few experiences as wish fulfilling as receiving a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind engagement ring. However, a custom ring may seem out of reach for many people. Lots of folks think of them as an option only for the fabulously wealthy or the truly famous, but that’s not true. There are several ways one can go about getting custom made jewelry, and some don’t even require taking out a second mortgage. Here are the most common ways to buy a custom made engagement ring and the benefits and drawbacks of each, and why Ziva Jewels is the best option out of all of them.


Indie Designers

Large Vintage Emerald Ring

Places like Etsy make it seem suddenly so easy to buy custom made anything, but while it’s wonderful to help support independent designers and receive a spectacularly unique custom engagement ring, there are some things you should be aware of before diving in. Remember that sellers, whether they’re on Etsy or some other website, aren't required to source their materials from ethical locations. In fact, the materials may not be high quality at all. Additionally, many independent designers take on more work than they can manage, and your ring may take much longer than anticipated to arrive.



High-End Designers

Rose Gold Diamond Anniversary Ring

There’s always the option of choosing one of those famous designer names for your custom wedding ring or engagement ring. If you have the money, you can rest assured that you’ll get a piece that’s second to none in quality. But what about the origin of the diamonds and gemstones, does that matter? Just because a company is well known and expensive, doesn’t mean those diamonds came from humane sources. If price or ethics are important to you, a high-end designer is probably not the best choice.




Ziva Jewels Designer



Engraved Oval Ring Setting
An engagement ring isn't the sort of item you want to compromise on, so why settle for pretty good when you can have the best? Ziva Jewels will help you custom design a ring that’s exactly what you've been dreaming of, including using high quality materials sourced only from ethical locations and backed by a lifetime guarantee. You can discuss the entire process from start to finish, and you can custom make a ring that will arrive, as you've ordered it, on time and in perfect condition. All that and you get the ideal ring for a price you can afford. It’s time to stop wondering if you can have a custom made ring and begin the process today.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Choosing the Perfect Size Diamond

Engagement rings come in many stunning styles and designs, but when you get engaged most people will ask one question first: How big is the diamond? While carat weight isn’t precisely the same as size that is generally what they’re asking. Size isn’t the most important part of choosing a stone, but it can help you determine the look that you want. If you’re wondering what the perfect size diamond is for you, follow this easy guide to help you pick a carat weight you’ll adore for eternity.

Thin Fingers, Small Budget




Ladies with delicate or small hands should opt for a smaller stone on their engagement rings. Small hands make stones appear larger, so even a modest 1 carat diamond ring has an impressive look. If you’re working with a lower end budget, a smaller ring can also work. 2 carat diamond rings look beautiful, and if you choose one that’s just below the 2 carat mark you can save a bundle. Or, opt for a style that uses several stones for a total weight of two carats.



Wiggle Room


If you have a bit more wiggle room when it comes to your finances, you should definitely opt for a larger stone that catches the light and others’ attention. A 3 carat diamond ring looks beautiful on any hand size, and if you adore the heart-shaped diamonds it’s best to pick a larger carat weight. Heart-shaped stones appear smaller than other cuts, so it helps to go bigger. Still not impressed? Whether you choose total carat weight with several stones or one stunning big one, nobody will tut-tut your 4 carat diamond ring for being undersized.


Money is no Object


If you’re blessed with a sizable income there’s no reason to hold back when it comes to most important jewelry you’ll ever wear. Diamonds are an investment, so choosing a flawless 5 carat diamond ring is a surprisingly smart choice. While a bit over-sized for those with dainty fingers, 5 carats have a bold look and elegant design that will last through every fashion fad. Of course, if money really is no object, why stop at 5? A 10 carat diamond ring puts even the splashiest of celebrities to shame, and it’s truly wish fulfilling.







Buying a diamond engagement ring is exciting and a little stressful—in a good way. Try on and compare several diamond sizes to find the one that suits you best. Remember: size isn’t everything. If your prefer quality over quantity, get a smaller, flawless stone. If impressions count, go bigger and ignore a few extra inclusions. Your ring is up to you; so don’t let anyone else tell you what’s right.