Posted on Tue, Aug 03, 2010
When it comes to jewelry, especially engagement rings, we all know people tend to focus on diamond. But, let’s not forget it’s the setting that holds the diamond – one of the first major investments of your life – securely for as long as you both shall live.
So, make sure to do your homework to determine what setting is best for you and your lifestyle. Maybe you know you want a yellow gold setting or maybe you prefer a white metal. If you want white, you’re in luck - you have options! You’ve probably heard of platinum and white gold, but most likely don’t know the difference
Only you can determine what’s best for you, so below are a few fun facts about the metals as well as an in-depth, side-by-side comparison chart to help arm you with the knowledge to complete your engagement ring shopping journey. If you’re not in the market for a ring, you will at least be equipped with fun trivia to spout out at your next cocktail party!
- Did you know platinum is a naturally white metal?
- Did you know white gold is actually yellow gold that has been whitened and plated to look white?
- Did you know platinum’s strength and durability makes it the most secure setting for diamonds and other precious gemstones?
- Did you know platinum is one of the densest precious metals, making it 60% heavier than 14K gold?
So, next time you visit Kwiat or any other jewelry store, feel empowered to ask for what you want and ask to feel the difference between platinum and other metals. And even if you think platinum is out of reach, you might be surprised. Visit www.preciousplatinum.com for more platinum tips.
Our guest blogger, Heather Zachary Rogoff is the Manager of Public Relations at Platinum Guild International.
Posted on Fri, May 21, 2010
The question is what to inscribe, and when to have it engraved, on your husband-to-be's wedding band. Wedding planning is all about the details. It's decisions, decisions and more decisions from the time you say "YES!" until you say "I DO". Trust me, I got married 7 short months ago, I know how easy it is to get bogged down by the minutia. Sometimes the minutia gets so thick that it's hard to see the forest for all the trees (i.e., you walking down the aisle in the perfect dress just as you envisioned when the whole planning process began). If you're feeling overwhelmed by wedding planning you're not alone. It happens to the best of us. But, as Richard Carlson says, "don't sweat the small stuff." One "To Do" list item that often gets overlooked by many brides is having her groom's wedding band inscribed. While many other things on your bridal checklist may seem vitally important - the flowers in your bouquet, the rhinestone clips for your hair, the h'or d'oeuvres to be served at the cocktail hour - what's more important than your groom receiving his wedding band with a special message from you to him inside?
Yes, it's one more decision you have to make. And yes, it will likely require you to make a few more trips to the jewelry store, but it's nothing compared to the blood, sweat and tears he shed when he bought your ring. Take a moment (while you're in the shower, sitting in traffic or running on the treadmill) to think of something creative and sentimental, something special that will make him smile when he reads it the first time and each time he re-reads it over the years.
And if your husband is anything like mine, he's going to lose and mis-place his wedding band more times than you'll care to count (and I haven't even been married a year yet). Hopefully, the ring gods will be on his side and he'll find it easily each time. Just as it took you a moment to get used to having a ring, his ring, on your ring finger; it's going to take him some time to get used to wearing his too. Believe it or not, over time, he'll become just as attached to his wedding band as you are to your engagement ring because of what it represents. A close friend of mine was knee-deep in details a month or so before her wedding, so much so that she decided to put off having her husband's wedding band inscribed until after their wedding. Two years later and the inside of his wedding band is still bare because he's become attached to it and doesn't want to take it off.
The lesson here? Take a deep breath and make time to do the things things that matter. Your wedding day is going to be wonderful, rain or shine, because you're marrying the man of your dreams. Take a moment to make his ring special, he'll truly appreciate the extra effort.
Guest blogger, Kalyn Johnson is a fashion stylist who specializes in helping brides navigate the path to I DO stylishly and sanely. Recently married, Kalyn learned more about weddings than one has the right to keep to herself so she decided to share some of the nuggets she gathered along the way. Check out Kalyn’s blog, Wedding STYLE by Kalyn Johnson.
[Photo by Mel Barlow]
Posted on Wed, Jan 27, 2010
Are you Recently Engaged or Married and Want to Know the Secret to Caring for your Most Treasured Platinum Rings?
Caring for platinum jewelry
First off, congratulations on your smart and savvy decision to choose platinum for your engagement ring and/or wedding band! In fact, many members of the Kwiat family selected platinum for their bridal rings. Why? Because not only is platinum is the highest quality, but it is the best metal for the value. And when it comes to caring for platinum, it is the easiest of all metals to maintain since it is naturally white and will never fade or tarnish unlike white gold.
Tip 1: Where should I keep my platinum jewelry when I am not wearing it?
Store pieces separately, in a jewelry box or chamois bag so other items don't scratch them. I keep mine in a cute porcelain dish next to my bed so I can keep my eyes on it at all times! It's actually one of my favorite items and I now gift it to all of my girlfriends who get engaged! You can check it out at:Majories.com
Tip 2: How do I care for platinum jewelry?
Clean platinum in the same way you clean other fine jewelry to maintain its fine appearance and ensure that it lasts. Either use a mild solution of soap and warm water, and gently rub it with a soft cloth, or buy a jewelry cleaning solution. Also, feel free to bring it back to our store and we will be happy to take of this for you free of charge!
Tip 3: Will platinum jewelry scratch?
All precious metals scratch, and platinum is no exception. It is unique in that the metal is only displaced, not lost. Have your platinum jewelry polished if you are interested in maintaining a high shine. But, if you choose not to polish it, your ring will develop a beautiful patina over time that will capture life moments as your marriage grows. And if needed, feel free to visit one of our Kwiat locations and we will assist with all adjustments, resizing, polishing and cleaning.
Tip 4: Can I wear my platinum ring while doing manual work such as cleaning or gardening?
Remove your platinum jewelry when undertaking heavy work. It is also advisable not to handle bleach or harsh chemicals when wearing your jewelry. Although they won't hurt the platinum, chemicals may discolor diamonds or gemstones.
Most importantly, remember that platinum's high quality should allow you to rest easy! Your platinum setting holds your precious center stone more securely than any other metal. So, wear it proudly and tell all your friends that platinum is worth it!
--Heather Zachary Rogoff, Manager of Public Relations, Platinum Guild International
Posted on Mon, Oct 26, 2009
The NY Bridal Market concluded last week leaving this year's attendees exhausted but glowing like wedding day brides. New trends included the return of the ball gown silhouette, lush layering and lots of texture. Feminine asymmetrical necklines, tulle and lace continue to be popular on runways and designers also featured accessories that allow every bride to customize their dress. ...belts, corsages, gloves and cover-up Oh My! Whether a bride prefers ruffles and texture or clean and minimalist lines, all will be pleased with the Fall 2010 designer collections.
When considering jewelry to compliment these trends remember to choose pieces that will enhance the dress and complement the bride's personal style. Drop earrings or classic diamond necklace are perfect for strapless designs. Bracelets are fantastic and if you are going with subtle earrings or no necklace, a bracelet can be elegant statement. Lastly, do not be afraid to wear pieces that may seem non-traditional like floral rings or diamond string necklaces. Stay tuned to see some of our favorite trends and designs, plus the jewelry we recommend to compliment each gown.
Angel Sanchez gown with Kwiat Cascade Collection Bracelet and Melody Earrings. The selected jewelry plays in with the whimsical feeling of the design and complements the asymmetrical neckline.
