2/14/2012  Diamond Loose or Mounted – Pros and Cons - What’s better

Diamond Loose or Mounted – Pros and Cons - What’s better Q: I am getting ready to propose to my longtime girlfriend. I really want to be able to pop the question the traditional way—with a ring in a box—but I know she would really want to be able to choose her own ring; she has very unique taste. On the other hand, I know how much she loves the traditional surprise proposal. What can I do to give her that traditional romantic proposal—champagne, getting down on one knee, all that—while st... read more

2/13/2012  How to Sell a Diamond

How to Sell a Diamond      Whiteflash is quite well known for our lifetime trade-up benefit and buyback guarantees. We buy back the diamonds we have sold under those benefit policies on a regular basis. But we do not buy diamonds or jewelry from the public at large.     So the question is, where to sell jewelry that you did not buy from us, or is not covered under one of our benefits?    There are a number of avenues available for individuals selling gold, diamonds, fi... read more

2/6/2012  Top 10 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Top 10 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas     This year, show the special woman in your life that it is not just another February 14th by pulling out all the stops come Valentine’s Day. That means breakfast in bed, roses delivered to the office, romantic dinner in, and the kind of present that usually comes in a small velvet box. Diamonds are a girl’s best Valentine’s Day gift, and there is simply no better way to say, “I love you”.     Here are the top ten Valentine&rs... read more

2/6/2012  Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas     With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, men across the country are scratching their heads and searching the Web, trying to find that one perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the special woman in their lives. But if you are trying to impress your girlfriend, wife, or fiancée with an extra-special gift this Valentine’s, there’ no need to worry or stress. A pair of diamond earrings is the one sure-fire Valentine’s Day present&md... read more

1/25/2012  Jewelry Box – Important Part of the Present?

Jewelry Box – Important Part of the Present?     In a scene straight out of every romantic comedy and drama, a man kneels on the ground in front of a woman. He reaches behind his back and pulls out a small velvet box. With a crowd of onlookers holding their breaths in expectation, he cracks open the hinge of the jewelry box to reveal a sparkling diamond engagement ring. “Will you marry me?” he says, but the question is practically unnecessary, the opening of that iconic velvet box and the drama... read more

1/25/2012  Most Common Questions when it comes to Jewelry Shopping

Most Common Questions when it comes to Jewelry Shopping   When buying jewelry, like other major purchases, it is a good idea to acquaint yourself with the industry and key terms before handing over your credit card to make the purchase. Just like you wouldn’t buy a car without reading up on various makes and models, and learning about key concepts like fuel efficiency and horsepower, you shouldn’t buy fine diamond jewelry without understanding essential terms like the four C’s, karat levels, settin... read more

1/20/2012  Online Jewelers Ratings

Online Jewelers Ratings     It’s become second nature to most of us to turn to the Internet when shopping for inexpensive daily purchases like clothing, shoes, housewares and even groceries. But when shopping for a big, important purchase like an engagement ring or wedding band, many people are still hesitant about giving up the in-store experience for a point-and-click online store. How will you know what the jewelry will look like in person? How can you trust a website without ever having talked to any... read more

1/12/2012  What are high end jewelers and jewelry stores ?

What are high end jewelers and jewelry stores ? We all want to know that when we spend money on a major purchase, we are getting a good value on a good quality product. But when it comes to buying jewelry, those terms can be more than a little bit murky. How do you know what is a good value and what is an overpriced subpar product? How do you determine quality in a field without strong brand names, where you must rely on expert testimony when purchasing?   To solve this dilemma, many of us turn instinctively to &ldqu... read more

1/4/2012  What to Look For When Choosing a Jewelry Store

What to Look For When Choosing a Jewelry Store When shopping for a new piece of jewelry, whether you are looking for a diamond necklace for yourself or a diamond engagement ring for a significant other, there are many choices available to you in terms of choosing a jewelry store. You can buy diamond jewelry from a department store, a website, a national chain jewelry store, a designer boutique, or an independent local jewelry shop. But since there are not as many recognizable jewelry brands as there are brand names for it... read more

1/4/2012  Unique Dessert Ideas for your Wedding

Unique Dessert Ideas for your Wedding The dessert portion of your wedding reception is, quite literally, the icing on the cake. It is the last experience your guests will have before they leave the wedding, and it is your last chance to, literally, leave a sweet taste in their months. For years, wedding desserts consisted of boring yellow cake cut from a towering cake and served in huge slices, with maybe a little ice cream on the side. But now, couples are breaking free of the wedding cake monotony and serving desserts w... read more

1/3/2012  Engagement Photo Ideas: Best of the Season

Engagement Photo Ideas: Best of the Season In recent years, engagement photo shoots have become a popular alternative to the traditional wedding-day photo shoot, with couples setting up fun and romantic photo shoots as a way of celebrating their engagement and announce the happy news. Without the pressure of the wedding day, couples find that engagement photo shoots have more room for creativity and fun, making them a perfect way to celebrate the unique personalities and interests of the couple. If you are planning on tak... read more

1/3/2012  Best Boutonniere Designs and Ideas

Best Boutonniere Designs and Ideas Whether you are a classic, traditional groom wearing a formal tuxedo, or a fun, laid-back groom wearing a more offbeat outfit, one of the most important parts of your groom look is the boutonniere. For those unfamiliar with this traditional piece of men’s formalwear, the boutonniere is a small sprig of flowers or greenery affixed to a man’s lapel. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference in your look, so no matter what kind of groom you are, you want to look in... read more

1/3/2012  Wedding Reception Photobooth – Fun Ideas that Last a Lifetime

Wedding Reception Photobooth – Fun Ideas that Last a Lifetime Looking for an easy, inexpensive way to add a note of fun and whimsy to your wedding reception? Whether you are hosting a formal dinner in a ballroom or a casual backyard affair, a rented or D.I.Y. photo booth makes a fun addition to any wedding. A photo booth is a small enclosed booth that is outfitted with an automatic camera and printer. Wedding guests can duck into the booth and take photos of themselves, usually in film-style strips of three or four ph... read more

12/27/2011  Year in Review: Top 5 Engagement Ring Trends of 2011

Year in Review: Top 5 Engagement Ring Trends of 2011   2011 is drawing to a close, and for all of those who got engaged this year, or for anyone planning to get engaged in 2012, it’s time to take stock of one of those all-important end-of-year issues—which engagement ring trends emerged this year? Which celebrity engagement rings sparked a style obsession that’s going to be around for a while? And which fleeting fads are going to disappear in the coming year.     Kate Middleton... read more

12/21/2011  The Rules of the Holiday Engagement

The Rules of the Holiday Engagement The holidays are the perfect time to get engaged. The cold weather means its the perfect time for all kinds of cozy, romantic activities, the lit-up houses and snowy nights make the perfect backdrop to your big moment, and all those family get-togethers are the ideal time to make the big announcement to family and friends. In fact, sales of engagement rings spike over the holidays, as the sentimental mood and celebratory feelings inspire many couples to make that ultimate commitment dur... read more

12/19/2011  Top 7 Jewelry Trends for Holiday Season

Top 7 Jewelry Trends for Holiday Season   Holiday season is already here, and that means instead of hunkering down with a Snuggie and a mug of tea, you are putting on your highest heels and your go-to little black dress for all kinds of holiday season social events. From the office party, to a gift-wrapping party with your best friends, to dinner with the in-laws, to a New Year’s Eve out on the town, the holiday season can be a fashion pressure cooker. But have no fear—experts recommend that you rely on... read more

12/14/2011  Diamond reviews: Are they worth trust?

Diamond reviews: Are they worth trust? Clicks or bricks? That is the question diamond buyers have started asking themselves. For many years, despite the success of internet retail in general, customers were wary of buying diamonds online without seeing and touching them first. But more recently, savvy diamond shoppers have realized that online retailers can often offer better deals and a wider selection than comparable bricks-and-mortars shops. Because Internet-based sellers do not have the costs of operating a physical st... read more

12/9/2011  Best Proposal Ideas: Engagement Ring is all you need

Best Proposal Ideas: Engagement Ring is all you need   In our modern era of viral video hits and reality TV moments, it’s no wonder that the proposal has been supersized. Instead of a simple and heartfelt declaration of love, modern grooms-to-be are devising intricate surprises designed for maximum “wow factor” and YouTube hits. But the truth is that the best proposals don’t happen in a helicopter hovering over the Grand Canyon or at halftime at the Super Bowl. A proposal is the moment that y... read more

10/19/2011  Little Tricks to Know Her Ring Size

Little Tricks to Know Her Ring Size More than half of all men intending to get engaged plan on buying the engagement ring secretly and then surprising their significant other with a dramatic proposal. If you have a good sense of your girlfriend’s style, you can make a lasting impression of romance and dedication by choosing an incredible diamond engagement ring all by yourself and presenting it to your soon-to-be fiancé with a creative surprise proposal.  Whether you design a custom en... read more

9/23/2011  What You Need to Know About Loose Diamonds

What You Need to Know About Loose Diamonds Whether you are buying your first diamond or your fifth, whether you are planning to treasure the stone in its loose form or have it set into custom jewelry, and whether you are buying for yourself or as a gift, you can always learn more about loose diamonds. For such small pieces of rock, diamonds seem to generate endless discussion and analysis. Just visiting a diamond talk forum can show you enough to make your head spin. Luckily, you can buy a fabulous loose diamond even if... read more

9/23/2011  10 Tips for Buying Designer Dresses Online

10 Tips for Buying Designer Dresses Online   These days, you can buy everything online, from furniture to diamond jewelry. So shouldn’t you be able to buy designer dresses online as well? Instead of heading for the local mall and hoping to find the perfect dress in your size, or scouring the overcrowded racks at a sample sale, online shopping is fun and easy—and can be done from the comfort of your own home. These ten tips will help you find the designer dresses you love safely and securely, and all for gr... read more

5/23/2011  A Diamond is...For Now?

A Diamond is...For Now?   When the DeBeers diamond company first coined the phrase “a diamond is forever” in 1947, they didn’t know that it would soon become the most widely recognized advertising slogan of the twentieth century. Neither did they know that in the twenty-first century, savvy consumers would start questioning the slogan’s confidence that a diamond ring could and should last forever.   In fact, although over 85% of engaged and married women now wear engagement rings, most o... read more

5/18/2011  Make It Personal: Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Personalization

  The moment of your proposal is a moment you will treasure for the rest of your life. You want every minute to be unique, memorable, and completely personal. The same applies for the engagement ring itself—you want the ring to represent your relationship, in all it’s individual, unique glory. The funny thing you say to him every morning, the junk food you love to eat together during late-night Lost marathons, the memory of that one time you got lost in a foreign city...these are the things that make your r... read more

5/15/2011  Getting married this year - Wedding Trends for 2011

  2011 is set to be a great year for weddings—with the economy recovering and a royal wedding serving as the most dreamy bridal inspiration imaginable, getting married in 2011 is sweet indeed. Here are the top 11 wedding trends for 2011, to help you plan everything from your hairstyle to the wedding menu in high-end style.     1. Mad Men is so last year; the current most fashionable show on cable is Boardwalk Empire, a sexy saga of Prohibition-era excess. Take your cues from the fabulous fashions o... read more

5/13/2011  How to choose diamond engagement rings

  The diamond engagement ring is one of the most financially and sentimentally important objects you will ever own. It is a hugely important decision, so it is completely understandable that many would-be grooms become overwhelmed when they first set out to purchase the all-important diamond engagement ring. But armed with a little time, a lot of patience, and a good amount of information, anyone can choose the perfect diamond engagement ring, whether it is for yourself or someone else. Here are just a few of the major... read more

4/29/2011  Shopping for Mother’s Day Jewelry in Houston

Mother’s Day is around the corner, and that means it’s time to order a gorgeous piece of diamond jewelry that will show your mother, wife, or grandmother what she means to you. If you live in Houston, you have many jewelry buying options that will ensure that you can find the perfect diamond jewelry gift for everyone on your Mother’s Day list. There are many diamond jewelry stores in Houston, and just as many options when it comes to choosing the perfect Mother’s Day gift. But to find that one gift t... read more

4/22/2011  Top 5 Diamond Buying Scams

Top 5 Diamond Buying Scams Many people are afraid of buying diamonds. After all, no matter how much you learn and research, if you aren’t a certified gemologist, it can be difficult to know exactly what you are buying and whether you are really getting a good deal. And as with anything as small and valuable as a diamond, there is always the fear of being ripped off or scammed by an unscrupulous jeweler. Most jewelers are honest businesspeople who are genuinely trying to help you get a great diamond and a beautiful rin... read more

4/21/2011  Buying Engagement Rings in Texas

Buying Engagement Rings in Texas They say that everything is bigger and better in Texas, and when it comes to buying engagement rings, that is certainly the case. Whether you are looking for something eco-friendly and funky in Austin, a custom-designed diamond ring in Houston, or a classic simple Tiffany ring in Dallas, Texas has more engagement ring and diamond jewelry shopping options than you can imagine.   Houston More and more people are opting to buy their engagement rings online, which can be a great way... read more

4/19/2011  Owning an Engagement Ring in Houston – the Complete Manual

Owning an Engagement Ring in Houston – the Complete Manual There are many Houston jewelry stores where you can buy engagement rings, whether you are looking for a custom-designed three-stone ring with loose diamonds from Whiteflash, a classic Tiffany ring, or a vintage heirloom gemstone and diamond ring from Paul Carter Jewelers. No matter what you choose, Houston offers the widest variety of diamonds and engagement rings—so talk to friends, read online reviews, and find the Houston diamond jewelry stores... read more

4/15/2011  13 Things Your Jeweler Isn’t Telling You—and 13 Solutions for Every Rookie Mistake

13 Things Your Jeweler Isn’t Telling You—and 13 Solutions for Every Rookie Mistake Reader’s Digest’s monthly feature exposes the secrets behind every service industry, from doctors to baristas, allowing you to make better, more informed choices no matter what service you are receiving or product you are buying. This month, Reader’s Digest turns its attention to jewelers, revealing the 13 most common mistakes that ill-informed consumers can make. But of course, not every jeweler would let you fa... read more

4/13/2011  Guide to Your Houston Wedding

MyHoustonWedding.com’s Guide to Your Houston Wedding Myhoustonwedding.com, as its name implies, is a great resource for information about every aspect of having your wedding in Houston, from the best florist to the best hotel for out-of-town guests. Plus, the friendly people over at myhoustonwedding are always available to help you find the perfect vendor or service to make your Houston wedding a dream.   Of all the myriads of details that go into a perfect wedding, perhaps the ones that brides are most concern... read more

4/4/2011  How to Buy Diamonds in Houston

How to Buy Diamonds in Houston Many of the world’s diamond market centers are well-known—New York, Antwerp and Tel Aviv are all known for their thriving loose diamond markets and engagement ring design houses. If you live or travel near any of these centers, they can be a great place to buy diamonds of high quality for reasonable prices. But if you live in the Midwest, far from Manhattan’s Diamond District and even farther from the diamond cutting center of Antwerp, there is no reason to resign yourself to... read more

4/2/2011  Proposing in Houston: From Engagement Ring to Champagne

Proposing in Houston: From Engagement Ring to Champagne Whether you live in Houston or are just here visiting, you may have noticed that Houston has a special energy all its own. Laid-back without being sleepy, exciting without being frenetic, with a small-town atmosphere and big-city amenities, Houston is the kind of place you don’t always appreciate until you see it for yourself. After Hurricane Katrina, Houston became known as the Big Heart for the way its citizens opened their homes and communities to refugees fro... read more

4/2/2011  Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Diamond Jewelry in Houston

Buying Diamond Jewelry in Houston   In a big city like Houston, there are many options for every kind of shopping experience you might be looking for. Being Houston, Texas, everything is bigger and bolder than you might find anywhere else in the country. Whether you are looking for a new couch,  a designer handbag, or an engagement ring, you can find it in Houston. For home goods on the cheap, there is one of the country’s largest Target stores. For designer clothes and shoes, the Galleria is one of the c... read more

3/31/2011  Wedding Jewelry Shopping in Houston

Wedding Jewelry Shopping in Houston Whether you are already engaged and are planning your wedding, or are thinking about taking that next big step with your significant other, you are about to find out that there is a lot of jewelry buying that comes with engagements and weddings. First, you will need to buy an engagement ring—whether the guy picks that out himself or you do it together is up to you. Then, you will need wedding bands that match the engagement ring and coordinate with each other. Finally, you will need... read more

3/30/2011  The Wedding Wire Guide to the Perfect Houston Wedding

The Wedding Wire Guide to the Perfect Houston Wedding Planning a wedding can be stressful and confusing. Between the caterer and the band, the dress and the veil, and of course managing all the relatives, friends and the wedding party, it can be enough to make any couple want to elope with nothing but a wedding band. Luckily, the Internet is full of resources designed to make your job as a bride just a little bit easier. Whether you live in Houston or Hawaii, nearly anything from engagement rings to wedding cakes can be pur... read more

3/24/2011  Wedding Fashion: The Celebrity Inspiration Guide

Wedding Fashion: The Celebrity Inspiration Guide Celebrity marriages may not always last long, but the designer dresses and picture-perfect hairstyles leave a lasting impression. Celebrity bridal dresses range from slim and trendy to classic and princess-like, so no matter what your personal taste, there is a celebrity wedding ensemble that will be the perfect inspiration for your own wedding day look.   Victoria and David Beckham may have tied the knot over twelve years ago, but they are still going strong, and Vict... read more

3/21/2011  Loose diamond secrets

Loose diamond secrets Shopping for diamonds—whether you want to buy a perfect loose diamond or a stunning engagement ring—can be scary or intimidating. There are so many factors to keep in mind, so many different kinds of diamonds out there, and when was the last time you spent a month’s salary on such a tiny little piece of rock? But with a few of these pro-level tips under your belt, you will be shopping for loose diamonds like a seasoned professional in no time. Choosing the right jeweler is the sing... read more

3/17/2011  7 Tips for Foolproof Loose Diamond Buying

7 Tips for Foolproof Loose Diamond Buying Diamonds mean different things to different people. Besides being the proverbial girl’s best friend, diamond is the hardest known natural substance and the ultimate symbol of strength, durability and love, and one of mankind’s most treasured natural resources. To own a diamond is to hold all of that value in the palm of your hand.   You can buy a diamond in many forms—from the classic engagement rings to diamond encrusted watches—but the simplest and m... read more

3/17/2011  Wedding Fashion Trends 2011

Wedding Fashion Trends 2011 The much-anticipated royal wedding is only weeks away, and millions of brides worldwide are putting the finishing touches on their spring weddings. The most important part of the wedding is, of course, the dress and all the little special accessories that make the bride look like a princess on her special day. Although wedding fashion tends to be pretty timeless and classic, there are a few bridal fashion trends that can take your ensemble from pretty to perfect, and elevate your whole look. Wedd... read more

3/14/2011  Wedding Shopping in Houston: From Engagement Ring to Wedding Cake

Wedding Shopping in Houston If you are planning a wedding in Houston, you have probably already noticed that there are hundreds of options for every aspect of your big day, from hairstyles to dancing shoes. So before you buy an engagement ring or commit to a caterer, use the power of the Internet and the wisdom of crowds to help you weed out the so-so florists and the jewelry stores that offer sub-par service. Websites like Yelp.com and iVouch.com aggregate real-life customer reviews and ratings to help you find the perfect... read more

2/16/2011  5 Ways to Get the Diamond Engagement Ring of a Lifetime without Spending Your Life Savings

How to Get the Diamond Engagement Ring without Spending Your Life Savings The diamond engagement ring has been, for over a century, the defining symbol of a couple’s relationship. A glance at a woman’s ring finger told you everything you needed to know about the couple’s relationship status and financial situation. In the days before Facebook, the diamond engagement ring was the ultimate status update. But along with the financial crisis of 2008 came a troubling new trend. As young couples struggled to fi... read more

2/15/2011  How to Get the Diamond Engagement Ring of Your Dreams - top five ways

Top Five Ways to Get the Diamond Engagement Ring of Your Dreams “We’d love to get engaged and married, but we just can’t afford the ring we want right now.” We in the diamond industry hear this kind of sentiment all the time, and we have just one response to it: true love should wait for nothing, especially not a number in the bank. Contrary to TV commercials and popular belief, you can have a gorgeous, dazzling diamond engagement ring that will attract every eye in the room, without going into... read more

2/9/2011  The Socially-Conscious Valentine’s Day Gift Guides

Valentine’s Day Gift Guides To people with a strong social conscience, the entire holiday of Valentine’s Day can induce a fair amount of guilt. It seems unfair that we, living our comfortable lives, have created a holiday for the express purpose of taking a dreary February day and making it all about celebrating the love in our lives and exchanging Valentine’s Day gifts. After the excesses of December and the resolutions of January, February seems a bit soon to begin indulging in carefree spending and cons... read more

2/8/2011  A Rainbow of Valentine’s Day Gifts

A Rainbow of Valentine’s Day Gifts With only two weeks on the clock left until Valentine’s Day, it’s time to finalize your plans, make those dinner reservations, and finally settle on the good Valentine’s Day gifts. This year, like every year, the two most popular gifts for women for Valentine’s Day are flowers, especially roses, and jewelry. But did you know that every color of rose has its own unique symbolism, that you can use to give your sweetheart a personalized message this Valentine&rsq... read more

2/3/2011  Last Minute Gifts for Valentine’s Day

Last Minute Gifts for Valentine’s Day It’s already February, and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. If you haven’t already taken care of your Valentine’s Day gifts, you might think it’d too late and just settle for a lame old box of drugstore chocolates and roses from the gas station. But the whole point of Valentine’s Day gifts is to show her how much you appreciate her, so the effort is really what counts. Even if it’s the night before Valentine’s, a little ef... read more

2/1/2011  Being Single on Valentine’s Day — A Survival Guide

Being Single on Valentine’s Day—A Survival Guide Valentine's Day sometimes seems like it's all about couples – couples' events, romantic dinners, and even two-for-one specials at the spa. So what's a single girl to do? Without a husband or boyfriend to surprise you with breakfast in bed and a fantastic Valentine's Day gift, you might think your Valentine's Day has to be a romantic-comedy marathon and Chinese food on the couch. But Valentine's Day gifts and Valentine's Day do not just have to be about celeb... read more

1/25/2011  Valentine’s Day Jewelry Sales and Ideas at Whiteflash. Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas. Valentine's Day Gifts

Valentine’s Day Jewelry Sales & Ideas at Whiteflash It’s no coincidence that the Golden Globes are held in January every year—the glitzy awards ceremony ushers in the beginning of awards season, as well as setting the fashion trends for the year to come. Being that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, the Golden Globes provide a perfect source of Valentine’s Day gift ideas inspiration. Out of all the Hollywood princesses holding court on the red carpet, a few trends emerged as the d... read more

1/20/2011  Valentine's Day Jewelry Gifts for every stage of the relationship | Romantic Valentine's Day Jewelry | Valentine's day presents|

Valentine’s Day jewelry gift for every stage of the relationship No matter what stage of the relationship you are up to, Valentine’s Day is tricky. If you’ve just started dating, it might seem awkward to whip out a huge Valentine’s Day gift; if you’re just engaged, it’s hard to find the right Valentine’s Day present; and if you’re married, it’s a little too easy to get stuck in a Valentine’s jewelry gift rut. Here is a simple guide to help you pick the right Valent... read more

1/19/2011  Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Women - Jewelry Gifts. Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Women We all know February 14 is around the corner, and that means its time to start planning those Valentine’s Day gift ideas. Besides for figuring out what Valentine’s Day presents to get for your boyfriend or husband, there is the bigger question: how to make sure you get a really good Valentine’s Day gift for yourself, that one jewelry gift you really want. You know you want these stunning A Cut Above® flower diamond stud earrings. The truth is, most guys would l... read more

1/18/2011  Unique Valentine Gift Ideas. Good valentines day gifts. Unique Valentines Day Gifts

Unique Valentine Gift Ideas Valentine’s Day gifts are the true test of a boyfriend or girlfriend’s creativity. Whether you are buying a Valentine’s Day gift for a guy or a girl, you have to come up with a unique Valentine’s Day that manages to be special, romantic, one-of-a-kind—and yet exactly what your sweetheart wanted. Hands down, the best way to say, “Will you be my valentine?” is with a spectacular jewelry gift. Ladies, you can get a jewelry gift for your boyfriend for Valen... read more

1/14/2011  The Perfect Romantic Gift For Valentines Day! Valentines day presents. Valentine's Day Gifts

The Perfect Romantic Gift For Valentines Day! Valentines day presents. Valentine's Day Gifts Ahh...the perfect Valentine’s Day gift — that one simple, romantic and heartfelt gesture of love that will endure as a testament to your entire relationship. If only you could hire someone else to pick out that perfect Valentine’s Day gift, or trust Google to do the searching for you. But unfortunately, the perfect romantic Valentine’s Day present  is the one that makes your girlfriend’s jaw dr... read more

1/10/2011  Valentine’s Day: What NOT To Buy Your Wife

What NOT To Buy Your Wife For Valentine’s Day (and Five Replacement Valentine’s Gifts That Are Awesome) When you were dating, Valentine’s Day was a huge deal. It was your one chance to show your special girl how you felt about her—the one day a year when you let all your manly stoicism slide and you pulled out all the stops for romance. Candles, wine, roses, maybe even diamonds—nothing was too over-the-top for that one day in February. The Valentine’s Day gift was that . But, like many pe... read more

12/28/2010  The Top Ten New Year’s Gifts

The Top Ten New Year’s Gifts New Year’s, as anyone who’s ever headed out in the dead of winter in a spangled minidress can tell you, is all about sparkle. Like the bubbles in our champagne glasses and the sequins on our clothes, New Year’s gifts should not skimp on the sparkly. The best jewelry gifts are the ones that the receiver will keep wearing long after all those other New Year’s gifts—diet resolutions and hangovers—are long gone.   Why give New Year’s gifts at al... read more

11/24/2010  Determining the Value of Your Diamonds

Determining the Value of Your Diamonds Many of us have an old piece of diamond jewelry—whether it is family heirloom or a gift that we never liked—lurking in the back of a jewelry box. What you may not realize is that diamond rings and other pieces of diamond jewelry can be quite valuable and easy to sell. Not every sparkly old stone is a jackpot, though, so before you take your loot to an appraiser, it’s a good idea to get some sense of how much the stone and setting are worth.    A Cut A... read more

11/15/2010  Frequently Asked Questions: How Do I Care For My Tiffany-style Engagement Ring?

Frequently Asked Questions: How Do I Care For My Tiffany-style Engagement Ring? A good ring is built to last, but it is definitely normal, especially for a high-profile tiffany-style engagement ring, to accumulate dirt and small scratches. If you wear your tiffany-style engagement ring every day, all the little things you do every day, from fishing around in your purse to eating a sandwich, can add little bits of dust and dirt that can drastically cut down the brilliance of your ring. Unlike sunken settings like the bezel,... read more

11/11/2010  Personalized Weddings Call for Custom Wedding Rings

Personalized Weddings Call for Custom Wedding Rings A recent article in the New York Times cast a new light on a trend that has been growing steadily in all areas of the wedding business. The article, titled “For Millenials, It’s More About Personal Style Than Luxury,” is just one more sign that the new generation of brides and grooms—the so-called Millenials, people in their twenties—are all about putting their own personalized stamp on their lives. Weddings have become more unique and creat... read more

11/10/2010  Your Eternity Diamond Wedding Band: choosing a setting

Choosing A Setting For Your Eternity Diamond Wedding Band The simple gold wedding bands that our parents and grandparents used to exchange their vows are largely a thing of the past—21st century brides want wedding bands as unique and special as their relationships. Diamond wedding bands, with their huge possibilities for variation and customization, are the modern way to celebrate the beginning of a marriage. After all, as the old saying goes, “diamonds are forever.” If you are choosing a diamond wedding... read more

10/17/2010  Smile and Say Bling! Taking Engagement Ring Photos

Smile and Say Bling! How to Take Great Photos of your Engagement Ring Now that you’ve gotten your ring and have started wearing it everywhere, the compliments have started pouring in, and you just want the whole world to see the stunning solitaire engagement ring that your special someone picked out for you. These days, with Facebook and Flickr and all the other photo-sharing technologies, you can literally share pictures of your new ring with anyone, from your old college roommate to great-Aunt Mabel. Jewelry photog... read more

10/13/2010  Diamond Wedding Bands - By Bling Factor

Diamond Wedding Bands – By Bling Factor Since they’ve been spotted on the ring fingers of Hollywood glamour goddesses like Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey, diamond wedding bands have become a de rigeur part of the wedding jewelry ensemble for thousands of fashionable brides. But not everyone wants the full “bling factor” of a wedding band that is fully encrusted in diamonds. Fortunately, diamond wedding bands are available in every variation from subtle sparkle to... read more

10/7/2010  Rules of Engagement (Rings): How To Pick The Perfect Ring

The Rules of Engagement (Rings): Sure-Fire Ways to Pick the Perfect Ring   For someone whose definition of the phrase “must-have item” has so far extended only to flat-screen TV’s and sports cars, the prospect of choosing an engagement ring can be daunting. Here you are, a guy who has hardly even noticed a piece of jewelry in your life, and you are supposed to drop a significant portion of your paycheck on a sparkly stone that will sit on your fiancée’s finger and tell everyone how much... read more

10/5/2010  Making It Personal: Personalizing Your Solitaire Setting

Personalizing Your Solitaire Setting   Everyone wants the engagement ring of their dreams, and everyone deserves a ring that lives up to their wildest expectations. Browsing through hundreds of gorgeous images of engagement rings with solitaire settings on a website, you will usually find the ring that steals your heart. But sometimes, nothing you see is quite perfect. “What if this ring was yellow gold instead of white?” you... read more

9/21/2010  The Care and Keeping of Diamond Jewelry

Keeping Your Rings, Necklaces and Earrings Clean and Shiny No matter how beautiful your ring or necklace was on the day you opened the box, continual wear will allow sediment to build up in the tiny cracks of the setting and dust to settle on the stone, dimming its brilliance. Although some diamond jewelry, especially those made of white gold, will need occasional professional maintenance, regular everyday cleaning of diamond jewelry is simple enough to do at home. Here are some simple tips tha... read more

9/20/2010  Five Anniversary Jewelry Ideas by Bling Factor

Five Anniversary Jewelry Ideas by Bling Factor Some women love jewelry, piling on bracelets and wearing earrings that graze their shoulders for a simple trip to the grocery store. But other women have more a simple style, opting for no more than a wedding ring and a modest necklace for even the most elegant occasion. Let’s call this her “bling factor”—the amount of glamour and sparkle she feels comfortable with wearing. There’s no right answer—stunning anniversary pieces are available at... read more

9/17/2010  The Five Coolest New Trends In Men’s Jewelry

The Five Coolest New Trends In Men’s Jewelry Men’s jewelry seems simple enough—a wedding band, some nice cufflinks, and maybe a watch. Like the tuxedo and chivalrous manners, nothing has changed in a hundred years. But men’s jewelry is a rapidly growing market, with new designers and innovations coming out every year. Here are five trends in men’s jewelry that have emerged recently and are here to stay:   Leather plus metal Men's Bracelet Once upon a time, a man had to choose between... read more

9/15/2010  Solitaire Diamond Pendant: Seven Steps to Picking The Perfect One

Seven Steps to Picking the Perfect Solitaire Diamond Pendant A solitaire diamond pendant is a classy and simple addition to any outfit. Consisting of a single diamond suspended on a simple chain, the solitaire pendant is an easy choice for a gift and a great purchase that will never go out of style. Despite its simplicity, there are many options for the solitaire diamond pendant, much as there are for the solitaire ring, so it is important to research your diamond thoroughly and select your diamond carefully.   1. Me... read more

9/9/2010  Guide to Diamond Settings: The Tension Setting

Guide to Diamond Settings: The Tension Setting Among diamond settings, the tension setting is set apart as one of the most unusual and bold diamond styles to hit the market in years. For someone looking for a unique and modern fashion statement in their diamond setting, the tension setting, and similar tension-style setting is a great option. 1.16 ct Square Hearts and Arrows Custom Setting... read more

9/7/2010  Five Reasons to Choose a Tiffany-Style Engagement Ring

Five Reasons to Choose a Tiffany-Style Engagement Ring The Tiffany-style engagement ring is currently one of the most popular engagement ring settings, and for good reason. The Tiffany-style engagement ring is a simple, classy setting that holds a diamond securely while also showing it off to best advantage.   1) Developed in 1886 by the legendary designers of Tiffany & Co., the Tiffany inspired jewelry has since spread w... read more

9/6/2010  Custom Rings Design: A Step-by-Step Guide

Custom Rings Design: A Step-by-Step Guide A custom rings are literally one of the most one-of-a-kind gifts you can possibly get for someone, and makes a unique and unforgettable proposal. Designing your own ring sounds intimidating, but the team at Whiteflash have years of experience with helping customers create custom jewelry pieces they will treasure for years to come. In fact, Kiplinger’s Magazine called Whiteflash “the lord of the online rings” when it comes to the custom... read more

9/6/2010  How to Buy Diamond Stud Earrings

How to Buy Diamond Stud Earrings  Reality TV princess Kim Kardashian showed up at 2010 Emmy Awards with a pair of studs—stud earrings, that is. Simple diamond stud earrings are reclaiming their place as the most essential pair of earrings in a woman’s arsenal, perhaps because of the increasingly trendy giant necklaces and embellished dresses. Diamond stud earrings are the perfect way to complete an outfit without pushing it over the top, although Kim Kardashian’s giant stud earrings were anything bu... read more

9/4/2010  How To Pick An Engagement Ring: The Celebrity Inspiration Guide

How To Pick An Engagement Ring: The Celebrity Inspiration Guide Are you a bohemian princess? An unapologetic glitter diva? A vintage beauty? Whatever your personal style, you’ve probably glanced at the glossy magazine pages of your favorite celebrity icon once or twice, inwardly envying her gorgeous hair or perfect clothes, an of course, her stunning (and stunningly pricey!) engagement ring. But when it comes to your engagement ring, you probably won’t be the one to choose it. Our advice? Print this out and leav... read more

9/3/2010  The Diamond Necklace Gift Guide

The Diamond Necklace Gift Guide   The diamond necklace is the perfect in-between gift: when you’re dating, it can be a serious, thoughtful gift without the emotional attachment of giving a ring when you’re not quite ready to propose. Not everyone feels comfortable in earrings or bracelets, but diamond necklaces are universally flattering and easy to wear. But diamond necklaces come in many sizes and styles, from the tiniest solitaire pendant to statem... read more

Playing Tennis: How to Buy the Classic Diamond Bracelet

Playing Tennis: How to Buy the Classic Diamond Bracelet The tennis bracelet, a thin diamond bracelet, was originally called the eternity bracelet, but it got its sporty name thanks to Chris Evert, the former World No. 1 tennis player. In 1987, Evert was playing in the U.S. Open wearing a diamond bracelet. When the bracelet fell off her wrist during a match, the game was interrupted to allow her to find the precious bracelet. The incident became known as the “tennis bracelet... read more

9/1/2010  A Guide to Men’s Jewelry

A Guide to Men’s Jewelry If you are married or have a boyfriend, you’ve probably experienced the Men’s Gift Dilemma more than once: it is simply very hard to buy a man the perfect gift. Women always love jewelry, perfume or a new handbag, but men’s toys—electronics, sports equipment, and car accessories—tend to be very specific and technical. You’d no more want to pick out a TV for your husband than offer to watch the Super Bowl for him. Other than boring, typical ties, what els... read more

I Heart You: Choosing a Diamond Pendant

Choosing Diamond Pendant  A diamond pendant necklace is one of the classiest and most romantic gifts you can choose, and one that is perfect for any occasion. Because it is not loaded with the symbolic meaning of the solitaire diamond ring, a diamond pendant is a great way to show anyone special in your life—wife or girlfriend, mother or daughter—how much you love her. The following are a few of the major categories of diamond pendants from which you can choose the perfect one for your special gift.... read more

8/25/2010  The Super-Easy, Super-Simple Guide to Picking a Wedding Band

 Guide to Picking a Wedding Band   So you’ve popped the question, the answer was yes, and now your life is all about choosing flowers, halls, cakes, dresses, and…oh wait. That’s her life. All you have to do is show up with the rings. Assuming you’ve already purchased an engagement ring, this guide will take you from “Will you marry me?” to “I do” in five simple steps. C... read more

12/7/2009  Think Quality over Quantity This Holiday Season

According to a recent poll by the National Retail Federation, “53% of Americans say they will be spending less money this Holiday season.”  Being in the throws of such challenging economic times, it’s hard to fathom that people are even thinking of shopping for the upcoming Holiday. Well think again! As the great musician Kerry King said, “The show must go on”— and so it will, just a little more fine tuned. This upcoming Holiday people are not totally swearing off of buying gifts fo... read more

Diamond Jewelry Care and Cleaning

  Although diamond is the hardest known natural substance, it is not impervious to damage. Especially at points or edges of a diamond, a strong blow can cause chipping or even breakage. Furthermore, diamonds can be scratched by other loose diamonds. Diamond jewelry can be worn on a daily basis for a lifetime or more, but is unwise to wear it while doing activities likely to subject the stone to harsh treatment. Diamond jewelry should be stored in a way that individual items are separated from one another to avoi... read more

Diamond Insurance? Is this necessary?

    Congrats — now that you’ve finally found the diamond engagement ring that perfectly shows how much you love your bride-to-be (or as much as three-month’s salary will tell her), don’t forget that final, but very important, step in the ring-buying process: jewelry insurance. There are several ways to handle this. There are a variety of different companies that specifically sell insurance for jewelry. To find one, try a simple search online, in the phone book or simply ask the store whe... read more

10/1/2009  Why Customize Your Engagement Ring?

If you are in the market for a unique ring or diamond setting, have an idea for something different and spectacular but don’t know where to start – read on to find out why going the custom design way may be right for you.           1: Use “old” to make “new”. Did you inherit an engagement ring from your grandmother or a diamond wedding bands from another woman in your family? The “antique” pieces carry a lot of sentimental value. Wouldn’t i... read more

6/1/2009  Proposing is tough enough!

Proposing is tough enough!    Proposing is tough enough, but finding the perfect diamond engagement ring, set with the perfect diamond is even tougher. To eliminate the headache, here are step-by-step instructions from Whiteflash.com, an online diamond and jewelry boutique specializing inHearts & Arrows diamonds and diamond engagement rings. Educate yourself. Start the diamond education process by learning about the four Cs. “Understand how diamonds are evaluated and categorized,” says Debi Wex... read more

4/28/2009  Top 10 Must-Own Jewelry Classics

Top 10 Must-Own Jewelry Classics   Some jewelry is trendy, sticks around for a couple of years and then disappears.  But some jewelry is so timeless that it looks great no matter what the current trends are.  Those pieces are great to have in your accessory wardrobe - they’ll allow you to accessorize almost any outfit in your closet!       In no particular order, here are my top 10 picks for the jewelry that every woman should own:   A simple pair of diamond studs(or c... read more

4/28/2009  How to Read and Understand a Diamond Grading Report

What is a "Diamond Grading Report"?   First a quick note. GIA has contacted us requesting that we use the term Diamond Grading Report rather than Certificate. Their concern seems to be that a Certificate might imply that the lab is certifying the diamond, which some may view as an endorsement of the item rather than a description. That is an important distinction, one that probably came years after GIA's lab started offering reports. However people in the trade still use the term certificate or cert for shor... read more

Diamonds Prefer Platinum

Platinum Qualities   Pure Platinum jewelry is usually 90-95% pure, which means you get more of what you are paying for. A naturally white metal, platinum maximizes the brilliance of your diamond. And because platinum is naturally hypoallergenic, it is ideal for those with sensitive skin.   Rare Platinum is 30 times more rare than gold, which means you will be getting or giving something exceptional that not everyone can possess.   Eternal The platinum rings you give and receive on your wedding day w... read more

How To Buy A Custom Engagement Ring

  Customized Engagement Rings     As couples become choosy with the rings the use to represent the love they have for a relationship, soon-to-be-brides and grooms are looking into customized engagement rings rather than selecting right off the shelves. Right now, a lot of ways are infused to customize engagement rings. Choices range from simple design to extraordinarily elaborate ones.   An Overview of Customized Engagement Rings   Customized rings are made for a certain person rather than... read more

Why Shop For A Loose Diamond Online?

      The most expensive part of diamond jewelery is the diamond.   In order to purchase the diamond within the size, shape, cut, clarity and price you can afford, it is much easier to select the diamond first and then have it mounted. Evaluating the diamond is easier to do when un-set and sometimes the size, shape and color will determine the right setting. To evaluate a loose diamond, a series of devices are used to evaluate the fire, brilliance and cut. To learn more about these tests or grading... read more

3/2/2009  Women love diamonds. Men know that.

Whether they're for your engagement or for an anniversary, you can't go wrong with a diamond ring, necklace, bracelet, or even a watch. The problem is that men don't necessarily enjoy shopping for them. So, to make this dreaded task easier on men, I've compiled a list of common questions and concerns men have about buying diamonds for their special ladies. I then went to expert Debi Wexler from WhiteFlash.com for the answers. Debi shared her knowledge on how to avoid getting hustled when buying a diamond, whic... read more

How To Tell If Your diamond engagement ring or diamond jewelry Is A Non-Conflict Diamond

You are looking for a diamond with a good cause. You're a diamond lover. You've got countless pieces of jewelry studded with diamonds. You are looking to find an engagement ring with the right cause. You are one of those people who just can't resist the glitter and brilliance that goes with a diamond. Then you learn about the existence of blood diamonds. Your world is suddenly turned upside down. That may be a satiric narrative but the subject is dead serious. Blood diamonds are used to fund wars and other brutal activi... read more

10/9/2006  How to use a Jewelry Loupe

  Jewelry loupes are small magnifiers that allow you to see diamonds just like a professional jeweler. These loupes come in various magnification levels, but the 10X loupe (which magnifies the object ten times) is the one used by diamond experts for official diamond grading. More powerful loupes may intrigue you with the possibility of discovering every possible detail, but such tiny characteristics would rarely (if ever) be visible to the naked eye. Triplet loupes contain three lenses and are often considered to be... read more

10/9/2006  How To Determine Her Ring Size?

  Here is a list of strategies we hope will be useful:   A.  If she has a ring that she wears on the correct finger and leaves it off, even for a moment/diamonds_info.   If you can bring one of her rings to the jeweler without arousing suspicion, this will probably be the safest course of action. Offer to take her jewelry to be cleaned and have the jeweler measure her ring at the same time. Put it on your own finger.  Push is down as far as it will go and mark the sp... read more

10/9/2006  Why is Diamond Cut the ‘Secret C’?

  For many years diamond cut was not graded, so the public did not know to ask the difference between poorly cut, average cut and finely cut diamonds. It costs more in terms of manpower and rough material to craft a diamond to a range of measurements that result in best performance, so manufacturers have cut most diamonds to average quality so they will take less time and be larger when finished. With this fact guarded for many years most consumers still do not know the difference between average and fine-make diamon... read more

10/9/2006  Selecting an Engagement Ring or Anniversary Ring

  Buying your girlfriend an engagement ring or wife a 3-stone anniversary ring may already seem like second nature to you, but an engagement or anniversary ring should be given careful consideration. Here are a few clues to help you get started.   Take mental notes of the rings she already owns. This is an excellent way to find out which styles and colors she likes without tipping her off to your secret plans. Does she normally wear gold or platinum bands? Would you consider her diamond rings and diamond se... read more

8/2/2006  Metal Finishes: Gold Does More Than Glitter

If you shop for jewelry in a typical jewelry store, you'd think there are only two standard finishes for gold: shiny or dull. In actuality, there are nearly a dozen that manufacturers regularly use. You owe it to yourself to investigate them all. Here's a list of popular gold finishes: Bark. Using an etching tool called a burr, the goldsmith makes wavy lines in the surface of the gold that resemble tree bark. Facet. Using a lathe, a goldsmith dots the surface with a honeycomb of dents that resemble tiny gem fa... read more