My Pink Diamonds

Who hasn’t heard of the slogan “A diamond lasts forever”? Diamonds have always occupied a very high status in the world of jewelry. Fueled by tradition and intense marketing campaigns, diamonds have achieved incomparable status. Starry eyed young men present gorgeous diamond rings to their girlfriends. Married couples exchange diamond studded jewelry over the years as symbols to their undying love. Celebrities and personalities don fabulous diamond jewelry whenever they go out in public. There is absolutely no doubt as to how valuable and sought after diamonds are.
As with most things in life, there is always something bad mixed with the good. A diamond may be a woman’s best friend but a diamond can also be the bane of some people’s existence – and I am not talking about the man’s pocket here. The term conflict diamonds, or blood diamonds as others call it, became quite well-known to the average person in 2002 when the James Bond movie “Die Another Day” was released. This contribution to the legendary James Bond saga revolved around the idea of smuggling blood diamonds.
So what is a conflict diamond? The UN formally defines a conflict diamond as a “diamond that originates from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council.” In short, a conflict diamond is any diamond that is mined from an area in which there is war, or armed conflict. The idea is that diamonds are very much in demand and that they fetch such a high price in almost any market. If you mine diamonds and sell them to other countries – of which there is definitely no shortage – you can get a large amount of money for them. Where does the profit from these sales go?
You guessed it – to finance wars and other forms of armed conflict in the affected areas. The manner of mining and selling blood diamonds is usually done in secret. You can just imagine what the reaction of the (average) buyer would be if he learned that he was financing a war somewhere in Africa with his transaction. Thus, people involved in the conflict diamond business do not really advertise what they are doing.
Although these activities have been going on for quite some time, it was only in 2000 that the international community formally recognized the gravity of the situation. In December of that year, the United Nations General Assembly recognized the role of rough diamonds in furthering the conflicts in specific areas in Africa. The General Assembly came up with a resolution aiming to severe the connection between the illegal sales of diamonds and wars in concerned areas.
With this resolution in place, countries that buy diamonds from Africa became more aware of the illicit trade. International sanctions were then put in place. In addition to these sanctions, individual countries set up their own methods and processes to curb the practice of trading conflict diamonds. The idea is that if no one will buy, then no one will sell. People who take advantage of conflict diamonds would have no market and thus the practice would stop.
We all know however, that in the real world, things are never as simple as they usually seem to be.

Modern symbolism in the form of tattoos or jewellery other than the traditional wedding ring are creeping their way into the wedding ceremony but there is something essentially so simple and pure about a band of precious metal, gold, platinum, silver or any other metal, that still captures the imagination of even the most contemporary of brides, many of whom still opt for the simple wedding band as a symbol of their marriage. The symbolism of the ring is set deep in antiquity, thought to date back to 17th century Europe or even as far back as ancient Egypt.  The tradition of placing the ring on the third finger of the left hand is a custom believed to have derived from the Egyptians who believed that the ring finger and the heart were joined directly by a ‘vein of love’: placing a wedding band on the third finger of the left hand was designed to denote the eternal aspect of love. The wedding ceremony, during the 17th century, actually incorporated the ring into the ceremony in a far more integral manner than it is used today. As the priest intoned the blessing ‘In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit’ the groom slid the ring firstly on the bride’s thumb [the Father], then on her index finger [the Son], and then on her middle finger [the Holy Spirit]. It came to rest on her third finger as this was the first finger free following the blessing.Wedding rings have to last as they are intended to remain on your finger for the rest of your life, no matter what tough jobs your hands have to take on.  As such, it needs to be sturdy enough to stand up to the rigours of everyday life. Most couples choose their wedding rings together.  This is pretty important as both the potential bride and potential groom will have to live with their decisions, so take your time and choose carefully.  I have noted over the years the different styles of wedding rings available, from the narrow 22 carat gold utility band worn by my mother who married in 1950, to my own wedding ring when I married in 1972. This was a wide 9 carat gold band.  I remarried in 1989 and my new wedding ring was in a wishbone style, carefully chosen to accommodate the chevron shape of my diamond engagement ring.  My husband’s ring, meanwhile, was a hand-made twisted ring, one strand being ordinary 9 carat gold and the other strand being 18 carat white gold – a ring which he is still very proud to wear almost 20 years later.

The tradition of flower girls and ring bearers actually dates back to Victorian times when they were used to entertain and wow the wedding attendees. Their size and innocent reactions are what make them so special. In fact, if you are having a formal wedding, children can be a great icebreaker. It is a very special honor however, for children to be a part of your wedding, but not mandatory.

Note to the Bride or Planner

It is always nice to have as many children as the bride wishes in the wedding. When thinking of the child or children to fill this role, do not forget about out of town family members with children that will be attending the wedding. If the bride is close to them, find someway to incorporate them, even if you have to have 2-3 flower girls (how many did Princess Diana have?) By not finding space for them may hurt the feelings of the parents or even worse, the child! Children are their worst enemies sometimes, so you don’t want anyone feeling left out on such a special day, especially when our dresses are so inexpensive.

Flower girl(s)

You may choose one or two little girls to be the flower girl(s). The best age range is between four and eight. The younger they are the more of a challenge they can be. There is no hard and fast rule that a child has to be between these ages to be a flower girl, it is whatever and whoever the bride chooses. However, consider that a 13 year old girl (at that age) would probably rather be called “junior attendant” instead of flower girl. This all depends on the girl and how mature she is. Little ladies are the norm, but don’t forget, cute little boys can fill this role, too. If you don’t have any little girls, choose who ever will make it special for you.

Junior bridesmaids/junior groomsmen/junior ushers

Young members of the wedding party (aged 9-16). They’ll attend all major functions (excluding X-rated ones) and fulfill the same responsibilities as senior members. Dresses for junior bridesmaids should be styled for their age (no low-cut necklines). They might wear the same color and fabric as the bridesmaids and the same hair accessory and the hand bouquet should match.

Generally, they are daughters, sons, and cousins of the wedding party. If they are chosen from outside the normal wedding party, make sure that their parents are invited to all the functions surrounding their attendance.

Ring bearer(s)

A young boy (or girl) aged 4-8, who walks down the aisle just before the flower girl (if there is one), carrying a small decorative pillow with two rings tied to it (usually fakes, in case they are lost). The ring bearer can also be 2 young boys or girls. We have seen beautiful ceremonies where 2 young boys come down the isle each holding a pillow for each ring. If you have 2 boys who are fighting to be ring bearer, this is an easy fix! Our ring pillows are only 19.99- so for the cost of 2 is what you would pay for 1 in the wedding stores.

Pages and Train Bearers

Young boys (or girls) aged 6-9 who carry the bride’s extra-long train (think of a royal wedding) as she walks down the aisle. Also known as “train bearers.” More common in English weddings. If they are older, they are usually dressed to match the ushers. If you choose to have a girl page or train bearer, she is dressed to complement the attire of the flower girl(s). If the girl(s) are older, they are dressed to match the attire of the junior bridesmaids or attendants. These types of attendants are usually needed when the wedding gown has a very long train. They always walk down and up the isle in pairs and are about the same height.

Candle lighter(s)

In some Christian ceremonies, pre-teens aged 9-12 (who aren’t pyromaniacs) light candles at the altar just before the mother of the bride is seated. Ceremony musicians may be begin a new prelude selection as the candle lighters step forward. They also responsible for “snuffing” the candles after the recession as guests are filing out of the site. Candle lighters may be dressed like the wedding party or may sport their own attire but dressing similar to the junior ushers and junior bridesmaids. In the case of our company owner, she wanted to honor her deceased grandparents and husbands sister, so there were several candles that were lit in honor and remembrance of them surrounding the unity candle. It was a special way to include them in the ceremony and their names and relationship to the bride and groom were included in the written wedding program.

When choosing your diamond wedding rings, you will want a ring for the bride that will complement the engagement ring she is already wearing. Although you want the ring to look good with the engagement ring, you do not want it to overshadow it,this is why it is so important to try a number on first. When two people say their vows to stay with each other, it is clearly symbolized in the circular form of the wedding ring they then place on one another’s finger. Traditions vary of course but many have gift giving between the couple prior to the wedding, culminating with the wedding ring.

These days, a modern approach to this tradition is to bestow an ‘eternity’ ring as a final gesture to the commitment of a lasting relationship and marriage. More and more couples are now having their diamond wedding rings engraved with a special inscription,with something personal to you both just to give them that unique feel. Just to add a further bit of individuality to both rings, why not have the edges engraved,your rings can then be truly unique and reflect your personalities. It is worth remembering that you are choosing rings for your wedding and not someone else’s so as long as you both agree you can’t go wrong with your choice.

Throughout your marriage do not forget the importance of your wedding ring,do not treat it like another piece of jewelry as it will not often leave your finger. Hence, the quality of the material is of utmost importance. Should you purchase a diamond wedding ring based solely on the fact that it is being sold for a low price, you may find that over time, your ring begins to lose its luster. Assuming that you are spending a healthy sum of money it is important you ensure they fit correctly when they are placed on your fingers on the wedding day.

something which cannot be done over the internet. You want to be sure they will fit correctly to prevent them from being too tight or too loose and slipping off. Having your rings adjusted will take time so give the jeweler plenty of time prior to the wedding day. There may be other work to be carried out on your rings in addition to size adjustments, so choose them as soon as you can when you have set a date,allow as much time as possible (at least two months) to have any alteration or other work to be carried out.

Having an extensive choice of styles and designs is good but it can take quite some time to choose which suits both you and your partner the best. Both you and your partner should follow your instincts on your choice of diamond wedding rings,while remembering that what looks good today might not be quite as fashionable in a few years time. People will view your matching wedding rings a symbol of your love and your promise to each other.

Are you preparing to be married? If you are, then certainly you have given thought to the symbol of your marriage-the wedding band ring. Beyond the tradition and lore of the wedding ring from centuries past, it is your personal definition of what your wedding ring should be, in design, style and features that is most important.

A wedding band ring with its circular form exemplifies eternity, this is the ideal of marriage, two people commit to living their entire lives together. Therefore, while a wedding ring can be a simple band of gold, the quality of that gold should reflect a timelessness that speaks to your devotion to one another. You can enhance your wedding band ring as a symbol of your fidelity by having your names and marriage date engraved inside.

In fact, while there are traditions that view the giving of the wedding ring as the last in a series of gifts, today this custom is evolving into new ways to express the continuance of commitment in marriage with the “eternity” ring, to symbolize the happiness of a lasting marriage. In addition to this ring, there is now the “trilogy” ring, set with three brilliant cut round diamonds to represent the past, present and future of a relationship.

A wedding band ring is not just another piece of jewelry. Once it is placed on your finger, it will be worn more consistently than any other jewelry item you may acquire. Hence, the quality of the material is of utmost importance. Should you purchase a wedding ring based solely on the fact that it is being sold for a low price, you may find that over time, your wedding ring begins to lose its luster.

However a quality wedding band does not have to be prohibitively expensive, the Benchmark jewelers have a splendid array of wedding band rings in gold, platinum as well as rings made by combining two rings with both of these precious metals.

The tradition of the gold wedding band ring stems from ancient times as gold has always been considered the most beautiful and most valuable metal, partly because of its link to the human heart which has a high concentration of gold.

Gold has an intrinsic beauty, the warmth of its color continually reminds us of the center of our solar system, and in essence, when a gold wedding band ring encircles your finger in marriage, you become the center of another persons’ universe. Benchmark jewelers have designed an extraordinary selection of 14 karat gold wedding band rings of outstanding quality that truly reflect the deepest inner emotions that create a lasting marriage.

But, perhaps you prefer a wedding band ring with diamonds? If so, with the hundreds of styles and designs available for you to choose from, it is very easy to become overwhelmed, but the jewelers at Benchmark have made it simple: they provide you with only the best.

No doubt you have heard this phrase before, so how can you be sure that the gold wedding bands at Benchmark are indeed the best? Because they are one the only handful jewelers in the world that uses precision setting for their jewelry with diamond settings. Precision setting reveals a higher percentage of the stone to the eye, while providing a more secure setting for the stone.

There are many details involved in creating a lasting marriage filled with happiness, as you select your Benchmark wedding ring bands, you can be confident in its quality craftsmanship and design that it will continue to be as beautiful in the years to come as it was on your wedding day.

The tradition of flower girls and ring bearers actually dates back to Victorian times when they were used to entertain and wow the wedding attendees. Their size and innocent reactions are what make them so special. In fact, if you are having a formal wedding, children can be a great icebreaker. It is a very special honor however, for children to be a part of your wedding, but not manadatory.ComfortNo matter how precious the flower girl looks, if her dress and shoes are uncomfortable, it will be reflected in her face and behavior. Scratchy dresses and tight shoes have been responsible for everything from fidgeting to temper tantrums over the years, so take this issue seriously. Love a sleeveless dress we have but need sleeves? See all of our wonderful jackets that can be used again and again for different looks with other outfits.LengthThe age of your flower girl is a factor when choosing the length of her dress. A small child may wind up tripping over a long skirt, so it’s best to choose a shorter style. Depending on whether your flower girl is three or eight, the styles may vary as well. A younger girl can wear a knee length “princess” style dress, while an older girl might prefer a more sophisticated silhouette, with more length. If you are having multiple flower girls of varying ages, you can link their dress styles using color, fabric and even the flowers they carry. Just think beforehand about any steps to go up or down, because little girls tend to not think about pulling their dress up- remember they are carrying your flower basket! Most all of the dresses we carry are tea-length style just for this very reason. One tip to remember is on a floor length gown, in order for it not to buckle in the front, a child must be standing perfectly straight. This might not look so great in your wedding photos.The fact is, the majority of brides choose the tea-length style, therefore, most all of the dresses we carry are tea-length. If you love the look of floor-length, we will be happy to direct you to the dresses that run longer than others.QualityIf money is an issue, any pretty party dress, provided it works with the bridesmaid’s dresses, will do. However, resist the urge to purchase a dress of cheap fabric – cheap fabrics have been known to be very itchy. If possible, spend a bit more for a better fabric, keeping in mind that the dress doesn’t have to be a “one-time” dress — it can be re-worn often, from a portrait sitting to a birthday. It can also be preserved and handed down as an heirloom once the child grows out of it. All of the dresses we offer are lined for the comfort of the child adding durability to withstand long-term usage. There are a lot of junk dresses out on the market, so be careful! The dresses that we sell have withstood 15 years of salability and thousands of weddings, so be assured that you will be amazed at the quality of what we are selling for the price! We don’t sell anything we wouldn’t put on our own children. Period!FormalityFollow the dressiness of the entire wedding party. For a formal black and white wedding, a white organza dress with a beautiful back or hand bead work to match the bride looks exquisite. If you are in question about which style to choose, please email us a picture of your bridal attire, and we will be happy to assist you. We design a lot of our dresses around current wedding dresses, so we can help direct you to the best choice.Wrinkle FactorChoose fabrics that aren’t wrinkle prone, such as silk or velvet, for the best results. Also, wait until the very last possible minute to dress your flower girl. Her dress will be free from wrinkles, and you won’t have to worry about her wearing that glass of juice she’s going to demand just before the ceremony. Whatever the style you choose, avoid those that will make your flower girl look too sophisticated or “just like mommy.” This is an occasion when you want to play up her little girl charms. When else can she have the joy of wearing a princess dress, tiara and satin sashes? Perhaps this is why flower girl fashion has remained constant over the years — little girls love dressing up like little girls.

In the wedding market there is a trend that is leaving behind wedding traditions and going places
where weddings have never gone before. You can see dress styles changing faster than a super
model can fit into an elegant gown. Cakes are cutting loose, and brides are abandoning tradition
for the new and contemporary looks.
Wedding rings are no exception, and although most wedding rings were made of gold, according
to tradition, now wedding rings are getting a new look. Instead of the traditional gold wedding
rings, there are now more and more couples that are going platinum with their wedding ring
choices. There are various reasons that new brides and grooms are choosing platinum wedding
rings.Simple Elegance
One reason that many couples are deciding to go with platinum wedding rings is because of their
modern, chic look that speak of simple elegance. These rings have a great sparkle to them and
they stay looking great for many years, as well. Platinum is a great choice in wedding rings
because it can easily withstand daily tasks like cleaning the house, being in water, and even some
of the more rough, rigorous jobs that men deal with. If you are marrying a man that does heavy
labor with his hands, platinum is a great choice.
Another reasons that many people choose platinum wedding rings is to avoid allergies. Some
people have allergies to metals such as gold and silver and may not be able to wear rings
containing those metals, but platinum rarely causes any allergic reaction in humans. If you want
to avoid having allergy problems with your wedding rings, then, once again, platinum is the best
choice.Go in Style
While you may think that platinum wedding rings only come in a few styles, this is not true.
There are many different styles of platinum wedding rings that you can choose from. Whether
you are looking for wedding rings that are simple and elegant, or something that is a bit more
elaborate, more than likely, you can find what you want in a platinum ring.
Many women especially like platinum wedding rings because they look so wonderful with
diamonds. You can choose to have diamonds set in your wedding rings or you can just use them
to look great alongside your engagement ring. Either way hey make an excellent choice, and the
color of this metal plays up the beauty of a diamond. The only downside to buying platinum
wedding rings with diamonds is that they can be expensive, but when you consider that you will
be wearing these rings for your entire life, the price just may be worth it.
If you are getting married in the new future, you should consider platinum wedding rings for your
big day. They are the newest trend in wedding rings, and they provide a look that is elegant and
timeless. Platinum is a metal that will never go out of style, so make a great choice and choose
platinum wedding rings for you and your groom.

 

While you may think of diamond engagement rings of being set with a single stone, this is not always the case. There are plenty of diamond rings that are set with other stones that are used as engagement rings. The aspect of the ring that makes it stand apart from other rings is that the diamond engagement rings usually have one stone that stands out amid the rest and are symmetrical in nature. This is not always the case, but tradition. 

 

Today, diamond rings come in all shapes and sizes.  You can get diamond rings that are set in either platinum or white gold as well as yellow gold. Many women today prefer the look of white gold. You can get just diamonds or other gems as well. Diamond rings set in white gold have a sparkling effect and glisten from the hands. They look elegant on the fingers of whoever is wearing them. 

 

Most couples today go together to choose diamond engagement rings.  Many times, a woman wants to choose her own ring as she intends to wear it for the rest of her life. In addition to wanting to have a certain style when it comes to her diamond rings, a woman also wants to make sure the ring fits.  Diamond rings are not like any other type of jewelry as they have to be sized. Diamond engagement rings are costly and have sentimental value.  No one wants them to slip off their finger. Nor does anyone want to have their diamond ring on so tight that it interferes with the circulation of the finger on which it is worn. 

 

In some cases, a man may want to select a ring for his intended wife as a surprise.  It helps if he has an idea of what she likes when it comes to diamond rings. It also helps to know her size. Knowing what size diamonds she likes, if she prefers a solitaire diamond or a gemstone setting, if she prefers white gold to yellow, brushed finish to polished. All of these come into play when it comes to choices that are made with regard to diamond engagement rings. 

 

Diamond engagement rings are the most special of all diamond rings as they indicate a promise as well as a hope for the future. Men who choose diamond engagement rings for the woman who they love have a great deal of choices to make. While every woman dreams of being surprised when it comes to getting engaged and being presented with a ring, she usually has a diamond in mind that she would like. The more that is known about her wishes, the easier the choice will be to buy a diamond engagement ring.  Men who want to not take any chances and get her something that she will love, should either pay close attention if she is talking at rings or admiring them, or just propose without the ring and allow her to choose the ring herself from the many diamond engagement rings offered by fine jewelers.