'Tis the season to get engaged...

...And for those of you considering doing a little gem shopping for the holidays, I am reposting a little item that I created for another board a while back. Enjoy!

Originally posted July 31, 2006 at I-Cat's Board
They say a dog is man's best friend, but I have to say I like my dogs a LOT! But I like my diamonds, too. Bruce Weber of the Utica Square store taught me to "grade" stones, and there has been no living with me ever since. So if you are in need of a fabulous rock, I'm your girl! Here are a few little beauties for your viewing pleasure.

Photo credits: "'Tis the season" photo courtesy of Samsclub.com; "Classic" Tiffany ring photos courtesy of Tiffany.com; "Anniversary," "Asscher" and "Fancy" ring photos courtesy of Samsclub.com

The Classic

This ring is timeless and will never go out of style. The Tiffany round brilliant solitaire in platinum. I tried one of these on in Kansas City earlier this month when I visited my sister. The 1 ct was around the $20K mark, the 2.08 ct (my personal favorite, of course!) was about $60K. Diamond or house? You decide. I included the side view of this ring because there are many settings out there that call themselves a "Tiffany 6-prong setting" and, while they may have six prongs, they are NOT the Tiffany setting. Notice the "W" shape created by the opening where the mounting joins the shank. This setting maximizes light passage through the stone, creating the most brilliance.

The Anniversary

This is the currently popular 3-stone ring...past, present, future. Which one is the big one? This particular ring can be had from the Sam's (yes, you read it right) "dream" collection, weighing in at 7.96ct and for the bargain price of $169K.Do you have any idea how long I could live on $169K???

The Asscher

I believe this stone was first created around the 20s, but it has seen a surge in popularity in the last ten years and it now quite sought after. A word to the wise, however...if you can't afford a huge rock, you lose some bang for your buck with the Asscher because the trimming of the corners and the facet cutting leave less "table" for the stone weight. For our trivia buffs, the princess (square) and the marquise (football-shaped) are the two stones that look the largest for their carat weight. The RBC is one of the most expensive stone shapes to cut because the round shape means less more "wasted" diamond due to corner loss (for lack of a better way to explain it). Just thought you might like to know!This little beauty weighs in at 7.12ct and has a pricetag of $250K. Aidan gave Carrie an Asscher when he proposed on Sex and the City.

The "Fancy"

This is the name given to the colored stones, and this one is a beautiful cushion cut in cognac. Colored diamonds come in a variety of colors, the most popular currently being canary and pink. There are also blue, green, black, etc. Due to the rise in popularity of colored stones (does anyone here recall a certain J-Lo pink diamond from her "Bennifer" days?) they are often priced higher than white stones. While this is beautiful, I prefer to stick with tradition.

This not-so-little gem has a total weight (side white baguettes included) of 31.91ct and a hefty price tag of $411.4K. I think I would need bigger hands. And a super-sized wallet! Thanks, but I will take a house, retirement fund, and a trip to Paris for that kind of cash!

Better picture of the Blue India City...this time taken outside without flash.

One more...my Blue India City is finally here. The Part-Time (bag in back) has been shipped back, but the City might be a keeper. LOVE this color...it's so Caribbean!

I know I shouldn't love these boots, but I do. Seriously, I MUST HAVE THEM!

New Bare Escentuals PEACOCK kit for fall/winter. Check out the inside of the bronze clutch! This is too cute.