'Tis the Season to Be-Jeweled

Ah, the holidays ~ what a magical time to be engaged to the one you love. Are you in the market for the perfect ring that says, "I love you" a thousand different ways? Here are some tips while shopping for the perfect diamond.

Always remember the four "C"'s ~

1. Carat ~ 100 points = 1 carat, or 1/5 of a gram. It's rare for a stone to weigh more than one carat.
2 Color ~ Diamonds are typically white, although a completely white diamond is very rare. Colors go all the way to a yellowish stone, and colored diamonds are also becoming very popular. Other colors include blue, yellow, red, green and even brown or champagne.
3. Clarity ~ Clarity refers to the stone's natural imperfections. The fewer the flaws, the more expensive the stone. As most imperfections can only been seen under a magnifying glass, this is a good place to save money if you wish to purchase a larger stone.
4. Cut ~ All finished diamonds have 58 facets, which are small planes that reflect light. The better the cuts, the better the reflection. Common cuts are emerald, princess, oval, pear, marquis and heart, but the most common and usually the most reasonably priced is the round cut.

Don't feel limited to diamonds as your gemstone ~ many brides prefer sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or amethyst. Another possibility is a family heirloom.

Once you've found the perfect gemstone and setting, make sure you insure your investment ~ you'll be glad you did!

Congratulations and Best Wishes,

Victoria

The Economy vs. Your Wedding

Just great ~ the country goes into an economic "R" for recession, and you're planning the most special day of your life ... so far! Don't let the duldrums get to you, but do plan wisely. Carefully prepare your budget so that you don't run up unnecessary debts ~ by all means, do let a wedding professional help you. They know all the ins and outs, and can help you save money in the long run.

Determine who's paying for what, right up front. Her parents, his parents, bride & groom, lay all the cards on the table so that there are no surprises. Remember to communicate with all involved, even though it's your wedding.

Use your imagination, cut where you need to. Start by paring the guest list and send announcements to those you couldn't invite ~ they'll still love you and be so excited that you found that special someone, and you'll save a lot of money!

Happy planning ~

Victoria