If you have been catching up on diamonds, you may have heard or come across the phrase “no two diamonds are similar.” According to the Pricescope Diamond forum, a highly regarded source of independent news on diamonds, inclusions are the reasons for this. You won’t ever find two diamonds having the same type, location, size, or the number of imperfections.

While the diamonds may have the same clarity grade assigned to them through the GIA or AGS certification scales, the inclusions will vary. The imperfections also have a direct impact on each diamond’s sparkle. They can reduce their ability to sparkle by making it impossible for light to pass through and refract through it.

Diamond Clarity Grades and their Meaning

By now you already know that GIA and AGS certification systems, the two industry standards on quality, employ different grading criteria. To provide you with a better understanding of the clarity grades, we have taken the time to provide a simplified breakdown comprising of the two.

AGS 0: Internally Flawless or Flawless

Diamonds in this category have no blemishes or inclusions noticeable under 10X. For Internally Flawless diamonds, their inclusions may not be visible, but they are likely to have tiny blemishes on their surfaces.

AGS 1 or 2: VVS

If the stone is graded VVS1 or VVS2 (AGS 1 or 2), it means that it contains tiny inclusions that can’t be viewed even by a skilled grader using a magnification of 10X lense.

AGS 3 or 4: VS

Very slightly included (VS) diamonds have a clarity grade of VS1 or VS2 (AGS 3 or 4).

AGS 5,6, or 7: SI

Stones in this category have Slight Inclusions and are assigned a clarity grade of SI1 or SI2 (AGS 5,6, or 7). Their inclusions tend to be noticeable and can easily be seen even when using a magnification of less than 10X. In certain cases, the naked eye can also view the inclusions.

AGS 7,8,9, or 10: I

This category refers to the Included diamonds or those having a clarity grade of I1, I2, or I3 (AGS 7,8,9, or 10). Such inclusions are easily noticeable, especially when using 10X magnification. If you look closely, you can also see some of the inclusions using your naked eye. When the diamond is in the lower clarity levels, this may affect its overall durability.

The determination of the diamond’s clarity involves striking a balance between eye visibility, the microscope at 10X, and the stone’s appearance. Higher power may be needed to identify inclusions that may prove difficult to determine. This often includes diamonds in the VVS category.

Granted, diamond size (carat) is important, which is why it’s included in the 4Cs. But this doesn’t mean that you should opt for size over clarity. Clarity is equally important, and that’s the reason it’s able to influence price tags and light performance.

It’s no small feat to be the one to pop the question. You have to pick out the perfect ring and then come up with a proposal that will make a great story in the years to come.

While it’s always true that what matters most is the love between you and your future spouse, it’s also a good idea to get inspired for your proposal. Check out these six ways you can pop the question in style, so you don’t have to worry about it for another minute.

1. Use a Photo Booth

Retro things always find a way to swing back around and become popular again. Even though everyone has a camera in their phone, photo booths have become mainstream once again.

The key is to find a photo booth that happens to be in a place that isn’t too out of the usual for you both to visit. Stop by an arcade while you’re at the beach and ask to pose for photos in the photo booth inside.

You’ll get a strip of photos that will catch every moment after you pull out the ring, which will be an adorably retro way to celebrate your engagement.

2. Travel to a Destination

Who doesn’t enjoy getting away every once and a while? When your other half is feeling stressed out and needs a break, take them away to a romantic destination.

That gives you the perfect location for your proposal. Deciding on the location is one of the most important choices to make about your proposal. Wait until you’re both having fun and then pop the question for a romantic surprise.

3. Compose a Song

If you know how to play an instrument like a guitar or the piano and you also have some experience writing lyrics, you should propose with a song.

Nothing says style and class more than composing a proposal song. You can make it as romantic, funny and personal as you’d like. It’s an extra way to show how much the proposal means to you, so go for it if you can.

4. Make It Formal

Will your fiance want a fairytale wedding, complete with ball gowns and midnight dances? Then the perfect proposal may be one where everyone involved gets to dress up in formal clothing.

Invite friends and family out for dinner at a classy restaurant and let the manager know ahead of time that you’ll be proposing. The restaurant may be able to help you celebrate after you pop the question by lighting candles and providing champagne for everyone to enjoy.

5. Build a Keepsake

Some people love to carry mementos around from memories they’ll always treasure. Maybe your fiancé+ has the ticket stub to the first football game you ever went to together, or a wrinkled copy of the first photo you ever took out on a date.

If that’s the case, your fiance may adore you for building a proposal keepsake more than where or when the proposal happens. You can make your own ring box or a sign that pops the question.

6. Visit a Christmas Tree Farm

Sometimes proposing in style means going with the season of the year when you propose. If you’re thinking about proposing during the winter, try to time it so you can ask your partner for their hand in marriage at a Christmas tree farm.

Proposing at a tree farm has actually become quite popular in recent years, and it’s easy to pack a few more surprises in besides the ring. Have your fiancé’s family hidden behind a few trees to celebrate with you afterwards.

Make It Personal

Whatever proposal style makes the most sense to you, do it with a little personal touch. Add in a callback to your favorite memories together or your plans for the future. Your fiancé will end up loving the proposal almost as much as you, no matter what you decide to go with.

Shoot it Locally!

While there’s nothing wrong with opting for a tropical destination to really immerse in the beauty of nature, we felt it would be more personal and practical if you choose a place near your location.

Explore local sites! This way you could experience the beauty of nature, save a ton from traveling costs, spare yourselves from stress while promoting local sites. A simple way to actually be nature-friendly and still achieve a beautiful experience.

Choose a Nature-inspired Engagement Ring

One of the challenges in themed shoots is incorporating the concept into the details- and what better way to integrate this motif than through the nature-inspired engagement rings. Floral accents and nature-inspired patterns would simply do the trick! From minimalist designs to fancy pieces, nature-inspired engagement rings will surely be the statement that will highlight the whole engagement shoot.

Be truly one with nature and opt for engagement rings with lab-grown diamonds. This way you’re guaranteed that what you’re wearing is conflict-free and crafted without negatively impacting the environment and its native communities – upholding the true essence of being inspired by nature!

Wear Nothing Fancy

Set your wardrobe that both of you can relate to- but wear nothing fancy. Since we are highlighting nature and your engagement, wearing something extra would take away the whole concept of the shoot.

You can say that there’s nothing wrong with wearing something elegant, but keep in mind that something EXTRA would overshadow the beauty that you’re aiming for. You can wear a floral dress and comfortable sandals and still have gorgeous shots.

Enjoy Nature!

The best thing about nature-themed shoots? Experiencing nature! And opting to make it as your engagement concept is beautiful in itself! The whole experience in opting for this concept isn’t all about having floral patterned outfits, nature-inspired décor and nature-friendly options, it is all about enjoying the beauty of nature and experiencing its simple charm which truly makes your engagement shoot unforgettable.

If you’re searching for an ethical, conflict-free engagement ring or bridal jewelry, MiaDonna has you covered. Handcrafted in the U.S.A. using recycled precious metals, lab-grown gemstones, and of course, lab-grown diamonds, their collection of fine lab-grown diamond jewelry is guaranteed conflict-free, crafted without negatively impacting the environment or native communities. As a foundation-first company, MiaDonna proudly gives back at least 10% of net profits from every purchase to their charity foundation, The Greener Diamond, to fund education, mentorship, agricultural, and urgent relief programs in diamond mining communities in countries such as Liberia, Togo and Sierra Leone, Africa.

*** Thank you MiaDonna for sponsoring this article. Amazing advertisers like MiaDonna help me keep the blog running. ***

Jewelry Trends for Mother’s Day

Nothing says, “I love you” more than a gorgeous piece of jewelry. With all the options, how can you possibly pick the right piece? We’ll make it easy on you.

Blue sapphire rings are emerging as the next “diamond” of jewelry. The rich blue stone is gorgeous for rings, necklaces, and other jewelry. It is classic and timeless, perfect for mom.

The Story Behind Blue Sapphire

The Persians had a true fondness for sapphire stones, believing that the earth was created on top of a very large one! They believed that the sky’s blue color was a reflection of the blue gem. In Greece and Rome, it was once believed that the stone protected their owners from harm. Other cultures also regarded the stone as healing and calming for the spirit and body.

Which Sapphire to Choose?

There are varying colors to sapphire gemstones. The more popular colors are blue green sapphires and blue sapphires. The rich, royal color is a beautiful complement to all skin tones and makes a great gift.

You’ll love blue green sapphire and blue sapphire rings because they come in a myriad of gorgeous options. There are a ton of styles to suit every taste: round, oval, square, pear shapes, and much more.

You’ll also enjoy the budget-friendly price, compared to more expensive stone jewelry like diamonds. This means you can enjoy a more flawless stone and/or a larger stone without breaking the bank.

Why Sapphires?

So, what is so special about sapphires?

This gemstone is truly one of the most coveted and adored. It is timeless which means it will never go out of style and can be enjoyed for years to come. It really makes an amazing gift for every mother in your life: mom, wife, sister, best friend, etc.

If you are seeking a truly special, thoughtful gift, consider the beautiful blue sapphire and blue green sapphire rings for the perfect gift this Mother’s Day.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jewelers Mutual Insurance. All opinions are 100% mine.
Right after my husband proposed, I felt sad. How could I be the happiest person in the world, yet sad at the same time? Let me share my story with you. Don’t worry, there is a happily ever after!

A Proposal Among The Aspen Leaves

Fall has always been my favorite time of the year. I was very happy when, on a crisp October day, my husband-to-be (though I didn’t know it yet!) suggested that we go for a walk on a little trail that was right across the way from the cabin that we were renting. I loved looking at the leaves and even collecting them! I agreed, and we made our way to the trail. As we walked, we found a nice place to stop for a moment and look around. We were right in the middle of an aspen grove, and every tree was its own shade of yellow, gold, or soft red. It was there that my husband proposed to me! The moment was so unbelievably precious, and I was on cloud nine as we walked home, hand in hand. But as thoughts started to flood into my mind about how I would tell my family, my heart started to feel heavy. Though we lived in Colorado, I grew up in Vermont. My immediate family still lives in Vermont, and a part of me suddenly wished that I could show them in person the tear-shaped diamond ring that was now on my finger. When we got back to the cabin, my husband ran in ahead of me. By the time I entered our home, I was greeted by a surprise that took all of my sadness! There on our wide-screen TV was my whole family, holding up a toast to the camera. My husband had connected our laptop to the TV, and had arranged for my whole family to be with us through Skype! I could’t believe it! Tears came to my eyes for a second time that day as I excitedly held up my ring to show everyone.

The Planning Begins

As our wedding planning began, things started to get really hectic. We wanted to get married in Vermont, so lots of our choices had to be made over the computer or phone. Travel arrangements and figuring out ways to get our Colorado friends and family to Vermont added to the mix. My mother expressed concern about my traveling with my ring, and asked if I had insurance. I hadn’t even thought about it! I got online to do my research and came across Jewelry Insurance 101. I then decided to receive a free quote from Jewelers Mutual (it was really quick and easy!). I actually didn’t know that I needed a specific kind of insurance for my ring, but my mom explained that they were experts in jewelry insurance, unlike any general insurance companies. My hubby did such a great job picking the perfect ring for me and I didn’t want to risk anything happening to it! If you’re recently engaged or looking at rings, you should really check out this article that helps you learn what brides-to-be want in an engagement ring. Anyways, I was so glad to get the ring of my dreams and felt so relieved once my ring was insured! The peace of mind alone was so priceless. Now I recommend jewelry insurance to all of my newly engaged friends! I was glad my mom suggested it. Knowing that my ring was safeguarded let me focus on the plans ahead instead of stressing. Whether you are newly engaged or have been married for years, I really recommend checking into a policy. I was excited to wear my ring on our travels back to Vermont. In my hometown, everyone that we came across wanted to congratulate us and give us their blessing. It felt so good to have our wedding surrounded by familiar scenery, friends and family. But as we boarded the plane to go home I was able to smile, knowing that my family was only a Skype call away! Get a free jewelry insurance quote

Faceted Wood Ring Box by Woodstorming

Left: Engraved Personalized Tree Ring Box by Morgan Hill Designs  / Right: Pinterest

Custom wood ring box with carved initials and date by LV Woodworks

Driftwood and clam shell box, photo by Love Birds & Lace

Take a vintage book and cut out a hideaway space – fasten with velvet ribbon, via Brit.co

The MRS. Box

Wood Slice Ring box by Mountain Ursus Designs

Hand Turned Wood Acorn Engagement Ring Box by Home Refinery

Inspired by the pixar movie, UP. Ellie’s adventure book engagement ring box by The Model Maker

Have a creative engagement ring box idea? We’d love to hear them! Let us know in the comments below.

From the Groom…

Before the Ring:
We met while I was bartending at The Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Shawna came to the pool bar with some friends and I noticed her right away. She came up to order her drinks and we hit it off almost immediately; making each other laugh and talking about how we knew all the same people but hadn’t met until that moment. After she went back to join her group of friends I even remarked to my coworker “now THAT’S a girl I could see myself with.” Through the next couple years, we kept in touch but the opportunity to date each other never really presented itself. When the time was right though, we casually met for drinks after work and never turned back. Five years later and it still feels brand new.

The Proposal:
I didn’t want to do the cliché, “ring in the champagne” type of proposal. I realized that throughout our relationship, we had accumulated quite a few “regular” spots we frequented and decided that a little scavenger hunt would be a creative way to pop the question. I set up a series of clues around town, starting with the place we met: The Hyatt Regency where I worked; followed by the kissing statue near Marina Jacks where we always went to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July (our anniversary), Libby’s (the restaurant we always go to for our anniversary), The Table (the restaurant we went to for valentine’s day), and finally to Siesta Key (the only beach we ever go to in town and Shawna’s favorite place in the whole world). Each clue was paired with a piece of a big love note I wrote her, and I had a photographer waiting at the final spot to capture the moment I got on one knee and asked Shawna to marry me. After she said yes, both of our families came out of hiding to surprise her after having been present to witness the whole proposal. I couldn’t have done all this without Shawna’s sister Kristyn, who helped to make sure that everything went off without a hitch! Shawna was definitely surprised! After some more photos were taken and Shawna was filled in on the depths we went to in order to keep the day a secret, we all met at our favorite spot, Libby’s to celebrate together.

Photographer: Ashlee Hamon Photography, INC. / Props: Their own + Hobby Lobby (scrabble pieces), Home Goods and Marshall’s / Sunflowers: Fresh Market

From the Bride…

Nima and I got to know about each other when we were continents apart. Waiting to meet one another was just as exciting as the first date when I truly felt like I had met my soul mate. I was jet-lagged the first day I got back to Vancouver and he was about to go on vacation the next day but that didn’t stop us from meeting each other. Our love was born that day and it blossomed every day when I looked at the incredible comfort and peace in his eyes. Our life blossomed with every connection we established through our experiences together.  He gave me my “rock” on top of the Rockies in Banff on my birthday. Every day from the first day I met him has been a blessing and I cannot wait to feel blessed with his love and affection for the rest of this gorgeous thing we call, life. A life as breathtakingly beautiful as a cherry blossom on a beautiful spring day.

Photographer: Maru Photography / Venue: Vancouver

From the bride: I wanted our engagement pictures (and wedding) to represent us: our style, our interests, and our history. I also wanted a location who’s beauty and charms would set the tone for our day and compliment our vintage/rustic theme. I knew the Blue Ridge Mountains would be the perfect place for the wedding and engagement pictures. We were lucky to have our e-session at the peak of the changing leaves, so the fall colors made an unbeatable backdrop. Everything came together so beautifully!

Photography: Fletcher & Fletcher Photography