Not all diamond wedding rings are the same. There are many different qualities and characteristics to take into consideration, so think carefully about what you want out of your diamond ring!

Precious Metal

Metal type is very important to the overall look and feel of your diamond wedding band.
 

White Metals

White metals are very popular right now because their bright white finish beautifully complements the whiteness of diamonds, making the diamonds appear brighter. These white metals (platinum, white gold, and palladium) take a step back and allow the diamonds to be the center of attention.

Yellow & Rose Gold

Yellow and rose gold are beautiful, distinctive options. These warm, alluring metals stand out against the sparkle of the diamonds, setting them apart from white metals.

Yellow gold is seen as very luxurious as it is associated with pure 24 carat gold, making it a desirable option. Rose gold has also become very popular because it gives diamonds a soft, romantic glow.  Both yellow and rose gold complement a variety of skin tones.

Recycled Gold

Gold mining has a history of being environmentally destructive, so choosing a ring made of recycled precious metals helps to diminish the overall demand for further gold mining. Metal can be endlessly recycled while maintaining its original quality, making it a beautiful, renewable resource!

Style

Diamond wedding bands come in a wide variety of styles! The way a ring’s accent diamonds are set determines how the ring looks and how wearable it is. Wearability is key to consider if you have an especially active lifestyle.

Shared Prong Setting

In a shared prong setting, multiple diamonds are lined up next to each other so that they can—yep, you guessed it—share prongs! Each prong does double duty, clasping two diamonds in place. This is a beautiful setting because it shows off a diamond to the fullest, but you need to be careful not to snag shared prong rings on hair or clothing.
 
Recommended for:

-Women who don’t work with their hands (computers excluded!)

-A calm lifestyle, where the wearer does not engage in rigorous
outdoor exercise
 

Pavé Setting \pa-’vā\

Pavé diamonds are set within two thin bars of precious metal, the crown of the diamond level with the surface. The empty space between the stones is then filled with precious metal, creating a bead that keeps them in place. This setting produces a “paved” look of pure sparkle. This setting will often feature two or more rows of pavé diamonds set closely together, creating a solid ring of light.
 
Recommended for:

-Women who occasionally work with their hands.

-Moderate lifestyle
 

Channel Setting

Channel set wedding rings are a traditional, classic style. With this setting, diamonds are secured at the girdle (the widest part of the circumference) between two strands of precious metal. The diamonds are securely set in tiny grooves on either side. You will often find princess and emerald cut diamonds in channel set wedding rings because these shapes sit flush against each other. This setting is clean, streamlined, and pairs beautifully with a
channel set engagement ring.
 
Recommended for:

-Women who occasionally work with their hands.

-Moderate lifestyle
 

Bezel and Flush Settings

Accent diamonds are considered to be bezel set when a thin strand of metal surrounds all or most of a diamond’s girdle, and it may or may not enclose the sides. This leaves the crown (the top) of the diamond visible, while the rest is safely tucked away. Bezel set wedding rings often create a “scalloped” edge when multiple bezels are connected, though shapes such as princess and emerald create a straight line.
 
 

A flush set diamond is set into the band so that no part of the diamond protrudes beyond the surface. The surface of a flush set diamond wedding ring is completely smooth, making the ring highly wearable.
 
Recommended for:

-Outdoorsy women

-Active lifestyle

-Women who work with their hands daily

Eternity Wedding Bands

 
Diamond eternity bands have diamonds encircling the entire circumference of the ring. Some women love these rings because of their romantic connection to eternal love and lasting commitment. Others simply appreciate that no matter which way the ring turns, diamonds will always be at the forefront. These bands are a popular option, particularly if you have a simple engagement ring.

Antique vs. New

 
If you are looking for a unique diamond wedding band, look no further than a stunning antique ring. A wedding ring is a beautiful symbol that deserves to have a long life, bringing joy to more than just its original owner. These rings have a romantic past, and they are just waiting to begin a new life with you and your partner.

 

Custom

 
If you and your partner want to be involved in the creation of your rings, creating a custom diamond wedding band is an amazing option. The sky is the limit when you go custom—you can use diamonds to create whatever design you want! Designing a wedding ring with your partner makes it infinitely more precious.
 

Final Thoughts

 
If you are planning on wearing your diamond wedding band on the same finger as your engagement ring, we highly recommend that you choose a band that has a similar metal and diamond setting. A diamond wedding band is your “forever ring,” so make sure that you love it as much as you love your partner!
 
What does your future (or current!) diamond wedding band look like? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments!
 
 

The post What to Know Before Buying A Diamond Wedding Band appeared first on Brilliant Earth Blog.

When gold and diamond miners die on the job, deliberate violence is very often the cause. In Zimbabwe and Angola, mining company security guards have been shooting and killing local diamond miners. In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), gold miners work in the midst of a bloody civil war. But there is another very common way in which miners can suddenly lose their lives – and that’s when the mines they work in collapse.

Recent news stories from three different African countries demonstrate how serious a problem this is. The BBC reported last week that a gold mine collapse in the DRC killed at least 20 people. The miners were almost 100 feet below ground when the tunnel above them collapsed due to heavy rain. Last month in Ghana, a gold mine collapse took at least 16 lives. The miners were working in abandoned gold mine that caved in unexpectedly. Additionally, in the Darfur region of Sudan, a gold mine collapse earlier this month killed about 100 people.

These accidents are not unusual. Reports of mine collapses appear in the news with alarming frequency, such as this gold mine collapse in the DRC in 2012 or this collapse in Ghana in 2010. And these reports don’t capture the entire problem. Many deaths never make international news. A government minister in Ghana recently stated that over 300 people in his country alone probably died in mining accidents over a two-year time span between 2011 and 2012.

Although people have always died in these sorts of mine collapses, we suspect that the problem has gotten a lot worse lately. The high price of gold during the past few years has attracted more and more people into artisanal gold mining, or  the kind of gold mining that relies on simple methods like panning in streams or digging makeshift mine shafts.

Artisanal gold mining has always been dangerous. It tends to be poorly regulated and miners often don’t take safety precautions. (It is also extremely bad for the environment because most artisanal miners rely on mercury, a toxic substance, to isolate gold.)  But the influx of new gold miners – there may now be as many as 15 million artisanal gold miners worldwide – means even more accidents.

In Ghana, another factor seems to be contributing to the mine collapses. Many of the gold miners dying in accidents are Chinese nationals who have come to Ghana to try to strike it rich. The fact that many of these miners do not have legal status gives them an incentive to mine without government approval, which means they are not subject to safety regulations. In addition, some of the miners come to Ghana with capital to finance their operations – which may increase the amount of mining they can do and possibly the overall chances of accidents.

We think that any death tied to gold or diamond mining – whether due to violence or a workplace accident – is a needless tragedy. Unfortunately, eliminating these accidents won’t be easy. In the DRC and Sudan, the governments are weak and corrupt. (Eastern DRC is in a civil war so the government isn’t even fully in control.) Ghana’s government is better positioned to enforce stricter safety regulations. President John Mahama last week announced that his government will clamp down on illegal mining. But better enforcement carries its own risks, such as the risk of violence against illegal miners.

In spite of all this, we still have hope. We know from experience that jewelry can be produced without causing great harm to people or the environment. (We use only recycled precious metals in our own jewelry and obtain our diamonds from ethical sources that follow strict labor and environmental standards.) We also believe that by raising consumer awareness and building consumer demand for ethical jewelry, governments and the mining industry over the long term will make it a bigger priority to ensure that all mines are safe.

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Some men bring in a picture of their girlfriend on their phones because you can tell a lot about a girl’s style from her picture.
 
What about lifestyle?
 
Beth: Lifestyle and hobbies are important- a lot of it has to do with wearability. Women who are out hiking, backpacking, rock-climbing, gardening, or doing yoga—they probably shouldn’t be wearing something super delicate, or anything too high set. For these women we suggest semi-bezels, bezels, and low baskets. For the very active, it’s a good idea to leave off side accents.
 
Is there a particular metal that is popular?
 
Beth: White metals are very popular right now—white gold and platinum. An alternative metal, palladium, is also increasingly popular for those that want the hypoallergenic qualities of platinum at a lower price point. White metals are typically a safe bet. Rose gold has been very hot, but it’s a bit riskier. Rose gold looks especially beautiful with vintage and modern designs. Pay attention to the type of jewelry she wears. If she wears mostly yellow gold, go for that. If it’s mostly white gold, go for white gold.
 
Pay attention and do your homework before you shop!
 

When do you suggest antique rings?
 
Beth: If she loves everything vintage and lots of detail. Some guys are a little scared to go vintage. Engagement rings are a symbol of a person and a relationship that she will wear every day. He will be looking at that ring for the rest of his life, so he should like it! Men’s tastes are generally sleeker, so they might not be sure about antique, but I encourage them to pay attention to her personal style.

What are the most popular diamond sizes and settings you are asked about?
 
Beth: Quite often we get requests for 0.70 to 0.90 carat diamonds. This gives them the visual impact that they are looking for, but they’re not hitting the one carat mark, where we often see a more substantial price increase. Really, there’s no right or wrong diamond size. It all depends on comfort and wearability. We want everyone to feel good about the purchase, emotionally and financially.
 
As for settings, we are often asked about the iconic Brilliant Earth scroll patterns such as the Delicate Antique Scroll, the True Heart, and the Adorned Trio. Many women are also into organic rings like the Seacrest, Cascade, and Willow.

 
Do you ever suggest a colored gemstone?
 
Beth: I suggest it a bit more than most because I love colored gemstones! Sapphires can handle daily wear very well because they are the second most durable gemstone next to diamonds. They come in every color of the rainbow. We can match almost any color to a sapphire.  Some people even send us a picture of their girlfriend’s eyes so that we can match them exactly. It’s very romantic.
 
It is easy to be intimidated by diamonds. Diamonds can be so difficult to learn and understand because some of their characteristics can’t even be seen! When it comes to sapphires, the color just speaks to you. There’s not as much focus on the nitty gritty details. You either like it or you don’t!
 
Do you encourage men to design a custom ring?
 
Beth: Yes! Whether it is tweaking one little detail on an existing style to make it more personal or pulling details from different ring styles, we encourage that creativity. Our customers are very much involved in the design. Once they see that, they understand that the process isn’t that scary. Designing a custom ring is definitely a gutsier move.
 
Any take home points for what women want in an engagement ring?
 
Beth:  If you are buying an engagement ring for someone else, the best thing you can do is go with your gut instinct. There’s no wrong way to do it. Guys need to be a little easier on themselves!
 
 

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The Delfina Ring. This Victorian ring features thirteen hand-cut natural sapphires and fifty-six gorgeous diamonds. This timeless floral ring is an example of astounding craftsmanship.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
The Georgia Ring. Milgrain, engravings, filigree, and an Old European cut diamond are presented in this gorgeous Art Nouveau design. A feminine beauty.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

The Blakeley Ring. A sea blue topaz is encircled by twelve round brilliant diamonds, forming a starburst of color and light.
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Rosa Ring. A gorgeous mixed metal ring! This fun retro piece features delicate flowers and sparkling diamonds
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

The Pearl Ring. A pearl and diamond are in perfect harmony in this beautiful Victorian engagement ring.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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1. Unique wedding flowers
 
Roses, tulips, lilies, and peonies are gorgeous but very common wedding flower choices. Wedding-goers see some flowers so often that eventually they stop noticing them! Think outside the box and find something new and fresh to decorate with. Try using non-traditional flowers such as lavender or honeysuckle to give your bouquet a sweet, calming aroma. You can also make wonderful boutonnières and corsages by incorporating herbs such as rosemary, bay leaves, and basil. To create a dramatic effect, combine unusual flowers (or other botanicals) with crystal or stainless steel vases.
 
2. Unique wedding rings
 
Make your wedding rings stand out by choosing a distinctive style. There are so many ways you can make your ring unique! You can choose wedding rings with sapphires or other gemstones, you can put your fingerprint on the interior of your partner’s ring, or you can even choose a one-of-a-kind antique wedding ring! One popular way to personalize your wedding rings is to engrave a special message on the inside, such as your wedding date or a shared saying. Unique wedding bands make your wedding stand out on a more personal, intimate level.
 
3. Unique wedding gowns
 
It can be difficult to find a wedding dress that really stands out from the crowd. Most of us are content if we find a white dress that feels good and looks amazing, but if standing out as the bride is important to you, there are a number of unique wedding dresses to choose from! We have seen and heard of a number of unusual dresses over the years, including seersucker dresses, ombre dresses, and transformer dresses. Transformer dresses start off as long gowns, but the train can be removed to reveal a shorter party gown underneath. These unique wedding dresses are great for a daring, fashion forward bride! However, if you’re looking to strike the perfect balance between traditional and unique, consider a dress with feathers, large cloth roses, or an extra-long train.

 
4. Unique wedding videography
 
Ditch the boring videos that you’ll probably never watch more than once! Instead, ask a few of your guests to take amateur videos using their cell phones. Each person will have a different style, and you can edit them all together to have an Indie feel. Apps such as Top Camera, Videolicious, and Slomo make it easy to make interesting videos. You will end up with a one-of-a-kind video that you will love to watch with your family and friends for years!
 
5. Unique wedding drinks
 
Wine, beer, and champagne are standard drinks that will please many, but they aren’t exactly unique. Open bars shake things up a little, but you run the risk of your wedding turning into an expensive boozefest! A great idea is to work with a bartender to come up with a menu of personalized cocktails. For instance, you can take a classic martini and infuse it with pineapple vodka and jalapenos—you can even name your creations! The options are endless, which is why your guests might appreciate some gentle guidance. It’s also a good idea to have just as many fun non-alcoholic drinks to keep things balanced!
 
6. Unique wedding meals
 
Everyone eventually gets tired of fish, chicken, and steak. If you want a delicious, unique meal, look for caterers or venues that serve up local cuisine with unusual ingredients. Most of your guests will enjoy trying something unexpected (it’s a free meal, so they should)! For example, if you are getting married in New Mexico, include green chilies in your meal, or if you are in Maine serve up some creamy lobster clam chowder! A delicious, local meal is always memorable!

 
7. Unique wedding cake
 
The wonderful thing about wedding cakes is that the multiple layers allow you to keep with tradition but still branch out and try fun, memorable flavors. If you dare, try pina colada, mint, pineapple, bacon, margarita, mocha, amaretto, or rootbeer flavors! Turn your cake into something that your guests can’t stop talking about.
 
8. Unique wedding activities
 
Every wedding should have activities! Not everyone likes to dance, and kids in particular need to be kept busy. Get everyone to put down their phones and interact with each other! A great idea is to put a deck of cards on each table with a list of instructions on how to play different games. Not only is this incredibly fun, but it also acts as an ice breaker for tables where your guests might not know each other. Interactive games like charades and horseshoes also guarantee a great time. If you’d like to take it one step further, skip the predictable wedding venues and choose somewhere unique to hold your nuptials. Consider having your reception at a museum, science center, aquarium, historic building, zoo, or even on a boat!
 
Final Thoughts
 
Are you inspired yet? What are your unique wedding ideas? Tell on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below!
 
 

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The post Classic Engagement Rings appeared first on Brilliant Earth Blog.

 
 1. Hire set up and tear down help
 
Imagine that it is the morning of your backyard wedding. The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and the rental company has dropped off your tables and chairs at the end of a very, very long driveway. Now what do you do? To prevent yourself from having to carry heavy furniture to its proper place (and back the next morning), find a rental company that will deposit your tables, chairs, benches, and any other furniture you have ordered exactly where you want them. It might cost a bit more, but the help is completely invaluable!
 

2. Pitch a tent

 
Tents are a great idea for backyard weddings because they act as a backup plan in case of rain. Your host has lent you their backyard for the wedding, not their house, so if the rain starts pouring you should have somewhere for everyone to take cover. Tents can be very easy to decorate and they help to create designated spaces for your event. It is also a good idea to hold the ceremony under a tent so that your guests aren’t sitting directly in the sun or squinting their eyes to see you! Photo: Zephyr Tents
 

3. Bring the dance floor

 
Just because you’re having a backyard wedding doesn’t mean that you can’t have a rocking dance party! Many tent rental companies offer portable dance floors that can be set up in pieces. This is a great option if you don’t have enough hard surfaces in the backyard. People can dance on grass, but some women will have to worry about their high heels sinking into the ground, and the bottom of your wedding dress might turn green! Plus, how else are you going to show off your breakdancing moves?

4. Choose rings inspired by nature

 
When you get married outside, you are surrounded by nature’s beauty. The flowers, trees, creeping vines, and local birds all witness your union. You dine and dance under the sun and the moon, breathing in fresh air and gazing at the stars. Such an evening puts you in touch with nature, so show your connection with a wedding band that was inspired by it. These rings imitate nature’s creations with floral buds, twisting vines, and other organic shapes.

5. Rent heaters, air conditioning units, and restrooms

 
You want to make sure that your guests are comfortable and that they aren’t all sneaking inside. We suggest renting heaters and air conditioners, just in case. You will probably be running on adrenaline and therefore be immune to the weather, but your guests won’t be so lucky! Depending on the size of your event, it is also a good idea to rent extra restrooms. Even if you’re positive that they number of bathrooms is appropriate for the size of your event, don’t get stuck in case of a toilet emergency! This is a better-safe-than-sorry situation.
 

6. Use creative lighting

 
Utilizing a traditional indoor venue often limits your lighting options. Though many places are beginning to offer lighting alternatives, usually you’re stuck with what they provide. Having a backyard wedding opens up a world of possibilities. Tents are a beautiful place to hang lights, and it can also be easy to add unique lighting options on trees and decks. We highly recommend using twinkling string lights, hanging lanterns, and even inexpensive chandeliers. These options softly illuminate a backyard and look stunning as the sun falls behind the horizon. Below: Pottery Barn Teen lighting
 

7. Keep the music moderated

 
Although technically you are not subject to a venue’s rules about music, you do have to be considerate of your neighbors, particularly if you share a fence with them. We suggest that you perform a test—blast music in the backyard for a bit during the day and walk around the neighborhood to see how far the sound travels. Deliver letters to the neighbors that are within hearing distance informing them of your upcoming wedding and thanking them in advance for their patience and understanding. Finally, check your town’s website to find the noise laws so that you don’t inadvertently get the police called on your wedding!
 

8. Hire a caterer

Unless you are trying to save money (in which case having your guests bring dishes and barbequing is an awesome idea) it’s best to hire a caterer. This means that there won’t be any dishes to wash and the food isn’t your problem. A fun new trend is to get your favorite food truck to pull up to your wedding and allow your guests to order from there. Photo: Zephyr Tents
 

Final Thoughts

 
Backyard Weddings can be intimate, beautiful, and surprisingly easy! Make sure that you have seen to your guests’ comfort and everything else should fall into place. Enjoy your wedding day as it takes place in a familiar, comfortable, wonderfully unique location!
 
 

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In ancient Alexandria, alchemists devoted their lives to an outlandish task…they wanted to turn lead into gold! And who can blame them?  Who wouldn’t want an endless supply of this luxurious precious metal? Our love of gold has even seeped into our vocabulary. After all, the golden girls won Golden Globes while living out their golden years.  There was once a gold rush in the golden state where all that glitters is not gold. And everyone tries their best to live by the golden rule!

Gold implies that something is beautiful, unsurpassed, precious, and valuable, so is there any wonder why gold engagement rings are so sought after?

Gold Engagement Rings

Gold engagement rings have been highly sought after for ages. Gold is a stunning, brilliant metal that is extremely versatile. Gold engagement rings are based on a 24 karat scale. Though a 24 karat gold ring might sound desirable, it wouldn’t actually last very long. Pure gold is soft compared to other metals, and is therefore easily bent or damaged. The addition of stronger alloys creates beautiful hues of gold and helps increase its durability!

White Gold Engagement Rings

If you are looking for a sophisticated, stylish engagement ring, white gold engagement rings are a great choice. White gold and diamonds create a beautiful contrast of sparkle and shine, and it is a stunning alternative to platinum, which has a similar silver-white hue. White gold complements both diamonds and vibrant colored gemstones, opening up a world of color! Many people love the pure-white coloring of white gold engagement rings, and that color comes from the rhodium plating on white gold. Rhodium, a member of the platinum family, gives the ring a flawless finish.

Yellow Gold Engagement Rings

Yellow gold engagement rings are highly sought after for engagement rings because it makes diamonds pop and the warm, rich color goes great with many skin tones! Like white gold engagement rings, yellow gold combines pure gold with metal alloys. The percentages and metals used, however, maintain the yellow luster of pure gold. Yellow gold is most often associated with pure gold, and many choose this option to create a luxurious piece with a traditional appeal.

Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Rose gold engagement rings are a beautiful combination of yellow gold and copper, creating an appealing pink-hued tone. This mixture gives a soft, romantic look to a ring, and is a great option if you are looking for something unique.  Rose gold looks particularly beautiful with diamonds, beautifully setting off their brilliance and creating an overall glowing effect.

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Let Your Dress Be Your Guide

 
Are you having difficulty choosing between bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings? Don’t just pile them on—fine jewelry shouldn’t have to compete for space and attention!  The best way to choose your wedding jewelry is to look at your dress. Take cues from the amount of detailing and the neckline.
 

Detailing 

Is your dress covered in crystals and beading from head to toe? Or is it simple and unadorned? If you have a dress on the decorated end of the spectrum, it is wise to go lighter on your wedding jewelry. If not, your dress and jewelry might clash or compete for attention. Nothing should distract from your natural beauty! Simple diamond studs are a classic choice. They add a bit of sparkle around your face but they don’t overwhelm. In this situation, don’t go with a large statement piece—your dress is your statement piece!

If your dress is understated, consider yourself a blank canvas. Go with a statement piece, like diamond tear drop earrings or even a crystal belt! Allow smaller pieces to play a supporting role for whatever eye catching piece you choose to feature.

Neckline

Strapless/sweetheart

If your dress is strapless you’ll probably want some sparkle at your décolletage. Good news—you’re in the clear when it comes to necklaces and earrings! Look for a statement necklace that rests above the top of your dress, particularly if you have a sweetheart neckline. A diamond halo necklace is a beautiful option that will catch the light without distracting from the beauty of your dress. If you want to leave your neck bare, dramatic chandelier earrings are an equally stunning choice.

One-Shoulder

It’s not the best idea to wear large earrings or any necklace if you are wearing a one-shoulder dress. One-shoulder dresses create a very unique asymmetrical look, and adding a necklace might make you look lopsided. Half of the necklace would be on your skin and half would be on your dress, disrupting the dramatic cut of the dress. Beyond conflict free diamond studs and dramatic, sparkling bracelets are a great choice.

Halter

Similar to one-shoulder dresses, wearing a necklace with a halter top dress has the potential to look strange. The chain of the necklace might get tangled or lost in the straps of your dress, pulling the necklace to and fro. Overall it makes your neckline look cluttered and chaotic. Consider one-of-a-kind vintage drop earrings or more modern channel set hoops.

V-neck

If you would like to wear a necklace with a V-neck dress, take the size of the V into consideration. Straps that sit wide on your shoulders (closer to an off-the-shoulder dress) will leave your collar open for decoration. If your straps are encroaching on your neck and the V is very thin, you will want to go with a thin, short necklace such as an elegant recycled precious metal pendant.

Illusion

It is the general consensus that brides should not wear necklaces with illusion necklines. These necklines are delicate, transparent overlays that often lend a vintage feel to a modern dress. When you wear a wedding necklace you run the risk of snagging it on the illusion fabric. But don’t worry, illusion necklines are most often decorated with lace, beading, or crystals, so you probably won’t miss a necklace at all! If your illusion dress includes long sleeves, you might not want to wear bracelets because they might disappear.

Brilliant Earth Jewelry Tip

It doesn’t matter if it is 24 carat gold and covered in diamonds: brides simply should not wear watches to their weddings! Wearing a watch gives off the impression that the bride has somewhere else they’d rather be. Choose a sparkly bracelet instead!
 
 

Select Timeless Jewelry

 
Your wedding jewelry should be classic and well-made so that you will still be wearing those pieces on your fortieth wedding anniversary. Some styles are more long-lasting than others, so invest in a piece or two that will remain highly sought after for centuries. To find such jewelry, you must take two factors into account: style and craftsmanship.
 
When it comes to style, how do we know what is considered classic? The best thing to do is to look to our past. Diamond stud earrings, pendant necklaces, and dangling earrings have been popular for quite some time. If you want something timeless, lean towards sophisticated and simple rather than trendy.
 

As for craftsmanship, you want to have jewelry that will last generations! You will probably want to pass down your jewelry someday, so look for pieces that are expertly crafted and will pass the test of time. Our vintage wedding jewelry has passed that test with flying colors! Our classic rings, necklaces, and earrings were created in romantic eras of the past and they still dazzle today.

 
And just think, an antique sapphire ring could be your something old and something blue!
 

Final Thoughts

 
Let your own style shine through in your wedding jewelry selection. To achieve the best look for you, try to match your jewelry to your dress and look for styles that endure!
 
Just remember, as you’re walking down the aisle all your partner will be able to see is your dazzling smile!
 
 

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In early March, a man named Herbert Manhanga was walking in the vicinity of the valuable Marange diamond fields in eastern Zimbabwe. Manhanga lived nearby, and a few other local residents were with him. According to Manhanga’s sister, the group encountered some security guards for Marange Resources, a diamond mining company. Manhanga dropped his hat and tried to pick it up, at which point one of the guards opened fire, killing him instantly. An analysis determined that the cause of death was two bullet wounds to his head.

A police officer told Manhanga’s sister that the police would not conduct an investigation because Manhanga had been trespassing in a “protected area.” And when the Center for Research and Development (CRD) – a human rights group that has received Brilliant Earth funding – called Marange Resources to inquire about the death, the company’s CEO was overheard telling his assistant to redirect the call to the company switchboard.

This avoidance of responsibility must have been frustrating to the CRD, but it didn’t stop the group from publishing its findings. A new CRD report documents what is known about Manhanga’s murder, and it details other acts of violence by security guards against local residents. The report documents 11 incidents occurring just in February and March, most of them involving beatings and dog attacks. We should warn that some of the photos in the report are graphic.

The CRD’s report would be disturbing under any circumstances. However, we find it particularly troubling considering the history of violence in the Marange diamond fields. In 2008, following the discovery that the Marange diamond fields contain one of the world’s richest diamond deposits, the Zimbabwean army invaded. It seized the diamond fields, massacring more than 200 diamond local miners and then enslaving local adults and children. The Kimberley Process, the international diamond certification scheme, banned Marange diamonds for two years, but lifted that ban in 2011 after the Zimbabwean government transferred mining operations to a group of mining companies, which were supposed to act in a professional manner.

Sadly, shifting daily mining operations to mining companies has failed to stop the violence. The fact that the mining companies have web sites and telephone switchboards hasn’t ensured that Zimbabwean diamonds are mined in an ethical way.

Some of the ethical issues go beyond violence. Thousands of local residents have been forcibly relocated from their homes to make way for diamond mining, many without  compensation. Billions of dollars in diamond profits that should be used to assist the Zimbabwean people are being lost to corruption. The Zimbabwean government has also made it clear that there are consequences for questioning its oversight of diamond mining. Concerned about the CRD’s investigations, the government imprisoned the group’s leader, Farai Magawu, on trumped up charges for several weeks in 2010.

The good news, if it can be called that, is that no more massacres have occurred. In 2011, we did hear an alarming report that the Zimbabwean army was running torture camps for diamond miners. But lately, we’d begun to hope that as of 2013 – five years after the massacre – the violence might finally be over. We were wrong.

Manhanga’s death, it seems, is part of a pattern of regular abuses by security personnel – mostly against people who try to dig for diamonds on land where mining companies have been granted concessions. For instance, the CRD reports that at 10:30 p.m. on March 16, a 25-year-old man named Tariro Saungeweme and four other men were digging for diamonds on land controlled by Marange Resources. After security guards found them, Saungeweme suffered “intense and heavy beating” and two of the men were bitten by dogs.

In another incident, security guards acting on behalf of another company, Mbada Diamonds, found Netsai Nechipote, a 27-year-old woman, digging at night along with a group of six diamond miners. The guards beat her and then took her to their guard room for an additional beating. The next morning they dumped her next to a river. She was hurt but alive.

Why is this violence happening and what can be done to stop it?

Probably the biggest factor is money. Every diamond taken by a local villager represents a lost profit. Another factor is the geology of the Marange diamond deposit. Maintaining order is difficult because the diamonds are scattered across a large land area.

However, neither of these factors justifies killings or beatings. Security personnel need to be trained to respect human rights, and mining companies need to take responsibility when violence occurs. Furthermore, one reason why local people are trying to dig “illegally” is that the government has never granted any mining concessions to the local community. Only well-connected companies have received permission to mine. If the violence is to end, the Zimbabwean government needs to give a fairer deal to the local community.

Unfortunately, putting an end to this violence won’t be easy. The Kimberley Process has already given up what little leverage it had in Zimbabwe, having lifted the diamond export ban in 2011. Nonetheless, at Brilliant Earth we will continue to raise awareness among diamond consumers that Zimbabwean diamonds are blood diamonds. More consumer awareness, over the long term, will create more pressure on the diamond industry to eliminate violence. We will also continue supporting  groups like the CRD, which, by telling the stories of people such as Herbert Manhanga, keep human rights abuses from being hidden and make accountability possible.

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