Celebrities and Their Diamond Engagement Rings

What better way to show the world that you are in love than by the act of giving and receiving a diamond engagement ring? With many actresses and other famous women sporting bigger and sparklier diamond rings, celebrity engagements have become a delight for the jewelry lover. The size of the diamond is not necessarily the key as to what makes some of these rings so famous and recognizable, rather it seems to be a combination of the engagement ring itself and the famous lady it is associated with.

The history of diamond engagement rings

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Maximillan I of Austria gave the first diamond engagement ring on record to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. He had the ring commissioned to unite their two houses and make their marriage a unifying symbol to the country.

Celebrities and Their Diamond Engagement Rings

The smallest diamond engagement ring ever made was given to Princess Mary who was married by proxy to the Dauphin of France in the year 1518. Princess Mary was two years old at the time.

Throughout history diamond engagement rings have become larger, more elaborate, and have included a wide variety of other jewels and metals. Diamond engagement rings settings can be made of silver, platinum, white or yellow gold or a mixture of these elements.

Famous ladies and their engagement rings

Celebrities and other famous people influence the look and style of many aspects in fashion and also set trends. Diamond engagement rings are no exception to this rule. The following is a partial list of the famous ladies and their equally famous engagement rings:

Royalty:

Queen Elizabeth II received an engagement ring from Prince Phillip that was made from diamonds from his mother's tiara. Grace Kelly was given a 12 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring from Prince Rainier. Lady Diana was engaged with a ring made of an 18 carat blue oval sapphire that was circled by fourteen diamonds.
Actresses:

Elizabeth Taylor was engaged to her third husband, Michael Todd, with an emerald cut diamond that weighed almost 30 carats. However, she is more known for her other pieces of jewelry, one more striking than the other: the 39 carat Krupp diamond, the 69.42 carat pear-shaped Taylor-Burton diamond and the 17th century heart-shaped Taj Mahal diamond. Priscilla was engaged to Elvis with a 3.5 carat diamond engagement ring that was circled by another 21 smaller diamonds and diamond chips.Sharon Stone was given a three diamond, 3 1/2 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring by Phil Bronstien. Catherine Zeta-Jones' promise to Michael Douglas was finalized with a 10 carat antique marquise diamond estimated at amost million.Joan Collins got a heart-shaped diamond ring in a nineteenth-century setting from husband Percy Gibson.
Pop stars:

Madonna received from Guy Ritchie an antique Edwardian three-stone diamond ring with a decorative platinum band. The Neil Lane ring was supposed to represent their family: mother, father and son Rocco. In the case of Toni Braxton, drummer Keri Lewis designed a stunning 4.5 three-stone diamond ring with an oval-shaped center stone and 2 heart-shaped diamonds on the sides. Paris Hilton, even though not a pop star but a diva anyway, received 2 diamond engagement rings from billionaire Paris Latsis, a million 24 carat canary diamond ring and a .1 million 15 carat white diamond ring.Britney Spears has two engagement rings also: one that she bought for herself before the wedding, a ,000 4 carat cushion-cut diamond ring with a platinum pave setting, and one that she received 9 month after the marriage from husband Kevin Federline. Christina Aguilera became engaged to Jordan Bratman after he presented a ,000 20-carat diamond engagement ring designed by jeweler Stephen Webster. Whitney Houston sports a stunning 4 carat oval-shaped center stone with trillions on the sides which she received from Bobby Brown.
Replica diamond engagement rings

Of course there is the very famous pink diamond ring that Ben Affleck gave to Jennifer Lopez. This 6 carat radiant shaped pink diamond quickly caught the attention of the public and has become a highly sought after replica. It is completed with a platinum band as well as three baguette white diamonds on each side. The pink diamond engagement ring is reported to have been purchased for .2 million in 2002. The ring, while easily identified is also very feminine and modern looking.

Replicas of the famous pink diamond ring are now available for a moderate price. The cost of the replicas depends on the quality of the stones and the materials used in reproducing the pink diamond engagement ring.

Some replicas are styled as more antique diamond engagement rings. These rings have an everlasting quality and symbolize tradition and heritage. The recent engagement of Camilla Parker Bowles in February of 2005 featured such an antique engagement ring. The platinum ring has an emerald-cut center diamond with three diamond baguettes on each side. This ring originally belonged to the Queen Mother and is believed to be valued at over million.

Since few people can afford the original item, there will always be a market for replicas of these one of a kind diamond engagement rings. The quality of the replicas varies, as does the price. It is important to note that the styles of diamond engagement rings that are popular with celebrities will soon become the styles that are sought after by the not quite so rich and famous.

Celebrities and Their Diamond Engagement Rings

Tim Richardson is your guide in the world of diamond engagement rings at http://www.loveanddiamonds.com where you can find tips on choosing the diamond and the setting for the perfect ring. You'll learn about diamond shape, cut, clarity, weight, color, how to read a diamond certificate and how to avoid scams.

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Diamond Hardness - Can a Diamond Be Broken or Scratched?

A diamond is a type of gemstone which is often believed to be everlasting in nature and unable to be damaged in any way. Although this is a nice notion to have, the truth of the matter is that diamonds can be damaged if not treated in a careful manner. It is important to note what can happen to a diamond if not treated properly and ways to safeguard against damage to one's diamond ring, diamond necklace or other type of jewelry item in which this beautiful gem is part thereof.

How Can a Diamond be Damaged?

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A diamond has an extremely hard consistency to it which is one of its many wonderful attributes. However, there are ways for this lovely gemstone to be broken, scratched or otherwise damaged. Damage to a diamond can occur by dropping it on a hard surface, scraping it roughly against concrete or other similar matter or simply repeatedly storing it in a place where it is not properly contained. Although damaging a diamond is not an easy thing to do, it is something which can occur from time to time.

Diamond Hardness - Can a Diamond Be Broken or Scratched?

Ways to Safeguard Against Diamond Damage

Many pieces of diamond jewelry are worn on a daily basis, such as a diamond engagement ring, which makes the occurrence of damage highly possible due to frequent wear. In order to safeguard against damaging one's ring, bracelet or other diamond jewelry piece, there are a few steps one can take in their daily wear and storage of such an exquisite item. When wearing the diamond, one should always be cautious when doing so and try not to bang into any walls or other fixtures which may put a chip in the diamond or even break it if the contact is hard enough.

Another way to carefully wear one's diamond jewelry piece is to ensure a tight fit on the ring or complete closure of the clasp. If one's diamond jewelry item does not fit right or is not closed properly, they are more likely to drop the jewel and have it be stepped on or crack upon hitting a hard, unforgiving surface. In order to ensure that the diamond jewelry item fits well and closes properly, it is a good idea to have a jeweler look at it from time to time to ensure that it is in tiptop shape.

Damage in the form of scratching can also occur to the diamond if it is not stored properly. The best place to store one's diamond jewelry is in a felt covered jewelry box where each jewelry item has its own separate compartment. This will help to ensure not only that the item is in a spot where it will not bang up against other jewelry items but that it is in a place where one will not lose sight of it. In order for a diamond to be scratched it must come in contact with another diamond which has the same hardness.

Insure Your Jewelry Items

An additional safeguard to have in place involves insurance on the diamond jewelry item. Since diamonds are often pricey in nature, it makes sense that one would want to insure the jewelry item in case it were to be lost, stolen or damaged. Although most insurance companies will not insure loose diamonds, there are many which are more than happy to offer insurance policies which will cover your diamond once the gem is placed in a fixed setting. An insurance policy which covers this precious stone is a great way to cover your losses should it be damaged in any way.

Diamond Hardness - Can a Diamond Be Broken or Scratched?

To learn more about the many facets of a diamond engagement ring visit James Greene at http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com where you'll find this and much more about diamond rings and other fine jewelry.

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Poker Terms

Poker is a popular game that has a following of millions of ardent enthusiasts around the globe. The game involves players examining their own hands before making a wild guess as to what cards the other players might have. The different versions of poker games are Texas Hold'em, Seven Card Stud, Omaha Poker, the Hi/Lo version, Five Card Stud, and Five Card Draw. There are poker forums that provide information about the various terms used in the game. These terms are very confusing and can take players quite to learn. However, knowing these terms is very important, as players have to use them constantly while participating in a poker game, whether they are amateurs or professionals.

The phrase 'aces up' refers to a pair of aces and another pair. 'Active player' generally means a player who is still very much involved in a hand. 'All blue and all Pink' means that a player has a set of five cards that are all spades, diamonds, aces, or clubs. 'Blank card' means that the card has very little value in the hand. The term, 'deal' refers to the act of distributing cards to players or keeping the cards on the boards. It pertains to the entire process from shuffling to dealing of the cards until the pot is finally won by the player holding the best hand.

Diamond N

Other common terms used in the game of poker include discard, drawing dead, flop, Fourth Street, kicker, lock up, loose game, and muck. It is important to refer to a comprehensive list of poker terms while learning to play the game. There are poker sites that are especially dedicated to providing information about commonly used poker terms. They have a separate section wherein the meaning of these terms is provided along with an explanation of the appropriate situation to use these terms.

Poker Terms

Poker Terms

Poker provides detailed information on Poker, Online Poker, Poker Tables, Poker Chips and more. Poker is affiliated with Free Online Poker.

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The Question: How Much to Spend on an Engagement Ring?

The answer to this is a personal decision to be made by the people it affects: the betrothed couple. In many cases, the man still makes the actual purchase. However, the amount paid will impact the joint finances of the future couple.

The term "two months salary" as how much to spend on an engagement ring is an entirely arbitrary statement, invented in part by the industry itself. There is no justification to get into debt to purchase a ring. A large diamond in a costly metal does not symbolize greater love and commitment. People need to consider their priorities and budgets to allot the right amount for this important purchase. There are also things like insurance and costs to maintain an expensive piece of jewelry.

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So how much will he spend for an engagement ring? The average costs for an engagement ring is ,500 to ,000. The price varies with the size and quality of the diamonds and gems, the type of metal chosen for the setting and the intricacy of the design. You will pay 5 to 0 for a quarter carat or less, set in 10 to 14 carat gold .It will set you back 0 to 0 for a slightly larger stone or possibly an 18 carat gold setting. If you can spend 0 to ,000 you will get stones between .3 and .5 carats, some with platinum or 18 carat gold setting and possibly AGS/GIA-certified.

The Question: How Much to Spend on an Engagement Ring?

At the higher end, you can ,000 to ,000 for AGS/GIA-certified, high quality stones between .30 and .57 carats or mid to high quality stones up to .75 carats. For ,000 to ,500 for stones from .4 to 1 carat in 14 or 18 carat gold although the 1 carat stones may have some imperfections. Next on the scale at ,500 to ,000 you can get a quality 1 carat stones in 18 carat or platinum settings.

No-one should plan on spending more than 00, unless he is independently wealthy. If your beau finds himself drifting to the higher end of the ring counter, make sure that he is not mistakenly weighing his love for you in carats, or under the influence of a wily salesperson. After all, Richard Burton gave Liz Taylor a 69 carat diamond, which is the size of a golf ball. We all know how that turned out!

Before your fiance or both of you embark to the glittering world of the jewelry store, prepare yourself. Get him to talk to his friends and find out where they got their rings and how much they think he should pay. Decide how much to pay for an engagement ring and stick with the plan. Browse magazines. Window-shop. Check out the internet. Have a girls-night-in and eyeball all of your friend's rings. Get a good idea on what you want but don't get fixated on a particular style of ring. You may end up paying too much to fulfill a fantasy.

And if you are starting your marriage with humble resources, you can always choose a ring that matches your current budget and upgrade to something fancier when your ship comes in. In any case, have fun with this purchase. Don't worry about how much you should spend for your ring! Chances are that whatever you end up with will be perfect as the reflection of your love!

The Question: How Much to Spend on an Engagement Ring?

Valeria Vegas has a Masters degree in Writing and regularly writes for a local newspaper. She also teaches writing workshops in San Francisco and has taught high school English. As a freelance job, she corrects essays for the SAT and ACT through Pearson scoring as well as write copy for websites. She is the Associate Editor of a literary magazine, edit manuscripts for Behler publications, and works for authors independently. One of her stories was named Notable Story of 2004 by Million Writers. She is a regular contributor to [http://www.Engagement-Rings-n-Wedding-Rings.com]

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