Agape Diamonds Blog News

It’s safe to say that times are strange and maybe a little extraordinary right now due to the global health crisis that COVID-19 has caused. Many people are facing a difficult time with the uncertainty of the coming weeks. 

Information in the United States from the CDC and the White House seem to change drastically from last week to this week. New information will be coming out for a long time as doctors learn more about the coronavirus every day. According to the New York Times, New York is the state that has been hit the hardest so far. Even so, it's quite serious everywhere in the United States making it a trying time for everyone in the nation, regardless if you live in New Jersey, California, or anywhere else.

In the midst of all of this chaos, it's important to keep looking forward and cherish the things you do have. For example, getting to practice social distancing with the one you love. With all of this extra time together due to the coronavirus outbreak, you may be thinking it's time to pop the question, but do you know how to propose during this time so you can successfully tie the knot?

Don't let the novel coronavirus rain on your proposal ideas. Here are a few tips for proposing to your quarantine cutie during the coronavirus pandemic. Best of all, you'll have plenty of time to make your wedding plans together afterward. Here are some tips from proposing using lab-grown diamonds and man-made diamonds. 

Dazzle Her With a Stunning Diamond

The star of every proposal and the darling of the wedding industry is the diamond ring. There's nothing more classic or romantic. No matter what circumstances you're getting engaged under, the right ring for your w

All diamonds are precious, which is why so many people in the United States choose a diamond engagement ring when they pop the question. If you're thinking about buying an engagement ring or any jewelry with these gemstones, you might not have considered where your diamonds come from or how exactly they were made. Doing a little research into this might surprisingly give you peace of mind and inform your decision. There are two types of diamonds: mined and manmade.

The naked eye probably won't be able to tell the difference between the two types of diamonds, but there are fundamental differences. If you're on the market for diamonds as a buyer, it's a good idea to really understand the difference between mined and manmade diamonds. Here's an easy guide to help you choose.

The Experts Know Best

If you're seeking an extensive outlook on the question of mined vs. manmade, look no further than the expert understanding of the Gemological Institute of America, or GIA. They explain that one of the main differences is where the diamonds were made. Mined, or natural, diamonds were formed due to pressure and high temperatures deep within the earth. They were most likely formed billions of years ago. These diamonds were made accessible for harvesting, because volcanic activity brought them closer to the top layer of earth, and deposited them in rock formations. If enough diamonds are deposited in a given formation, the area will be mined and the diamonds sold through retailers to people like you.

Manmade diamonds, on the other hand, are made in labs using high pressure and high temperatures or a chemical vapor deposition method. The

When choosing an engagement ring or a diamond piece of jewelry for someone special, we do it with love in our hearts. That same love should be shared and expressed in the story of the diamond we choose. But do you know the true story and the true cost involved in mining diamonds? The human and environmental impact along the supply chain of diamond mining is massive but shockingly few know about the full extent. First off, how are diamonds mined?

The Diamond Mining Process

We all know how to get diamonds: They are formed underground under high pressure and high temperature and need to be mined. Have you ever considered how deep they might be, or what happens to the rock that gets displaced while trying to find them?

Diamond mine craters are so huge that astronauts can actually see them from space. The average stone used for an engagement ring can require the removal of between 200 and 400 million times its weight in displaced earth. Such huge amounts of mining for a small reward has enormous human and environmental impacts. 

The diamond industry relies on finding rough diamond along either kimberlite pipes, which are belts of igneous rock where diamonds are formed under high pressure and high temperature, or else in alluvial deposits, which refers to areas where rough

When you're surrounded by sadness and negativity—like that surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak—it can be hard for even the most optimistic to stay strong. It's true that we need to take the virus seriously—it's capable of causing severe illness, death, and significant changes to the way we live and work. It's easy to stay focused on these negative thoughts, especially when they seem to be the center of every local and national news story.

 

But pessimistic thinking under high pressure can be counterproductive. Obviously, there are things you need to know about the pandemic to keep yourself and those around you safe, but you don't need to drown yourself in negative thoughts and news stories. Instead, here are five good things to think about to help you move forward with determination and hope.

 

Families are spending quality time together.

 

With our busy schedules, it can be difficult for families to find time to connect. Before the pandemic, it was normal to eat lunch alone in front of your laptop instead of sitting together to eat as a family, and we turned to technology for social connection. But with school and office closures and throughout the United States, many families are getting the opportunity to spend quality time together.

 

Deepening our family connections can help us counter social distancing from our school and work communities. Instead of being alone together, we're together together.

 

The planet is starting to heal.

 

While the world continues to battle the pande

The way you wear your jewelry defines your personal style, but your engagement ring set reveals so much more—not only does it announce that you're in love, but it tells the world that you've made a lifetime commitment to your significant other. While that distinction is important, there's no rule saying your ring set shouldn't make you feel fashionable and chic. But should you wear both rings on your left ring finger, or should you wear them on two different fingers altogether?

 

To help you style your ring set, here are some tips on popular wedding traditions and how to wear wedding bands and engagement rings.

 

What's the difference between an engagement ring and wedding ring?

 

While the terms are often used interchangeably, each ring signifies a different milestone. There are a few differences between a wedding band and an engagement ring, including the design, placement, and price, but the most significant difference is when the ring is given.

 

An engagement ring is given during a proposal, while a wedding ring is given when a couple exchanges vows. Some couples choose to buy matching ring sets with similar styles to signify their commitment. However, it's becoming increasingly common for couples to buy rings that match their own personal style instead of coordinating with their spouse.

 

How should you wear your engagement and wedding ring?

 

In western cultures, the engagement and wedding rings are worn on the ring finger on the left hand. Wearing your wedding band with your engagement ring stacked on top is the most common style, but there are many other ways to mix and match your rings to show off your engagement or marriage.

 

Lab-created diamonds are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to earth-mined diamonds. Lab diamonds are man-made diamonds that consist of carbon atoms arranged in a diamond crystal structure with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. In other words, lab diamond rings appear visually identical to natural diamond rings—even jewelry experts find it difficult to distinguish between lab-created diamonds and natural diamonds with the naked eye.

 

Lab diamonds are not only sought after for their sparkle and brilliance, but they also make a sustainable choice and do not harm the Earth's surface. Lab-created diamonds are also typically more affordable than natural diamonds of comparable clarity, cut, and carat size.

 

If you're thinking about tying the knot, here are five of our most popular lab-created diamond engagement rings.

 

Three Stone Trellis Wedding Set

 

Our timeless three-stone round cut Wedding Set is sure to sweep your fiancé off their feet. With beautiful criss-cross ribbons, stunning open windows that reflect the sparkle of the three center stones, and two brilliant rows of gemstones cascading down the bands, this platinum wedding ring set is the perfect complement to your fiancé's classic and effortless style.

 

Round Cut Cathedral Scallop Style With Accents

 

The scallop style is popular across the diamond industry. Our awe-inspiring Cathedral Scallop Style Engagement Ring will take your fiancé's breath away with its enticing sparkle that radiates from the brilliant cent

You're engaged! But before you start planning your big day, it's your turn to pop the question—that is, to your bridesmaids. It can be a high-pressure situation. Your best friends have stuck with you through thick and thin, so it's only natural you'd want them standing by your side on your wedding day.

 

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but best friends are as special as diamonds.

 

Proposing to your bridesmaids is a big deal—these are the women who will help you plan, celebrate, and survive your wedding. Your bridal party is basically the VIPs of your wedding, and they should be treated as such. So, how do you pop the question to your future bridesmaids? If you need some inspiration for your bridesmaid proposals, here are 10 creative ideas to help you pop the big question to the special ladies in your life.

 

Throw a Wine Night

 

One of the best bridesmaid proposal ideas is to gather your besties for a wine tasting night or drinks at your place. To pop the question, wait until the end of the evening and present the final ready-to-sip selection. Opt for a delicious white or red wine with a custom label that asks your best friends to be a part of your wedding party—you'll be toasting to yourselves for the rest of the night.

 

Pack a Gift Box

 

If big, nontraditional gestures aren't your thing, put together a simple gift box filled with wedding-themed items

Choosing an engagement ring is a huge decision because likely, you will wear that piece for a long time—and you want one that will be timeless and classic so that it always matches the current fashion trends.

 

Some of those brilliant styles include solitaire diamonds, pavé wedding bands, and others available at Agape Diamonds. With white gold, yellow gold, and platinum band options, you can pick a ring that is worthy of your true love. We use only the best lab-created diamonds so that you will get the beauty of a luxury ring without the high diamond prices associated with mined diamonds. They're durable, shine with brilliance, and look just as crystal-clear as their natural counterparts without impurities. They're created in a special diamond foundry to get that stunning look, just like a natural diamond counterpart. You'll want to add one to your wish list.

Learn more about just some of the simple diamond engagement ring designs that we have available that you will not find at just any jeweler, local store, or retailers.

 

Asscher Cut Cathedral Ring with Accents

The Asscher Cut Cathedral engagement ring boasts a four-prong setting with a square-cut diamond. Choose a synthetic diamond from 1 to 3 carats in size for the main stone and then watch it sparkle along with the accent stone underneath that elevates it up from the band for a timeless look. Order a matching wedding band that will complement the ring beautifully.

 

Princess-Cut Pavé Style Halo Ring

Purchasing the perfect engagement ring can be exciting as you try to find the gemstone that best signifies your true love for your significant other. With so many rings and ring sets available, the experience can become overwhelming at times as you explore options such as natural diamonds, cubic zirconia, synthetic diamonds, or other stones entirely. 

 

Are you searching for a beautiful diamond engagement ring but feel dissuaded by the higher price tag of a large carat diamond at a big-box store? Find out some sneaky ways you can make your engagement ring look larger while still showcasing its beauty.

 

Instead of focusing on carats, look at the cut of the diamond.

Many diamond buyers tend to focus on the carat of diamonds, but there are other ways to give off the illusion that a diamond is bigger. The way a diamond is cut can either create sparkle and flair, or it can be a poorly done cut and the diamond will look duller than it should and be less durable. A well-cut diamond with clarity and a solid crystal structure will look gorgeous and catch the light, giving off an air of a larger-sized diamond to the naked eye.

 

Choose a less traditionally shaped diamond.

More often than not, you will see round diamonds set into rings. While these are of course beautiful,

So, you're ready to take the next step and purchase an engagement ring. Congratulations! For an engaged couple, buying an engagement ring and wedding band is an exciting time, one that should be cherished, not stressed over. With education, research, and help from the diamond experts at Agape Diamonds, you'll be able to find the perfect diamond engagement ring in no time. Whether you're planning to incorporate the element of surprise or shop with your fiancé, here's the ultimate guide to finding your dream ring.

 

Buying an Engagement Ring 101: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Engagement Ring

 

The process of buying an engagement ring is unique for every couple, but this guide can help you break it down into easy-to-follow steps.

 

Step 1: Set your budget.

 

Before you start shopping for jewelry, set a price range. If this is your first time shopping for a diamond engagement ring or a wedding ring, a diamond ring might seem like a big purchase. Having an honest conversation with your future fiancé is the best way to keep your expectations the same and decide how much money you're willing to spend.

 

The widely accepted rule is that an engagement ring should cost about the same as your three months' salary. Of course, you don't need to follow this rule, but it's good to know the expectation. Additionally, if a real diamond is a bit out of your price range, then you can look into other options such as Lab Grown Diamonds or Simulated Diamonds. All of these options offer beauty and brilliance comparable to that of a diamond at a far lower price.

 

Additionally, there are other precious and semi-precious gemstones t