diamond news and views
FROM: Switched Yes, you read that right, covers. As in, $60,000 of diamonds that clip onto a standard issue pair of iPod earphones. If the economic hard times are really hitting you hard, you can also opt for a $4,500 set encrusted with black or white diamonds, or even a set covered with the ever-popular multi-colored Swarovski crystals — a veritable bargain at just $110
0 Comment » I have always LOVED proverbs, so when I got this email, I had to smile. As they say “from the mouths of babes”. Enjoy……………
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A 1st grade school teacher had twenty-six students in her class. She presented each child in her classroom the 1st half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. It’s hard to believe these were actually done by first graders. Their insight may surprise you. While reading, keep in mind that these are first-graders, 6-year-olds, because the last one is a classic! |
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1. |
Don’t change horses |
until they stop running. |
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2. |
Strike while the |
bug is close. |
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3. |
It’s always darkest before |
Daylight Saving Time. |
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4. |
Never underestimate the power of |
termites. |
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5. |
You can lead a horse to water but |
How? |
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6. |
Don’t bite the hand that |
looks dirty. |
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7. |
No news is |
impossible |
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8. |
A miss is as good as a |
Mr. |
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9. |
You can’t teach an old dog new |
Math |
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10. |
If you lie down with dogs, you’ll |
stink in the morning. |
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11. |
Love all, trust |
Me. |
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12. |
The pen is mightier than the |
pigs. |
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13. |
An idle mind is |
the best way to relax. |
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14. |
Where there’s smoke there’s |
pollution. |
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15. |
Happy the bride who |
gets all the presents. |
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16. |
A penny saved is |
not much. |
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17. |
Two’s company, three’s |
the Musketeers. |
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18. |
Don’t put off till tomorrow what |
you put on to go to bed. |
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19. |
Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and |
You have to blow your nose. |
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20. |
There are none so blind as |
Stevie Wonder. |
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21. |
Children should be seen and not |
spanked or grounded. |
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22. |
If at first you don’t succeed |
get new batteries. |
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23. |
You get out of something only what you |
See in the picture on the box |
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24. |
When the blind lead the blind |
get out of the way. |
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25. |
A bird in the hand |
is going to poop on you. |
And the WINNER and last one!
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26. |
Better late than |
Pregnant |
FROM: JCKonline As the October 2008 Marie Claire magazine puts it, there are no dark nights this season. Sparkles rock! Luxe handbags and shoes are in direct competition with jewelry for a woman’s accessories expenditures, to be sure, but this season’s accessories put gemstones on every woman’s mind. Gemstones lavishly adorn tempting if not irresistible evening bags and shoes.
For all but the most affluent, the stones on those fashion accessories are faux, but how can a bag or shoes dazzling with colorful stones help but make one want coordinating gemstones on one’s fingers, ears, bodice, wrists or neck? Blue strass translates easily into sapphires. A bit of bright green and pink glass may encourage the exploration of emeralds and pink or watermelon tourmaline. White rhinestones make their perennial appearance on accessories as well, but the bright sparkling saturated hues are especially eye-catching this season.
And the love of color is not forgotten with daytime accessories. The recommendation of Marie Claire for weekends is “velvet-soft suede in rich harvest colors.” How beautifully these bags would work with amethysts, topaz, citrine . . . .
FROM: JewelryBlogspot There are no desert islands, dirty outhouses, or bug eating contests involved in this amazing race. Try chauffeur-driven cars, champagne and a glittering jewelry creation for a grand prize. Now that’s a scavenger hunt.
The occasion? Luxury jewelry label, Boucheron, is celebrating their 150th anniversary by hosting a treasure hunt throughout the streets of London. Teams will be made up of the U.K’s top editors-in-chiefs, celebrities and the label’s top twenty VIP customers. Each team will have an hour and half to complete the hunt and will bring their results back to a judging panel consisting of Gucci Group CEO Robert Polet, Boucheron CEO Jean-Christophe Bedos and a mystery celebrity judge.
The pricey grand prize will be a glittering jewelry statement created by a mystery designer and is rumored to be worth close to $180,000. That’s a lot of mystery. Another tidbit being tossed around the rumor mill is that famous designer, Alexander McQueen, and one Sir Elton John are joining the well-heeled scavengers. Sir EJ might not win an arm wrestling contest, but he is as passionate about jewelry as he is about long-tailed suits and big sunglasses. Look out, people.
Chris- Not only did the pendant arrive exactly when you said it would, but it is the most stunning thing that I have ever seen! The craftsmanship is amazing, the diamonds are brilliant and the experience with your company was so high end! From my correspondence with you, to the photo of the completed pendant before it was shipped, to the packaging and information that it came with - I cannot rave enough about you or my experience with Whiteflash! You and your company have been phenominal!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Kori
Katie,
The bands are over the top fantastic. I am certain that they will get worn often. Thank you so much for getting them to me so far ahead of schedule, that was an extra treat! As I am sure you know I will be back for more in the future!
Many Thanks, Katherine
For photo shoots here at Brides Houston, we get up close and personal with lots of beautiful jewelry—we have to borrow amazing necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to try on the models (yes, it is as fun as it sounds, but we have to return everything we borrow!). I’m always so delighted when we receive the gorgeous pieces from Whiteflash.com, which I was recently thrilled to find is based in Houston.
I met Whiteflash.com’s CEO Debi Wexler at a recent event and we discussed some trends in bridal jewelry. “I think brides are looking for just a hint a sparkle these days,” she said. “In terms of bracelets and necklaces, sometimes simple pieces say more.” She highlighted Whiteflash’s “A Cut Above” diamond studs, saying they look especially great on brides who wear their hair half-up, half-down. As for necklaces, she recommends solitaire pendants for brides wearing dresses with low necklines. For a bit more sparkle, the “Diamonds by the Yard” necklaces are another great choice.
As for me, I’m a huge fan of Whiteflash.com’s blue sapphire drop earrings—what an amazing and totally decadent “something blue!” —Kim Forrest, Assistant Editor, Brides Local Magazines
Here’s what Kevin wrote BEFORE the proposal:
Traci! I appreciate the time and hard work you put into making this ring exactly what I wanted. I know I came into it
without clear ideas of the final product, but together we produced something that I think is absolutely perfect. Purchasing from WhiteFlash has been an incredible experience, and I’m sure it will not be my last one. I cannot wait for the big day to happen, so I can finally spill all the beans and stop having secrets! lol. I will most definitely be in touch! Your help has been invaluable. Talk to you soon! Thanks, Kevin
and AFTER the proposal! Hey Traci! We are back from Paris! The trip was amazing. Everything worked out exactly as planned. She said yes of course!
From: Sportingnews.com At the corner of East 161st Street and River Avenue in the Boogie Down Bronx is one of the most hallowed temples of sports. Not just baseball, of all sports. Yankee Stadium is closing its doors tonight after the Yankees/Orioles Sunday night game. The Yanks cling to a slim, slim chance that they can run the table of the weeks worth of games and the Red Sox will totally collapse to get them a last playoff hurrah. But for all intents and purposes, that grand old lady of a stadium will see its last sporting event tonight
Consider the events that have occured at Yankee Stadium
Joe Louis beating Max Schmelling in 1938, and further blowing holes in Hitler’s suppposed master race theory.
The Colts beating the Giants in the 1958 NFL championship game, called “The Greatest Game Ever Played” it was the first NFL title that went to sudden death overtime and the game that ushered in the modern era of the NFL.
Knute Rockne’s iconic win one for the Gipper Speech proceeded a Notre Dame battle with Army.
Muhammad Ali beat Ken Norton in the last championship bout to be held in Yankee Stadium in 1976.
From: YahooNews Miners in the southern African kingdom of Lesotho have found one of the world’s largest diamonds, a near-flawless white gem weighing nearly 500 carats, mining group Gem Diamonds said on Sunday. The diamond was discovered in the Letseng Mine on September 8, the company said in a statement. It has been analyzed by experts in Antwerp and found to weigh 478 carats, with very few inclusions and of outstanding color and clarity. “It has the potential to yield one of the largest flawless D color round polished diamonds in history,” the company said. Letseng is one of the most productive mines in history — four of the world’s 20 largest rough diamonds have been found at the mine, including the three largest found this century. Before it is cut into gems it is hard to value the diamond, but a spokesman for Gem Diamonds said a similar weight stone with lesser-quality color and clarity had recently sold for $12 million (around 5.5 million pounds). (more…)
From: EOnline Awards shows are usually a zoo, but this one was actually a circus, with rapper T-Pain hitting the red carpet riding an elephant. The rest of the best of young Hollywood was on hand, too, though most of them weren’t wearing mile-high top hats. Even so, they all looked fly, from Lauren Conrad and her sheer perkiness to Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus puckering. From Rihanna getting disturbed to Britney getting awarded and Xtina getting crazy onstage…check ‘em out in our 2008 MTV Music Video Awards gallery. It’s been a busy week for our celebrity fashionistas! Between L.A., N.Y. and Toronto, Hollywood went global.
Of course no stranger to fashion, Lauren Conrad chose not one but three diamond bracelets from WhiteFlash.com to wear with her white dress to the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA’s) on Sunday.
18K White Gold Twist Bezel Link Bracelet, $2989.
18k White Gold Diamond Flower Cluster Bangle, $2998.
14K White Gold Full Bezel Scattered Tennis Bracelet, $2600. (pictured below)
LC flashed her perfect smile as she meandered around the arrivals area sporting a cleavage-baring tank-style minidress teamed with a pair of silver peep-toe heels. But her pearly whites were not the only thing that The Hills star flashed on the red carpet!
Whiteflash’s Katie has sent us a new picture of Kaiser. All we can say is AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW, what a cutie!
Katie, This has been sitting in my email as a draft since February 15th! WOW, I am extremely sorry I never got back to you in 7 months! I don’t know what else to say except that I am sorry. Time has just flown by on me, but it’s not an excuse. Well, here is the long awaited engagement story:
Maria and I got engaged on February 12, 2008. The ring was/is beautiful!!! I don’t know how I waited the few months to propose after I received the ring from Whiteflash, but I did it! My plans went perfectly. It was a snowy February night. Since it was our 3 years together, we planned a romantic night out. Since I had the Jeep Wrangler, snow was not a problem. I kept everything a surprise, so Maria didn’t know where we were going. First, we went to a nice Spanish restaurant for a romantic meal. Afterwards, I drove to Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange, NJ which is where Maria and I had one of our first dates. This has a view of the NYC skyline in the distance. Very beautiful! Since it was our 3 years together, I got her a card and a gift. The night was going great and everything was perfect. We then walked while gazing at the NYC skyline, snow falling, holding hands. I turned to her and told her that I loved her and that I had one more gift for her. As I reached into my pocket, her eyes opened wide and she had “the look” on her face. I pulled out a single rose and handed it to her. Suddenly, she seemed somewhat relieved. I asked her if she remembered our first date. She told me that of course she did, I had given her a single red rose. She smelled the rose and mentioned how beautiful it was. I then told her that the rose was a “one-of-a-kind.” She stared at it for a few more seconds, twisting it through her fingers. Suddenly her mouth dropped and she muttered “Oh my…” I knelt on one knee in the snow, her holding her hand over her mouth, and proposed to her. Of course she said “YES!” It was a perfect night.
I want to thank you for all of your help and I want to thank all of Whiteflash. The ring is gorgeous and I wouldn’t change it for the world! Maria loves it!!!
Thank you!
Katie, Hi! How have you been? Hope all is well with you too.I was just thinking about you a few days ago! I was going to contact you regarding designing and ordering our wedding bands. Thank you so much for thinking of me first! =o) I apologize for not keeping in touch. Life has been a little crazy. I started my residency 2 months ago and still trying to adjust to the crazy schedule. I’m living in Philadelphia right now for this residency. The wedding is set for March 22, 2009. It’s only 6 months away! I can’t believe he proposed almost a year ago! Then ring is AMAZING! I absolutely love it. The production team did a spectacular job. Please thank them for me. ~Kellee
As promised, here are a few photos. For the proposal, we walked from our hotel down along the riverwalk to a very nice restaurant for dinner. After dinner, I took Tamara out of a different exit where I had a horse-drawn carriage waiting outside the restaurant to pick us up. She was extremely surprised and we proceeded to take a carriage tour of the historic King William District in San Antonio. It was on a quiet street there that I got down on one knee and proposed in the back of the carriage. She said yes and we continued the night with a walk along the riverwalk, some pictures at the Alamo, and a few drinks at our hotel. The handshots and a couple pictures are attached. David
All of Whiteflash is reeling from IKE! More about that in a later post………….but here’s Brian the Cutter in his Hurricane Bling!
From: stylist.com Luxury handbags, how many of us own them? Not many this season if our unfortunate economic crisis has anything to do with. However, not everyone is cutting into their monthly Starbucks stipends to don the finer things in life.
According to the most recent Luxury Institute Survey, the rich are getting richer. And their accessory of choice? Judith Leiber handbags.
1,048 wealthy women, “wealthy” meaning they take in an average of $348k a year and have a average net-worth of $3.5 million, were asked which handbag brands the coveted the most. While Jimmy Choo, Hermes, and Tod’s ranked fairly high on their lists, it was Judith Leiber’s clutches that are the undisputed favorite amongst the bougie set.
As the survey espouses: “The Judith Leiber brand is rated as much for being a work of art as it is rated a luxury by the only pundits who count -wealthy consumers who can buy the brands. Our impartial surveys are based on the principle that highly educated, discerning luxury consumers have the ultimate expertise and trustworthiness in luxury consumption. The Luxury Institute conducts its research with independent panels, and uses third party analytical firms to tabulate the results so that the true voice of luxury consumers is amplified for the benefit of their peers and industry executives alike.”
And now you know. So the next time you have a big red carpet event, choose Judith Leiber, darlings.
File this one under WEIRD!!!!! Amazing the things they cover in DIAMONDS these days!
From: ArtInfo.com AMSTERDAM—Damien Hirst’s $100 million diamond-encrusted skull will begin a world tour at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, Bloomberg reports. The museum plans to clear an entire hall for the exhibition and, in an adjacent hall, will show a selection of works from the permanent collection, including still lifes depicting skulls and other symbols of death, curated by Hirst. The Hirst skull, entitled For the Love of God, was first shown in a 2007 solo show at the artist’s London gallery, White Cube, where it was offered for $100 million. In August of that year, it was reported that the artist was part of the investment group that bought the piece. The work’s Rijksmuseum stay lasts from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. The museum’s spokesperson Elles Kamphuis did not know where the skull would be exhibited after it leaves Amsterdam.
From: PriceySpicy It’s time to get ready to hold in your mouth one of the most popular jewelry items in the entertainment industry. I am talking about the toothpick sleeves. Now, gold toothpicks have gone one step forth as a company called E.K.D.O. has unveiled the first diamond encrusted toothpick sleeve dubbed Icepik. Each Icepik is hand crafted and set in elegance beyond comparison by renowned goldsmiths. No Icepik will ever be the same due to this fact.
All Icepiks are set on 18k gold in order to shine brighter without being getting tarnished. The wooden toothpick still sits in your mouth, but it looks like a piece of art from outside. This diamond-encrusted toothpick sleeve is the newest accessory in couture jewelry and celebrities such as Chris Brown and Ja Rule are enjoying it. An Icepik by E.K.D.O will certainly set you apart from the crowd. Pricing starts at US $800 and goes as high as US $1500.
Our Whiteflash customers Maria and Jeffrey had a BEAUTIFUL wedding, as you can see by these pictures! Happy Brides and Happy Grooms….. makes us all smile! We can’t help but notice the BRIGHT SPARKLE coming off the Whiteflash Diamond Ring on Maria’s finger! All our best wishes and congratulations.
From: Wall Street Journal CARLSBAD, Calif., Sep 02, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced today that it will feature the Balboa Park Carousel Egg at the GIA Jewelry Career Fair & Open House on Friday, Sept. 12 at the Institute’s campus in Carlsbad, California. GIA’s Open House takes place only once a year. This time, GIA is showcasing the incredible Balboa Park Carousel Egg, a large Faberge-like mechanical wonder that is an artistically intricate, bejeweled miniature reproduction of the Balboa Park Carousel. The Egg is an exact replica of the Balboa Park Carousel, prior to restorations, including the 56 hand carved carousel animals, detailed paintings, lights, trimmings, coloring and other features. This will be the Balboa Egg’s first public viewing. When the Egg is wound 34 times, it plays a repertoire of 20 songs from the late 1890s. Like all of the pieces on the Egg, its music mechanism was created by hand. The Egg took 18 years to create and its nearly 5,000 pieces are made of platinum, gold, sterling silver, diamonds and red enamel. It weighs 80 lbs. The Egg itself stands 10.5″ when closed, 13.5″ when open, with an 8″ diameter. With its 8″ base and music stand, the Egg stands a total of 27″ tall. “It is an absolute privilege to have this magnificent Egg displayed at the Institute for the very first time,” said Elise Misiorowski, GIA Museum director. “This piece is a part of San Diego’s history and we are honored to have it in our Museum to share with the public.” The Balboa Park Carousel Egg was commissioned-sponsored by Dr. Barry Marfleet, and designed-sponsored by Jim Grahl of J. Grahl Design. Grahl’s studio provided the environment for a team of artists and experts to work together to bring the Balboa Park Carousel, a classic carousel that has stayed largely the same since 1895, into a different form of art now finally available for public display.
Grahl said, “It brings me great pride in seeing this piece completed and here now for others to enjoy. My hope is to inspire in others the creativity, determination and the willingness to become part of a team, which are attributes people need to create anything of value.” (more…)
Bling, bling! Check out the rocks these A-listers are wearing! It’s hard not to crave the fantastic sparkle of celebrity engagement rings. The only problem? The cost, which most of us everyday-celebrity type of gals just can’t afford. The trends of Hollywood are updated every week and Whiteflash.com is ready to help you custom design your own celebrity inspired ring. Whiteflash.com has an extensive gallery of engagement rings and wedding sets that are sure to satisfy. So whether it is the latest diamond rings or any other jewelry, Whiteflash always has something new for you. Best of all, with these brilliant jewels will be sure to turn heads like these celebrity engagement rings! Stay on top of our latest trends by browsing through our newest jewelry designs.
From: UsMagazine.com
Size: 8 carats
Setting: Cartier fancy yellow emerald-cut diamond with white diamond baguettes set in platinum
Estimated value: $400,000
Bling details: “This contemporary ring is very hip, like Tracey,” Lane says of the film producer’s showstopper from Eddie Murphy, 46. Unlike her glitzy rock, their I do’s, Edmonds, 40, has said, will be “fun and casual - small.”
Size: Approximately 3-plus carats
Setting: Oval-cut yellow diamond with pink pave diamonds set in platinum
Estimated value: $100,000
Bling details: The American Idol runner-up, 23, started showing off this classically cut colored stone from actor Nick Cokas, 42, in November.
Size: Approximately 5 carats
Estimated value: $150,000
Bling details: In 2005, Sheridan sported an almost 3-carat gem from her ex, but traded up when old flame Michael Bolton proposed last year. A Sheridan pal tells Us the star borrowed a similar ring for the 2006 SAG Awards and bets ’she told Michael that is the ring she wanted.”
Size: 5.2 carats
Setting: Emerald-cut diamond with side stones set in platinum
Estimated value: $250,000
Bling details: “The wedding plans are under way!” Ostrosky, 35, tells Us of her nuptials to shock jock Howard Stern, 53, who proposed on Valentine’s Day with this art deco-style sparkler he designed with jeweler Richie Winick.
Size: Approximately 5-plus carats
Setting: Oval-cut diamond with trillions set in platinum
Estimated value: $200,000
Bling details: “It’s powerful,” jeweler Neil Lane tells Us of the ring Hayek, 41, got from fiance (and father of 3-month-old Valentina) Franois-Henri Pinault, 45.
Size: 3 carats
Setting: Pear-shaped diamond flanked by pave diamonds
Bling details: Designed by jeweler Ryan Ryan, the sparkler has sentimental value. Half of the platinum band is from her mother’s own engagement ring.
Size: Approximately 1.5 carats
Setting: Round solitaire diamond with floral diamonds set in platinum
Estimated value: $45,000
Bling details: Hewitt, 28, said yes when Scottish actor Ross McCall, 31, presented her with this antique family gem in November. “She’s very girlie,” Lane says. “A vintage ring is perfect!”
Size: 17-carat Setting: Square, emerald-cut fancy light pink diamond, surrounded by 58 intense pink diamonds, flanked by two half-moon diamonds
Estimated value: $2.5 million
Bling details: The singer, 38, wed Nick Cannon, 27, April 30 in the Bahamas. On his finger? An equally fabulous diamond encrusted band.
Size: 1.5-2-carat
Setting: Black diamond solitaire, with a platinum band inset with white diamonds
Estimated value: $100,000
Bling details: The twice-married star 36, wouldn’t spill details on how rocker Rob Patterson, 37, popped the question but she said it was, “wonderful and sweet.”
Size: 3 carats
Setting: Round brilliant solitaire on an intertwined yellow gold band
Estimated value: $30,000
Bling details: Johansson confirmed her engagement to actor Ryan Reynolds, 31, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala in New York City May 5.
Size: 3-4 carats
Setting: Diamond solitaire on a a platinum band
Estimated value: $75,000
Bling details: “It’s an original,” the singer, 33, has gushed of her ring from Josh Duhamel, 35, who popped the question in December 2007. “He did a good job!”
Size: 5 carats
Setting: Asscher cut diamond surrounded by pave diamonds on a pave diamond band
Estimated value: $100,000
Bling details: Mom-to-be Alba, 27, (who is due any day) was spotted over Christmas 2007 sporting a ring from Cash Warren, 29
Size: Approximately 4 carats
Setting: Square cushion cut diamond set in pave diamonds
Estimated value: $100,000
Bling details: “It’s definitely a big diamond!” the singer, 23, raved. “I go, ‘Oh, my God, I can’t believe its on my hand!” Hubby-to-be Pete Wentz, 28, designed the gem.
Being a loving mother isn’t exclusive to humans…..as this picture clearly shows. We couldn’t resist sharing such a sweet moment between this Mama and her little one!
The crafting of our beautiful Whiteflash jewelry is a highly skilled task! Pictured above are some of our amazing jewelers doing their magic!
Katie, I just picked up my ring, and will stop staring at it just long enough to tell you how beautiful it looks. Just perfect, it is even nicer than the pictures I got last night. My diamond looks terrific in this setting, so much whiter and brighter than before, and it sits low enough that I can wear it all the time. It has so much sparkle that I hardly recognize it. I think Whiteflash is turning the concept of a “local family jeweler” into an anachronism. The whole process, from design through delivery, has been a pleasure. My initial reluctance about the doing this through the mail has been overcome by the wonderful service and communication that you and your team have provided along the way. Of course this also applies to the engagement ring that you helped my nephew Ben purchase recently. I appreciated that you were able to make him a stunning ring at a great price, and on short notice besides. It is no wonder that your company, and you personally, have received such kudos on Pricescope. They are surely all well deserved. Thank you Katie, and expect to hear from me again and again.
