What is an Antique Engagement Ring?

Unique brides should consider an antique engagement ring. It has tremendous charm and character. Vintage and antique engagement rings are less expensive than market engagement rings of today and are an instant heirloom. Many antique rings also have better craftsmanship. 

What is the Difference between Antique and Vintage?

There are different answers all over the Internet. However, for industry professionals, an antique is a piece that is 100 years old or more. Vintage refers to 20 - 99 years old. 

Craftsmanship - The metal and stone work of vintage to antique pieces is unrivaled today. Our mall jewelry store engagement rings are machine-set in a factory, or completed on an assembly line with jewelers who have a main goal of producing quickly. Antique rings were each a work of art. Most have a "Maker's Mark;" the stamp that indicates the jeweler or company who created the piece. The metals are solid and stones set securely by hand. 

Unique Gemstones - This is probably my favorite aspect to the antique engagement ring. There is some very political history surrounding the diamond industry that is beyond the scope of this conversation today. (Remind me to write about that!) Diamonds were not often used in antique engagement rings. Before 1900, one will see turquoise, coral, and many pearls. At the turn of the century, sapphires and emeralds started to become the most popular, adding diamonds as accent. The roaring 20's erupted with bling and sparkle. Two extremely popular gemstones were used in engagement rings that we don't see today: Spinel and Zircon. Do not confuse "zircon" with "cubic zirconia."Zircon is a highly valuable, mined gem from the earth with a sparkle that rivals the diamond. Spinel is an amazing stone and highly sought-after by collectors. It comes in almost every color. We sell zircon and spinel the most in our store to unique brides who understand the value and rarity of these amazing gems. 

Check out an amazing Blue Zircon engagement ring from the 1920's here: Blue Zircon

Here is an vintage Spinel Ring: Antique Spinel









Affordable diamonds - Diamonds did not used to be graded the way they are today. Diamonds were hand-cut and were sought after for different qualities than will be measured now. Gray, yellow, green, and rose diamonds were used above white. Often in the store, a bride will ask, "What is the clarity and color of this antique diamond." Although we will estimate it for you, the search for an antique diamond is about the beauty YOU see in the stone, not what the current diamond grading says is beautiful.


Rose Cut Diamonds - Date back to the 1500's. These have only a few facets and will be found in various colors, especially gray. Rose Cut Diamond

Old Mine Diamonds - An old mine diamond is the most popular in our antique store. These diamonds are hand cut and have a cushion shape. They sparkle like dew, especially in low light! Imagine how they sparkled in a world that only used candle light or oil lamps at 
night. Old Mine Diamond

Old European Cut - The OEC, is the diamond cut that most closely resembles today's modern brilliant. The OEC has a more precise cut than the old mine to control light movement inside the stone, improving the brilliance of the stone. Old European Cut Diamond

Why I am a BIG KID Mom

I am an amazing mother. This edition of Thrift Life today offers hope and affirmation to phenomenal mothers. I have released my guilt that I suffered as a young mom. I invite you to commit to my journey through confessional words this morning.I am a big kid mom. It has taken these years of getting through diapers and cleaning vomit out of 5-point harness car seats to discover that I was made for big kids.

When I compared myself to other young moms, I began to wonder if something was wrong with me. I noticed that I never rushed up to 'the circle' to hold a new office addition, frequently named something that ends with an  "EN" sound, (Aiden, Caiden, Braedon, Kaelin, etc...). Why do I cringe, close my right eye, and scoot on past when mommies squeal with delight at a toddler's pink, sparkly outfit? Why do I hate the word, BINKY, refusing to ever use it in my home?

I tried to be "a good mom." I jumped on the victimization bandwagon of all Americanized baby marketing. I remember back in the 'old days,' there were plenty of sales people at Babies-R-Us to explain why I needed an entire layette. What is heck is a layette?

I discovered very quickly that I did not fit in with the other moms. I despise preschool music and coo-coo hand games. My children listened to Dream Theater alongside me. I explained the instruments and how tight the rhythms were. I discovered that I hated mommy-n-me time at various money-sucking locations such as Gymboree Gym. Like a Party City lemming, I handed over all my money to plan over-the-top birthday celebrations for my first son; parties that the other moms would certainly be jealous of because of my exorbitant amount of creativity. (WOW! And this was before Pinterest exsisted). That is when I found out that many small children cannot stand the over-stimulation of music, colors, and junk food. For my gentle child (and his friends), a birthday party is his hell, covered in stripes, polka dots, and icing with evil Red #40.

I tried to be "a good mom." Listening to moms compare heights, weights, and walking triumphs shut me down as a human being for many years. In the baby years, I became a recluse because I was so worried I would be asked those inevitable questions, "OH! Is she walking yet?" "OH! Is she potty trained yet?" It is no one's business at the playground what my children were or were not doing.
 That's when I realized that young moms may not know what to talk about except for their children. Perhaps that is why I felt so alone. I wanted to push my children on the swings and talk about the election. I wanted to talk about how that mom felt about the new water tax in the neighborhood. Instead, I was never able to venture out without someone interviewing me on my children's milestones.

Various scenarios involving small children nauseate me. One may examine my subtle body language of contempt in various outings:

*Babies whose mommies continually stuff their soft, pink faces with snacks as a way to control behavior in a store.

*Babies whose mommies squeal, "Oh you're so cute!" in a restaurant when Jr. is covered from hair to neck in BBQ sauce. No, mommy, he is not cute. He is 15 months old and perfectly capable of learning how to use his fork correctly. There are plenty of babies whose moms refuse to allow them to throw, drop, or wear food all over.

*Toddlers anesthetized by Nintendo Dsi. Nothing more to say there.

Is something wrong with me? Am I the only mom who believes that manners and behavior are possible and expected, even from the youngest people? (Well, besides my sister, who watched a four-year-old continually lick the conveyor belt at Target and mom did absolutely nothing).

I AM a good mom. I am the happiest I have ever been. My children are 7, 9, 12, and 18. Our day begins with hugs, help, and happiness. Our deep conversations bless car rides to activities that the whole family enjoys. My children wipe their own bums, wash their hair, do their laundry, and tell me about their hopes, dreams, and fears. We can water-ski, snowboard, and ride quads together. My squeals of delight come when my children provide detailed accounts of their day, sitting on the kitchen counter while I cook dinner. I am no longer held captive by diaper bag packing, car seat checking, and constant use of my breasts as someone else's food source.

I know that I am an amazing mom. I spent so many years feeling completely alone, that I did not know how long I could last. We are now in the big kid stage. Upon venturing out, the new moms I meet are secure with themselves. They are working moms, homeschooling moms, and moms who don't need to talk about their children 24/7. I finally have other women in my life who will talk about algebra, vacations, and backyard landscaping. My babies are now young people. Our family is filled with talking, dreaming, and learning together.

I have a message for ALL moms. Maybe you're like me and felt bad because you did not like the baby years. Maybe you feel the opposite way and you are hurting because you miss your children being babies. No matter what mom guilt you have, make the choice today to let that go. We all do the best we can. Our kids will grow up to be fantastic people.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1.

NOT a Thrift Day ~ Ann Taylor Blue Suit

NOT THRIFT DAY

   Today is not a thrift day. There are about 30,000 people who depend on how I execute my plan this morning. I have to show up with the best possible me I have to offer. When it's not a thrift day, I go to Ann Taylor. I think that there could not be a more perfect navy suit than this one. First, AT is one of the only locations that consistently provides correct sizing for petite girls. Her pieces are such high quality that I never even wrinkle sitting on a hot day. 

PS: Okay, okay. The shell IS thrift. The baby blue shell is 100% silk Ann Taylor for...... (wait for it)..... $0.99 at Air Force Academy Goodwill. 

DIY Anthropologie White House/Black Market

DIY Anthropologie

Oh Goodwill, if there were ever a day I loved you more, it's now. Does a cashmere gray sweater actually transport you to a rolling hill in Ireland? No, but we can pretend. 

Today, a well-known public figure, clad in tailored blue suit, visited me in my office to say, "Hi." She squealed, "Oh my gosh! You always look so cute." If she only knew!!!!!!

The most glorious rip-off, compliments of Elle (Kohl's) on the rack at the Academy Goodwill. In order to pull off my DIY Anthropologie, I took a black ribbon and sewed it into the waist. 

Finally, check out the burgundy scarf I found in the kid's section for $0.50. So cute!

$10.00 total for an amazing outfit

I also found this darling tank to go with. The tank is from White House/Black Market.

White House Black Market Thrift Find

Ruched Wrap Top

When the boob fairy was traveling door-to-door, she forgot to stop at a few addresses. Thankfully, we girls have wrap tops to cover her mistake. Ruched tops are a perfect way to help athletic girls like me appear more shapely. 

This is what I am going to wear to work tomorrow: 

White House/Black Market wrap shirt -$2.99

(Mother of Pearl Lia Sophia necklace--free hostess gift)

Saturday Designer Wish List- Nanette Lepore

My Saturday Designer Wish List- Lace Overlay

Below is a gorgeous dress from 

• Tadashi Shoji and lace tank from Nanette Lepore

Thrift find- Lace Peplum blouse and dress slacks

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/Nanette-Lepore-Inca-Sleeveless-Lace-Top/prod88790007___/?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FNtt%253Dsleeveless%252Bcotton%252Btop%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D0%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod88140181&cmCat=search+

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/tadashi-shoji-textured-lace-dress/3390185?origin=related-3390185-0-1-2-2-Rich%20Relevence&PageCategoryId=PP

Pre-fall pants- $3.99
Blouse- $10

Thrift Store Friday Shopping Tip ~ Anthropologie

Goodwill  FashionTip of the Day: Call your local Goodwill store to find out when new inventory is introduced to the showroom. Although they add daily, there will be a bulk delivery day. In Colorado Springs, it's Wednesday. There are re-sellers who do this for a living for their Etsy or eBay stores. (I know this because I used to do it). To compete for the best items, line up at the opening time on new inventory days. 

Goodwill Tracy Evans silk chiffon and rayon tank- $2.99

I am always romantically in love with Anthropologie. Here are two feminine silk chiffon pieces that inspired my THRIFT hunt.

joanna goddard