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Hie significance of the diamond engagement ring Since the turn of the century the diamond nog been the Amer ican engagement symbol Even today as many traditions are toppling the dia mond ring tradition stronger thin ever Where did it begin and how did it evolve Jewelers of America Inc M the na tional organization dedicated lo consum er information and education about fine jewelry offers the following historical notes about the engagement ring The ancient Romans were the first civ ilization to use finger rings as a sign or betrothal and marriage Solitaire rings were popular as were bands of opus the Romans technique of openwork chiselled from sheet gold much like contemporary fil igree designs and rings similar to to days popular eternity ring with stones set all round a simple band However it was not until when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Princess Mary of Bur gundy that the tradition of the diamond engagement ring began The reason a woman wears ii on the third finger of her left hand is traced back to the early Egyptians who believed vena vein of love ran di rectly from the bean to the top of the third finger left hand The Greeks believed the fire in a dia mond reflected the constant flame of love The name diamond cornea from the Greek word edamas meaning un conquerable Is ii any wonder that the diamond has come to symbolize the eter nity of love This year brides and grooms will spend over billion on engagement and wedding ring And because the dia mond engagement ring is usually the first piece of diamond jewelry a woman owns it is important to solicit the assistance of an expert your local jeweler to coun sel you about the qualities thai should be considered when purchasing such a gift Diamond cuts as well as ting styles have changed throughout the years since Msximltlian made hi presentation to Princess Mary- Before tne of the diamond saw in 1910 diamonds were polished to give them their shine When the saw was used to break up the crystal created optically efficient dia monds that held more brilliancy and dis persion than ever before possible Today lasers enable diamonds to be cut not as rounds marquises pears ovals and rectangular shapes but alio lo be fashioned into such unique designs as horse heads stars and initials Styling changes have been subtle and gradual In colonial days the engagement ring was a diamond hoop called the keeper ring because it was worn over the wedding band acting as its keeper The next style was the cluster ring de signed like an oldfashioned bouquet with a rose of rosecut diamonds in the BEAUiTFlIL SETS THE TONE In modern above left Diagonal wrap ring In sold with diamond by Concept design holding diamond by Concept It framed with by Rings ft Brllbant by lour diamond by Tboroaa Mlchaeb Side ring round center by Concept I Helpful advice from an expert on how to plan a romantic honeymoon Talk honestly with your partner about what your dream of the perfect honey moon is Dont set yourself up for dis appointment by assuming your partners dream is the same as yours This is supposed be your time as a couple to relax and enjoy each Make sure the destination you choose is one that encourages privacy and provides all the services you expect Do your homework Researching a romantic honeymoon hideaway can be great fun Read periodical and guides published by accredited travel writers Know realistically your budget and work within it You dont need to start your marriage with a financial pinch A romantic hideaway is defined by the atmosphere not Ihe price lag Sh Dinners Kick Jill Jennifer Alton The Victorian rings were more ornate sometimes using black enamel with gold in the diamond sellings Then came the princess ring with three to five diamonds in row across the finger This was popu lar for many years until turn of the century and introduction of soli taire selling Whether you select a round or one of fancy cuts such as marquise or pear shapes you should have your jew eler explain Ihe importance of the Pour which determine Ihe quality of the gem carat color and cut Carat refers lo the weight and therefore the size of the gem One carat Is divided into 100 points so thai a dia mond of points weighs carats Totally colorless diamonds are very rare and represent the highest color grade The various gradations from exceptional while yellowish arc barely perceptible to the untrained eye Occasionally diamonds with strong colors such as green red blue and amber are recovered These fancy color dia monds are rare fetching commensurate prices Clarity refers to the degree to which a diamond is free of interior blem ishes or inclusions The size and position of inclusions affect the value of a stone according to whether they interfere with passage of light through diamond Cut The an of cutting a diamond is so refined that a precise mathematical formula was developed called for most stones to be cut with facets each placed at a precise angle lo one another How much should you spend for this of love that lasts forever Consider fact that most of your purchases de preciate in value and may not even last over the years A diamond on the other hand has lasting value always be enduring symbol of your love and will surely be come a family heirloom for generations come It can be remounted in another ring pendant or pin in the future and en joyed over and over again Jewelers of America recommends a two- month salary guideline to allow you to purchase ihe biggest and best dia mond that you can afford without si rain ing your budget SECTION Wednesday Jasnary a Page Emergency tips for your wedding dress Leant about your dress fabric before hand Ask your salon owner or salesper son what your dress is made of and ask for specific cleaning They may sug gest dry cleaning only but you can fix up most spots well enough to gel through your ceremony and reception Act fast to keep a stain from setting Dont rub the spill or expose it to ex treme heal Instead a few quick Mots will take care of the worst of the prob lem What to blot with That depends on Ihe stain Fight water soluble stains with water Perspiration champagne wine and other beverages are common watersoluble spills Their cure Put a towel under the fabric and blot top with a damp preferably wrung out in a light solution of while vinegar or detergent and water We a full line of wedding invitation napkin and napkin rings and yet even the thank you card Its all here for your choosing so Mop in soon GSS SUPPLIES SECRETARIAL SERVICES St it WqmBitdalUm FREE 1988 CATALOGUE 41687251 JV CLOTHING Style Quality Attitude Thats the FREEMAN Difference