Page 51 – Love & Lavender

10 Pink Sapphire Engagement Rings that are Oh-So-Feminine

Did you know pink sapphires come in a wide range of hues? The wide selection of hues and cuts available for these sapphire engagement rings means there’s something to suit any taste, including your fiance-to-be’s.

On the other hand, that also means you’re going to have to be able to read her mind (or check out her Pinterest board) to figure out precisely which hue of pink she adores most.

Regardless of the hue or cut, a pink sapphire ring has more meaning than just a pretty sparkly on her finger. Pink sapphires have a special magnetism, as they’re said to symbolize deep love, loyalty, and trust. When you’re proposing to the person you want to be with for the rest of your life, that pretty much sums up what you’re committed to giving her each and every day.

Whether you believe in symbolism or not, the characteristic magic of a this stone will be enough to win her heart. Well, ok, that’s actually your job, but a gorgeous ring never hurts either! Keep on scrolling to see some of the most enchanting pink sapphire engagement rings we could find.

Pink Sapphire Engagement Rings

1. Pink Sapphire and Micropavé Diamond Halo Ring

by Blue Nile

Honestly, this ring literally reminded me of a Disney fairy tale and how much I always wanted to be in one. There’s a good chance your girlfriend had a similar dream when she was growing up. Simply enchanting.

2. Art Deco Pink Sapphire Ring

by NyFineJewelry

Maybe I’m still daydreaming, but the art deco design of this ring took us away to the glamorous parties of the great Mr. Gatsby. Also, rose gold and pink sapphire are such a luxurious pair.

3. Pink Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring

by Blue Nile

Don’t mean to get crazy on you here, but HOLY CANNOLI! If ever there was a diamond engagement ring fit for a queen, this is it.

4. Emerald-Cut Pink Sapphire Infinity Twist Ring

by Angara

The vivid pink color of this sapphire is so striking against the glitter of white gold and diamonds, it’ll stand out in a crowd.

5. Classic Round Pink Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring

by Angara

This ring is exactly what she might expect, but with the beautiful twist of a pink sapphire. What could be a better surprise?

6. Pink Sapphire Oval Cut Pave Engagement Ring

by James Allen

So simple and yet also full of individuality, it’s a perfect example of how a pink sapphire can transform a beautiful ring into a stunner.

7. Cushion Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring With Diamond Accents

by Angara

If you have a bubbly, fun-loving lady, this is the perfect ring for her. It’s all substance, with a dash of frivolous charm.

8. Radiant-Cut Pink Sapphire Ring With Pear Shaped Diamond Halo

by Blue Nile

Once you give her this ring, she’ll never want to take it off. Honestly, its color alone makes it an almost otherworldly example of a pink sapphire stone, but when you frame it with those diamonds and white gold setting, it’s irresistible.

9. Solitaire Pink Sapphire Infinity Knot Ring

by Angara

This ring is the perfect level of unusual. It stands out for its unique design, and the brilliant hue of the pink sapphire highlights it perfectly.

10. Tapered Shank Pink Sapphire Solitaire Ring

by Angara

The pixie-like delicacy of this ring is so lovely, there is no better-suited stone than a pink sapphire for this design.

More About Pink Sapphires

Prior to the 1990s, pink sapphires were hard to come by. There were a few natural mines out there, but the quality and quantity of gems they produced weren’t enough to provide a robust supply.

Thanks to the discovery of a ruby and sapphire mine in Madagascar brimming with high-quality stones, pink sapphires have become more widely available. Now, finding a quality pink sapphire engagement ring perfect for your bride-to-be is literally a click away.

Sapphires of any color are among the big four of the precious gemstones – its sisters being diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. They rank a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making sapphire an extremely durable gem.

All sapphires come in a huge variety of colors, and pink sapphires are no exception. Peach, “Barbie pink”, flamingo, bubblegum, almost lavender, light pink, dark pink – whatever pink is your favourite, it’s out there.

Of course, any stone of beauty is a precious gem. The value of the gem is completely associated with its intended wearer. For many, pink sapphire is the stone that calls to them, and nothing else will do.

So, you’ve made up your mind that a pink sapphire is the ring you need to put on her finger. Where do you go from here? How do you pick a quality gem to last forever?

Tips On Choosing
The Right Pink Sapphire For Her

In this article, we want to focus on how to spot a quality pink sapphire, what your choices are, and how to choose wisely. (If you’re looking for other tips that could be helpful when choosing an engagement ring, check out our complete guide here.)

Natural Pink Sapphire

For many, naturally-sourced gemstones are considered ‘better’ than lab-created gems. Other than quality, there are a few reasons people commonly choose a natural stone:

The romantic notion of presenting your beloved with a gem that was naturally sourced from the earth over possibly millions of years. Yeah, that’s pretty romantic, actually…

Tradition often mandates that natural stones are the gift of choice; a lab-created stone isn’t as symbolic or meaningful.

Naturally-mined gemstones are certainly rarer, which is frequently associated with value. Since many people purchase an engagement ring with the ultimate purpose of passing it on from generation to generation, they opt for a natural stone assuming it will retain its value better than a lab-created stone.

Lab-Created Sapphire

If they can put a man on the moon they can create the same chemical components of a natural gem in a lab. Lab-created pink sapphires are still a 9/10 on the hardness scale, second only to diamonds, and they come in the same diverse, dazzling hues as those naturally-created.

Now that I think about it, there are a couple of other compelling reasons to consider purchasing a lab-created pink sapphire as well:

Growing gemstones in a lab is a controlled process, allowing for more customized options in terms of shape and size.

Lab-created sapphires are less expensive than naturally-mined stone.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to consider purchasing a lab-grown gem is sustainability. Production of pink sapphires in a lab is less invasive than blasting into mountains and tunneling into the Earth to mine them. (The issue isn’t that simple, I know, but it’s just something I’ll leave here for you to ponder.)

Treat Your Sapphire Right

If you do opt for a lab-created pink sapphire, pay attention to how it’s treated. Lab stones commonly undergo heat treatments, dyeing, oiling, irradiation, and bleaching to name a few.

Many times, these treatments require gem testing to detect, as they aren’t visible to the naked eye. For this reason, it’s essential to ask your jeweler if and how your stone has been treated.

A long list of lab-created gems are commonly heat-treated. Some of the most common include, but definitely aren’t limited to: amethyst, ruby, topaz, aquamarine, and of course, sapphire. Exposure to high temperatures alters the gemstone, often resulting in improvement of clarity and color.

Unless otherwise specifically stated as “untreated”, most professionals will assume your pink sapphire was heat-treated. That being said, when choosing her ring, get confirmation that it has been.

There are still gemstone dealers out there that will treat pink sapphires using irradiation or beryllium diffusion, which can alter the value of the stone.

At the end of the day, choosing a stone that’s been tested and certified by a gemologist, or the Gemological Institute of America is a pretty safe way to ensure you’re preserving its quality.

More On Pink Sapphire Engagement Rings

Ok! We’ve shown you some rings, and told you a thing or two about this pink stone and pink sapphire engagement rings. Hopefully we’ve also provided some inspiration on how to choose the one that’s exactly right for her.

Now all you have to do is pick it, buy it, pull yourself together, and ask. You got this.

*Save THIS PIN to your Engagement Rings board on Pinterest so you can always find it when you need to!*

8 Strong and Striking Damascus Steel Wedding Bands For Him

If you’re searching for a Damascus steel wedding band, you probably know how exalted this metal has been throughout history.

In case you need a refresher, Damascus steel was used by skilled artisans to craft swords in the near east during the third century. Word of the quality of these Damascus steel blades traveled quickly, earning them a reputation throughout the world as exceptionally strong, shatter-resistant, and beautiful.

Damascus steel wedding bands are crafted with the same care as those treasured swords, to reveal its innate combination of strength and beauty. That beauty is created, in part, during the foraging process. The result is a natural, swirled pattern reminiscent of flowing water and you’ll see this feature in the wedding bands we’ve included in this article.

It’s worth mentioning that the same unique pattern was prominent in those third-century swords from the near east we mentioned above. It’s probably not a coincidence the word “damas” is the root word for “watered” in Arabic. So without further ado, we present:

Damascus Steel Wedding Bands

1. Damascus Steel & Black Zirconium Band

by Etsy: RevolutionJewel

Black zirconium and kuro damascus steel band

This handcrafted Damascus steel/black zirconium wedding ring is so sexy, it had to be number one. Black wedding bands have surpassed the trendy mark and sailed on through to popular – this damascus steel wedding ring is a perfect example of why.

2. Polished Damascus Steel Ring with Blue Wood

by Etsy: RobandLean

The contrast between the polished Damascus steel and blue box elder wood sleeve on this ring makes it look like it was made for royalty.

3. Whiskey Barrel Wood with Damascus Steel Band

by GiftsforallDesign

Wedding bands featuring whiskey barrel oak are popping up everywhere, and we think it’s a pretty cool trend, particularly when paired with a beautiful metal. Due to the natural wood grain of the white oak and wave of the steel, you can bet no two of these beauties will be alike.

4. Damascus Wedding Band With Titanium And Turquoise Inlay

by IndustriaGemma

Again, the contrast between colors and textures in this ring is so unique and, it goes without saying, beautiful. You’re going to have get prepared for a lot of compliments.

5. Marbled Damascus Steel Band

by Etsy: RevolutionJewel

So. Shiny. The polish on this damascus ring alone is enough to get you noticed, but that marbled wave damascus steel pattern seals the deal for real. Two thumbs up.

6. Handcrafted Damascus Steel Band With Acid Finish

by Etsy: StonebrookJewelry

Acid finish is simply a technique that makes part of the steel look darker when crafting the ring. The acid finish is applied to the inlay of this band, creating a contrast that will look amazing on your finger. We promise.

7. Damascus Steel Band with Rose Gold Mokume Inlay

by Etsy: RevolutionJewel

We loved this one because it makes a statement. You’ve got to be bold in order to rock a ring this bold.

8. Damascus Twist Steel Rose Tungsten Band

by RingsByPristine

We really liked the rose gold contrast to the acid finish of the Damascus steel. It looks great, and if your soon-to-be-wife’s engagement ring is rose-gold, this band is a beautiful masculine compliment.

Tips for Choosing a Wedding Band

For a lot of men, buying their wedding band is almost an afterthought.

It can take so much time and research. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to even start! So you might find it tempting to just walk into the nearest jewelry store, go to the men’s wedding bands, close your eyes, and point.

There. Ring chosen. Box it up.

Luckily, shopping for men’s wedding bands CAN be low-maintenance and stress-free. You just need to prepare a little. Like, say, take half an hour or so to get ‘er done. Thirty minutes is worth a lifetime of wear, right? You know you’re fiancee is nodding her head vigorously at this very moment. Yes, yes, it IS worth.

What Metals Would Work For You?

Ok, so we’ll just say right out of the gate, make sure you’re not allergic to any of the metals or other materials in the bands you’re considering. It would suck to decide on a particular ring, buy it and take it home, only to find out you’re allergic. Then it’s back to the drawing board. Ok, so now that’s out of the way…

What does your average day look like?

Pretty much every guy we know works with his hands in some way or another, whether it’s tinkering with the car on the weekends, earning a living in construction, or hitting the greens every Sunday.

Traditional gold, silver, and platinum are totally suitable for your average Joe and will stand up to most daily wear and tear beautifully.

Do you work with your hands for a living? If so, you’ll want a metal that can take a lot of abuse like cerakote, carbon fiber, and Damascus steel. Although it’s not quite as hardy, cobalt is a pretty tough contender as well.

Are you athletic? The flexibility and durability of a silicone ring might be a practical choice for you. In fact, the husband of one of our staff went silicone because his original titanium ring bruised his finger every time he went skateboarding. So there’s that to consider.

What’s your budget look like?

The price of men’s wedding bands are really all over the place. Oftentimes those extra zeroes depend on whether you choose to customize your band or add precious stones.

If we’re talking metal alone, platinum is usually the most expensive, followed by white gold and yellow gold.

Prices for Damascus steel wedding bands range from $150 all the way up to $5000 on ManlyBands.com. It’s worth noting, the $5000 ring is actually solid 14K Gold with acid finished Damascus steel and .01 diamond edges, so yeah, that one’s super fancy.

What do you like?

Yes, it’s really obvious, but we’re still going to point it out because, well, we know how a lot guys choose their socks and boxer briefs (hint: there’s not a lot of research or consideration involved).

Since you’re gonna be looking at your wedding band for the rest of your life, it’s important to pick a ring you like to look at. Like, way more important than what your boxer briefs look like.

Consider Comfort

There are a couple of things to consider when it comes to how comfortable your ring will be (and will stay):

Have you been properly sized?

Don’t take a guess, and don’t use a string or a tape measure or any other measuring device other than a jeweler. A jeweler should be your measuring device. So pay a visit to one you trust and get sized properly.

Also, keep in mind that the average person’s fingers swell depending on the time of day and/or environmental conditions. Naturally, that’ll affect your ring size choices.

What’s your width and shape preference?

Wider bands are popular, but they can be uncomfortable depending on the size and shape of your hand. Skinny rings are more comfortable, but keep in mind they’re also more prone to breaking. Common sense, right? Ok, moving on.

Most rings come in domed and flat shapes of varying degrees, domed being raised and rounded on the outside, while flat rings are… flat.

The “fit” of a ring refers to how it’s shaped on the inside of the ring against your finger. These usually come in “comfort-fit” and “standard-fit”. Comfort-fit rings are rounded on the inside against your finger, while standard-fit rings lie flat.

A Final Word About Damascus Steel

From its origins at the hands of ancient Syrian warriors, to the knights who wielded it during the crusades, the adventurous and romantic history of Damascus steel has us mesmerized.

Equally mesmerizing, of course, is its beauty when crafted into a one-of-a-kind Damascus steel wedding band.

If you’re a rugged individualist, Damascus steel could very well be the perfect choice for you. Just expect to turn a lot of heads and attract a lot of compliments. But you’re already used to that anyways, right?

Check out more related articles:

Men’s Wedding Bands Series

1. 52 Stylish + Unique Mens Wedding Bands for 2020

2. Unique Cobalt Wedding Bands For Men – Masculinity Defined?

3. Titanium Wedding Bands to Stand The Test Of Time

4. Tungsten Wedding Bands Made To Last Forever

5. Meteorite Wedding Bands that are (Cue Pun) Out of this World

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Minted vs Zola vs the Knot Wedding Websites Review

Wedding planning has been going high-tech for years. In fact, many traditional industries are being left in the dust by technology advances. As an example, online counselors are available for pretty much everything you need for your mental health requirements, or online universities and virtual learning provide the opportunity to stay home and get an education.

Nowadays there are platforms that offer all the services of a wedding planner, and more. It is open for debate whehter this is a good thing, as both a personal wedding planner and the DIY planning strategy have their advantages. We do think it’s a good time to explore these sites and what they can do for you to make planning your wedding as stress-free as possible.

We tried and tested three the most popular wedding websites:

Let’s take a look at each in this Minted vs Zola vs The Knot article!

Minted Wedding

Minted began as a virtual marketplace for independent artists and designers creating stationery items, original pieces of art, and decor. The purpose was (and still is) to showcase independent artists, and Minted Wedding grew organically from the site’s expansion.

Supporting seriously talented artists, Minted offers the unique advantage of individuality. Your wedding’s design suite is practically guaranteed to be one of a kind.

First Impressions/Navigation

Classy and upscale. Minted Weddings reminded us of that fancy lady in the boutique graciously and patiently helping you try on every single gown in the place with genuine loving-kindness and without judgment.

Really. No purchase required.

Navigating Minted Weddings is relatively easy, and creating your wedding website is pretty quick as well. We published a mini tutorial a little while back that helps navigate you through creating your own wedding site there.

Just remember when you go to check it out, you’ll notice they focus up-front on the aesthetic planning before task management and wedding coordination options.

This makes sense because, as we said above, before Minted got into the wedding planning business, they were primarily a vendor for stationery goods and wedding decor. TBH, that’s at least 50% of planning a wedding anyway, but it can be a little frustrating if you want to switch up the sequence.

Once you go beyond the design selection portion of the site, get into the details of organizing and planning the practical aspects of your wedding, including the creation of a custom wedding website, putting together your registry, guest list management, travel information, etc.

Cool Features

The free customized monogram maker was a cool place to start.
The “bride on a budget” option is great. They offer the same quality, gorgeous, personalized products, only pared down and without the extra (and sometimes expensive) frills.
A sample kit complete with paper types, color swatches, your favorite designs, and more. It’s a great, no-risk way to shop your invites, save the dates, etc- completely free.
Coordinate designs for your website, ceremony, reception, bridal shower, etc.
The style quiz! This is an awesome feature, it means you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through color palettes and designs. They calculate what they predict you’ll like and show you options accordingly, and you can expand from there if you choose (feature is optional, of course).
The etiquette section is particularly useful, it comes complete with lists of helpful questions you should be asking your vendors, and a list of FAQ’s your guests will most likely have so you’ll be ready with answers.
Toggle content display settings in one place to keep everyone updated with changes, control which groups see what changes. For instance, if you only need to communicate something to the wedding party, you may adjust your settings so only they see the changes relevant to them.
Delete RSVP responses in bulk – a great feature if you’ve made scheduling changes. For instance, in case a pandemic hits and you’ve got to postpone the wedding, so you can start over with new RSVP requests.
Switch your website design from the website manager without losing any information you’ve already entered on the site.
You can create a virtual event on the website. You know, in case a pandemic hits and you have to have a virtual bridal shower or ceremony.

A few drawbacks

It takes a while to get to the checklist. While it’s nice they provide suggested time frames to get each task done, the tasks are centered around what you’ll need to mail when, or suggestions for times to update your website. This is certainly important, but it’s nice to have the added features of timelines for coordinating with vendors and venues.
Geared more toward host/guest communications rather than a comprehensive planning and coordinating experience.
The gift registry consists of off-site links. While this can be inconvenient, it can also be a good thing. We’ll get into why a little further into this article.

Premium And Custom Tier Options

In addition to all of the features of the free option, for a one time $15 fee, you’ll receive specialized services for website privacy, your own URL, photo gallery, and custom pages.

For a one-time fee of $98, the custom tier offers the same features as the free and premium packages, but you’ll work one-on-one with an independent artist to create completely original designs for your website and matching wedding stationery.

Our Takeaways

Minted Weddings is certainly a fantastic choice if you want your wedding’s aesthetic custom-designed to your style. You can be certain that you won’t have the same invitations as your cousin’s sister, everything is designed specifically by local artists to fit your tastes, especially if you take advantage of the custom tier offer.

The wedding website is really quick and easy to set up, and the dashboard is quite user-friendly.

If you want to get straight to the meat and potatoes of coordinating, however, you’ll have to be patient.

With the way the site is constructed, you’re directed to choose your visual preferences and designs for your communications (save the dates, invitations, thank you notes, etc) before entering your guest list, registry information, travel details, etc.

As mentioned, that constitutes the majority of the choices you’ll have to make anyway, so it’s as good a place as any to begin.

Update 2022: see our detailed Minted Wedding Website Review!

Zola

Zola came out of the gates as a wedding planning website, so that is naturally their focus. Like Minted, they don’t charge for your wedding website, but they do charge for matching custom wedding stationery and decor.

Unlike Minted, when we say custom, we mean that loosely.

First Impressions/Navigation

Zola is pretty straightforward and easy to navigate. The dashboard is nice and simple, and the features are accessible. But…

If we’re really getting opinionated, and probably a little petty, we weren’t 100% in love with the cheerful “You guys can do it!” “Just breathe!” “You’re a rockstar for planning a wedding!” banner across the top.

Why? Too reminiscent of middle school doodles on your trapper-keeper binder. We’re all adults here.

What does this have to do with its usefulness? Absolutely nothing.

There. We said it. Moving on…

Pros

Zola truly is a one-stop-shop for all things wedding. You can find vetted vendors in your area, their registry is completely self-contained on the site, order your stationery, build your website, the whole enchilada.
They offer a seating chart manager, which can be a life or death situation, depending on who you’re inviting.
They offer a gift-tracking feature. Fantastic for taking the stress out of thank-you notes.
They offer an RSVP feature for private events. For instance, only those invited to the rehearsal dinner can see its information and RSVP for it. Also possibly a life or death situation, depending on who you’re inviting.

Cons

Zola doesn’t make it easy to use a registry from another store. Their major focus is their own universal registry feature.
While they do offer a price matching feature, they awkwardly leave that up to guests to put in the legwork. Of course, it also has to be an in-stock item. Oh, and it has to be from an approved list of vendors.
While we didn’t actually get in there and create our own registry (we pretty much did everything but that…), from what we’ve read, they have at least a 20% markup on their registry items.
You will get promotional emails from Zola recommending products and services (read: potential spam) to include in your registry.
Perhaps even more annoying, the privacy policy is a bit rambling. The bottom line, they share data collected from you and your guests with third-party services for advertising purposes.

Custom Tier Options

They do offer specialized domains starting at $14.95. Some of the perks of their custom tier options include:

Domain forwarding – Anyone entering your domain name in their browser will be redirected to your wedding website.
The domain locking feature prevents any transfers of domain ownership or redirecting your nameservers. Domain Locking
Get status alerts for changes in your domain.
Your domains, hosting website builders, etc remain in your name and under your control with the auto-renew feature.

Our Takeaways

Zola is wedding focused. We don’t mean, like, they care about your wedding, we mean like they’re that bestie who squeals every time you show her your table runners.

Now, that’s not a bad thing by any means. Gearing up for your big day means getting psyched, and finding the joy in the process, so cheers to Zola for that.

The site is fairly easy to use, and super comprehensive in the free services offered. The wedding website interface is, for the most part, low-maintenance. Some guests, particularly those who aren’t tech-savvy may have a difficult time navigating some of the features.

The potential deal-breaker?

The stuff.

They sell so much stuff. All the stuff.

That’s fine, that could be a pro kind of situation for some, it certainly makes it easier (maybe) for your guests to pick stuff on your registry. Keep in mind, it’s not always smooth sailing with that kind of business model. This is how Zola provides a free, comprehensive wedding-planning website – they have to make money somehow, and they do so from their products, services, and “experiences”.

They also do so by providing your information to third-party vendors.

But then again, who doesn’t these days?

Go to Zola Wedding Websites

The Knot

Like Zola, The Knot is a one-stop-shop, but they don’t stop there. The Knot Worldwide (TKWW) have brands that cater to every step of a couple’s relationship.

Site for those just getting engaged? Got it.

Site for wedding planning? Well, yeah.

How about baby birthin’? Got that too.

They’ve even got a “marriage health app” to empower couples to build and sustain healthy, happy marriages.

Wow. That’s a lot, but many of us need some hand-holding these days. These are scary times, so why the heck not?

So back to the wedding site…

First Impressions/Navigation

If Zola is your enthusiastic bestie, The Knot is a combination of your hip aunt tellin’ it like it is if she were your personal brand manager. Again, all of these first impressions are totally just opinion, so grain of salt, yeah?

Setup and navigation were easy, and it took hardly any time to get a wedding website up and running.

The superstar feature of this site is the dashboard. We have to say, from a visual standpoint, the navigation tools are intuitive and pretty on point. It’s as if someone created project planning management software just for your wedding, and it’s super easy to organize and coordinate through their system.

However.

We can see how it could easily get a little overwhelming- even bossy- if you don’t need all of the features they offer. The point is to keep it simple and stress-free, so if you feel like you’re a bad bride for neglecting to keep up with your tasks and timeline, that’s no fun. This ain’t a job, you’re not getting paid. Unless you’re a wedding planner.

Pros

It’s got a really, really easy to use visual dashboard.
Including registries from other places is a lot easier than Zola.
You’re not limited to options from their website for wedding stationery. They partner with companies like Minted, Wedding Paper Divas, and others to create custom invites, programs, menus, decor- whatever you need- that coordinates with your website and your aesthetic.
The Knot has a selection option for meal choices on their guest list where your guests can list what they’d like if you’re having a sit-down reception. Very cool.
There’s an RSVP-for-anyone option, even if they’re not on your guest list. Sometimes that’s super helpful, sometimes it’s not. That’s why you can toggle it off or on.
Like Minted Weddings, they have a style quiz to “define your wedding vision”. The extra option of sharing that aesthetic with your local vendors is an added bonus.
They have a feature that incorporates your photos from hashtags or FaceBook albums onto your wedding website.
It’s a lot easier to incorporate outside registries to your Knot site than on Zola.
Budget tracker! This is a great service, it helps keep you in check and within budget with a personalized spending plan.

Cons

Like Zola, The Knot shares you and your guests’ information with third-party vendors for marketing and advertising purposes. This can multiply exponentially when you take into consideration their world-wide domination of all sites love, weddings, babies, and marriage.
The Knot isn’t as suited to small weddings as some of the other sites, there are a lot of extra features on the site you just may not need if you’re not throwing a society ball.
The template designs are contemporary and hip, but you get the feeling you’ll be seeing them pop up at every wedding you go to for the next five years.
The phone/app interface isn’t so smooth, some users reported that making updates to your website from your mobile device was a hassle.

Custom Tier Options

A custom wedding domain is available for $19.99 for a full year and is renewable for the same price each year after.
The Knot provides full tech support for your domain purchase. They handle the set-up, registration, and purchase process for no additional cost.

Go to the Knot Wedding Websites

Our Takeaways

If you’re in the mood for a glitter-packed extravaganza, The Knot is awesome. They handle the paparazzi, your social media accounts, the VIP guest list, all of it. OK, that’s a little over the top, but they do have some perks that manage some of that stuff. The paparazzi is all you.

The Knot does have a really cool, user-friendly, visually engaging interface to help guide you through the coordinating and planning process. While they do make their money through products and services provided through the site, as well as third-party marketing agreements, they’re pretty good at giving you more freedom for where and from whom you purchase your stuff. Goodness knows there’s a lot of stuff to purchase.

The Verdict

The first thing that struck us when writing this review was the distinct personalities of each service, and what that brings to the table.

From a retail standpoint, think boutique vs department store.

A boutique may be a little pricier, but for something like planning a wedding, do you really want to scrimp on the most important stuff?

At the end of the day, it’s more about your experience in the moment (as much as you can be in the moment when your stomach is doing somersaults and you’re worried about losing your tiny breakfast on your dress before the ceremony), and less about who gave you what. Although, we concede, sometimes what someone got you can be seriously epic depending upon what it is.

The point is that all those sights, sounds, and fragrances – lovely textile sensory experiences – live on in your memories longer than the material stuff. These are the investments that pay off when planning your wedding.

So the verdict?

If you’re entertaining the idea of using a DIY wedding planning site, we highly encourage you to take a look at each site on your own. We’ve given you the lowdown of the primary points as we see relevant, but there are some pros and cons to each we didn’t have time to list here. We’re quite sure you didn’t want to read a ton about wedding planning sites. That’s boring, so we included what we thought would be useful.

Your wedding’s gonna be fabulous because of what it means, and because it’s yours! The rest is icing on the perfect cake.

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15 Beach Wedding Favors for Those who Love Surf, Sand, and Romantic Sunsets!

If you’re lucky enough to be hosting your wedding on the beach, congrats! Your guests have already won the ‘wedding invitation’ lottery. Now, if you want to really blow them out of the water, give them a beach wedding favor they’ll adore. We know firsthand how stressful planning and organizing a wedding can be, which is why we’ll help you find the perfect beach wedding favor to suit your style, budget, and beachy theme.

A beach wedding takes an already special day and elevates it to vacation status. We hope you’ll take some time to chill and enjoy the sun, sand, surf and beachy beverages in the midst of wedding prep.

Grab a pina colada and find a place to lounge while you browse our beachiest (and useful!) wedding favors around:

Beach Wedding Favors

Sunscreen and Lip Balm – OF COURSE!

by EventGalDecals

These perfectly-sized, customizable sunscreen and lip balm favors are exactly what your guests will need on your big day. They come with different design options, choices of color scheme, and text for the labels. You can also send them your own logo or image to personalize it even further.

Personalized Turkish Beach Towels

by WholesaleTowels

These towels are so large they can double as a beach blanket, yet they fold up so well, they won’t hog all the space in your guests’ luggage. They’ve got the sunscreen and the towel, now it’s time to work on that tan.

Beach Koozies!

by YippeeDaisy

Planning a destination beach wedding with a smaller group of guests that you can splurge on? Have these beach koozies, that fabulous Turkish towel, and the sunscreen/lip balm duo waiting for your guests when they check-in, and you’ll be the rockstar of beach weddings.

Ok, maybe rockstar is a bit much, but they’ll definitely be gushing about your thoughtful and practical gift that says ‘get thyself to the beach now!’

Beach-Themed Candles

by GloBoutiqueCo

We love these little candles, and we’re sure your guests will too. Use them as a decorative place setting, or light them up to create an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Perfect if you’re dining outside and there’s not a breeze in the air.

Palm Tree Bottle Openers

by Etsy: ShimmerandConfetti

These palm tree bottle openers are beautiful and sturdy. Well, they stood up to our strict vetting process anyways, and we found nothing but awesome feedback from brides everywhere who opted for this classy and functional favor.

Coral Bottle Stoppers

by beau-coup

Unique, attractive, and handy-dandy! Your guests will be thrilled to receive these coral bottle stoppers to keep their wine fresh for years to come.

Trinket Box

by Etsy: LabelImprints

These little guys are cute and every time your guests see them, they’ll remember your fab wedding. And they’ll remember the beach. Then, they’ll get to the laptop and start looking at vacation packages for next year.

Tagged Compasses

by emOurWarm/em

Here’s another favor that would make a wonderful place setting card for your guests. So perfect for the sea-faring couple.

The tags are big enough to DIY write them yourself or have them printed up. Either way, they’re pretty enough to match any classic beach-themed setting.

Starfish Soaps

by SeasideSoapKitchen

These starfish soaps are bigger than your usual favor soaps, and will look great in a pretty trinket dish in the guest bathroom! (Or any bathroom, really.)

They smell like the beach, and you can get them pre-wrapped or put ‘em in a cute beach-themed gift bag. Like the one below…

Beach-Themed Favor Bags

by SweetThymes

Understated, lovely cotton bags that are available in four different sizes to suit your needs. They come in a huge array of colors.

Ok, we’re just gonna say, you can use these for whatever favors you want, of course. We humbly suggest that you stuff them to the brim with salt water taffy.

Edible Sea Glass Favor

by LillianMarieDesigns

Sea glass candy is just gorgeous when it’s done right. Like, it’s almost too pretty to eat. But don’t worry, they’ll get eaten, we speak from personal experience.

These great sea glass favors come with organza bags in a few color choices and customized monogrammed tags, or you can order the candy on its own and use the beach-themed bags listed above. They’re a great way to show your guests you’re glad they came!

Edible Sea Shell Medley

by sweetniks

Since we’re talking edibles (not those kind), you could also give them a whole box of gorgeous under-the-sea treats!

Shells, sand dollars, sea glass, starfish, they’re all nestled in a beautiful acrylic box for your guests to snack on. You can customize them with a personalized message, too. OK, we might be getting a little carried away with the beach-themed confections, but who wouldn’t?

13. Pretty Sand Dollar Coasters

by emKate Aspen/em

Coasters are never a bad idea to give as a wedding favor, and of all the beach-themed coasters we perused, these were by far the prettiest. They look so delicate, like the real thing, and we love the gift box they come in.

14. Beach-Themed Wine Charms

by emPalm City Products/em

Bundle of Two Wine Charm Sets - 18 Pieces Total

These are literally nice enough to wear on a necklace chain or a bracelet, but your guests will adore them tied to a gift bag with a personalized thank-you tag. Ten different charms means, depending on the number of guests you have, they can be used at the reception with minimal mix-ups.

15. Sandalwood Fans

by emDxhycc/em

Getting married in one of the warmer summer months? These fans are a beautiful, tasteful way to keep your guests cool during the ceremony and for a long night of celebrating after. Like all of the gifts we’ve included on this list, it’s small enough to fold up and carry in your guests’ luggage for the journey home!

Beach Weddings – Relaxation, Recreation, and Romance

Beach days are meant to be filled with frisbee, beach volleyball, sandcastles, surfing. Or, simply laying around with a good book soaking up some sun. When the sun begins to set, though, the whole mood changes and it becomes a magical, romantic place for an unforgettable wedding.

Not to mention, the beach is the perfect backdrop for the best wedding photos! In fact, most beach weddings are quite casual and minimal in many ways. That means more enjoying and less running around like a chicken with your head cut off.

Getting hitched on the beach is one of the best vacations, and we’re pretty certain it will be the most memorable day ever! We hope your guests have a blast too and that they love their wedding favors as much as they love the pina coladas they sipped all day and all night!

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18 Cheap Wedding Favors That’ll Make Your Event Look Like A Million $$s

We know, we know. You’ve got a wedding budget to think about. However, you can’t bear the thought of sending your guests home with a wedding favor that looks as cheap as it actually is.

Not to worry, there are oodles of affordable wedding favors to choose from that won’t break the bank, and will give your guests reason to smile!

Remember, the purpose of a wedding favor is to say thanks to your guests for helping you celebrate your big day. It’s totally possible to do that without racking up the ol’ credit card debt.

We’ve rounded up our list of inexpensive wedding favors under $5 that are certain to be treasured by your guests.

**DON’T FORGET TO PIN THIS PAGE FOR LATER**

On, and..

We tried sorting these into neat price tiers—under $1, under $2, etc.—but with prices constantly shifting (sometimes down, sometimes up!), it became a full-time job. So instead, we kept everything in this list under $5 at the time of writing.

If something’s no longer available or suddenly way more expensive, drop us a comment under this article, and we’ll update!

Cheap Wedding Favors Under $1

You won’t believe they’re really a dollar or less. Seriously.

Tropical Wedding Favors

Imagine each of your wedding guests discovering a beautifully crafted Baltic birch coaster at their seat, engraved with a monogram that commemorates your special day. Choose from a palette of colors including natural wood, umber, gray, chestnut, or black to seamlessly integrate with your wedding decor. For a truly unique touch, personalize each coaster with guest names or special messages—making your wedding favors as memorable as the celebration itself!

Get it from Wild Wood Wedding

Skeleton Key Bottle Opener With Escort Tag Card

If you’re having a vintage or rustic wedding, these favors are a fantastic option. You can display them in so many ways too, whether it’s incorporating them into your place settings, adorning your centerpieces, or hanging them from trees or fairy lights. The only limit is your imagination.

Get it from Amazon

Stainless Flower Shaped Coffee/Tea Spoon

Tie each seating card to an elegant flower shaped spoon with a beautiful tulle ribbon and place them in the middle of each setting. Ta da – you’ve got a favor that’ll look pricey without breaking the bank.

Get it from Amazon

Personalized Matchbox Favors

So the guys are going to retire to the… gentlemen’s (?) table after dinner for some fancy scotch and cigars. Do you want them to light them with someone’s Bic or with a proper match from a super classy box of personalized matches?

I think we both know the answer to that one.

Get it from Picture Perfect Papier

Cream Cheese Wedding Mints

Ooooooh, butter mints. So delicious, so creamy, so buttery. Just when you thought they were done being fabulous, they’ll dazzle you with their delicate beauty. These WILL disappear quickly, so order some extra just for you and your true love.

Note: this wedding favor is made-to-order!

Get it from Nordic Mill Bakery

Custom Mason Drinking Jars

These sweet drinking mason jars are perfect for a rustic themed wedding but will also fit right in at a more posh setting! Your guests will love them and will be using them long after the big day!

Get it from Napkin Niche

Magnetic Bottle Opener

These magnetic bottle openers check every box for a wedding favor: useful, compact, and totally customizable. We love how they double as both a keepsake and a fridge magnet—so your guests will actually use (and remember) them long after the last dance. With sleek designs and text options in any language, these make a great fit for multicultural weddings, destination events, or casual backyard celebrations. Bonus: they’re shipped fast and look fantastic tucked into favor boxes or place settings

Get it from BergamotFavors

Coffee Wedding Favor Bags

We can’t get enough of these adorable “Perfect Blend” coffee favor bags—they’re practical, personal, and just plain charming. Each resealable kraft pouch holds up to 2 oz of your favorite ground coffee or beans (not included) and comes with a custom sticker featuring your names, date, or a sweet message. What we love most? They’re a great mix of sustainability and sentimentality. Ideal for weddings, rehearsal dinners, or morning-after brunches, these make a warm, thoughtful sendoff your guests will actually use and remember.

Get it from adviceerapersonalize

Custom Slate Coasters – Engraved Stone

These engraved slate coasters are one of those wedding favors that just get it right. We love the modern, minimalist designs—think crisp initials, meaningful dates, and elegant icons—all etched into natural slate that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Whether you’re setting them at each place setting or popping them into gift bags, these sturdy, felt-backed coasters leave a lasting impression. Choose from round or square shapes, six stylish center icons, or even upload your own design for a truly one-of-a-kind favor your guests will actually want to take home.

Get it from SunshineLaserCo

Favors From $2 – $4

OK, we think these are SO cool. If you’re having an Asian-themed wedding, custom fortune cookies a must-have.

What better way for an ice-breaker at tables where guests may not know each other. They’re also inexpensive, personalizable, and, from what we hear, they’re as delicious as they are beautiful. Pair them with the personalized chopsticks below and your guests will be posting on Instagram before you can say “I do”.

Get it from ChillBazar

Personalized Chopstick Favors

These unique and utterly charming chopstick favors are available in eleven beautiful styles and two lines of personalized text. They come beautifully packaged in their own colorful silk pouch.

Get it from East Meets Dress

Mini Mason Jars

These little jars are perfect for a rustic barn wedding down south. Fill them with apple butter, honey, or something else yummy! Honey is also a fabulous favor (in fact, we love honey so much, we published an article all about honey favors), but apple butter is uniquely southern.

Of course, it’s delicious no matter where you eat it, so no geographical rules need apply.

Get it from DIYSupplyCabin

Rustic Tea Favors With Customized Tags

Tea favors are gaining in popularity, and we couldn’t be more pleased. Each tea is packaged in glass (NOT plastic) tubes with customized tags all tied up in a little twine bow. Choose from mallow, jasmine, chamomile, or order a variety.

Get it from Mesnet

Mini Lanterns

In our opinion, outdoor weddings and tree lighting go together like peanut butter and jelly. These beautiful little tea-candle lanterns would look perfect lit with a place card to greet your guests as they find their seat. They’d also look beautiful hanging throughout the trees with personalized notes of thanks or lined on a table for each guest to take as they leave.

Get it from MemorablePartyFavors

Votive Candle Holder

This favor is absolutely perfect for a vintage-style wedding, but is still elegant enough to fit in anywhere. Not only will they make your guest’s tables look like absolute works of art, they won’t believe they get to take one home to add to their decor collection!

Get it from Amazon

13. Rustic Wood Tea-Light Holder

Rusting weddings are still very much the rage and many of our favors on this list are right at home in a barn or any outdoor rustic setting. These tea-light holders fit the bill perfectly. They feature real dried flowers and a personalized tag tied to each light, making them just perfect for place settings.

Get it from Mesnet

Favors From $4 (and beyond!)

Assorted Succulent Plants

Succulent wedding favors range from tiny plants in plain plastic pots (alliteration, anyone?) to posh arrangements in custom pots. We opted for a little higher-end here because we thought the white, hand-painted pots were simply beautiful. Plus we liked the idea of having a choice of three cuttings per pot. Oh, and yes we love succulents so much we did a round-up of 10 of our favourites in this article.

Get it from TNGgarden

Personalized Jewelry Dish

IMHO, trinket dishes are underrated.

We love how sweet and simple these personalized ceramic jewelry dishes are—and even more, how they feel like a meaningful little treasure. Each one is handmade and customized with your own text, making it a heartfelt gift for bridesmaids, a thoughtful anniversary token, or the perfect place to keep your engagement ring safe. You can choose from different shapes and font colors to make it your own. What we really appreciate? It’s not just pretty—it’s practical, too. A keepsake that gets used every day.

Get it from Chasitykroulek

SO. CUTE. That is all.

Get it from Mihra Cookies

Personalized Hand Sanitizers

Unfortunately, it seems like no contemporary wedding is complete without some sort of quarantine favor.

Fortunately, many retailers have jumped to the rescue, making quarantine favors beautiful enough to be wedding-worthy. Get any product you want, and then order these printed labels to make favors personalized and stylish. Now that’s lovely and functional.

Get it from thepaperedwedding

Personalized M&M’s

There are a ton of colors and styles to choose from, and it turns out you can personalize M&M’s favors for almost anything. We loved these favors so much, we had them at our own wedding!

These silver love ones are super pretty, but have a look at the website and you’ll see there really is something for everyone there.

Get it from M&M’s

Chocolate Favors

We’re completely smitten with these luxe chocolate favors—and so were your guests, apparently, since they’re flying off the shelves! Each chocolate comes topped with a glossy mirror finish in gold, silver, or rose gold and is engraved with your custom names, initials, date, or floral design. We love how polished they look on reception tables or tucked into favor bags—like a little bite-sized thank-you with major style. Whether you’re planning a glamorous soirée or a chic destination wedding, these treats are the perfect blend of elegance and indulgence.

Get it from FavorsByPrc

Are Wedding Favors Really Necessary?

Well no, they’re not.

And if figuring out how many wedding favors you’ll need, what you can afford, and who will like what gives you a headache, don’t do it!

A lot of couples are opting out of the favor tradition for various reasons. Trust us, no one’s expecting anything from you but a good time and maybe some tears of joy.

But if you love the idea of sending your guests home with a favor that reminds them of your fab day (or, you know, one that they’ve already eaten by the time the dance floor) we hope this list will serve as a kind of second wind.

Picking out wedding favors can be fun, we promise!

25 Alluring Asscher Cut Engagement Rings (Feminine & Meticulous!)

In this article we discuss why you might want to pop the question with an Asscher cut engagement ring. For that matter, if you’ve never heard of ‘Asscher cut,’ what is it? Plus, we highlight 20 beauties found while browsing our favorite online shops.

Why an Asscher Cut Ring?

Asscher cut rings have a special sophistication and vintage-come-retro feel to them that we think you will just love. Despite being unique, many rings are understated and elegant.

The original Asscher cut was developed and established by the Asscher family in 1902. It was created at the time of the First World War as well as the Art-Deco period, which helps to explain the retro feel.

What is an Asscher Cut Ring?

It has 58 facets and an octagonal shape. After relatives of the original creators realized the cut was still popular in the United States, they redeveloped it by adding 16 extra facets. This more recent model is known as the Royal Asscher cut, and still keeps its angular shape.

An Asscher cut ring tends to indicate the wearer is feminine and meticulous. If that sounds like your partner, maybe you should add this ring style to your list of potential engagement rings to buy.

Asscher Cut Engagement Rings

Has the Asscher cut tickled your fancy?

Read on to discover our top picks.

Asscher Diamond Bezel Ring

The halo ring is a popular choice amongst celebrities and royalty alike. The shape allows for the light to hit the gemstone and simply dazzle! It fits perfectly with a retro feel, as it was a popular style at the time that the Asscher cut was developed – in the early 1900s.

Sleek, modern, and undeniably radiant, this bezel-set Asscher-cut lab-grown diamond ring is a masterpiece in 18K yellow gold. We love how the bezel setting enhances the clean, geometric lines of the Asscher diamond while providing a secure and polished look. With a stunning 2-carat total weight, this ring balances luxury with contemporary sophistication, perfect for someone who appreciates timeless design with a modern twist.

Get it from Blue Nile

Fancy Bezels Asscher Heart Diamond Ring

We love how this 14K yellow gold ring effortlessly combines elegance and practicality, making it perfect for those with active lifestyles. Featuring three distinct diamond shapes—a round, Asscher, and heart—all set in a secure bezel setting, this ring is both eye-catching and low-maintenance. Each lab-grown diamond boasts F-G color and VS1-VS2 clarity, ensuring exceptional sparkle while being an ethical choice.

Get it from James Allen

White Gold Kite Set Asscher Station Diamond Ring

Understated elegance meets contemporary design in this 14K white gold ring, featuring five Asscher-cut diamonds set in delicate kite-shaped stations. With a total carat weight of 0.50, these H-I color, SI1-SI2 clarity diamonds create a sophisticated sparkle, making this piece perfect for stacking or wearing solo.

Get it from James Allen

Asscher Cut Diamond Solitaire Cable Ring

Sleek, modern, and effortlessly chic, this 14K white gold ring showcases a single 0.15-carat Asscher-cut diamond in a minimalist solitaire setting. The H-I color and SI1-SI2 clarity of the diamond ensure a soft, radiant sparkle, making it a versatile piece for everyday wear or elegant stacking combinations.

Get it from James Allen

Rose Gold Asscher Cut Diamond Dome Ring

Modern elegance meets timeless sparkle in this 14K rose gold dome ring, featuring a single 0.15-carat Asscher-cut diamond as its centerpiece. The 2.50mm band adds a touch of substance to the delicate design, while the dome shape ensures a bold yet refined aesthetic. This handcrafted piece seamlessly blends contemporary and vintage-inspired style, making it perfect for someone with a love for understated luxury.

Get it from James Allen

Asscher Cut Diamond Pinnacle Ring

Simple yet dazzling, this 14K yellow gold ring highlights an elegant 0.23-carat Asscher-cut diamond, renowned for its captivating geometric facets. With a band measuring 1.50mm, the minimal design ensures the diamond remains the focal point, making it perfect for everyday elegance or special occasions.

Get it from James Allen

Gold Emerald and Asscher Cut Diamond Juxtapose Open Ring

Modern elegance meets unique design with this 14K yellow gold open ring, featuring a stunning juxtaposition of an emerald-cut diamond and an Asscher-cut diamond.

The 1.50mm band provides a minimalist backdrop, letting the geometric cuts take center stage. Perfectly handcrafted, this piece is ideal for fashion-forward individuals who love a mix of contemporary and classic styles.

Get it from James Allen

2 Carat Asscher Cut Engagement Ring

Cheesy line alert: Looking for something as bright as your newlywed future together?

Well, we think you just have to take a look at this dazzling ring. There’s something so special about how the light hits the center. This stunning 2-carat Asscher-cut engagement ring is pure elegance with a modern edge. We adore the cathedral setting, which gracefully elevates the diamond, highlighting its mesmerizing clarity and unique step-cut facets. The distinctive kite-style prongs add a contemporary twist to its timeless design, creating a piece that’s both refined and unforgettable.

Get it from NextDiamonds

Vintage Asscher Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

Another halo design from a top Etsy seller, but with the slight twist of the Fleur-de-Lis band, which gives it an artsy, vintage feel. This ring is purely inspired by Art Deco, and features diamond embellishments all around the delicate halo band. Even around the Asscher cut there are diamonds to make it super spectacular.

Get it from EstateDiamondJewelry

Art Deco Asscher Cut Aquamarine, Sapphire, & Diamond Ring in Platinum

A dazzling treasure from the 1930s, this Art Deco ring is a true masterpiece. At its heart lies a breathtaking 3.40-carat Asscher-cut Santa Maria aquamarine, its vibrant blue hues perfectly complemented by six vivid French-cut sapphire accents. The sapphires are elegantly tapered to frame the aquamarine, creating a captivating geometric harmony.

Get it from AstonEstateJewelry

Asscher Cut Cubic Zirconia Engagement Ring

Cubic zirconia is a synthesized material (low cost) perfect for a couple on a budget! This ring is even more spectacular thanks to its sleek band, which can be made in white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold . If your partner wants something that truly stands out from the crowd, without the hefty price tag, take a look at this stunner.

Get it from PescaraJewelry

Modern Square Asscher Cut Ring

This breathtaking solitaire engagement ring showcases a 2-carat IGI-certified lab-grown diamond in a striking Asscher (square emerald) cut. With its exceptional E color, VVS2 clarity, and expertly polished facets, this diamond radiates brilliance and fire, creating a timeless, elegant statement.

Handcrafted from high-quality 14k gold, you can choose from yellow, white, or rose gold for a personalized touch. The classic solitaire design lets the Asscher diamond take center stage, making this ring perfect for anyone seeking a blend of sophistication and sustainability.

Get it from GrownRadiance

Asscher Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring with Hidden Halo

Elegant and eye-catching, this 3.32-carat Asscher-cut moissanite engagement ring is a perfect blend of classic beauty and modern craftsmanship. We love how the hidden halo design and petite pave crown add just the right amount of sparkle, while the claw prongs and basket setting highlight the step-cut facets of the moissanite centerpiece.

Get it from diamondrensu

Asscher Cut Vintage Style Moissanite Engagement Ring

This stunning vintage-inspired engagement ring features a mesmerizing 3.90-carat total weight of colorless moissanite, showcasing an 8mm Asscher-cut center stone with exceptional DEF color and VVS clarity. Surrounded by a halo of brilliant round moissanites, the design adds depth and sparkle while maintaining its timeless elegance.

Get it from BelViaggioDesigns

Double-Edge Halo Asscher Cut Engagement Ring

I hear you saying, “3-carats, yes please!!”

This gorgeous ring is straight out of a fairy tale, made for a princess! Any Prince Charmings out there, we’re pretty sure she will fall in love with this ring the moment you pop it on her finger. It is a rare style, with gemstones continuing throughout the ring band, and polished in white, rose, or yellow gold for an extra glistening finish.

Bold and breathtaking, this 3-carat Asscher-cut lab-grown diamond engagement ring is a true showstopper. The center diamond, with its mesmerizing step-cut facets, is IGI/GIA-certified, boasting F+ color and VS1+ clarity for incredible brilliance. We love the double-edge halo and pave design, which add extra layers of sparkle while accentuating the clean, geometric lines of the Asscher cut.

Get it from BocajNarima

Zaya Moissanite and Diamond Asscher Cut Ring

This vintage-inspired ring is certainly original. An eight-prong design highlights the octagonal shape of the Asscher cut and gives it an even more dazzling finish. Customize it to your future fiancée’s tastes, with a choice of gold or platinum, and even choose the size of the center stone.

Get it from jhollywooddesigns

2 Carat Asscher Cut Art Deco Engagement Ring

A stunning tribute to vintage glamour, this Art Deco-inspired engagement ring features a dazzling 2-carat Asscher cut lab-grown diamond as its centerpiece. Flawlessly cut and certified, the diamond boasts F+ color and VS1+ clarity for unparalleled brilliance. Complemented by tapered baguette-cut side stones (0.25 carat total), this three-stone design radiates timeless sophistication.

Get it from BocajNarima

Hand Engraved Milgrain Asscher Cut Ring

This gorgeous ring is inspired by vintage style and Edwardian antiques. It features a play on symmetry, with a bold center stone and the smaller adjoining stones. An engraved floral design is featured on the band, which makes it all the more feminine and timeless.

Get it from Orospot

Asscher Cut Alexandrite Ring With Rose Gold Band

This ring features Asscher-cut Alexandrite with diamond sidestones. The twisty rose gold band makes it feminine and chic. A modern-day take on the Asscher cut engagement ring; it is understated and classy.

Get it from Belloring

Melee Setting Platinum Asscher Diamond Engagement Ring

Looking for something a little more extravagant? This Asscher cut engagement ring with platinum band may be exactly what you are searching for. This ring is pretty much royalty-worthy, and shows off the center stone nicely. Of course, an extravagant ring like this features diamonds all across the band too. She is not going to believe her eyes when she sees this one!

Get it from jetflair

Asscher Cut Moissanite & Diamond Ring

This ring was made for a confident and daring woman who is not afraid to stand out from the crowd! The gray moissanite is sultry and chic while the diamond accents give it the perfect amount of feminine sparkle, making this the perfect mix of modern and traditional. This piece is also available in an array of metals that you can match to your fiancée’s preference. Personally, I think this dark gemstone would look incredible set against a rose gold band!

Get it from DiorahJewellery

Vintage-Style Asscher Cut Ring

Sophisticated, opulant, and inspired by the trends of the roaring 20’s, this ring is perfect for the woman who knows her worth and can’t be bothered with a passing trend.

This vintage-inspired Asscher cut engagement ring effortlessly captures timeless elegance. With a choice of lab-grown diamonds ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 carats, each graded F-G in color and VS in clarity, this ring offers dazzling brilliance and exceptional quality. Set in a triple prong compass design with delicate Art Deco-inspired side accents, it’s a stunning homage to classic sophistication.

Get it from GemRoyals

Asscher Cut Orchid Lilac Spinel and Diamond Floral Ring

How could Love & Lavender not include this gorgeous lavender spinel ring?

An enchanting fusion of elegance and nature, this Orchid Lilac Spinel Ring features a mesmerizing 1.1ct Asscher-cut lavender spinel with vivid brilliance. Accented by delicate diamonds and set in 14K yellow gold, the organic floral design evokes the grace of blooming orchids. This ring is as rare and striking as the spinel it showcases.

Get it from NutellaKittyGem

Asscher Cut Pink Morganite Ring

Soft, feminine, and timeless, this vintage inspired morganite engagement ring is perfect for the hopeless romantic in your life! The blush pink tone of the gemstone makes this piece equal parts unique and versatile, while the art deco shapes give it a vintage touch that will make her feel like a true old Hollywood heroine.

Get it from RareEarth

4 CT Green Asscher Cut Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

We adore how the Asscher cut enhances the sapphire’s natural brilliance with precision facets that reflect light in mesmerizing ways. Minimalist in design yet bold in impact. The craftsmanship is impeccable, making this piece an heirloom-worthy treasure.

A statement of timeless elegance, this 4-carat green Asscher cut sapphire ring is a dazzling blend of luxury and artistry. The vibrant green sapphire, celebrated for its rare beauty and VVS1 clarity, is bezel-set in your choice of 10K, 14K, or 18K solid gold—available in white, yellow, or rose gold.

Get it from GemStoneRingGB

3 CT Asscher Diamond Double Halo Engagement Ring

Boldly elegant, this 3-carat Asscher cut diamond engagement ring is a true showstopper. The centerpiece—a meticulously crafted lab-grown Asscher diamond graded F color and VS clarity—is encased in a sparkling double halo of round lab-grown diamonds, amplifying its brilliance. Perfect for anyone drawn to vintage charm with a modern twist, this ring’s intricate design embodies sophistication and timeless appeal.

Get it from ShooraDesignsLimited

So there you have it, our top picks for Asscher cut engagement rings. Now get searching for the perfect ring and be sure to let us know in the comment section what you end up buying!

*TIP: Save THIS PIN to your Engagement Rings board on Pinterest and get back to this post later*

9 Titanium Wedding Bands to Stand The Test Of Time

For many reasons, men’s titanium wedding bands are among the most popular. You’ve got to admit, there’s something romantic about wearing a wedding band composed of materials found in objects from the far reaches of the universe.

Titanium is named after the Greek titans. You know, like the parents of the Gods?

Not too shabby.

Read on for some of our faves and a look at what makes them so special. We’ll also discuss some of the pros and cons to a titanium wedding band so you can confidently decide whether it’s the right choice for you.

Titanium Wedding Bands

Bold and Basic – Titanium’s shine doesn’t need a lot of fancy details to stand out. Here are a few we love for their clean, classic simplicity.

1. Faceted Titanium Ring

by Etsy: ElwoodCrafts

This ring left us marvelling at how such a simple design could convey so much personality. Its faceted design is classic without being boring. Perfect for a guy who prefers to remain understated, but dapper.

2. Titanium, Domed Profile

by JFergusonCustomRings

Sleek and sophisticated but not fussy, this ring has everything you want and nothing you don’t. Choose from high-polished or satin finish – either way this ring is lightweight and features a comfort fit design.

Once you put it on, you’ll practically forget it’s there!

3. Titanium, Hand-Hammered

by ClassicTitanium

This design looks pretty basic at first glance, but take a closer look. The polish hammered finish on this handmade ring is rugged and masculine, while still being chic and classy. It’s a perfect fit for wherever you go!

Statement Rings – While titanium is head-turning without any embellishment, more men are choosing rings that transcend the traditional. Here are a few of our favourite statement rings.

4. Titanium and Rosewood

by Etsy: AlixCrafts

The rosewood on this ring gives it a luxurious look and we love the fact that each one is handmade, so no two look exactly alike. Whether he’d prefer to be slaying dragons or hanging out in a boardroom, this ring will look amazing wherever he wears it.

5. Titanium and Black Zirconium Ring

By Etsy: ATDesignStudio

A ring fit for the proverbial ‘bad boy’, that was our first impression when we laid eyes on this black zirconium and titanium ring.

Black is still on the rise in popularity among men’s wedding bands, but for us this one stands out amongst the rest.

6. Titanium With Turquoise Inlay

by Etsy: PeacefieldTitanium

A splash of color is always a good thing, and the bright blue-green of turquoise in this ring is eye-catching. It’s the perfect ring for the guy who likes to stand out in a crowd, but doesn’t want to hijack the whole room.

Customizable Titanium Bands – One of the great things about titanium is that it’s easy to customize. A wedding band symbolizes your promise to be there forever through good times and bad for the one you love the most. Having that promise engraved right into your band just makes it that much more special.

7. Handcrafted, Engraved Titanium

by Etsy: hartwoodco

If you want the whole world to know exactly who you belong with, this is the band for you. It looks like a standard titanium band, but it can be engraved with a design or a message, making it so much more.

8. Yellow-Gold Titanium Pipe Cut

by Etsy: Theonar

This yellow-gold plated titanium band is the perfect blank slate for personalized engraving. With a veritable library’s worth of font choices, every time you look at it you’ll feel the love and remember how lucky you are.

9. Wood with Titanium Partition

by VyTvir

Wood With Titanium Partition wedding band

With the option to choose from 40 different kinds of wood species, this wood and titanium partitioned ring is designed to be entirely unique to your preferences. The additional feature of a personalized engraving further ensures that your ring will be one-of-a-kind.

Tips for Choosing a Titanium Wedding Band

We wrote a quick snippet on how to choose the most comfortable size and shape for your wedding band in a little while back, but here are a few things to consider specifically with respect to titanium wedding bands:

Proper sizing is key when choosing any ring, but titanium can’t be easily resized if you gain or lose weight in the future. At least, not for a reasonable price. That makes it uber important that you get the sizing right. If you can visit a local jeweler to get your finger professionally sized, this is your best bet.

Since our fingers change size throughout the day or with different temperatures, it’s a really good idea to make sure the vendor offers a policy that allows you to test drive the ring for a couple of days. If your ring is customized, they’ll probably provide you with a plain titanium band to try before crafting your specific ring.

Look for grade 5 surgical steel titanium when shopping for rings.This titanium grade is the best on the market for durability and scratch resistance.

The Pros and Cons Of Titanium

Like any metal, titanium has its pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider before committing to a titanium ring:

Pros

The first thing you’ll notice when trying on a titanium wedding band is its weight, or lack of weight more precisely. Titanium sports the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal, meaning once you put it on, you won’t even know you’re wearing it.

Like most modern metal selections (cobalt, tungsten, etc), titanium is extremely durable, making it an excellent choice if you need a band that can withstand a lot of manual labor.

Titanium is the most commonly used metal for surgical procedures, which means you can be sure it’s 100% hypoallergenic and won’t give you an itchy rash or green finger.

Titanium doesn’t tarnish, corrode, or crack under the elements, even after a lifetime of wear.

Like most modern metal selections, it’s easy to purchase a high-quality titanium ring at an affordable price.

Cons

There are times when titanium may be almost too strong for its own good. In an emergency, it can take specialized gear to cut it off. If your finger swells, you may have to employ all the tricks you can find on the Internet to remove it.
Like we mentioned above, resizing a titanium ring isn’t easy. It may end up costing more to resize it than to straight-up replace it.

Titanium can scratch or dull relatively easily and, like platinum, over time it can develop a patina. Luckily, it’s not that difficult to clean with a soft cloth and mild soap or a metal polish.

Titanium: Durable, Comfortable and Stylish

Like the David Guetta song says, whatever kind of abuse you want to fire at it, titanium can take it. That’s why we think it’s the best choice for men who need some extra backup when it comes to looking sharp without compromising durability and everyday comfort.

Other than for the crafting of jewelry, titanium’s uses seem to know no bounds: from medical implants to use in aerospace and marine construction, all the way to nuclear waste storage (!).

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Titanium is a common trade term for an alloy that is usually 80% to 100% pure titanium. Worn as wedding bands, it has several advantages over gold and silver. There is more room for personalization and engraving, it’s not as easily damaged, it doesn’t need to be polished or cleaned as often, and it costs less!

9 Unique Cobalt Wedding Bands For Men – Masculinity Defined?

Only recently did Cobalt Chrome (as it’s sometimes referred to) find its way onto the wedding band circuit. It has some fascinating roots in ancient history, which are associated with royalty. We think a cobalt wedding band is a regal choice for the crafting of unique bands for men. Below are a few of our favorites!

Unique Cobalt Wedding Bands

Silver Bands – Of course by “silver” we’re speaking about the ring’s color. Since cobalt chrome is a chameleon, it can adapt in color depending on plating, and it plays well with other metals. This gives you the advantage of more style options.

1. Steampunk Blue Carbon Fiber Inlay Band

by Etsy: OhmsJewelry

The steampunk inlay on this handcrafted cobalt wedding band and its subtle blue accents make this a particularly eye-catching ring. With free, custom engraving, you can make it personal, and even more unique.

2. Cobalt & Gibeon Meteorite Ring

by Etsy: RevolutionJewel

This ring looks every bit as powerful as it sounds, and its raw masculinity can’t be ignored. It’s super sturdy handcrafted cobalt chrome finish is accented with an inlay of Gibeon meteorite, making this ring even more unique.

Check out our post if you are interested in learning a little more about meteorite wedding bands.

3. Cobalt & Diamond Men’s Wedding Band

by Etsy: JRYATES

If you like a little more bling on your ring, you’ll love this band. Three brilliant diamonds shine from the inlay on the cobalt chrome band and the effect is stunning.

4. Mens Criss Cross Cobalt Wedding Band

by Etsy

The criss-cross pattern on this cobalt chrome ring is so interesting. When we saw examples of what it looks like worn, we had to include it here. Cobalt has many fantastic features (more on that later, too), and one of them is its affordability. This unique ring is perfect if you’re on a budget, but it still looks like a million bucks.

Gold Bands

Cobalt is perfectly at home hanging out with gold. The look is certainly classic, and it’ll probably never really go out of style. Choosing a gold-plated cobalt band is a good option if you want the strength and durability of cobalt, but the traditional shine of a gold ring.

5. Celtic Design Yellow Gold Cobalt Ring

by StunningJewelryGifts

We think the Celtic design on this cool ring makes it particularly special. Plus, the yellow-gold plated brushed cobalt finish practically glows from within.

6. Cobalt & 14K Rose Gold Wedding Band

by Etsy

The satin-brushed, hand-finished design of this wedding band showcases that cobalt shin. The off-center rose-gold inlay and black antiqued grooves definitely makes it unique, yet still minimalist.

7. Cobalt Band with 14K Yellow Gold Stripes

By Brilliant Expressions

Cobalt Wedding Band with Double 14K Yellow Gold Stripes

Although it comes in a few finishes, the black and gold design of this ring really jumped out at us. Black is so fashionable these days, and we thought the duo of black and gold was a really bold choice without coming across as too much.

Themes Are The New Black – We think it’s particularly cool that there are cobalt rings that reflect personal tastes and lifestyles of all kinds within the actual design. We’ve listed a few here that may be of interest to the not-so-average Joe.

Enter the themed band.

8. Cobalt Tree Engraving Wedding Band

by Etsy: CelticGirlJewelry

Are you an outdoor sportsman? Whether you’re of the Bear Grylls variety, or just like to get out for a hike now and then, there’s a ring for that.

9. Cobalt Wedding Bands – Sports Themed

by Etsy: VOWRINGS

How about a sports aficionado? Depending on your preferences, you can find so many different themes specific to your game, and many of them sport that cobalt chrome durability.

How to Choose Your Cobalt Ring

Choosing a wedding band is no small matter. Obviously, it’ll be on your finger forever. So finding something you’ll love to look at every day is a must. However, that’s not the only thing to consider when selecting a ring. When looking at cobalt chrome rings, consider:

Size And Width

Buying a correctly-sized ring is extremely important. Many guys make the mistake of taking a wild guess instead of actually getting their ring sized. Go to a jeweler and get properly sized for your ring.

Also, just because wider bands are marketed as “manlier” doesn’t mean you have to subscribe to that noise. Choose a width that’s most comfortable for the size and shape of your hand, not some hairy-knuckled hand model.

Fit and Shape

It probably hasn’t escaped your notice that men’s wedding bands come in plenty of different shapes, and what you choose will have an impact on how that ring feels on your finger all day every day.

The “fit” of a ring is how it is shaped on the inside of the ring against your finger, and usually comes in rounded, comfort fit and standard. Standard fit rings lie flat against your finger, and comfort fit rings are rounded on the inside. What you choose is simply a matter of your hand and what it likes.

Most rings available come in domed and flat shapes of varying degrees. Domed shapes are just what they sound like, raised and rounded on the outside while flat rings flat. Easy peasy.

Keep in mind, regardless of whether you choose a high-domed ring or flattest flat, any shape can come in either comfort fit or standard shapes.

A Day In The Life

Your job and lifestyle matters when it comes to choosing the right ring for you. We have to say, upon looking into it, we found that cobalt can take just about anything you throw at it.

It’s super strong and scratch-resistant and won’t dent like “precious metal” rings. It doesn’t rust or tarnish like some other materials, either so if you’re in and out of the water, or if you just sweat a lot, no problem. Also, it’s lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about a clunky, heavy ring getting in your way.

Pros

Cobalt has so much going for it:

It’s Beautiful
Super Durable
Hypo-allergenic
Lightweight
Low Maintenance
… and Affordable!

Cons

There are some things that may cause you to look elsewhere while shopping for a wedding band depending upon your preferences.

Cobalt has a tendency to be less valuable from a liquidation standpoint because it’s not a precious metal.
It’s hard to resize
While not impossible to engrave, it’s not that easy either.

Cobalt Closing Time

Cobalt’s ancient history traces back to the bronze age. The ancient Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese dynasties all used Cobalt to adorn their royal dwellings.

In addition to its ancient royal heritage, here in the 21st century there are a ton of reasons to consider cobalt your alloy of choice when it comes to a wedding band. It’s versatility, durability, and accessible shine make it pretty darn close to the most utilitarian wedding band ever. Who knows, centuries from now, yours may end up in the annals of history.

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Pink Sapphire Engagement Rings

1. Pink Sapphire and Micropavé Diamond Halo Ring

2. Art Deco Pink Sapphire Ring

3. Pink Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring

4. Emerald-Cut Pink Sapphire Infinity Twist Ring

5. Classic Round Pink Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring

6. Pink Sapphire Oval Cut Pave Engagement Ring

7. Cushion Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring With Diamond Accents

8. Radiant-Cut Pink Sapphire Ring With Pear Shaped Diamond Halo

9. Solitaire Pink Sapphire Infinity Knot Ring

10. Tapered Shank Pink Sapphire Solitaire Ring

More About Pink Sapphires

Tips On Choosing The Right Pink Sapphire For Her

Natural Pink Sapphire

Lab-Created Sapphire

Treat Your Sapphire Right

More On Pink Sapphire Engagement Rings

Damascus Steel Wedding Bands

1. Damascus Steel & Black Zirconium Band

2. Polished Damascus Steel Ring with Blue Wood

3. Whiskey Barrel Wood with Damascus Steel Band

4. Damascus Wedding Band With Titanium And Turquoise Inlay

5. Marbled Damascus Steel Band

6. Handcrafted Damascus Steel Band With Acid Finish

7. Damascus Steel Band with Rose Gold Mokume Inlay

8. Damascus Twist Steel Rose Tungsten Band

Tips for Choosing a Wedding Band

Consider Comfort

A Final Word About Damascus Steel

Men’s Wedding Bands Series

Minted Wedding

First Impressions/Navigation

Cool Features

A few drawbacks

Premium And Custom Tier Options

Our Takeaways

Zola

First Impressions/Navigation

Pros

Cons

Custom Tier Options

Our Takeaways

The Knot

First Impressions/Navigation

Pros

Cons

Custom Tier Options

Our Takeaways

The Verdict

Beach Wedding Favors

Sunscreen and Lip Balm – OF COURSE!

Personalized Turkish Beach Towels

Beach Koozies!

Beach-Themed Candles

Palm Tree Bottle Openers

Coral Bottle Stoppers

Trinket Box

Tagged Compasses

Starfish Soaps

Beach-Themed Favor Bags

Edible Sea Glass Favor

Edible Sea Shell Medley

13. Pretty Sand Dollar Coasters

14. Beach-Themed Wine Charms

15. Sandalwood Fans

Beach Weddings – Relaxation, Recreation, and Romance

Cheap Wedding Favors Under $1

Tropical Wedding Favors

Skeleton Key Bottle Opener With Escort Tag Card

Stainless Flower Shaped Coffee/Tea Spoon

Personalized Matchbox Favors

Cream Cheese Wedding Mints

Custom Mason Drinking Jars

Magnetic Bottle Opener

Coffee Wedding Favor Bags

Custom Slate Coasters – Engraved Stone

Favors From $2 – $4

Custom Fortune Cookie Favors

Personalized Chopstick Favors

Mini Mason Jars

Tips On Choosing
The Right Pink Sapphire For Her