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What to Avoid when Buying a New York Wedding Ring or Engagement Ring

January 15, 2012 By

When you go out to buy a New York engagement ring or a wedding ring in New York, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, they’re expensive, and because it’s New York, it’s even more expensive. So if I were you, I’d buy a plane ticket to Chuathbaluk, Alaska (that’s a real city), grab a hoe, and start mining for your own gold.

When you find enough ore, invest in a furnace and purify it. Do not be tempted to eat the lead byproduct. Then put it in a ring mold and you have your very own free wedding ring. Mine up a diamond and you have a New York engagement ring. Bring it back to New York and it’s your own free New York wedding ring or engagement ring, just like you always wanted.

The only problem is that the plane ticket, the furnace, and the time it would take to find ore sort of blow your profit margins, so you may as well just buy a wedding ring or diamond engagement ring in New York without all the hassle.

To do so, do not go to China Town, as everything there either contains radioactive carcinogenic metals imported illegally from Taiwan, or else smells bad and is marked as food that in all probability will kill you. You could try raiding the Federal Reserve where they have a bunch of gold and diamonds, but we all saw Die Hard With a Vengeance and we know how that one panned out.

Also, when on search for a wedding ring and/or engagement ring and/or diamond in New York, do not head to Central Park or any of the avenues immediately encircling it. You will encounter people with junk merchandise who will attempt to strap you down in a straitjacket and force you to pay them $10 to take your picture and sell it to you, or they’ll just keep you in the straitjacket and sketch you for an hour into a caricature of a mental patient and you’ll have to buy it and put it on your fridge.

So if you really want a good quality New York wedding ring or New York engagement ring, just head to the diamond district on 47th street and call it a day.

And no, I did not eat the lead byproduct.

Filed Under: Engagement Rings

Engagement Ring Settings

January 15, 2012 By

A diamond engagement ring is really a combination of two core items: the band that holds the diamond, also known as the setting, and the center stone diamond itself. While some customers prefer building their engagement ring around a specific stone, most begin their diamond engagement ring search with a specific setting and style in mind. Below you’ll find an overview of the three basic engagement ring settings that every diamond jewelry consumer should know. So, take a moment and get acquainted!

Solitaire Engagement Ring Setting:
The solitaire engagement ring setting is the most popular setting and features one single center stone diamond set in a precious metal band. Solitaire settings offer a classic look for any bride-to-be being simple, elegant and timeless.
The quintessential solitaire setting showcases a prong-set center stone, where the diamond is held in place by 3 to 6 claws or prongs that shoot up from the band. A more contemporary solitaire setting might be a bezel set solitaire setting which embraces the diamond’s entire circumference for a cleaner, more modern look. The tension solitaire setting also offers a contemporary twist, suspending the center stone diamond between two ends of a split band.

Side Stone Engagement Ring Setting:
The side stone engagement ring adds extra sparkle to the classic solitaire engagement, featuring small accenting diamonds set on either side of the center stone. Side stone engagement rings come in all styles and designs, ranging from vintage and antique to fresh and unique. The accenting diamonds may simply line the precious metal band, or they may be specially set as part of the centerpiece diamond motif.
With the revival of the antique style engagement rings, side stone pave set diamond engagement rings have been growing in popularity. The pave set halo engagement ring is one of the most popular featuring a center stone diamond in a precious metal frame that is encrusted with diamonds. The metal frame appears to be paved with diamonds, creating a “halo” of brilliance emanating from the center stone.

Three Stone Engagement Ring Setting:
This engagement ring setting is the most unique setting of the three, and typically features three identical center stone diamonds aligned horizontally. While there are many adaptations of the three stone engagement ring that showcase a large center stone with two smaller diamonds on either side, the three stone engagement ring is still considered to be one of the standard engagement ring settings. In fact, unlike the solitaire setting and the side stone setting, the three stone engagement ring setting is believed to signify a couple’s Past, Present and Future in their journey through life. Make sure you browse through wedding rings that match your exquisite choice!

Now that you have a general understanding of the engagement rings settings on the market, you’re ready to hit the shops and do some browsing. Happy window shopping!

Filed Under: Engagement Rings

Body Care – AHAVA Dead Sea Cosmetics and Dead Sea Skin Care

January 12, 2012 By
All natural Dead Sea Salt

This healing Dead Sea bath salt is now available for 10% less! Just enter DEADSEA10 upon checkout!

AHAVA Dead Sea cosmetics are all about natural, high quality body care. Since its original creation in 1988, AHAVA cosmetics have provided natural Dead Sea cosmetics such as Dead Sea soap and Dead Sea bath salt to a worldwide AHAVA audience.

AHAVA Dead Sea cosmetics was founded when spa technician Ziva Gilad had the idea to bring the healing qualities of Dead Sea mud to people around the world by marketing its powers in body care products. AHAVA originated as a single booth where the first AHAVA Dead Sea Cosmetics were sold. The original Dead Sea Skin care generated $1 million in that first year and has since become a global phenomenon.

AHAVA cosmetics are made exclusively from natural minerals from the Dead Sea in order to harness the amazing properties of the Dead Sea. AHAVA products including Dead Sea soap and Dead Sea Bath salt are famous Dead Sea skin care items for this very reason. The Dead Sea itself as well as all AHAVA Dead Sea Cosmetics are rich in many minerals that have been scientifically proven as stimulants for healthy, younger skin providing your body with the minerals and moisture it needs.

All AHAVA Dead Sea bath salt products are pure salt capturing the real powers of natural Dead Sea salt. Dead Sea bath salts are clinically proven to show results in anti-aging and healing, though it should be noted that pregnant women and people with high blood pressure should consult a physician before use. Even recommended as treatment for psoriasis, AHAVA Dead Sea bath salt is the best way to relax, clearing both your spirit and body from their burdens.

AHAVA Dead Sea soap is another excellent way to take advantage of the Dead Sea’s precious minerals that are available to you through AHAVA. AHAVA supplies both purifying mud soap as well as moisturizing salt soap. These items are both the best natural anti-aging products from AHAVA Dead Sea cosmetics. Such useful items have proven to reduce the depth of wrinkling by 40% making Dead Sea cosmetics products in high demand.

Now AHAVA Dead Sea cosmetics are also available on World of Judaica! A wide variety of AHAVA Dead Sea products including Dead Sea soap and Dead Sea bath salt are just part of the gallery of AHAVA cosmetics to browse through at World of Judaica. In addition to AHAVA Dead Sea cosmetics, World of Judaica provides everything Judaica from Hanukkah menorahs to tallitot and serving pieces for the Jewish home.

Filed Under: Body Care Tagged With: , , ,

Silver Judaica – Hazorfim vs. Hadad Brothers

January 11, 2012 By
Hazorfim Kiddush cup

This Hazorfim Kiddush cup is available at World of Judaica for an exclusive 10% discount! Just type in HAZORFIM10 at checkout.

Online judaica shoppers currently face a dilemma when searching for high quality silver judaica. Hazorfim and Hadad Brothers are the two obvious suppliers to turn to, but when you’re looking for that one perfect piece of silver judaica, you begin to consider if Hadad or Hazorfim are truly the best.

Hazorfim was established I Israel in 1952 as a creator of fine silver judaica that would carry on the long tradition of Jews who always took their silver heirlooms with them when they couldn’t take anything else. Shoppers in Israel looking for judaica item of high quality silver quickly learned to look at Hazorfim before searching elsewhere.

Hazorfim is now best known for products such as Hazorfim Kiddush cups and Hazorfim Hanukkah menorahs. These Hazorfim items are all skillfully crafted of the finest sterling silver available and individually designed with unique artistic designs. The designs at Hazorfim are carefully planned to properly complement the bright silver in order to give customers the majestic pieces they deserve.

To the untrained eye, Hadad Brothers seems remarkably similar to Hazorfim but even its history goes back further than that of Hazorfim. Hadad Bros. originated with the grandfather of the Hadad family, Rabbi Shalom Hadad. In his days as a silver smith, the entire community knew to contact Rabbi Hadad for their future silver family heirlooms.

Ever since Hadad Bros. was officially created in 1964, the Rabbi’s kids and grandkids have been offering the same kind of reliable service to the Jewish community the world over. The entire Hadad family are skilled silver smiths and are popular across the world for silver items like Hadad Brothers candlesticks, and Hadad Brothers serving pieces.

In addition to Hadad Brother’s sterling silver pieces, the family run company also constantly adds to a line of products called Moreshet. Moreshet is comprised of all silver plated judaica items and has become widely recognized as a more affordable alternative to sterling silver though it sacrifices none of the traditional beauty that has come to be expected of Hadad Brothers.

So what’s more beneficial for you? Both Hazorfim and Hadad Brothers have long histories of high quality silver judaica while Hadad Brothers’ Moreshet offers an excellent opportunity to spend less of an item that will inevitably be just as pleasing. In the end, the choice of fine judaica silver is yours to make.

Filed Under: Silver Judaica Tagged With: , ,

Tallit – Beautiful Judaica for Torah Study and Jewish Prayer

December 18, 2011 By
Yair Emanuel Tallit set

Get a 10% discount on this item at World of Judaica by typing TALLIT10 upon checkout!

In many ways, the tallit embodies classic Judaica and the meaningful culture of the Jewish religion. As a Jewish tradition dating back nearly 4,000 years, talits (or tallitot in Hebrew), atara, tallit clips, and tallit bags represent one of the oldest religious commandments still in practice today. Today, Judaica artists are reviving the tallit in unique and beautiful ways so that Jews can enjoy prayers in greater grandeur than ever.

An important part of the talit prayer shawl is the tassel (or tzitzit in Hebrew) that hangs from all four corners of the tallit. Jews are required to wear tzitzit on every normal day of the week and are allowed to remove them only for special exceptions. This unique tradition is noted as a commandment in both the book of Numbers and Deuteronomy. As a result of the commandment of the tzitzit, tallitot came into use around 1800BCE in order to have a specific garment to don the tzitzit though they lacked the typical tallit accessories like tallit clips and the atara.

Over time, the tallit evolved with the Jewish religion. In its beginning, the talit was a large, plain, white cloth with tzitzit on its four corners and was used as a bed sheet, a burial covering, and a garment. Now there are two types of tallit, the tallit gadol and tallit katan both serving their own unique purpose. The tallit gadol is used as a prayer shawl for Shabbat and holiday prayers. This is meant to be draped over your shoulders for prayer, though many have taken to covering their heads with the prayer shawl as well. These beautiful pieces of Judaica art are often clasped together around the shoulders by a tallit clip and carried to services in a tallit bag. The tallit katan is the poncho type piece of clothing that is to be worn every day either beneath or over your other clothing. This garment lacks the atara section that adorns the tallit gadol. Both talits bear the tzitzit in all four corners and are meant to symbolize the constant presence of G-d in a Jew’s life.

The other type of evolution for the tallit has been in the world of Judaica art. While tallitot were once simple white cloths, now both the tallit gadol and tallit katan are made of artistic designs and rich materials meant to enhance your prayer experiences with both comfortability and elegance.

In general, the tallit is still kept fairly simple in design often bearing several stripes of various colors, but tallitot can also be found displaying rich artistic images relating to Jewish history and culture. A Yair Emanuel Tallit is the perfect example of this type of work. The materials often used to create a modern tallit include painted silk, cotton, and many others. Additionally, tallitot are often accompanied by a tallit bag, a tallit clip, or an atara.

Filed Under: Jewish Jewelry, Tallitot Tagged With: , , , ,

Yair Emanuel – Unique Jewish Art

December 5, 2011 By
Yair Emanuel designed tallit

This Yair Emanuel tallit is now at a 10% discount on World of Judaica. Just type 'JUDAICA10' at checkout.

Yair Emanuel is a prominent Israeli artist responsible for some of the most iconic and aesthetically pleasing Judaica products in the market today. He is well known for having an artistic outlook on the classic Judaica products such as menorahs, mezuzahs, tallitot, and a wide variety of additional pieces.

Yair Emmanuel himself was born on a small kibbutz and raised in Jerusalem. He grew-up in an Orthodox family giving him a wide knowledge of the Jewish culture and religion. As Yair Emanuel began creating Judaic art, he moved further away from religion in his personal life. This interesting factor in the life of Yair Emanuel had a large influence on Emanuel Judaica in which he displays in depth knowledge and experience in Jewish tradition while decorating with uniquely colorful designs.

The Yair Emanuel tallit is one of his most popular Yair Emanuel Judaica products and for good reason. The high quality of a Yair Emanuel tallit is richly made out of several materials. There are Yair Emanuel tallit of silk, hand embroidered cotton, raw silk, organza, and many more. However, it is not strictly the material of Yair Emanuel Tallit which makes them so exceptional. His carefully designed illustrations not only beautify the prayer shawls, but add meaning with a modern spin on traditional symbols of Jewish culture.

Yair Emmanuel’s most common themes include pomegranates, Jerusalem, the Tree of Life, and a wide variety of floral patterns. In all of these Yair Emanuel illustrates with bright, harmonious colors that give his work an elegance that can be found no-where else.

Another popular product is the Yair Emanuel challah cover to be placed over your challah on Shabbat. These pieces are also made of rich fabrics that are often put together by hand. Text is often added to the beauty of a Yair Emanuel challah cover and most are available both in Hebrew and English. One thing that’s for certain is the grandeur of Yair Emanuel Judaica is only added to through the stunning lines of Yair Emanuel challah covers.

Another positive in Emanuel Judaica is the wide option of beautiful products available. Within a category such as Yair Emanuel tallit or Yair Emanuel challah covers there is an array of designs to choose from and most of these gorgeous designs come in slight variations to make them as personalized as possible. An example would be two Yair Emanuel challah covers with the same basic design but in different colors so that you can pick what’s right for your home.

Filed Under: Jewish Jewelry, Yair Emanuel Judaica Tagged With: , , , ,

Jewish Jewelry Traditions

September 25, 2011 By
Star of David Pendant

Contemporary Star of David Pendant

Hanukkah is approaching and with Hanukkah people are thinking of what to give special people in their lives. Jewelry is often a great gift for anyone.  It can be for friends, siblings, parents and other significant people. There are many different kinds of Jewish jewelry. Some can be extravagant with diamonds and other stones and others can be simple sterling silver. With so many choices picking the right one can become complicated. What do all these symbols mean?

The most obvious choice is a Magen David or Star of David. The Star of David is the most recognizable symbol of Judaism.  The star is made up of two equilateral triangles representing the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to form a hexagram. It was also the symbol of King David and his army and has become a Kabbalistic symbol of divine protection.  The Star of David has been used as an architectural ornament in places such as synagogues since the 3rd century. The flag of Israel also features a blue Star of David.

Chai Pendant

Chai Pendant

The word Chai, meaning life, has become a popular symbol of Judaism. It is spelled with the Hebrew letters Chet and Yud. Since Chet is the eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and Yud is the tenth letter, eighteen has become an important significantly spiritual number in Judaism.

Mezuzot have become popular as jewelry. They are cases with a piece of parchment with verses from the Torah including the Shema, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One.”  Mezuzot were originally affixed to the doorframes of Jewish homes. Affixing a mezuzah is a mitzvah. Deuteronomy 6:9 states that the Shema should be “on the doorposts of your house.”

hamsa pendant

Hamsa Pendant

The hamsa or Hand of Miriam, sister of Moses, is an open right hand that provides protection from the evil eye. The symbol is used in a variety of different cultures. In recent years, the symbol has become more popular in Israel do to a renewed interest in folklore and customs.  It has become a popular “good luck” charm and appears on everything from jewelry to lottery cards.

menorah

Hanukkah Menorah

Jewelry is an excellent way for a person to identify with being Jewish. By wearing a symbol of their faith, people can be connected to Jews all around the world from Israel to little towns in the United States. Whether it is for Hanukkah, a Bat Mitzvah or just to show someone love and support, a piece of Jewish jewelry is a great gift even if it is just for yourself.

Filed Under: Jewish Jewelry

Trendy Wedding Ring Designs

July 27, 2011 By

A wedding ring is a tangible representation of your love and commitment to your partner through marriage. Whether you partner is all about comfort and function or style and glamour there are a number of options to consider when choosing the perfect wedding ring.

Read on and discover the current trends in the wedding and engagement ring market today.

1. Scattered Diamonds

scattered diamonds

Image Source: http://tigerbites.onsugar.com/tag/rings


Scattered diamonds that are evenly embedded throughout a wedding band are a hot trend because they are functional, gorgeous, and reasonably priced.

2. Incorporating Color

Princess Diana's Engagement Ring

Image Source: http://hidry.onsugar.com/date/2011/4

A hot trend right now is to purchase a wedding ring that is personalized and unique. Incorporating color into a wedding ring is a popular choice. Colored gemstones (rubies and sapphires) or pink diamonds are a striking choice. Many celebrities are showcasing color in their wedding rings these days.

3. Unique Designs

WBFEB11_Esty_Anemone-ring

http://www.weddingbells.ca/blogs/fashion/2011/02/16/birks-signature-designer-esty-unveils-new-collections/attachment/wbfeb11_esty_anemone-ring/


Another trend in wedding rings is to purchase a ring with a unique design like this beautiful example of Birks wedding rings pictured above. Popular choices for wedding ring design include the incorporation of leaves, flowers, Celtic knots, and scrolls on a wedding band.

4. Engraving

engraved wedding ring

Image source: http://www.stevearun.com/jewellery/?p=82

Another option for personalizing a wedding ring is to add engraving. A classic choice is to have your partner’s first name and your wedding date engraved on the wedding band. A statement of love like “with deepest love” or “forever” is another popular choice.

5. Lowered Settings

In the past, highly raised settings have been used on wedding bands to make a diamond appear larger. However, the higher settings are not functional because the diamond can easily get snagged on clothing, hair, and other objects. A lower setting on a wedding band is preferred by many because it has an elegant appearance and has an ergonomic design.

6. Metal Choice

wedding rings

Image source: http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2011/07/07/gop-presidential-candidates-will-be-asked-to-sign-a-marriage-pledge/two-gold-rings-reflected-candles/

Wedding rings come in a variety of metals. The decision on metal choice is a matter of personal taste and needs. The following are the most popular metal choices for wedding rings today:

Gold: Gold wedding bands are a classic choice for many today. When purchasing a gold wedding band it’s important to understand that gold is measured in karats. If you want to buy a pure gold wedding band, then purchase a wedding band that is 24 karats. A wedding band that is less than 24 karats is made of part other metals and part gold.

Platinum: Platinum wedding rings have become in high demand in recent years for a number of reasons. Platinum is a strong metal and can easily endure daily wear. In addition, platinum is a perfect choice for those who have sensitive skin because platinum is hypoallergenic. Twenty-five percent of wedding rings are made out of platinum today.

Titanium: Titanium is a strong metal and is almost indestructible. Titanium is a perfect choice for a groom or bride whose hands come in close contact with corrosive elements or harsh conditions in his or her work environment. The only downside to titanium wedding rings is that the metal is so strong it can be almost impossible to resize.

Two-Tone: Two-tone wedding rings are a popular choice for a groom or bride who wants to be able to wear gold or silver jewelry and still match his or her wedding ring.
In conclusion, there are a number of popular trends in the wedding ring market and there are many terrific places to shop for wedding rings and find out more information about how to find the perfect wedding ring for your groom or bride to be.

Filed Under: Ring Trends Tagged With: , ,

How to Choose Men’s Wedding Bands

August 25, 2010 By
How To Choose Men's Wedding Bands

How To Choose Men's Wedding Bands

Many men are intimidated by jewelry.  They don’t quite know how to go about buying it for their wives let alone how to go about buying it for themselves.   When the time comes for them to pick out a wedding ring, many claim ambivalence and disinterest, leaving it to their wives to do all the work.

Well ladies, I’m all for standing by your man, but don’t do his dirty work.  You need to let him know that a marriage means a partnership, and that his wedding ring is, well his.  Plus, beyond the whole partnership-equal-rights thing, I do think it is important for a man to have an idea of what kind of ring he will be wearing on his finger for the rest of his life.  He doesn’t want to get stuck with something that, in the end of things, he isn’t so ambivalent about.

So, here are a few tips on how to choose men’s wedding bands. Oh, and I recommend you and your man read these together! You may also want to visit Zoara.com’s learning center before you take out your wallet because it will help you with everything you need to know about purchasing your wedding bands.

1)      Try’em On. If he doesn’t go at least once to a jewelry store to try on some wedding rings, you’re going to have problems.  The fit of a men’s wedding band is essential – especially when we’re dealing with a guy who isn’t used to wearing jewelry.  Some men find that they prefer wider bands, others thinner bands; some men feel the most comfortable wearing bands with rounded edges and others favor square edges.  Have him try on a few for size, style and cut before going any further

2)      Budget It. He’ll probably be very good at this step- outlining a maximum price.  This is always an important step in buying jewelry.  It helps shoppers narrow down their options and it keeps them from slowly sinking into debt. We don’t like debt.

3)      Pick a Metal. It’s important that the groom expresses his preference regarding metal type.  Yellow Gold, White Gold and Platinum (the three most popular wedding band metals) all have different properties. Some may fit his taste and lifestyle better than others.  For some more alternative and “manly” metals check out titanium and tungsten bands.

4)       Decide on Design. Some men actually have fun with their wedding rings and go all out in making a special, once in a lifetime purchase.  Wedding bands can be as simple, traditional or out there as you want.  Some wedding rings feature diamonds and precious gemstones, others feature two-tone design, brushed metal ornamentation or milgrain detail. Have him pick out something he likes!

5)      Size It. Never buy a ring without making sure you are right about the ring size.  This is even more essential when it comes to men’s wedding rings! Why?  Well, because many cool, hard metals that are popular in men’s jewelry are in fact so hard that they cannot be resized.  So make sure you go to your local jeweler and have your ring size accurately measured.

6)      Say “I Do”!

Filed Under: Wedding Rings Tagged With: , ,

Unique Handmade Rings

August 25, 2010 By
Unique Handmade Rings

Unique Handmade Rings

There are plenty of interesting, unique designs out there when it comes to handmade rings.  In fact, if you are looking for a special, distinct and one of a kind ring style, you shouldn’t have trouble finding something online.  With the internet making the earth a smaller place, the world of rings and jewelry is your oyster.

One of the easiest ways to find unique handmade ring designs is to search well known non-profit organizations for free-trade retailers and/or eco-friendly retailers.  Many of these non-profits offer links to sites that sell handmade jewelry from local artists all over the world.

Some of these organizations donate a percentage of the profit to the local community or to local community development programs, while others are simply doing their best to promote the work of artists in underdeveloped countries.  You can find rings of every kind on sites like these- from sterling silver bands set with semi-precious gems to 14 karat gold rings encrusted with rough diamonds.

Another way to approach the search would be to simply browse sites like Etsy.com or eBay.com, both of which offer unknown or lesser known jewelry-makers a way to put their designs out there.

Mokume Gane Design

Mokume Gane Design

If you’re looking specifically for fine, unique handmade rings, you may want to consider taking a look at Mokume-Gane metal designs. The Mokume-Gane jewelry making technique is an ancient Japanese method of forging metals in a way that creates swirling, wood bark-like patterns.  In fact, Mokume-Gane means Wood-Grain-Metal because the swirls of metal so closely resemble wood fibers.  The metal design looks fantastic when it is incorporated into diamond engagement rings or wedding bands.

Custom-Made Ring

Custom-Made Ring

Of course, the most obvious way to get your hands on a unique handmade ring is to have one custom made.  Find a local jeweler or an internet retailer that specializes in custom-made rings. Have them work with you to design the ring of your dreams.  A custom made ring is certain to be unique and exceptional, if not also especially meaningful.

Filed Under: Ring Trends Tagged With: , , ,
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