You may already know to follow the four Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat), but first you need to know what shape of stone your future fiancé will want to wear. The shape is the actual geometry of the stone, where the cut refers to the angles of the facets in the stone.

There are ten general shapes to choose from: round, emerald, cushion, asscher, radiant, princess, marquis, oval, pear and heart. Fortunately, Harry Ritchie’s carries several of these shapes and if they don’t have exactly what you want in the store they can order the loose diamond and have it for you in just a few days.

Once you decide on the shape, start considering the setting in which your stone is mounted. Finding the right combination of shape and setting is key. There are nine standard settings from which to choose: prong, bezel, 3-stone, baguette, half bezel, tension, pave, channel and channel end.

Still thinking that you have no idea what her style is? Ask her best friend or watch her for a couple weeks and take mental notes about the jewelry she already wears. Does she wear silver more than gold? Does she tend to go for vintage jewels versus simple, classic pieces?

Be sure to pay attention to the metal of the band you choose. Platinum is great for durability and sensitive skin. If you want to add a touch of color, gold comes in white, yellow, rose and even green. Beyond those options, there is palladium, which more of a grey hue than platinum, or recycled metal that could be a combination platinum and gold.

Tradition says to spend at least two months salary on an engagement ring, but we recommend finding the best ring possible without going into major debt. There are a couple ways to save. If you want a large diamond, go for a ring with a larger surface area and less depth. There won’t be as much sparkle, but it will look bigger. If you don’t want to sacrifice the sparkle, trying going just shy of the next carat size up, like 1.8 instead of 2.

Need more ideas and tips? Visit your local Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers.

One-shoulder dresses are trending strong this year but they are potentially the most difficult of all dress types to accessorize. If you choose this style of dress for your bridesmaids, complete the look with drop earrings and a simple bracelet while steering clear of ornate necklaces.

For simple bridesmaids dresses, pair them with bold necklaces and bracelets.  A simple dress can act as the perfect canvas for dynamic jewelry pieces.

If you opt for a traditional slim and elongated dress, your bridesmaids will look their best with long stiletto earrings and a structured clutch.

Add a little flair to short dresses with simple yet elegant belts.

For more ideas on how to accessorize you and your bridal party, visit Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HarryRitchiesJewelers.

Let’s start by looking at Bellflower. This smoky purple definitely adds a touch of romance to the scenery. Combine it with Cloud Cream and/or Driftwood for a Parisian inspired delight.

Another trending color is Tangerine Tango. You can get bold with sticking to the true color intensity or you can tone it down to a subtle tangerine. Gray makes a nice complementary color for a subdued, elegant look. Want to make more of a statement?  Pair it with Bellflower for a striking effect that is sure to keep your guests in awe.

Driftwood and Cloud Cream are usually considered to be accent colors, but now they can be used as the main color for your wedding, especially if you want a beach theme or understated elegance!

For more ideas and trends, visit Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HarryRitchiesJewelers

These colors will be seen in clothing, jewelry, home décor and more. Here are tips on how to work them into your life.

Tangerine Tango has been announced as the Color of the Year, so it will be showing up everywhere. You can make it bold and trendy by pairing it with complementary bright colors like Cockatoo, Solar Power and Cabaret.  Use Tangerine Tango in a bold blouse, a geometric pattern on upholstery or chunky accessories for contrast!

If you want a more subdued look, use foundation colors to tone it down like khaki, nude, navy and black.

Colorblocking is another hot trend for bold colors this Spring. Accessorize with stones like fire opal with nudes, navy blue, red and purple.

The subtler colors of Spring work well together. Try putting Bellflower with Starfish and Driftwood.

Sodalite Blue can be used as a unique substitute for navy, and it makes for a stunning evening look.

Stay tuned, and we will show you how these colors work for a wedding.

January is considered the bridal industry’s “Black Friday”, so first up on the list is hair jewelry for the brides to be. Younger crowds on the bridal runways and red carpets are turning to barrettes, hair bands, tiaras and brooches for an elegant and whimsical effect.

A big inspiration for jewelry in 2012 is the remake of the classic The Great Gatsby and the HBO series Boardwalk Empire.  From these come flower motifs and Art-Deco pieces.

Another classic is sticking around as well, freshwater pearls. Elegance and affordability make these beauties a strong feature of many new collections.

Moveable and interchangeable jewels, such as ear charms and eternity-link drop earrings mix well with the voluminous fashions. These handy pieces can give added drama to those who crave it.

The classic pendant necklace continues to be a staple as it can accessorize a wide range of styles from dressy to casual, and lends itself well to layering.

Now, if you want to get a little sporty, slap on a bright watch with your favorite hoodie!

Go geometric this year with square rings and bangles. These work wonderfully with long column dresses!

The color of 2012 is Tangerine Tango, so pair your fire opals and citrine stones with bright colors to create color blocking. This look is all over the spring runways.

This spring, the gold standard is being reinforced. Rich golds have been evident on the spring runways in clothing and stones such as beryl and rutilated quartz.

Visit your local Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers for more trends and have one of our stylists get you ready for 2012.

The garnet is most commonly known for its deep red hue, but it does have a variety of others such as, muted yellows, vibrant oranges, rosy pinks, lime greens, and violets. This bouquet of colors is due to the varying levels of elements within each gem.

This stone has no shortage of myths behind it. During Biblical times, it was said that Noah hung this gem on the Arc to light his way through the dark and stormy nights. In Greece, the garnet was linked to the story of Persephone, the sunshine goddess. Persephone was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. Hades eventually released her but sent her on her way with seeds of a pomegranate, which guaranteed her return to him.

Archaeologists have found primitive style garnet jewelry among the graves of lake dwellers dating back to the Bronze age. Not all garnet is of gem quality and can be used as an abrasive for commercial grinding and polishing. Industrial sandpaper is often coated with garnet.

Today, the garnet continues to be the protective gem of journeyers. It is thought to symbolize love and the desire of a loved one’s safe travels and speedy homecoming.

In the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, more people get engaged than any other time of the year. With that time coming to a close, the bridal industry is preparing for their “Black Friday” month: January. So, for those of you starting the new year with a ring on your finger, here is what to expect in bridal trends.

If you are a fashionista who follows red carpet trends, you may want to show some leg. Slender dresses with high slits will be quite popular in 2012.

Layering has been a long time fashion “must”, and now it is appearing in bridal fashion! Gowns that have multiple layers and textures are big for this next year.

For those who can plan quickly for the summer, or if you are getting married in a warm climate, short and sweet may be just what you need.

After the royal wedding in 2011, blush colored, long-sleeve, lace gowns are trending strong for 2012. This regal inspiration is also bringing out illusion necklines, which are often sheer, embellished fabric that layers over the neckline like a veil.

To help complete the look, adding a stylish bolero or cape can keep bare shoulders warm during the fall or winter. Or if that is too much, just add an embellished belt to jazz up a simple gown.

When looking to shoes, hair accessories and bouquets, don’t be afraid to add feathers. This soft and elegant touch is continuing on from 2011. Also, natural looking, freshly plucked bouquets are a favorite among brides. If you are looking for a more unique look, create your bouquet incorporating some of your favorite jewels.

Now, when it comes to centerpieces and favors, personalization is the key. More and more people are looking for ways to include their furry family members in the wedding. Wedding planner Preston Bailey encourages flower sculptures of your pets as centerpieces or favors are the way to go. Others recommend personalizing favors by incorporating your hobbies, interests or tastes.

Invitations are also getting a makeover. Add a graphic to create style and pizzazz.

In case you are still looking to add a ring to your finger, or your loved one’s, personalizing engagement or wedding rings using unusual diamond cuts, colors or shapes is the way to go for 2012.

Visit Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers for more inspiration.

Trends pulled from an article in the Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/wedding-trends-for-2012/2011/12/19/gIQAAsHjHP_gallery.html#photo=9.

Not all jewelry shown can be found at all Harry Ritchie’s locations.

Bold necklaces will still be hot for spring. If she is more of the romantic type, go with something colorful and flowery. If she is bold, go with chunky or long necklaces.

If your special someone is more into bracelets, you can’t go wrong with bangles. Everyone loves a little bling around their wrist. Go for big, bold rhinestone  encrusted bangles or several skinny ones that she can stack. If you want a different look, flower bangles are rising in popularity.

For the last staple piece, go big and bold. Long chandelier earrings with vibrantly colored precious stones are all the rage for Spring.

Visit Harry Ritchie’s for even more incredible gift ideas this holiday season!

Items shown not available at all locations!

December can also be a very emotional month… Seeing children’s faces light up and revisiting fond memories. Families gathering, reuniting with loved ones and the spirit of the season all make December one of the most romantic months. It is no wonder then, that December is considered to be the most popular month for popping the question!

So, if you are still searching for the perfect gift, we thought we’d share some creative ideas (thanks to http://theknot.com) for popping the question during this magical month.

1.   For those who want to stay out of the hustle and bustle this time of year, stay home. Plan the ultimate at-home evening with whatever you like done to the extreme. If you both love wine and cheese, play it up with champagne and caviar. When the moment is right, ask.

2.   Make an advent calendar. Each door will reveal a sentimental memory or reason you love your spouse-to-be. Place your proposal behind the door for December 25^th. If you practice Judaism you can use this idea for Hanukkah gifts, with each gift building up to your proposal.

3.   For you dog lovers out there, enlist your pooch to help! Put a ring on a ribbon around the dog’s neck. Then send him (her) in to greet your beloved. If you have two dogs, attach a “Marry Me” sign to the other one and send them in together.

4.   Make two time capsules. Put souvenirs and snapshots from your relationship into the capsule for the year that is ending. Put only a ring box into the second, signifying a new beginning.

5.   Spell out “Will you marry me?” in rose petals on the snow.

Blue Topaz has been connected to several healing powers such as curing insanity, asthma, weak vision and insomnia. That’s not all, it was also thought to have magical powers. Among them, the ability to make its wearer invisible in a threatening situation.

This magical stone is naturally colorless, but when heated, it varies between three different blues: Sky, Swiss and London Blue. London Blue is the deepest of the colors and is often used as a less expensive alternative to Sapphire.

Modern times have brought new meanings and symbolisms to this stone. A gift of Blue Topaz is symbolic of love and fidelity.