Month: September 2017

I have always been one to ask “Why?”
It used to be my Dad and my Uncle who were the recipients of my endless questions, and now I’m directing my inquisition towards the wedding industry, and the way we plan our special days. Namely, when it comes to wedding planning, why we do what we do?
In every step of wedding planning, there’s an element of tradition and custom, and part of that is perpetuated by the wedding industry to keep us spending plenty of money on our weddings. Before we can each choose what is (and what is not) important to us, it helps to understand the why behind each decision. First up, the ring that begins ‘this whole thing‘ that is – the diamond in your new bling. I asked Nicola Baker, Store Manager of The Diamond Shop, to help me out with the ‘Why’. Why do we buy diamonds?
Where do diamonds come from?
Born of molten rock and immense pressure, diamonds formed over three billion years ago, deep within the earth’s mantle. They are truly a product of the earth and a gift of nature. Natural diamonds are extremely old and take around a billion years to form in the Earth’s molten interior. Stones used in engagement rings can be anywhere from 900 million years old to an astounding 3.2 billion years old.
When did we start wearing diamonds?
Humans have admired diamonds for more than 4,000 years, prizing them for their intense light, perfect shape and beauty. These distinctive properties prompted many to believe they had mystical, supernatural powers. Once we discovered how to use precision cutting and polishing, and it wasn’t long before they were being turned into beautiful jewellery.
Why do they say ‘Diamonds are Forever’?
The diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas,” meaning invincible or indestructible. The lasting nature of diamonds is a result of their incredible hardness, low reactivity to chemicals, resistance to radioactivity and high melting point. Nothing can scratch a diamond — except another diamond.

Diamonds are Forever

The phrase became popular due to Sean Connery’s as James Bond but was coined by De Beers in 1947 to kickstart diamond sales after a lull caused by the Great Depression and World War II.
Diamonds are also unique. Like snowflakes and fingerprints, no two diamonds are alike. Each rough stone from which a diamond is polished has unique characteristics — its own fingerprint — so no two diamonds are identical.
When did diamonds become the gem ‘du jour’ for engagement rings?
Diamonds have long been associated with love – the Romans believed that the tips of Cupid’s arrows were made from the precious stones.
The first diamond engagement ring in recorded history was presented by the Emperor Maximilian I of Austria to his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477. The ring was set with diamonds in the shape of the letter ‘M’.
Diamonds have the best sparkle, are the most durable stone in the world, and their lack of ‘colour’ means they are the most versatile for wearing, which makes them a very popular choice. Of course, you can also opt for alternative engagement rings that feature various coloured gemstones, we recommend sapphires and rubies as the best option as they are also very hard and durable. Other stones such as opals and pearls are too soft to be durable enough for wearing every day.
While some suggest that buying diamonds is merely a product of marketing, their history as the most pure and romantic stone goes back much further than modern marketing. Diamonds are finite and getting rarer — the last significant discovery was made nearly 20 years ago, which makes them pretty special in a world where everything else is commercially mass-produced.
Why are diamonds expensive?
This is largely owing to their rarity, and relative scarcity in the world. However, the process of mining, cutting and polishing, and certifying diamonds, also adds to their expense. We only sell diamonds that have been certified by G.I.A. the Gemological Institute of America, set up in 1931 as a nonprofit that protects the gem and jewelry buying public, it’s completely independent from the jewellery industry.
While diamonds are expensive, at The Diamond Shop, we are really proud to guarantee the best price and quality of any diamond in New Zealand. That means that if you are quoted for a particular diamond, we will always find you a better quality diamond for the same price, or a similar quality diamond for a better price.

Drop your loved one a hint at which engagement ring trends you love!

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Main illustration Courtesy of Rox Diamonds & Thrills

It’s a tricky balance to achieve, a wedding to suit the wants and whims (and financial sustainability) of the Bride and Groom (or Bride and Bride/Groom and Groom), and one that their guests will talk about for years.

Why do you want to know what guests like at a wedding? Isn’t this ‘YOUR’ Big Day? 

Yes, YOU (both) are the centre of attention.  Yes, you can (mostly) tell everyone what to do, and they’ll probably do it.  However, these particular wedding guests are your favourite people, you’ve asked them to be there to celebrate there with you, so why not make it fun?  I don’t understand the logic by it being all about you, these people are not the extras in ‘Your Big Wedding’

– they’re your friends and guests, and it’s easy to get caught up in the details of the dress, the flowers and the favours, and not focus on the celebration of love that it is.  So make it a fun celebration (for everyone)!

– While constrained by your budget, you should make your guests’ comfort and enjoyment one of the main priorities.  Everyone has different priorities, and different levels of guest comfort v your budget and preference, but these are my opinions.  I personally think that it’s tacky to spend a fortune on yourself and then skimp on your guests’ comfort.  If I had to choose between buying enough bubbles for my guests to enjoy for toasting, and having my hair and make-up done, I’d choose the Champers.
What does that mean? 

– Delicious and plentiful food over glitzy centrepieces:  Whether you can afford a backyard wedding or to hire out an Island, don’t skimp on the food.  That’s after-ceremony canapés, a filling dinner, and something to eat between dances, if possible!  It doesn’t have to be fancy filet mignon.

– Wine & Beer over monogrammed napkins:
It’s the ‘Open bar’ issue again.  No, it’s not a must.  However, if you can cut out the monogrammed napkins, expensive menus and useless favours, do so if it means you can treat your guests to some bubbles for toasting, and drinks with dinner.  To make my point…. here’s wedding pro
David Tutera ‘Open Bar vs Cash Bar’ and an article by The Knot which states “a cash bar is never a good choice.  When you have a wedding, you’re inviting people to a party, and they shouldn’t have to pay for anything while they’re there.  Yes, it’s true that when you have a bash in your apartment and invite all your pals, you say “BYOB” but it’s not quite the same at a formal event.” (P.S. – from me, it’s certainly not the same when you’re asking them to spend a lot of money on the alcohol!)

– Somewhere affordable to stay:  If it’s a destination wedding don’t make the only option the Four Seasons (unless you know everybody can afford it, weddings are an expensive exercise even for guests, and if they can’t afford to come, you might miss out on having your best friends there.  If it’s not too far from home.

– Good music: Carefully curated iTunes list; DJ or band, keep the mood upbeat with some great music that starts shortly after dinner and continues into the small hours!  Make it a night to remember with your favourite songs, and don’t cut out the feel-good anthems that everyone knows.

– Thoughtful seating:  Of course, all your guests are lovely, but why not seat like with like, and give some thought to who best your guests will enjoy being seated with.  That’s no ex-boyfriends, no single-ladies dumped on the kids’ (or oldies’) table, and no quarrelling relatives in close-quarters, please.

– Short speeches: Yes, you were cute growing up; No, your guests don’t want to hear your entire life story just because it’s your wedding.  Perhaps have the opportunity for others to speak at an evening meal the night before, rather than making the wedding an open-mic night (especially if people are waiting patiently for food).

– Minimal ceremony to reception time: While you’re getting your photos done, give a thought to what the guests are doing post wedding ceremony.  Provide food, drinks, seating and entertainment (games, music, etc) if you’re going to take 2 hours + before arriving.
Spend some time with your wedding guests: This is a simple, but also difficult one, but your guests will truly appreciate if you take the time to come to their table and say thank you for their attendance, plus you’re sure to enjoy compliments at the same time!