We talked a little yesterday about synthetic diamonds — what they are, how they’re made, and where you can get them.

We learned that they’re cultivated from “seed” diamonds — microscopic specks of diamond — but did you know that they can be made from any purified carbon source?

Get this people: that means that you can make a diamond out of human hair — or even human remains!

These diamonds are called “memorial diamonds,” and they’re quickly rising in popularity!

How do you do it? Well, you can expose human hair to heat treatment in order to extract the carbon. You can then turn that carbon into a diamond using the HPHT process (which we discussed in yesterday’s blog).

You can also filter and purify cremated human remains and then turn that into a diamond, once again thanks to HPHT.

The implications are astounding. You could wear a necklace made from your late grandmother. You could have earrings made from your first pet cat. You could even sport an engagement ring made from your fiancé’s hair!

I think a diamond is a classier keepsake than most cremation jewelry, but what do you think?

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Remembering,
Olivia

Memorial diamonds can be commissioned in the United States by LifeGem.

I talk about the “gold standard” on this blog a lot. It makes for a convenient metaphor and a clever pun all in one.

But I really hit the proverbial jackpot with this metaphor when I talk about the “Gold Coin” that sets the gold standard in the world of jewelry.

Of course, I am talking about the one and only Roberto Coin.

In 1977, Roberto Coin started a company specializing in the production of gold pieces for fine jewelry companies. By 1996, Coin realized that he could launch his own brand with his own unique vision. By 2000, Roberto Coin became the seventh most recognizable fine jewelry brand in the United States and, as of 2002, they’re the third-ranked fine jewelry company and the number one Italian jewelry brand in the world. And they say that the value of gold is steadily rising!

Roberto Coin is firmly rooted in their traditional roots. They began as a company specializing in gold, and gold of all colors still figures prominently in most of their jewelry.

The Roberto Coin Celebrations Collection.

Despite their loyalty to their original vision, they also herald creativity and imagination. I love how inventive their design is — they’re inspired by anything from everyday items to animals!

The Roberto Coin Animalier Collection. Clockwise from top left: Elephant Skin, Giraffe, Unique Pieces, Turtle.

They’re also committed to experimenting with new things — new techniques, new materials, new designs — this three-pronged approach to creation and innovation is what always keeps the brand fresh.

One of the new techniques they’ve developed is called the Cento Diamond. Most diamonds have 57 or 58 facets, but Roberto Coin Cento Diamonds have 100 facets, making them almost twice as brilliant as ordinary diamonds — and, next to a Cento Diamond, any other diamond just look ordinary.

Roberto Coin Cento Diamond Engagement Ring, $15,660 at jrdunn.com.

And most pieces are blessed with the Roberto Coin signature. If you look carefully, you will often find a tiny ruby on the inside of Roberto Coin’s jewelry, where it will be in direct contact with the wearer’s skin. This ruby is as much a part of Roberto Coin’s signature as his name. Rubies have long been thought to have mystical powers to impart peace, long life, health, and happiness.

This is Roberto Coin’s secret blessing to the women lucky enough to own a piece of his jewelry: every time they wear Roberto Coin, they will feel that ruby and know that, somewhere in the world, Roberto Coin himself is wishing them well.

Blessedly,
Olivia

Roberto Coin jewelry can be purchased at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and J.R. Dunn Jewelers.

(To read Part I of our interview with Sari Watkins, click here.)

They’re not called “Toppers with Glitz” for nothing.

Toppers with Glitz can custom-make cake jewelry to match your invitations, or whatever else you want it to match!

Sari Watkins offers over 60 colors of genuine Swarovski crystals with which to customize each wedding cake topper. The crystals are flat-backed and foil-backed so that they can be attached to each wedding cake topper with a special self-leveling metal glue that dries clear.

The cake toppers (letters or simple shapes) are cut from lightweight aluminum. They’re durable, but light enough to sit on top of a wedding cake without damaging it. The standard thickness weighs about half a pound, but Sari also does a heavy duty wedding cake topper that’s twice the thickness. These thick models have just a wee bit more presence, and can be bejeweled with crystals all over — Sari calls these the “Cadillac” cake toppers.

Sari specializes in monograms (she offers more than 60 different fonts), but also does designs. Apparently, lots of people have been asking for motorcycle-themed wedding cake toppers. While she can’t do something that complicated, yet, she’s come up with a simple solution: the Harley-Davidson “bar and shield” with the couple’s monogram inside!

The Harley-Davidson Bar & Shield with a monogram.

That’s a huge part of why Toppers with Glitz has been so successful. As the owner, Sari Watkins sees her business as a reflection of her personality. That’s why she’s so committed to treating every customer like her best friend. She’d never let her best friend down on her wedding day. Sari does her best to work directly with the bride and make sure that the happy couple is getting exactly what they want.

Sari really sees her wedding cake toppers as part of the big picture of the whole wedding. She sees herself as one collaborator on a big team of florists, wedding planners, and bakeries working toward the common goal of pulling off a perfect day! There’s nothing more gratifying to Sari Watkins than the satisfaction of seeing pictures of the happy couple on their wedding day, and seeing how her cake topper fits into the entire wedding.

New scatter crystals to glitz up your cake table!

Sari Watkins is also committed to keeping her business fresh and new. Every year, she tries to offer at least one new item. This year, she’s offering toasting flutes with Swarovski crystals in the stems. Sari’s also offering Swarovski “scatter crystals” that can be used to decorate tabletops. She likes to use her “off-season” (November and December are pretty slow months in the wedding industry) to research new ideas.

Sari also added a blog to her site this year, which is a great resource for brides to get ideas – pinks and Tiffany blues were pretty hot colors this season, which anyone would discover by reading the blog!

Toppers with Glitz is gaining fans quickly – Sari is even delivering to Canada, Australia and the UK these days! One of her wedding cake toppers was featured in the independent film Cordially Yours, and she was recently commissioned to make a birthday cake topper for a famous athlete (she’s been sworn to secrecy, though).

One of Sari's creations was featured in the film “Cordially Invited”.

So why should the bride get all the fun of getting blinged out on her wedding day? Thanks to Sari Watkins and Toppers with Glitz, the wedding cake itself can have its cake and eat it, too!

Glitzing Out,
Olivia

I recently sat down with Sari Watkins, owner of Toppers with Glitz, makers of custom bejeweled wedding cake toppers.

Toppers with Glitz is quite aptly named.

Four years ago, Sari Watkins wasn’t very happy with her life. She was working in IT, and she didn’t like it all that much. Her company had moved her to Boulder, CO, from sunny California. She didn’t even like her own last name (which wasn’t Watkins, yet). The only really good thing to come from the situation was her engagement to Marcus Watkins.

It was in preparing for her wedding that she first came in contact with Vicki Sigg. Vicki started Toppers with Glitz after crafting a blinged-out cake topper for her own wedding. But only a few months into her new business, she discovered that she was expecting her first child.

Enter Sari Watkins.

The topper that started Toppers with Glitz: Sari Watkins' own wedding cake topper.

Sari Watkins came to Vicki looking for a cake topper for her wedding cake – and stumbled into a business she loved. Vicki taught her everything she knew. Sari worked until neither she nor Vicki could tell the difference between each other’s work.

Finally, on Sari’s wedding day, the business was officially hers.

These cake toppers aren’t called “Toppers with Glitz” for nothing!

Tune in tomorrow for more about Sari’s product!

Puttin’ on the Glitz,
Olivia

Fort Knox. King Midas. Leprechauns.

What do they all have in common? Gold.

Not all that glitters is gold, but all gold glitters.

Every month, you Woobies get the vital stats on a gemstone, but we’ve rather neglected precious metals in comparison. And everyone knows that nothing frames a gemstone quite as nicely as a setting of precious metals.

Well, it’s time to remedy this, and we’re going to get started with the most recognizable precious metal: good, old AU — gold, that is.

The vital stats for gold.

Gold is #79 on the periodic table of the elements, and is valued for its malleability, ductility, and rareness. It’s been used in everything from currency to sculptures to gourmet cuisine to dental fillings to, of course, jewelry.

It’s soft enough to shape, and can be alloyed with other metals to give it strength or even to change the color.

Gold alloyed with copper takes on a pinkish tint — what we know as “rose gold.”

Gold alloyed with a white metal (such as nickel or palladium — the new darling of the precious metal world) looks like silver — we call it “white gold.”

Gold is versatile. It’s worn by everyone from babies to grandmas to rappers. So, to celebrate this precious, precious metal, let’s count down the top five ways to wear gold!

5. Let Me See Ya Grillz

Rapper Nelly: Smile for me, daddy!

There’s no more ostentatious way to flaunt one’s wealth than to put it in one’s smile. Gold and diamond grillz have been all the rage on the rap scene.

Still, Olivia thinks that there’s no better dental look than pearls — pearly whites, that is.

4. I’ve Got the Power

My preciousssss!

One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.

This ring also has the power of invisibility, which makes it very convenient to duck out of boring meetings, avoid ex-boyfriends, and sneak backstage at a Nelly concert. It can even extend your life by hundreds of years.

Unfortunately, you will be an evil shell of your former self by the end of that life, and just might meet a grisly end in a giant pit of lava. But you’ll look cool doing it.

3. Watch This!

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Milano Watch in Rose Gold, $195 at saks.com.

And, now, getting to the serious part: the pink tones of rose gold give a sleek watch some feminine appeal. And rose gold is so unique!

2. Make a Wish

Jennifer Meyer White Gold Wishbone Necklace, $700 at barneys.com.

If I had a real wishbone, I’d wish for this adorable necklace by Jennifer Meyer. The darling designer of many celebs (as well as some regular folk like me), Meyer is a master at glorified simplicity. Who would have thought that the aftermath of Thanksgiving dinner could be made into an elegant piece of jewelry?

1. With This Ring, I Thee Wed

Tiffany Lucida Wedding Band Ring, $825 at tiffany.com.

What better way to use gold than to celebrate a new life together, to symbolize and unbreakable bond? Metal has no nobler purpose than to represent undying love.

Well, I hope that all you Woobies out there have a newfound appreciation for gold and all it can do. There’s been some talk out in financial sectors about bringing back a gold standard — and I say, “Bring it on.”

Goldenly,
Olivia

Oh, you poor boys.

Some of you read this blog because you’re looking for help in navigating the stormy waters of gift selection. Some of you are hoping that we’ll throw you a bone and write about men’s jewelry. Maybe some of you even wandered in by mistake and are waiting for me to give you a reason to stick around.

Well, we hope you’re happy. We’re introducing a new regular feature just for men called (what else?) “Just for Men.”

And to kick off this new segment, I’d like to address the number one thing that men want to find here.

An important decision to make.

Next to picking the girl to give it to, picking out an engagement ring is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

A lot of guys have been telling me that they need help. Most men have spent their entire lives NOT thinking about jewelry, and then they’re suddenly thrust into a position where they have to make a HUGE purchase.

Some of you are tempted to panic. What if you get the wrong ring? What if you pay too much? What if she hates it so much she dumps you?

Well, here are Olivia’s top three tips to make sure that you get a ring that will WOW the love of your life!

Counting down:

3. Be Prepared.

Delicious, but not quite right for this occasion.

You know what’s disappointing? You decide to marry the woman of your dreams and then discover that you only have enough money to buy her a Ring Pop.

This is where the Boy Scout Motto comes in handy: “Be prepared.”

Even if you don’t know who she is yet, it couldn’t hurt to have enough money saved. Start squirreling money away into a savings account. Even if it seems premature, saving is generally a good idea. You never know when you might meet The One. And, trust me, nothing will impress her more than if you have the means to buy her a nice ring — not because she’s materialistic, but because YOU’RE practical.

And, trust me, nothing will impress her less than if you have to wait to propose for six months after you decide you want to marry her, while you save up to buy her a decent symbol of your affection.

2. Do Your Homework.

Research is good.

Knowing what to buy is good. But there’s no need to make it hard on yourself. Learn about different options for bands. Learn about different options for stones. Learn about how to know a good quality stone when you see one.

Most importantly, don’t do things the hard way. Let others do the legwork for you. Check the web for the essentials — specifically, keep checking out our blog. We’re looking out for you.

1. Your Greatest Resource

If she’s going to be the Maid of Honor, chances are she’s your greatest ally.

Utilize the best friend/sister. Most guys want to surprise their lady with the ring, which means that a lot of them are on their own when it comes to ring shopping. This is also what leads to the panic and the hopelessness.

Don’t do that to yourself. Ask her closest girlfriend or sister for help. Most girls love to talk about their dream ring. She is your inside track to everything that your future fiancee wants.

Hopefully, this can save you some time and headache as you prepare for one of the biggest moments of your life. We hope you check back soon for more tips and tricks from everybody’s favorite jewelry blog!

Helpfully,
Olivia

We recently posted an article about the difference between palladium and platinum. As we head into the weekend, we here at WooMeOver want to know:

Robbins Bros. Vivant Palladium Engagement Ring, $595 (without center stone) at robbinsbros.com.

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Palladium. It’s a word I’ve been seeing a lot on the internet lately, especially in ads.

After a friend asked me what it was, I decided that I needed to look into it, for the good of Woobies everywhere.

Palladium.

Palladium is a “platinum group metal” (”PRG”), a group of metals that have chemical properties similar to platinum. Palladium has an atomic weight of 46, and is actually 12% harder than platinum. At different times in history, platinum has actually been more plentiful than palladium, driving up the price of this precious metal.

However, due to recent innovations in palladium production, palladium is about a quarter of the price of platinum right now!

People tend to look at the price of palladium and assume that it is of a lesser quality than platinum. However, the only significant downside to palladium vs. platinum is that palladium tends to discolor at high soldering heats, become brittle with repeated heating and cooling, and also reacts to strong acids. But unless you plan to wear your palladium ring in a fire or handle some sulfuric acid without gloves, you’re okay — and, even then, you’re going to have bigger problems than your ring getting ruined.

Palladium is about the same price as white gold, but has the added advantage of being hypoallergenic. Also, it’s far more resistant to tarnishing and fading than white gold. In fact, white gold is often an alloy of gold and palladium, which gives it its white luster.

The Robbins Brothers website has a great comparison chart that you can look at to see exactly how palladium stacks up against more popular metals.

Photo credit robbinsbros.com

I also found some beautiful palladium engagement rings on their website.

Vivant Palladium Engagement Ring with Round Diamonds, $595 (without center stone) at robbinsbros.com.

At a fraction of the cost of a similar ring in platinum (all the platinum designs I saw that even came close cost at least $2,000), think of how much money your fiancé will have leftover to spend on the diamond! Let’s face it: the only reason for the band is to house the diamond!

And now is a great time to buy palladium, too. There’s been a huge advertising push for palladium and, as it grows in popularity, the demand is bound to rise, which means that the cost will rise right along with it (hey, I took high school economics). So get in on the ground floor with this new trend in precious metals!

Preciously,
Olivia

As we approach the end of the summer wedding season, the team here at WooMeOver is pondering some tough questions. But the toughest of all is the one that nobody has the guts to really ask.

How do you know if your engagement ring is a real diamond?

A symbol of eternal devotion… or is it?

Now, you don’t want to go and get it appraised because your future hubby might find out and be offended, which would make for an awfully awkward wedding ceremony (”I do… AND I’M SORRY”). A good marriage is built on a foundation of love and trust, so you want to make sure that he never finds out that you doubted him.

It’s worth finding out, though. The engagement ring is the symbol of a man’s commitment to the woman he loves; his eternal devotion to his beloved. But that commitment is only as good as the symbol he gives her because, while a diamond is forever, let’s face it: a cubic zirconia is only good until the beloved finds out that it’s just a cubic zirconia. After that, he’s toast.

But how to make the discovery without being yourself discovered? That’s a toughie. I mean, take a look at the two gems below. One is a diamond and the other is a cubic zirconia. Can you tell which is which?

Which is which? Diamond and cubic zirconia.

Don’t feel bad if you can’t tell the difference. The differences are negligible to the untrained eye. The one on top is the cubic zirconia and the one below is the real diamond.

But before you panic and call off your wedding, try these tricks first:

1. Dispersion.
Did you know that CZ actually has greater dispersion power than real diamond? This means that you’ll see more rainbows when you hold a CZ up to the light than when you do the same to a real diamond. So go and hold your ring up to the light and, if you see rainbows, go clock your fiancé over the head so that he sees stars.

2. Weight
CZ is also much heavier than real diamond. So find a friend with a confirmed diamond ring of the same size as yours and weigh them both. If yours is heavier, pull the ol’ switcheroo and keep your girlfriend’s ring and send her home with yours. Hey, she’s got the honest husband. I’d call that an even trade.

3. Hardness
Diamond is the hardest substance known to man, a full 10 on the Mohs scale. A CZ is only an 8.5 to 9. So borrow a friend’s diamond ring and try scratching your ring with it. If the diamond is able to scratch your ring, you can still take consolation in the fact that CZ is still hard enough to scratch other things — say, the side of your fiancé’s car.

That’s pretty much it for undercover ways to ferret out the truth about the man you plan to spend the rest of your life with. Well, I guess there is one more alternative. I suppose you could take his word for it and let your love for one another determine the value of the ring.

In all seriousness, though, we here at WooMeOver wish all of you engaged Woobies out there a diamond-strong marriage — no matter what sort of ring you really have.

Genuinely,
Olivia

Welcome to WooMeOver University, or WooU. As much as we think that jewelry and gemstones are fun to talk about, we also think that there’s something to be said for educating ourselves about them so that we actually know what we’re talking about.

So, let’s start with what I think is the quintessential gemstone: the diamond.

They say that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” but I sometimes think that men know more about diamonds than women do. After all, men are the ones who have to buy the engagement rings.

Regardless, every girl should still know how to at least evaluate a diamond, so here’s a review of diamond basics.

A diamond is basically a form of carbon. It is the hardest naturally-occurring mineral on earth. This makes it valuable for industrial purposes, but it’s more commonly known in its gemstone form.

And that brings us to the infamous Five Cs: the criteria by which all diamonds are measured.

Carat
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. A carat is 200 milligrams. Since all diamonds have the same atomic structure, its weight measure is also its mass measure.

Clarity

Almost all diamonds have internal defects, called inclusions. Inclusions can be foreign materials in a diamond, or even another diamond structure within a diamond. They can also be tiny cracks, which make the diamond appear whitish or cloudy.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has a system to grade clarity, which is based on a trained professional’s evaluation of the diamond under 10x magnification. Clarity is graded on a scale from flawless (negligible inclusions) to imperfect (many inclusions).

Color
A perfect diamond should be completely transparent. But chemical impurities and structural defects in a diamond’s crystal lattice can give a diamond the appearance of color.

The GIA has a system to grade color, from D (colorless) to Z (bright yellow).

But just because a diamond is colored doesn’t mean that it’s less valuable. In fact, yellow diamonds with a Z rating are rare and, therefore, more expensive. Pink and blue diamonds are also highly desirable.

Cut
A diamond needs to be shaped and polished in order to achieve its full potential as a gemstone. When light hits a diamond, the way it’s cut can either reflect lots of light, making it look brilliant, or absorb it, making it look dark.

Cut is not to be confused with shape. While cut refers to the reflective quality of the gem, the shape has no real bearing on how brilliant a gemstone looks; it’s just a matter of personal style and preference. Different shapes include round, princess, emerald, and heart.

Certificate
The best way to make sure that your diamond is of high quality, authenticity, and integrity is to make sure that it’s certified by a major independent gemological laboratory (like the GIA).

Hopefully, that fills you in all the basics a girl should know about her diamonds. But, as for getting a man to buy you one… well, that would require a different article.

Brilliantly,
Olivia