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Emerging Engagement Ring Trends Blend Tradition With Modern Flair

The diamond engagement rings - a timeless expression of love and commitment.

The classic styles available - solitaire and pave, for example - still are popular today, but there are emerging trends of which you, the potential buyer should be aware.

Note: One thing that never changes is what grooms tend to pay for engagement rings - quite a bit! Latest statistics show the average amount spent is $3,000, according to these sources:

" $3,044 (Bride's Millenium Report)

" $2,982 (Bride's Magazine)

" $2,909 (Modern Bride, as cited in Weddings for Dummies)

" $3,576 (Conde Nast Bridal Group)

" $3,165 (Modern Bride Magazine)

" $2,807 (National Bride Service)

Hot ring trends - classic, antique and modern lead the way

For example, classic solitaires are very popular. Many women are choosing a classic-cut diamond solitaire. These are assured of never going out of style and make good heirloom pieces.

However, a traditional solitaire setting is upswept and raises the diamond high. Some people today select settings where the center stone sits low, creating a look that is elegant and ergonomic. Another popular setting is one that is intricately raised, as well as twisted band.

And while the round cut continues to be popular, it is becoming more common to see the oval cut, as well as the emerald.

The pave setting, where the band is studded with diamonds seamlessly, is elegant and is becoming more popular. The idea is that smaller stones are set so close together that no metal can be seen between them. This maximizes the wattage of the ring without pushing the cost too high.

Antique, vintage rings that your grandmother might have worn also are trendy, which combines an historical, period look with current fashion. Look for gold filigree settings, floral accents and gemstone baguettes. The cuts typically are cushion, round, pillow and Asscher , and their larger facets radiate more fire under less light.

Also becoming more popular are modern styles. This type features clean, streamlined designs for a cosmopolitan, chic look. The most contemporary styles feature a bezel-set and designs where the diamond seems to "float," which is a type of tension setting.

engagement rings with colored stones also are an emerging trend, with colored diamonds being quite the rage. Many celebrities, such as Jennifer Lopez, have chosen colored diamond engagement rings and this has cemented their popularity.

For something different, consider new diamond cuts on the market. The Zales diamond cut has more facets than traditional cuts and can increase the stone's fire. Also consider the princess cut - a modified square.

Platinum - hands down the choice today

Regarding the ring itself, platinum is definitely the hot trend. Platinum is popular because its rich luster sets off the brilliance of a diamond like no other metal. This metal is naturally white and will always keep its shine, unlike yellow gold, which may tarnish. Platinum is the strongest precious metal, and is twice as heavy as most gold alloy rings.

Some women want their platinum ring carved with designs or inlaid with gemstones.

About the Author

James Wattvord is a freelance content writer, specialising in Jewellery diamonds related matters.
He has published many articles on diamond industry and engagement rings, and is partial to the world of diamonds.

Rage On: Who would win boxing's ultimate brawl, Rocky Marciano or Jack Dempsey?

This would be an out-and-out war. Two of the best brawlers boxing ever had. Assume that it's scheduled for 15, but I don't think that there is any way it lasts that long. Both guys fought with just pure, unadulterated rage in the ring. Marciano never, ever retreated and Dempsey was one of the most powerful punchers boxing has ever seen. Who survives?

This is a very hard fight to call. We know the strengths of both fighters. But the weaknesses will be the telling factor here.

Marciano: he cuts, he can't box, He's short.
Dempsey: He can't box, he cuts, though not as easily as does Marciano.

Two of these are not a factor for either fighter. Height and boxing ability would not matter in this case. I could give Marciano a slight edge in ability to take a Punch. But his balance isn't very good, especially from the outside, so this evens things here since he's easier to knock down. It renders this a non issue as well.

Now it boils down to quality of opposition. This slight edge goes to Marciano since the best fighter Dempsey faced was Tunney, who beat him twice. Dempsey never faced anyone like Marciano, though Rocky has faced something a little closer to Dempsey.

Dempsey's best bet would be to keep the fight outside. He'd rip Marciano to shreads with his sharper punching. However, that's JUST NOT the way Dempsey fights. That's a bit like asking Joe Frazier to BOX, and maybe, throw a little shuffle while he's at it. Not Gonna Happen.

Dempsey never sought to improve or change his style. He began as a brawer and ended as a brawler. Marciano certainly never changed his style either. It's just that Dempsey faced a lot of Stand-up, Stationairy fighters. These fighters weren't skilled at all and most of them were not strong enough to hold Jack off or make him pay for his wrecklessness.

That leaves us with only one likely outcome. It's a chest to chest WAR. Dempsey would knock Marciano to the canvas twice in the first three rounds. It's easy to do because he's faster and he would catch Marciano coming in.

Rocky would get up and, by round 4, he'd work his way on the inside. Again, This is also easy to do. Knowing this is his best course of action, Rocky would Cling to Dempsey like a Syberian Bat onto his prey. The problem is that Dempsey would welcome it. Dempsey was a bit dirty and mean. Rocky was a nice guy but could be even dirtier. His competitive nature was on a Spartian-like Level. He was known for an occasional elbow. The Ref would do little to stop this from either fighter.

You can forget Dempsey's record of 1st round KOs. The rules were different then and, if there was an 8-count in those days, those numbers would be drastically different.

This INSIDE WAR of ATRITION would take it's toll on Dempsey's body as he's not used to taking it to the body. I'm willing to bet that Marciano has a slight edge here. Also, those chopping blows, from Dempsey, would certainly slice-n-dice Marciano. However, those short blows to the head don't leave Dempsey in the best of shape. There will be a LOT of clinching, esp. in the later rounds.

It's Pure Unadulterated War until round 12, when Marciano lands a brutal uppercut, a left hook to the head and a clubbing right to the side of the head, sending Dempsey down on all fours. Jack rises but Rocky is on him again. Dempsey's a great inside fighter. Rocky just happens to be a bit better at this.

If Dempsey knew how to box he'd win this. He doesn't so he's forced to face the master brawler, the man who is the best there at what he does. A bigger man could club Rocky into submission. But he'd have to do it on the outside. You're not going to beat Rocky Marciano with an Inside attack. That's HIS back yard.

Marciano by KO in 14.

Families Trying to Adjust After Devastating Fire
Losing everything is never easy, and starting over is even harder for one family preparing for a new addition.

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