We've Moved!

Hi everybody! We're so excited to announce that we've moved to a snazzy new blog space! We moved so that we can have even more fun talking about all sorts of cool things. Like this...

And this...

And this...

So come join us at our new blog at http://www.uniondiamond.com/blog/, and don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, this is going to be great!

A little help for the guys

We may have mentioned once or twice how we love proposals, and we show it, by occasionally showcasing really great ones that we find on the web or that we get from you guys. But we thought that today, we’d give all of you guys who are still unsure of how to pop the question, a little help. You know your girl, inside and out and you’ve chosen an engagement ring that fits her style and personality, and then what; you hit a brick wall that I’m going to affectionately term, proposal block. Sure, there are countless websites with proposal ideas, heck we’ve even featured quite a few of them ourselves, but it’s still a nerve wracking decision as you want everything to be perfect. So, how about this, look at the ring that you’ve chosen, it’s perfect right? Well look a little closer, because that ring is the key to the proposal of her, and your, dreams. Ok, so the perfect proposal idea isn’t etched into the ring, but they style of ring can give you the best clues as to what kind of proposal she would like best.

Solitaire. Your girl is classic and traditional, just like this timeless engagement ring design. When planning your proposal it’s probably best to steer clear of insane trends and tactics, live television, flash mobs, and jumping out of airplanes are most likely no go’s. Find a place that has stood the test of time, a national park, or protected monument are great locations. Using an example from our home state of Georgia, a perfect proposal site would be the many tree-lined squares in historic Savannah. Take her for a stroll near the water, and end up underneath the Spanish moss laden trees. I can’t think of a more romantic spot. And the best part is, these historic spots will serve as a time capsule of one of the most special days of your life. You can return for years and years to come and relive the moment that you embarked on a new chapter together. 

Three-Stone. First rising to prominence in the early 2000’s, three-stone or past-present-future rings immediately became a popular engagement ring choice. If you’ve chosen this type of ring for your bride-to-be, you know that she values the whole picture, your past, your present, and every moment of your future together as man and wife. A great proposal idea is to take that symbolism literally. Take her on a walk down memory lane, where you first kissed, the moment you told her ‘I love you’, and then embrace the present with your favorite date night activity. If you don’t live near any of these locations, a scrap book would be a great way to represent those memories and you’ll both enjoy looking through it for years to come. Finally, get down on one knee and tell her that she has made your past worth remembering, your present a joy, and that you can’t wait to see what the future will bring as you take this next step together. 

Vintage. A girl who craves a vintage engagement ring has an eye for detail, and a love of romance and history. The perfect proposal location would be steeped in all three. Perhaps a romantic trip to Paris, where you could meander through the streets and absorb the beauty of the city. Or if a trip to Paris isn’t in the budget, how about a trip through a historic area of your city or state, if you’re from the south, the Biltmore House is definitely worth a trip and its gorgeous grounds would make a perfect proposal location. But whatever your location, attention to detail counts with a vintage girl. Just as she’ll notice that touch of milgraining, or those darling diamond accents, she’ll notice every time you go the extra mile. 

Halo. This is a true glamor girl. She loves the glitz and the sparkle and dreams of a proposal to match. So sorry guys, a commercial break couch proposal isn’t going to cut it here. The perfect proposal would be a rooftop garden overlooking the city skyline, or maybe put the ring on the heel of that gorgeous pair of designer stilettos that she’s had her eye on. No matter what it is that she loves most, find a way to make it extra special for this night. For example, if she loves wine, plan for a private tour of a vineyard followed by a special tasting. And make sure to purchase a bottle of her favorite vino to toast the day. 

I hope this has given you guys a few ideas. That proposal block can be scary, but remember, you know your sweetie better than anyone else. You know her favorite places, experiences, foods. So pick one, and find a way to make it extraordinary. And no matter what, don’t lose sight of the fact that, at the end of the day, even if every one of your plans has fallen apart, you’re asking the woman you love to spend the rest of her life with you. That’s what really matters. So get out there and give her a proposal that she’ll never forget. And then come back here and tell us all about it! Don’t forget the pictures!

A puppy and a proposal!

We love proposal stories here at Union Diamond, especially if they’re as cute as the one we received this morning from a happy customer named Andy. He had met his fiance-to-be seven years ago in a college neuroanatomy lab and even though life took them in separate directions, he never forgot the “radiant beauty of a stunning young lady named Katie”. Over the years, they managed to never quite lose sight of one another, and finally they decided to really make a go of it. Andy moved halfway across the country, leaving a paid job to begin a new life, with Katie. Just over a year later, and he was ready to take the next big step, and ask Katie to be his wife.They're so cute together aren't they?

Now, here’s where it gets cute. Katie was always a dog person, and she was especially enamoured of her sister’s goldendoodle. She and Andy both “fell in love with his teddy bear face the first time [they] saw him”, and knew that a goldendoodle was for them. Unfortunately, Katie’s sister moved away, taking her goldendoodle friend with her. This would prove to be just the spark Andy needed to switch his plan into high gear. He contacted a breeder, and unbeknownst to Katie, picked out a sweet goldendoodle puppy that would be his more than willing accomplice in a proposal to remember.  

So the scene was set, the ring was placed in Ernie’s, the goldendoodle, crate in and amongst the puppy supplies and accessories. It’s a gorgeous ring isn’t it? Anyways, Andy posted the whole proposal story on his blog, so I’m going to let him take it from here so you guys can get his first hand account of how it all went down!

My morning started with a cup of coffee (if we're honest, it was two), a shower, and a change of clothes. I found my way to the storage unit where I'd been hiding the crate, gates, and several other items and stowed them in my car. Then we hit our first hiccup. My trip to Mike's Camera informed me that the rental department was in Boulder. Unfortunately, this meant I wouldn't have time to get everything setup at home for Ernie's arrival and that I wouldn't be able to film Katie's homecoming. Soon after, I realized I could simply record some of the events on my phone and upload them with apps to YouTube! This was a relief as I knew the reaction would be priceless! I ran home and setup the gate, FaceTimed with Katie's sister, Kelly, my accomplice in all of this, and arranged some other items. At around 11:25, I made haste for the home of my breeder, which is typically a 20 to 25-minute drive. By some odd miscalculation my travel landed me in her neighborhood 20 minutes early and I was forced to drive around and look at the homes to prevent myself from looking to eager for my appointment. I pulled into the driveway and headed to ring the big doorbell…

When I stepped in the door, I was greeted by none other than Mr. Blue (Ernie) himself! Mr. Blue was the last of the 3 brothers to leave home with a new family and had, apparently, been somewhat lonesome for a short while prior to my arrival. I couldn't wait to hold him. As I stood there in the entryway, I saw him exploring the area and chewing on some carpet padding. That was precisely the moment that a different kind of anxiety set in. As I pondered all of the disasters that could follow, Debbie was delivering invaluable advice, offering well wishes for the future, and trying to get me out of her house! I obliged her unspoken wishes by tossing Ernie into the car next to me and beginning the drive home.

The drive home was nerve-wracking, with Ernie crying the WHOLE way and lots of traffic on I-70. At home, Ernie meticulously inspected every nook and cranny, carefully determining which of the tight, dark places would best suit his furry, little body! He looked in the kitchen, the office, the living room, and the bathroom. He combed the bedroom, dining area, closets, and hidden spaces. After all the effort, he settled for an end table to find a respite from the horrors of the day!

After about 3 hours, which seemed like an eternity, Mom called and said she was on her way home! I quickly grabbed my handcrafted bow for Ernie and attempted to put it on him. Despite all his wriggling, I got it attached and we were ready for Mom to come in the door. When Ernie and I heard Katie coming up the stairs, we got in our position, I got my video recorder ready on my phone and we greeted her at the door. What happened next can be seen here: Meeting Mom Video

Ernie loved Katie immediately. In fact, he has loved everyone we've met so far. After a few minutes of joyful playing between Ernie and Katie, I asked her to sit down with me and look at all the things I'd gotten for him in preparation for his arrival. We looked through everything and when Katie had pulled the last thing out of the crate, I asked whether there was anything else in there. She said she didn't see anything else. I panicked for just a moment wondering what could have possibly happened to the other part of Katie's surprise before reaching in and trying hard not to drop it with all my shaking. Katie saw the box, immediately started crying, and agreed to my proposal, even though I hadn't yet given the speech that had kept me up so many nights prior! Some tears were shed and plenty of hugs and kisses were exchanged. When it was all over, Ernie calmly strolled over and rested his soft, furry, 12-pound body on both our laps.

Katie, Andy, and Ernie are on a new journey together. It is an adventure that will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges and a multitude of great joys.

I think I speak for everyone when I say, awwwwwwwwwwwwwww! That is one of the cutest little bundles of puppy fluff I’ve ever seen! Great job on the proposal Andy, and many Congratulations to you and Katie! The ring looks superb on her finger and all of us here at Union Diamond wish you a long and happy life together! 

(All of the adorable pictures in this post are from Katie, Andy, and Ernie's blog) 

Fergalicious bling!

Black Eyed Peas front woman Fergie celebrated her 37^th birthday in true celebrity fashion this weekend by throwing a huge bash at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. But we’re not here to talk about the party, even though it looked awesome and was attended by the likes of Ne-Yo and Michael Jordan. But parties, as crazy as they may be, are not the subject of this blog, that is unless they were dripping with diamonds! 

Photo : Denise Truscello/Getty

No, what we’re talking about today can’t dance, or sing, but they sure do shine. Of course, we’re talking about Fergie’s glittering birthday present from hubby Josh Duhamel. Ehem, boys, pay attention here, this is the kind of present a girl wants for her birthday, or Christmas, or the first Monday in April. Really, any day is a good day to give the gift of diamonds. Right girls?

Ok, but I’m getting sidetracked, so back to the diamonds. Fergie gushed over the blingy present, “I got some black diamonds from my man. Earrings,” She said. She also gave props to Josh for his gift giving prowess, saying that she didn’t even need to ask for the earrings. “He’s really that good. He knows me.” 

Well I just wish that Fergie knew me. Because if she did, she would not have left me hanging with NO pictures or details on these assuredly stunning earrings. Sigh, oh well, I guess we’ll all just have to imagine what they look like. And to help you all with your imaginings, we just so happen to have the world’s most beautiful black diamond earrings in our showroom right now. 

Aren’t they gorgeous? 3.09ctw of black diamonds accented with a delicate white diamond halo, and set in 14 carat gold drops, these earrings have such a lovely sense of motion as they gently swing back and forth. Now, these earrings would look incredible with any color diamond or colored stone, but there’s something about these black diamonds that really draws me in. Perhaps it’s the cut, so romantic and reminiscent of an antique rose cut. Or perhaps it’s the color, jet black, but full of life as the facets flicker and flash in the light. These earrings are glamor personified. 

I can imagine a bride wearing them on her wedding day. It’s a chic and sophisticated black and white themed wedding with the bridesmaids in black and the bride in a crisp and clean, unadorned white dress. Her only accessories are her veil, her engagement ring, and these black diamond earrings. 

Can’t you just picture it? It’s a lifetime movie ready image all right. But don’t worry if you don’t have a black and white wedding to go to. I have a scenario for you guys too. To set the scene, I’m at Publix, wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I’m browsing the cereal aisle and trying to decide between the honey nut cheerios and the cinnamon toast crunch. And then the fluorescent lighting catches something shiny peeking out from beneath my hair. And it’s the most beautiful black diamond earrings in the world.

Hey, so a trip to the grocery store may seem beneath earrings such as these, but I’ll let you in on my secret of jewelry happiness. I don’t care! I would wear these earrings in the frozen food aisle, at the Grammy’s, and at every cocktail party I can get an invite to, wouldn’t you? 

So tell us, aren’t these earrings fabulous? Where would you wear them?