Tungsten Talk & Metal Musings: The Larson Jewelers Blog

Every guy wants to propose to their girlfriend in a memorable way. This leads to men trying some extravagant and stupid stunts. Sometimes they work, but sometimes they don’t. Here are a few things to think about before you go jumping out of an airplane to profess your love, only to find out you’ve forgotten the parachute.

Make sure it’s safe

People love proposing on the beach, but that could lead to some pretty unfortunate outcomes, like being swept out to sea, encountering a band of pirates, or killing over 60 turtles. That was the case for man on Hilton Head Island, who made a giant heart out of 150 luminarias, which are bags with lit candles placed inside, then left them on the beach after he had successfully proposed to his girlfriend.  Unbeknownst to the couple, a group of turtle hatchlings saw the lights and became disoriented, leading to their death.  Talk about a mood killer.

Hide the ring. Really well.

Probably the most common trick in the book is hiding the ring somewhere they would never expect it. As it turns out, you don’t need to worry about your girlfriend finding the ring as much as airport security. This was true for a man who several years ago, was stopped by airport security because they found a suspicious dark box in his carry on luggage. Turns out it was an engagement ring that he was going to surprise his then girlfriend with during a cruise in the Caribbean. Instead, he decided to propose to her right there.  She said yes, but wouldn’t you rather pop the question in paradise, rather than the 7^th circle of hell?

And finally–Be sure she loves you back

This may sound a bit obvious, but it’s something to think about, especially if you’re going to propose  with a tungsten ring in public. Or on live TV, like this guy:

Source: brideweddingspeech.co.cc

When all the vows have been said, the kiss has been smooched, and everyone has moved on to the reception, there is the likely possibility you will have to give a speech. Whether you’re the groom, the bride, or one of the many bridesmaids or groomsmen, the wedding speech can seem pretty daunting. But follow these steps, and you’ll be winning over your fellow friends and family in no time.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Unless you’re a professional speaker, or have the wit and quickness of Robin Williams, chances are you can’t improvise an entire speech. So your best bet is to write down your speech well in advance and practice giving it to anyone willing to listen. Your friend, your dog–yes, even you in a mirror counts (just try to remember that the person on the other side doesn’t exist).

Keep It Clean

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that along with your best friends and co-workers, you’re surrounded by family. That includes your 83-year-old grandmother who gets into a fit whenever she hears the word ‘crap’. So rather than take the risks of offending those you love, try to keep from using harsh language or rude/sexual comments. We know what a wedding implies; you don’t need to paint the picture for us.

Don’t Let a Buzz Turn Into a Bender

A lot of people will have a drink or two before giving a big speech to ease the nerves. However, there’s definitely a limit to how loose you want those nerves to be. No matter how funny it may be to you to be stumbling around and knocking over drinks, rest assured everyone else in the room won’t be feeling the same way. Especially if you’re the one who just got married.

It’s Not a Five Minute Stand-Up Bit

It’s fun to rag on your friends and family, tell mildly embarrassing stories, or be goofy in general. But don’t forget why everyone is gathered at the banquet hall. They are there to see the joining of two people who are in love. So while you may want to begin your speech with a funny anecdote, you should think about being a bit more serious and down-to-earth towards the end of the speech. Start them with a laugh, but leave them in tears…of joy, obviously.

These are just a few of the steps to take into account when coming up with your speech. Follow them, and you can end up wowing the crowd like this guy. Get those tear ducts ready:

A few years ago, when Tungsten was relatively unheard of, people always compared tungsten to titanium to show off its fabulous traits and characteristics. These days, the “new kid on the block” of the wedding ring world is palladium. More often than not, people are using platinum as the metal to compare to palladium wedding bands and palladium rings.

While palladium isn’t a newly discovered metal, it has been only recently used on a commercial scale for jewelry production due to a need for an alternative to prohibitively expensive platinum. Palladium costs about a quarter of the price of platinum.

Platinum, Gold and Palladium: The Ultimate Throw Down

When two metals are compared, it’s usually to show how different they are.  In the case of palladium and platinum, though, a comparison really only shows how similar the metals are. This is particularly noticeable in these metals’ color, hardness and weight.

Platinum and palladium come from the same family of metals, making them “cousins.” Therefore, the metals are more similar than they are different. Both metals are the same color. If they were placed side by side, people cannot tell one from the other based on color. Both metals are the whitest metals you can use in jewelry. They both will stay the same color even if scratched. White gold, on the other hand, is plated with a white metal and will show a yellow hue when scratched. Palladium never needs to be re-plated to keep its color.

Being from the same family also means both metals are equally as hard and scratch resistant. This hardness means palladium rings are much more pure than other metals used in jewelry. Palladium jewelry is 95% pure palladium. Gold is so soft that it has to be mixed with cheaper metals to make it hard enough to use in jewelry. 14k Gold is less than 60% pure gold. The purity of palladium makes it hypoallergenic, as it does not contain any nickel (unlike white gold) which can cause allergies.

Domed Palladium Ring by Benchmark

Just about the only difference between palladium and platinum is weight. Palladium is about half the weight of platinum. This means if you have two rings of the same style, same width and same size, the palladium one will weigh about half the weight of the platinum one.

Some people see platinum’s heavier weight as an advantage. I beg to differ. If both metals are the same color and same hardness, except one weighs more, then what you are really getting is two identical rings that weigh differently. Precious metals are sold by weight, so that means an ounce of palladium is more material than an ounce of platinum. Add to the fact that platinum already costs more than palladium and you get a very small amount of platinum at a high price tag. So, I say, “Why pay for weight, when you are really after color and strength?” No one will see the extra weight that you paid for. They will only see the beauty and durability of the jewelry you wear.

After looking at all the characteristics between platinum and palladium, we really see how similar, rather than different, the two metals really are.

Generally we associate rings with special occasions and gifts. Whether it’s for weddings, anniversaries, or winning a sports championship, we offer rings as a means of celebration. Popular Culture on the other hand has discovered ways to use rings that will punch, kick, and even kill for your attention.

White Gold Rings grant superpowers

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Newlywed guys are easy to spot because they are such novices when it comes to hand jewelery. If you spot a guy fidgeting with his ring finger, pulling the band on and off or twisting it around, go ahead and tell him “Congrats” on his marriage. I guarantee you he is freshly wed.

The downside to those who haven’t spent years with bling dripping from every knuckle is that a lot of guys don’t know how a ring is even supposed to feel. Even the thinnest tungsten wedding ring will feel foreign and bulky for the first weeks – hence the fidgeting.

Take a tip from Larson Jewelers: you will get used to any ring, no matter its size, weight, or construction. But knowing what to expect from your wedding band will help ease any guys mind as he wonders, “Wait – I am supposed to wear this thing every day?!”

How Tight is Too Tight?

That’s easy: if your finger turns purple, blue, dark red or any shade other than normal, it’s too tight. Your wedding ring shouldn’t hurt. Conversely, if you are constantly worried that your ring is going to fall off, that is a problem. It should be in between: able to slide off your finger, but only after a little bit of force.

Comfort Fit vs. Standard Fit

Especially if you are in the market for a tungsten ring, you will start seeing the distinction of “comfort” versus “standard” fit. This refers to the shape of the interior of the ring: where the band touches your finger.

Standard fit implies that the ring is flat and smooth across, and is the fit that has been used traditionally throughout the history of rings. It is the most common fit, especially for platinum rings, palladium wedding bands, and gold rings. If a ring doesn’t specify a fit style, you can be assured it is standard.

Comfort fit rings have become common as ultra-strong wedding bands (like tungsten) have increased in popularity. Comfort fit rings have a domed interior, meaning the center of the interior is higher than its edges. This fit slides a little easier over the knuckle, and won’t displace as much skin when sitting at the base of the finger. Comfort fit makes it tricky to re-size a ring, so you’ll find it on wedding bands whose materials already don’t lend themselves to changes.

Which Fit is the Best?

Just because standard fit lacks some of the features of comfort fit, it doesn’t mean the ring is uncomfortable. You’ll find that after a few weeks, no matter what the style, your new wedding band will be a part of your every day wardrobe.

Hiring a wedding band that will get everyone (even Aunt Jean who we all know hates dancing) up out of their chairs and kicking up their heels sounds simple enough.

Step one: listen to a bunch of bands.

Step two: pick the best one.

Step three: –wait. There is no step three… is there?

There most certainly is. Don’t for a second think that picking out the musical entertainment for your Big Day is going to be easy breezy. But the great thing about music at a wedding is that it can boost your wedding day from “nice” to an affair to remember. Larson Jewelers breaks it down for you in 5 steps.

1. Big Band v. DJ

There are a couple factors that will play into the decision of live band versus DJ.

Money Live bands are more expensive than DJs. Much more expensive.

The “performance” aspect Live bands are (duh) made up of people. People can make mistakes, and people have personalities. Both of these aspects have the potential to pop up in the course of your reception in unforeseen ways (think Adam Sandler in The Wedding Singer). To be fair, DJs are also people and can also do unexpected things during your wedding. But a band has more people, so the risk is higher.

Atmosphere The tone of your wedding reception is in large part determined by the type of music played. Live big bands and jazz bands are synonymous with class and tradition. Rock bands or alternative bands pump up the funk factor. DJs are as varied as they come: some are cheesy, others are addicted to the Top 40, others prefer 50s bee-bop in original recordings.

It will be up to you and your fiance to figure out whether a band or a DJ is more appropriate for your wedding.

2. Choose a Wedding Singer That Fits Your Wedding

We all know you think you have great taste in music. Maybe you do. But even if your relationship with your fiance all started at a fateful Pearl Jam concert, not everyone is as keen on the Seattle grunge scene as you are. Choosing a band that can play a range of music – classics, danceable number, maybe even some PJ – will allow the most people at your wedding to have a good time.

3. Discuss the Playlist Prior to the Big Day

A wedding singer has a certain degree of artistic license – and there are several DJs who agree that they too are artists. If there are songs that you flat out know you don’t want to hear, or a list of must-have songs, make sure the musical entertainment is able to fulfill your expectations. There is nothing worse than hearing Sir-Mix-Alot when you had your heart set on Louis Armstrong.

4. Give Them A Try-Out (In Person!)

Don’t rely on demo-tapes and online testimonials. See a live performance if possible. Sometimes a middle-aged white guy performing Lil Jon backed by saxophones works. Sometimes it doesn’t.

Also, talk to these people to see if the lead singer or DJ is a good match. Chances are the head of the musical entertainment will be speaking at some point during your reception. Make sure you like what he or she is going to say.

5. Have a Back Up Plan

A back up plan is necessary. Remember, in the case of a music emergency, an iPod with a pre-determined “Wedding Playlist” is better than no music.

Above all, remember: it’s not about things going perfectly. It’s about having a blast. So shake off any little quirks that spring up, and start shaking your tail feather instead.

A tungsten wedding ring isn’t the only accessory you get to rock on your big day. Time to get familiar with everything related to semi-formal and formal attire for your wedding!

What Time is the Wedding?

If you want to stick with traditional rules about wedding attire, the time of day is important in determining what you will wear. Usually, weddings before 5:00 pm allow for a morning coat, lounge suit, casual attire or an informal suit. After 5:00, and things get decidedly more formal. Check your venue and/or consult your bride or wedding planner. And be sensible: if you are in the blazing sun for an outdoor affair, be kind to yourself and your guests. Suffering in a tux makes for some very unhappy guests.

Check out these sharp ties. Looking good, gents!

A Semi-Formal Affair

If you are having a a semi-formal wedding (for example at a beach hotel or on a boat) a business suit, white (or any color) dress shirt, tie and either a Bermuda or a casual hat will work just fine. You do not have to wear a tie if the dress shirt is classy and has a nice collar. Scan Nordstrom Rack and J. Crew for elegant but casual designs. If the tie needs to match colors or themes, check out some discount retailers such as Ross or TJ Maxx for low price examples.

A Mind of Their Own

Discuss with your bride if the men at your wedding party need to match or can bring in their own style with a twist on the theme. Many bridal parties now are given a little freedom to choose parts of their wedding attire. Just be sure to mention to them that they need to arrange a fashion show of their desired outfit in order to receive your approval before the big day.

The Low-Key Wedding

Casual attire, usually appropriate for small beach side or backyard weddings, consists of nice khaki or linen pants and a loose flowing shirt. A tailored matching blazer or sport coat is a must for cooler temperatures or for later at the reception.   The groom can go all white or mix it up a bit by incorporating the wedding colors either for the shirt or pants. If you are a tall guy or have a long torso, try a three-button blazer; otherwise a two-button coat is the norm.

Shoes are optional for beach settings, with flip-flops or casual sandals as the top picks. Other casual events, like a back-yard or garden wedding, call for a nice, but comfortable, loafer or dress shoe matching the groom’s outfit.

Extra Reminders

1. Take a look at the weather for the day. Assume for the best, but plan for the worst.

2. Get yourself measured before you try-on suits and know how you want to look and should look in a suit.

3. Do not listen to the sales rep when he tells you look perfect while you are swimming in a bigger size. Just because he guarantees that you will have this suit for the rest of your life does not mean you have start planning for a bigger you.

4. Get your suit tailored a month before so you will have plenty of time for adjustments or changes.

5. Make sure you bring an extra pair of comfortable but appropriate shoes for a bit of relief during your reception.

6. To avoid any embarrassing sweat remarks, plan to bring an extra shirt to change into so you won’t have to hide under your jacket all night.

Wrapping up our series on wedding dress undergarments is a post on special undergarments to make a dress look its best on your wedding day.

Thong or no thong

Do yourself a favor and do not wear an uncomfortable pair of pantie. They may seems sexy, or you might fancy them “fun to wear,” but as with all wedding garments, you do not want to wear something for the first time on your wedding day. You want to be able to try out everything, including the thong, before the wedding day to test out your comfort levels. Nix the things you can’t envision wearing all night long.

Crino-what?!?

Unless you will be wearing a thin sheath on the Big Day, you will need to wear either a full petticoat or at least a shaping crinoline under the skirts of your dress. The slip, crinoline, or petticoat will really help keep your dress from going between your legs and will also keep your dress skirts looking full. If you need a petticoat, get one that goes with your dress. Shop around for these items, and make sure the one you choose will not snag on the inside of your dress or will not slip down during the day. Make sure that these undergarments are the right length and will not peek out at the bottom of your gown.

Delicates for your feet

Some brides opt for no stockings or panty hose because they either have a low shoe or they are simply unneeded. But if you are wearing heels higher than one inch, stockings or panty hose can lessen sweaty feet and also provide more comfort in your heels. Any type of hosiery needs to match the color of your skin and the color of your dress. Tummy tucking hosiery also helps with your belly and has the option of low and high waistline. If you do not feel comfortable having hosiery around your mid-section you might be interested in thigh-high stockings. These are a pretty addition and some brands offer a sticky edge around the thigh to prevent stocking slippage. A garter belt will also help keep your stockings up and will look sexy under the dress!

Undergarment Rules

Study these basic rules when you begin shopping for under there-garments:

1. Should not distort the lines of your dress
2. Should not show in any way
3. Should be comfortable
4. Should allow you to go to the restroom without having to take your dress off!
5. Remember that if you have any tags, labels, or loose strings make sure you get rid of them before the wedding day.

Don’t Forget the Garter

The last thing you want is to forget a garter. Usually you get two, one that you wear during the wedding and that groom removes during the reception. He then throws it at a crowd of bachelors. The tradition is that the bachelor who catches the garter will marry the single lady who caught the bouquet! Or that they will be the ones to get married next!

Make sure you buy all your under-dress items before your first fitting. Wear them at every fitting appointment in order to get the right fit or to fit the dress to the undergarments you bought. Some bridal boutiques have very strict return policies that will only allow you to exchange, and usually only if the undergarment still has the tags attached, for another undergarment. So if you feel that you might have bought something that will not work with your dress, keep your receipts and be aware of return policies.

It doesn’t matter if your wedding is years off, a distant memory, or just around the corner. Who doesn’t want to feast their eyes on some wedding cakes? They’re gorgeous, fun and (most importantly) delicious.

Larson Jewelers, the largest online retailer of high quality tungsten carbide rings, has scoured the galleries of our favorite wedding cake bakers and presents to you the 50 Most Beautiful Wedding Cakes. Each bakery from our roundup will be honored with this exclusive Larson Jewelers Beautiful Wedding Cake Badge.

Sit back and  scroll through some of the most delectable bits of eye-candy the wedding industry has to offer. Perhaps you’ll be inspired for your own wedding cake! Comment with which one you loved the most.

It’s a Nice Day for a White Wedding (cake)

Cake by: Sweet and Saucy Shop

Stark white is the perfect backdrop to sprawling branches and unique, green puffs.

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Ever wonder where jewelers go to scour the planet for the world’s best gems and jewelry?  Well, wonder no more.  Recently, Larson Jewelers visited the world’s preeminent jewelry exhibition located at the upscale Venetian Hotel and Casino on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.  This exhibition is so exclusive, only people from the jewelry trade are allowed in. Larson Jewelers is giving our customers a special sneak peek into the luxurious world of jewelry.

Jewelers Circular Keystone (JCK) has attracted the world’s best jewelers to this large and important American jewelry show for over 20 years.  The show makes it easy for jewelry stores all over the country to get a firsthand look at the best jewelry the world and the USA has to offer.  Without this important show, jewelers would have to travel to every jewelry manufacturer within the US and abroad to acquire the designer jewelry they carry.  This significantly reduces the cost of traveling and finding new products, which allows jewelers who participate in JCK, such as Larson Jewelers, to keep their prices as low as possible for their customers.

The JCK entrance

The show has thousands of exhibitors from over 90 countries.  Everything from watches, bracelets, engagement rings, platinum wedding bands, tungsten carbide wedding bands, loose diamonds and precious stones are on display.  Below is a picture of one of many endless, maze-like exhibition halls with hundreds of booths showcasing their finest pieces to dazzle the senses.

One of many maze-like aisles at the show

Even within this great concentration of luxury, high-quality designer brands, there is a special club of ultra high-end designers that stand above the rest.  This handful of the most respected brand names in the industry are part of the Plum Club.  Some of the designers in the exclusive club are Thorsten Rings and Benchmark Rings, two brands that we carry in our lines of tungsten carbide rings and palladium rings.

When entering this exclusive area of ultra high-end brands, one cannot help but notice the plum colored gate and walls distinguishing this special section of the show.

The Plum Club

“My brother Tom and I truly enjoy going to JCK every year.  This is our opportunity to keep up with the latest trends and talk to the hottest designers, so we can bring them to our customers who are not able to go to this important exhibition.” said Jonathan Larson, founder of Larson Jewelers.

JCK Las Vegas is to the jewelry industry what Fashion Week New York is to the fashion industry.  The show is both exhilarating and exhausting at the same time.  It is exhausting from all those days of walking from booth to booth in search of the products Larson Jewelers will carry next season. But, it is absolutely exhilarating to know as a result of our hard work, we have secured the best quality wedding rings for our customers, which every reputable jeweler must do.