July 15th, 2010 in Jewelry
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.
July 1st, 2010 in Jewelry
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?!”
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.
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.
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.
June 25th, 2010 in Wedding Planning
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
June 21st, 2010 in Wedding Planning
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
June 18th, 2010 in Shopping
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
June 15th, 2010 in Wedding Planning
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.
Stark white is the perfect backdrop to sprawling branches and unique, green puffs.
June 14th, 2010 in Larson Jewelers
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.
June 11th, 2010 in Tungsten Rings
The leading online retailer of tungsten wedding bands, palladium rings, and wedding bands, LarsonJewelers.com, announced today they now carry three additional ring styles from Thorsten Rings. The new selection is geared towards improving the customer experience and providing more choices to consumers.
Larson Jewelers has just unveiled many new tungsten carbide ring styles, just in time for Father’s Day. Many of these styles are exclusive to Larson Jewelers only. This makes it a great opportunity for all Dads to finally replace that old worn out wedding band with something new, exciting and durable, such as tungsten wedding bands.
Many of the new styles are the increasingly popular tungsten and carbon fiber inlaid rings. Larson now carries Thorsten Rings’ entire carbon fiber line. The classic black or white carbon fiber styles were previously only available in 8 mm. The rings are now also available in 6 mm wide, sizes 4.0 – 12.5. This means that couples who would like to have matching pairs of carbon fiber style rings may now do so. One of the most popular styles in America is the ultra high tech white carbon fiber and black ceramic ring. This ring combines the two lightest materials used in the jewelry industry today to form one of the most striking yet affordable pieces for men. Few retailers even carry tungsten with carbon fiber, and if they do, they only have black or white carbon fiber styles in 8 mm wide. Larson Jewelers also has colored carbon fiber styles. The Augustus Blue Carbon Fiber Inlay Tungsten Carbide Band features a beautiful light blue carbon fiber style and the Aurelius Black & Red Carbon Fiber Tungsten Ring with hints of red in it to really make you stand out from the crowd.
Larson Jewelers has also expanded its offerings in the ever popular laser engraved knot and several other Celtic style tungsten rings. Their popular 8 mm styles are now available in 6 mm wide as well, giving couples the opportunity to have a matching set. The Celtic knot, which symbolizes the never ending love between two people, is laser engraved onto the surface of a tungsten ring. Because of tungsten’s scratch resistance, the Celtic knot pattern will never wear off, thus, truly symbolizing infinite love.
One of the newest and most anticipated styles is the Black Diamond and Tungsten Ring by Thorsten Rings. Black Diamonds have recently soared in popularity as a stone used in men’s rings. This is because they are viewed as masculine and tough. Combining the two toughest materials in the jewelry industry was an easy decision ,and Thorsten has designed it in a simple yet elegant way by creating their raised satin center style tungsten ring that has a single generous sized 0.1 ct round cut black diamond.
“Larson Jewelers is extremely excited to be carrying this exclusive line of black diamond tungsten carbide rings and all other new ring styles from Thorsten Rings,” says Jonathan Larson, founder of LarsonJewelers.com.
LarsonJewelers.com provides a wide selection of tungsten rings, palladium rings, platinum wedding bands and both gold and white gold wedding rings. At Larson Jewelers, we strive to provide the best customer service to make your shopping experience hassle free and informative. ”Besides offering great products and great service, LarsonJewelers.com also offers the best prices,” says Larson. ”In fact, if you can find a better price, not only will we match it, we will beat it.”
From now until June 21st, customers can use Larson’s Coupon Code: GIFT10 to take an additional 10% off any of their products including the new Thorsten line.
June 9th, 2010 in Shopping
Wedding dresses, however simple they might be, need special undergarments to make it look its best on your wedding day. Even if you are thin, there so many things a bride may need to wear in order to support the dress and create a stunning effect.
Over the course of the next few blogs we will discuss and highlight several areas in the wedding dress undergarments shopping.
First, study your wedding dress inside and out. Look at what is “included” already on your dress. Check to see if adjustable/removable straps are available with your dress and locate where the hooks are on your dress. Scan the top-half of your dress for a built in bra/bustier. Examine below the waist of the dress for any sewn-in skirts. Today’s designers are sometimes adding these extras into their dresses to avoid an otherwise altered look with the undergarments. If you feel that the undergarments are just too much for your dress, recruit your tailor to sew in extra support cups and a petticoat. That way you will not be pulling up parts of your dress and you will have a uniform look.
If you chose a wedding dress with sleeves, try to wear your most comfortable bra. This will help your budget – not to mention your comfort level – on the big day. If you want more support than an average bra can give, try to find a bra that will work with the design of your dress and will make you feel comfortable. Research all the possible bra options that are out there. If you have the time, try them all out. Most undergarment stores allow you to try on their bras and bustiers before you purchase and offer strapless and line-less bras with low backs that will not show through the dress. Be sure to get yourself measured and pick out the right size for your dress.
Don't forget to pick up a garter for the wedding too!
A bustier combines breast support and lift with waist shaping. This type of lingerie can really help with keeping your breasts stationary and your tummy flat as a board. Bustiers come with or with out straps but are best for strapless gowns. Most bustiers have a low back and can go with almost any type of dress. Buying a bustier at a bridal boutique might hurt your wallet, so test out as many as you can, preferably with your wedding dress, to choose the right fit for your dress and body.
There are several different options to help you cinch your waist under your gown. Again, a bustier will help with the tummy, but there are also tummy and panty combos that work on those areas specifically. These undergarment combos offer no panty lines, great shape, and soft fabric that will move with the body. Spanx is a reliable brand and available at many popular department stores, as well as online. The cool thing about these items is that many department stores offer a “one piece” that includes a bra, tummy support, and sometimes even bum enlargements! They may be a bit more costly, but will definitely help shape your body if you want a certain look and do not want to starve or exercise your last few “single” months away.
Have any of your own tips? Share them with us!
June 7th, 2010 in Celeb Weddings
There are many reasons why a celebrity marriage might not work out. Jealousy. Adultery. Temptation. The tendency for your spouse to hoard crystals. Or jump on a couch. Or just plain act crazy.
Aren’t you glad you’re NOT a celebrity? These odd couples were either over before they started, or (we predict) will be consulting a divorce attorney any day now. Here’s to having a normal marriage out of the limelight.
Who didn’t think this wasn’t going to work? She has a last name that sounds like a defunct superhero, and he’s less predictable than a Guatemalan sinkhole.
What we learned: Trust your gut. If a basketball star has bullring nose piercings and enough different hair colors to make a peacock jealous, it’s a safe bet he’s not looking to settle down anytime soon.
It all goes back to the couch. That stupid loveseat we all wish we could forget about. Sure Tom was nuts with Scientology and Mission Impossible debacles, but he didn’t need to drag Joey out of Dawson’s Creek and into his weird world. This marriage still gives everybody the hebbe jebbies.
What we learned: From the plastic smiles to Holmes’ baby-making contract, it sounds like this marriage is more about assets and appearances than love. All we can hope is that Katie keeps her sanity.
Two people made famous for not doing anything, and made even more famous for marrying each other and turning into crystal hoarding, gigantic poopheads. Now it sounds like they’re breaking up. Bummer. And coincidentally, just in time for Sweeps Week!
What we learned: It doesn’t matter if you’re famous, if the only thing you’re famous for is a creepy flesh- colored beard.
One of the worst athlete marriages of all time. Both US Olympic athletes, Marion Jones was on top of the track & field world until her shot-putting husband tested positive for performance enhancers and disqualified from the 2000 Games. They divorced when Jones accused Hunter of tainting their “drug-free marriage.” As it turns out, Jones was lying through her teeth. Hunter turned in his dastardly ex-wife for steroid use during the BALCO investigations, which ultimately stripped Jones of any world records or Olympic medals.
What we learned: Wow, payback sucks!
They’re both crazy people. He is a ridiculous goofball that got caught sleeping around by tabloid reporters thanks to his trail of Ed Hardy t-shirts and Axe body spray. She is a demasculinizing homemaker who enjoys arts and crafts, terrible dancing and exploiting her children on national television. Somehow, it just didn’t work out.
What we learned: They married too young. She pumped herself full of fertility drugs and out came five kids too many. This is what happens when the world celebrates a happy accident, and then munches on popcorn in anticipation of the family falling apart.
Who would have thought the greatest golfer in the world was an international playboy? Who actually thought being good at golf would get you chicks? Elin and the rest of the world had no idea Tiger was a man of mystery, primed to pounce on the next cocktail waitress who strolls his way. Could Elin do anything about it? Maybe. But chasing the husband down with a nine iron might not have been the best way to get the point across.
What we learned: Some guys just shouldn’t get married. Especially guys who make a billion dollars off endorsements, travel the world and have hot women instinctively flock to them like the salmon of Capistrano. Either way, if Tiger wanted to stay on the hunt for young cougar cubs, he knew better than to get hitched.
What a match made in hell. Hey, young starlet who doesn’t offer the world anything but good looks – you should hook up with a serial adulterating movie star who once shot one of his fiancées. Don’t worry, things will be different. You two are “special together.” This marriage had BAD written all over it. More importantly, why is Tiger Woods ostracized for sleeping around, yet good ol’ Charlie is still America’s darling, signing a two million per episode deal with that two men and an ugly teenager show?
What we learned: Charlie Sheen is a charming guy, but he’s also a jerk. There are plenty of other guys out there like this. If anyone has “shot an ex fiancée” in their relationship baggage, maybe he isn’t marriage material.
When you build your entire career around being a sex symbol, does it seem that out of line to record yourself in the act and sell the video online? That was Hank Baskett’s reasoning. Besides, their entire relationship had been on camera to that point – is there really a difference?
What we learned: If you’re a Playboy bunny, don’t get fat. Don’t even think about getting fat. You can forget motherhood while you’re at it. The second you show a little plump around the muffin top, your mystical hotness powers will fade away, and so will your awful, awful TV show.
