Ha-cha-cha! Amidon Jewelers has some great, upcoming celebrity wedding-bell news for you. January and February saw a new swell of celebrity engagements and that included a wide variety of engagement ring tastes; traditional solitaire, intimate custom designs, even ultra-traditional. Here are the top three examples.

First up, we bring you the announcement of Christina Aguilera’s engagement to her beau, Matthew Rutler. The two met while she was filming Burlesque where he was a production assistant.

According to a source, Rutler has been designing the ring for nearly a year, inspired by pieces he knew Aguilera already adored, and incorporated those designs into one uniform look for her engagement ring. He also carefully chose each stone designing the setting to represent their relationship over the past three years and the expectation of their future together.

Everything about the ring is symbolic, from the design of the band/setting around the diamonds that you can see, representing their journey together, to the special features you cannot see, such as the hidden, multi-colored gemstones that are designed to be in contact with Christina’s skin as she believes the stones will enhance aspects in her life, such as love, protection and healing.

Amidon’s selection is wide ranging, along with our Diamond Education section which will help you understand what you need to know about diamonds, our highly trained staff will show you the differences available. Not only can you shop for a loose diamond from our site we also have different settings and gold-types to choose from when customizing your ring selection.

In second, happiness has finally found the twice rejected Bachelor contestant, Kacie Boguskie. Kacie B. announced her engagement to boyfriend, music producer, Rusty Gaston via Twitter and Imgur. Rusty also worked with a designer to create a ring for his bride-to-be and Kacie tweeted how blessed she was to be marrying her best friend, that her ring was beautiful and she couldn’t wait to see the band.

Amidon has numerous diamond solitaires to choose from. Proposing with the solitaire allows for the proposer to have that special ring that is expected, but also comes with the value that the couple can later return to find a setting that best fits their personality, or simply pick out a band and leave the solitaire as is. This makes the classic diamond solitaire a very versatile purchase.

If you really want a big bang for your buck then look to Phantom 105 Diamond. These diamonds are specially cut with a trade marked, proprietary tooling equipment that make the diamond have the most luster, scintillation and light reflection possible. The results, besides just being stunning, is a diamond that appears bigger than its contemporary 58-facet brilliant round diamond.

In the event that is still out of your price range ask one of our specialists about our diamond enhancement process. Amidon Jewelers is the exclusive Yehuda Diamond Dealer in the area, offering a great value option to our guests. The Yehuda Process gives you an average 30% PRICE ADVANTAGE.

Last but not least, hopefully third time’s a charm for The Princess Bride, Robin Wright.  The current House of Cards actress stepped out at the Golden Globes in January with her fiance’, actor, Ben Foster. Ben and her met while filming Rampart together in 2012 and Ben is currently gearing up to promote his most recent work portraying Lance Armstrong.

Robin first displayed her engagement ring at the Diane Furstenburg’s ‘Journey of a Dress‘ event, her ring this time around is a simple gold design, and appears devoid of gems.

This is a great example of breaking with tradition and Amidon Jewelers is here to help with our custom design services. But, if the above designs didn’t get your creative juices flowing, take a look at just some of these rings, all from top designers, that Amidon Jewelers is proud to carry; Gabriel & Co., MaeVona, Sholdt, A. Jaffe and Alishan.

Remember, you can visit us at one of our three locations Claremont, Hanover or West Lebanon, New Hampshire. 

Everybody has heard of June brides. But what’s the most popular month to get engaged? December!

Yes, gentlemen, the month of Christmas trees, cocoa and carols is also the month to get up your nerve, get out your wallet, and buy the ring of her dreams. A diamond ring from Amidon is the one thing that will outshine the Christmas lights.

Here are a few tips for proposing:

• Getting down on one knee to propose is still in style.

• Pick a place that has special meaning to you as a couple to propose. Maybe the little restaurant you went to on a fabulous first date, or the neighborhood park you’ve walked through hand in hand together so many times.

• The ring is more important than the place you propose. So don’t blow your budget on the setup and skimp on the diamond. Remember, she’ll be wearing it for the rest of her life.

• Don’t go for a techy proposal unless your girlfriend is a tech type. If she is, perhaps that YouTube proposal or link to your proposal website is a good idea.

• Set yourself up for success, not stress. Fussy proposals that involve making her be in a certain place at a certain time, or hiding the ring in food that she might throw away or choke on, can easily go awry.

• Get personal. This is a moment she’ll remember all her life. The two of you together is what it’s all about. Even though public spectacles have become a popular proposal theme, only choose one if she’s a woman who really likes an audience.

 And a few special holiday ideas:

• A beautiful ring in a box at the bottom of her Christmas stocking

• A ring incorporated into a Christmas tree ornament

• A proposal by a roaring fire with champagne, hot cocoa, or her favorite libation

• A proposal in the snow

• A proposal in the warm place you’ve gone to escape the snow

• Telling her that next Christmas – and every Christmas following that – you want to be her husband

Jewelry purchases can be scary and intimidating. Unfortunately this is a scary yet true fact. Shopping mall jewelry store sales people can be compared to used car salesman, eager to make their next sale. Before you read any further, we want you to know that at Amidon Jewelers, this is NOT the case. We hope every shopping experience with us is a pleasant one.

We are aware that your options are nearly endless every time you would like to make a jewelry purchase. Racks in the mall, superstore and jewelry store are overflowing with inexpensive earrings, bracelets and necklaces that call out to you as you walk by. As respectful jewelry merchants, we believe it’s our responsibility to educate you of the benefits of buying a high-quality jewelry. Your skin will thank you from being saved from low quality metals, and in the long run, your bank account will thank you as well.

Think about it: How many pairs of superstore earrings have you had to throw out because the fake gemstones fell out of their settings? More than a handful, we’re sure. When you buy a pair of earrings or piece of jewelry from a reputable establishment such as Amidon Jewelers, you also buy peace of mind. To start, we have the Amidon Jewelry Assurance Plan! Let’s say you need to have your ring sized. Or you need to have the prongs tightened around the stones on your favorite earrings. When you purchase our Extended Service Plan, we will make any covered repairs needed, up to the amount of the purchase price, at no additional charge (Please see site for details).

Next, here’s a thought that may not have come to mind before… When you purchase jewelry from a reputable jewelry store, you’re investing in your future. History shows that the price of diamonds and gold has increased not decreased, over time. And if you’ve watched cable television lately, you have probably seen numerous commercials discussing jewelry buy-back promotions.

We sincerely hope you will never face a hardship where you have to consider selling your jewelry, however by buying a piece of quality jewelry, you’re investing the futures of both you and your descendants. Your retirement account, savings account and CD’s can be complemented by your new liquid, investments – your jewelry.

The staff at Amidon Jewelers is always happy you make educated jewelry purchasing decisions. Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any questions about how to invest in the best jewelry pieces for enjoyment now and in the future.

Dear Moms who have their baby graduating high school and leaving home this year – We know what you are going through. A flood of emotions is coursing through your body, scared about where the future will take both you and your child, and excitement about what the future will bring. We at Amidon Jewelers have exactly what you need to start YOUR future out stylishly successfully!

Since the day your son or daughter started Kindergarten, if not pre-school, you have been the co-owner of Mom’s Taxi Service. Chauffeuring him here and there, from one practice or club to another, the amount of gas you’ve put in your car would get you around the world a thousand times. You’ve scraped melted crayons off your upholstery, and half-eaten cheeseburgers under your seats. It’s time to drive in style.

No, unfortunately Amidon Jewelers is not offering to give you a top-of-the-line luxury car with heated leather seats, GPS and a moon roof. We are, however, hoping you’ll turn this key to a future life of health and happiness.

When Dr. Seuss wrote, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” we’re sure he hoped it would hit a larger market than just the graduating seniors. Think, Mom! With your weeks now free of countless practices, school drop-offs and pick-ups, and weekend pizza parties, you have time to travel the world! Spread your wings and fly – To Australia? Europe? Anywhere you want! This silver and diamond wing pendant will help you fly with flair!

Over the years, we are confident there were plenty of times you wanted to reach out and ring your son or daughter’s neck. Whether it was due to missing curfew (and worrying you out of your mind), or because of the mud he tracked all over the house, with your love you also became exasperated from time to time.

While we can’t guarantee his college days will alleviate the feeling of wanting to ring his neck, we encourage you to ring yourself instead. How? With a gorgeous fancy diamond ring. Regardless of rain, every day will have sunshine when you wear this white, yellow and rose gold ring featuring its spectacular center yellow diamond.

Only time will tell what the future holds for your child as his future progresses. But time is in your hands now that you have a lot more of it to play with! Now’s the time (no pun intended) to play with it fashionably! Enjoy an evening out with the ladies or a leisurely trip to the spa unconcerned about the time except for how it looks on your wrist. Part of their “Adventurer Collection,” Bulova’s beautiful watch encourages you to take your time into your own hands and make every moment of your life an adventure!

While many women wait until they meet the man of their dreams and he proposes to wear their first diamond(s), women born in April may have had it different from birth. Fortunate enough to have been born in the month assigned diamonds as their birthstone, April ladies have been able to ask for diamonds at every gift-giving occasion or holiday, simply by asking for a birthstone ring or necklace.

Now that we’ve entered April again, all you April ladies can fill your birthday wish lists with diamond studded earrings, bracelets, etc. But if you’re not an April lady… Don’t let that stop you from going diamond shopping yourself! Take your jewelry purchases into your own hands, and deck yourself out in diamonds like the April ladies do!

Diamond Rings

Diamonds are no longer limited ring-wise to the left-handed engagement ring! Every day new right-handed fashion rings are being introduced to the market, calling out to women everywhere to put a ring on it! Show stoppers like this half carat diamond ring set in white gold will have people noticing your right hand all day and night!

For a simple, yet no less sophisticated diamond ring option, this elegant diamond ring set on a gold heart band will have you feeling like a medieval princess. With a fifth of a carat of diamonds wrapping their way around your finger, the heart flourishes will keep your heart warm and cozy.

Diamond Earrings

Don’t forget! Diamonds aren’t only limited to the white variety! Diamonds are available in a wide array of colors, including blue, red, green, black and purple! These blue and white diamond earrings will bring whispers of envy to your ears from their admirers. Set in white gold, nearly a half carat of diamonds will shine brilliantly from your earlobes.

If colored diamonds aren’t quite the look you are looking for, Amidon Jewelers has an extensive collection of white diamond earrings for you to shop from. The Infinity white gold and diamond earrings are, in our opinion, infinitely gorgeous.

Pendants

If you loved the Infinity diamond and gold earrings mentioned above, how about picking up another piece in the Infinite collection, the Infinite Diamond Pendant? Two 14K gold strands, one studded with diamonds, wrap around each other to create this stunning piece.

With a half carat total weight in diamonds, you will have your admirers crying tears of jealousy when you wear your new teardrop diamond pendant. Fancy enough for dress-up occasions and simple enough for casual, you will never cry over accessorizing dilemmas again when you add any of these fabulous pieces to your jewelry collection!

While we may no longer be five years old and completely infatuated with the Easter Bunny and the basket of surprises he’ll bring on Easter morning, who can’t help but to sneak a Cadbury Cream Egg or Peep during this holiday season? While we may be initially inclined to pass on a jelly bean filled Easter basket, Amidon Jewelers believes you may give a second thought to a basket containing a song like we have in store.

Peter Cottontail by Gene Autry

Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin’ down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppin’, Easter’s on its way

Bringin’ every girl and boy
Baskets full of Easter joy
Things to make your Easter bright and gay

He’s got jelly beans for Tommy
Colored eggs for sister Sue
There’s an orchid for your mommy
And an Easter bonnet too

Oh! Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin’ down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity, happy Easter Day

Try to do the things you should
Maybe if you’re extra good
He’ll roll lots of Easter eggs your way

You’ll wake up on Easter mornin’
And you’ll know that he was there
When you find those chocolate bunnies
That he’s hiding everywhere

Oh! Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin’ down the bunny trail
Hippity Hoppity, happy Easter Day

Whether you are a man preparing to propose to the love of your life, or a woman looking to add a new piece of jewelry to your collection, you have undoubtedly seen a wide selection of pieces offered in Yellow Gold, White Gold, Silver and Platinum. While aesthetically you may be drawn to one metal over another right away, you may be left in the dark when it comes to understanding the physical differences.

The staff at Amidon Jewelers never wants you to feel like you’re in the dark while contemplating a jewelry purchase. Below we’re happy to walk you through the differences between White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver and Platinum, so that every jewelry purchase can be an educated jewelry purchase.

Yellow Gold

Gold is the most common of the metals used in the creation of jewelry. Measured in quality by carat, other metal alloys are mixed with pure gold to make the final metal. The higher the proportion of gold used in the final metal, the more valuable and expensive the metal will be. The gold carats normally used in men’s wedding rings are 9ct, 14ct and 18ct. 9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold, while 18ct gold contains 75% pure gold. While 22ct and 24ct golds are used in different parts of the world, these golds are considered too soft to be used for ring production.

White Gold

Like yellow gold and rose gold, the color of white gold is determined by the alloys mixed with the pure gold to make the final metal. Thus, 18ct white gold contains 75% pure gold, the same as 18ct yellow gold. In the end, making a choice between white gold and yellow gold is left up to personal, aesthetic preferences.

Platinum

Indicated on the Periodic Table of Elements by the symbol “Pt”, the name Platinum is derived from the Spanish term platina which is literally translated into “little silver.” One of the rarest elements in the Earth’s crust, Platinum is the least reactive of the metals. Eighty percent of the Earth’s production occurs in South Africa, where it can occur in some nickel and copper ores.

Although platinum is more ductile than gold, silver and copper, gold is still more malleable than platinum. It does not oxidize at any temperature, but should be worn with caution around halogens, cyanides, sulfur and alkalis as they will corrode it.

The customer service team at Amidon Jewelers is always happy to assist you with any questions you may have during your purchasing process. While a ring on your finger may feel light, your metal selection should not be taken lightly. You will never be left in the dark with Amidon Jewelers.

At Amidon Jewelers, we love to add new designers to our fabulous selection of jewelry.  This week, we’re proud to introduce you to Fable Designs.  Specializing in the manufacturing of high-end alternative metal jewelry, their product offerings include jewelry made from Titanium, Tungsten Carbide, Black Zirconium, Black Ceramic and Stainless Steel.

Tungsten Carbide

In its raw form, Tungsten is a steel-gray metal.  Often hard to work, it has the highest melting point of all metals – An astonishing 6,192 degrees Fahrenheit.  Mixed with Carbon, Tungsten Carbide is the only metal that can be permanently polished and scratch-free.  It is 10 times harder than 18K gold, 5 times harder than steel and 4 times harder than Titanium.

Titanium

Represented by “Ti” on the Periodic Table of Elements, Titanium is the 9^th most abundant element in the earth’s crust and the hardest natural metal in the world.  Three times stronger than steel, it is stronger than gold, silver and platinum, and 100% hypo-allergenic.  Surprisingly light-weight, it is also shockingly strong, and more scratch, dent and bend-resistant than both gold and silver.  When oxidized, Titanium offers a range of color selections ranging from blue to purple to black.

Black Zirconium

Initially discovered in 1789 by German chemist, Martin Heinrich Klaproth, Zirconium wasn’t prepared in its pure form until 1914.  Represented on the Periodic Table of Elements by “Zr”, it is very difficult to obtain in pure form, and is used widely and mostly in nuclear reactors for fuel rod protection, due to its corrosion resistance.

Black Zirconium is one of the world’s foremost scratch resistant metallic substances.  Black due to elaborate processing, it has a Moh’s rating of 8.2 – 9.2.  In comparison, steel has a rating of 6, and it is second only to diamonds which have a rating of 10.  Interestingly, Zirconium is found in S-type stars and has been identified in the sun and meteorites.

Black Ceramic

Created by combining ceramic with exotic alternative materials like Zirconium as well as specialized bonding agents, Black Ceramic is a superior material which remains polished indefinitely.  Often compared to Tungsten Carbide due to its extreme hardness, it doesn’t scratch, discolor or fade.  Lighter in weight than Tungsten, Black Ceramic is hypo-allergenic and contains no Cobalt.  Unlike Black Tungsten which is black due to a coating, Black Ceramic is black all the way through.  In the event that a Black Ceramic ring did scratch, the scratch would only expose more of the black color underneath.

Offering all of the finishes mentioned above and more, Amidon Jewelers is thrilled to present Fable Designs as one of our esteemed jewelry designers.  As always, our incredible customer service team is available to help you during any stage of your jewelry buying process.