Jewelry 101 | | Page 2

How to Find a Ring That Suits Your Hand Shape

March 21, 2014 Jennifer

Choosing an engagement ring can be a fun and exciting experience but it can also be a little daunting. We’re here to take the guess work out of it and make sure you make a happy confident choice! We have weekly posts that help you explore all your design options but this week is especially tailored to help you find a ring that’s both beautiful AND flattering! Read these guidelines and learn how to find a ring that suits your hand shape.

Short Fingers

With short fingers the objective is to elongate the line of the hand. Avoid any band that might be too thick or a center that’s very square or round. The best choices to make for short fingers are longer line diamond centers. Marquise, pear shaped or oval shaped centers can be amazing in terms of creating a longer more graceful finger line.

FM30840-18W_front — FM30840-18W, a narrower shank and long marquise diamond elongates the finger.

Long Fingers

Long and slender fingers tend to be the most accommodating when it comes to engagement ring styles, being able to carry many different styles well. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that while you can wear bold styles it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to. Choose a style that complements your personal style. A good note to take is that princess cuts and rounds do look particularly flattering.

NK28085-18W_three_qrtr — NK28085-18W, with a princess cut center and split shank accentuates a long finger well.

Wide/Large Fingers

The important thing here is to avoid rings which could appear too dainty. A very thin band or demure center mounting might make the fingers appear even wider than they are. The best thing to try would be a split shank band, by breaking up the shank and widening the band of the ring it can help break up the finger itself. OR a larger stone, surrounded by a cluster or diamonds like a halo can also help to balance out the width.

nk17707_w — NK17707-W, a wide band with a split shank helps to break up wider fingers.

Large Knuckles

The lovely thing about rings is that it draws the attention away from the knuckles. Choosing a style with a more prominent or ornate style can help guide the eye to the engagement ring itself. If you choose a ring with a thicker, heavier, shank it will by comparison help diminish the appearance of your knuckles.

Small Hands/Large Hands

Proportion is key in any selection you make. Think small hands smaller rings, larger hands larger rings. With smaller hands it’s best to keep the details and elements minor. With larger hands a bolder or chunkier look is appropriate and won’t run the risk of being too overwhelming.

NK25875_NK26251 — NK25875-18W perfect for larger hands. NK26251-18W ideal for petite hands.

Choose the Shank That’s Right for Your Engagement Ring

March 14, 2014 Jennifer

There’s nothing more personal than the diamond ring you choose to celebrate your life-long love. While we place a lot of focus on the diamond center the engagement ring’s shank is what supports your diamond center and makes it stand out. There are a million and one options to choose from but here are just three shanks for you to get the sense which diamond setting is right for yours.

We chose three similar styled Natalie K for Forevermark™ engagement rings to make the distinction even clearer. The top (A.) is a channel set shank, the middle one (B.) is a prong set shank and the bottom (C.) is a sleek diamond less shank. All three present very different benefits and stylistic nuances.

The first shank, FM26961-18W, features a row of channel set diamonds. A channel setting refers to a row of diamond laid between two strips of metal. This setting reveals what an uninterrupted strand of glimmering precious stone. The beauty of this setting comes from its seamlessness. Viewed from every angle the diamonds are always laid flush against the gold. It’s a great option for someone who loves the glimmer of a diamond band but the convenience of sleek band.

The engagement ring’s shank is what supports your diamond center and makes it stand out!

The second shank, glimmering on FM26945-18W, is a prong set diamond band. A prong setting refers to a diamond bound by 3 or more claws that wrap around a diamond in order to secure it to a piece of jewelry. While this may not be the best set band for someone with a job that is taxing on the hands it is perfect for someone who appreciates diamonds that glimmer to their fullest. Unlike the channel setting this setting allows more light to filter and sparkle through your diamonds.

The final ring, FM26930-18w is a sleek and slick polished gold shank. This band features no diamonds but highlights the center mounting. Perfect for someone who prefers the classic look of a solitaire ring. It perfectly plays up a modern or traditional aesthetic.

Which of these three styles would you choose?

How To Buy a Natalie K Engagement Ring

February 21, 2014 Jennifer

Purchasing an engagement ring is not only a financial investment but an emotional one as well. We know a lot of time and consideration go into finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, the same should be true of your ring search. It’s a personal and intimate choice you, and perhaps your partner want to make together. We know just how important it is to find an engagement ring that means a lifetime of love to you.

We know just how important it is to find an engagement ring that means a lifetime of love to you.

But with so many choices and styles it can be a little overwhelming. Don’t fret, that’s why we’re here. We want you to be brilliantly happy when you find the one, by helping to make your ring purchase special and painless. While we have a website that gives detailed information on many of our styles and options we are not a retailer. Our designer brand is carried across the U.S. and the world at trusted and expert jewelry stores which are open and waiting for you.

If you’ve browsed our site, scrolled through our Facebook or Instagram feed maybe you’ve already found a ring you love! Your first step is to take note of the style number, which looks a lot like this: NK12345-18W. If the style number isn’t listed with your image feel free to email us with the image at info@nataliek.com or give us a call at 1.800.688.6101 and we can help. But keep in mind we do not provide prices.

For prices or estimates you’ll need to find the store nearest you. Our site offers a store locator to make that step easier, simply type in your city, state or zip code and click submit! Pictures are one thing but finding the ring of your dreams and seeing it sparkle in your hand is incomparable. That’s only one of the many benefits of walking into a store yourself.

Online dealers tend to imply that brick and mortar stores present some kind of challenge. As if you’re only allowed to go in as an expert with an exact idea of what to purchase, but that’s not the case. We’re not all experts, we don’t expect for anyone to enter knowing exactly what they want. Take the time to browse and take advantage of a jeweler’s expertise. Ask questions, and let your imagination run wild, because being in touch with a jewelry store also allows you to customize your ring. From black gold to rose gold, diamonds to sapphires, just go in with an open mind and open heart.

Don’t forget they’re there to help you. At the moment of purchase and in the future. Having them nearby is a great way to check in from time to time for cleanings, fittings and even repairs if necessary.

Take the time and you’ll find the ring you’ve been looking for.

5 Secret Ways To Figure Out Her Ring Size

January 24, 2014 Jennifer

This week we’re shaking things up a bit! Our Fashion Friday Trend Reports are all about introducing details, options and tidbits of information that can help you choose the perfect ring, but we were recently asked a question on our twitter that made us realize we hadn’t covered all the bases!

Hello, a friend needs to surprise his girlfriend by giving an engagement ring but dont know her size. Ideas?@NatalieKJewelry

— Olanrewaju Rotifa (@Olareh) January 17, 2014

Say you’ve found the perfect ring, it calls your name, but you have no idea her ring size!? You want to make it a grand surprise proposal, but it won’t end well if the ring doesn’t fit. Let’s go through a few good, stealthy ways to figure out her ring size. Tip #1, your jeweler is your friend!

Trace a Line Take a look in her jewelry box, does she have a ring she’s fond already fond of that she wears on that special finger (either, right or left, hand is just fine). Sneak in a pen and paper and trace the inside of the ring! Take it into the jeweler and voila!
Soap?! If you’re worried you might not get the perfect outline try making a quick impression in a bar of soap. This will give a pretty accurate read when compared with a ring sizer!
Use a Candlestick Less likely to find around the house, but easy to get your hands on is a tapered candle stick. Take the ring, slide it down and make a gentle impression or mark where the ring falls comfortably! Tada! Make shift mandrel*!
“Borrow” a Ring Want to get a more accurate measurement, try swiping one of her rings for the day to take to your jewelers. Of course it’ll have to be a least favorite, one she won’t notice, otherwise the jig is up and you’ll have some explaining to do!
Enlist a Partner If you can’t get a moment alone with her treasure chest, go it the easy route. Ask around, her mom, sister, father, best friend, cousin twice removed! Anyone she’s close with whose done a shopping trip with her or bought her jewelry might already have the inside scoop. If not, maybe take up a partner in crime and have someone do a quick shopping trip.

If all else fails, take a guess! Most jewelers carry a stock size somewhere between 6.5 and 7, your jeweler can almost always resize the ring post proposal. But if you’re in doubt, size up! You’ll be able to slip the ring on her finger for the perfect proposal picture (remember guys get a photographer) and have it sized down later.

Find the perfect Ring on NatalieK.com and see it at your local jeweler!

* A tapered metal tool used to determine rings sizes, you can see one in the image above.

Fall for Rose Gold in the Natalie K for Forevermark™ Fashion Collection

January 13, 2014 Jennifer

Watching the Golden Globes always leaves us with a hunger for red carpet style and high fashion glamor. Luckily we have the Natalie K for Forevermark™ Collection to fawn over until the next red carpet event. While we have a beautiful and extensive collection of classic Forevermark center engagement rings we are absolutely in love with the Forevermark Fashion Collection. Why only spoil yourself on your wedding day, when everyday deserves to be brightened by a little diamond radiance or golden gleam.

Every piece is set with one or more Forevermark™ diamonds, world renowned for their unmatched sparkle and unique inscription. The collection includes earrings, pendants, rings and bracelets; anything a woman needs to add a touch of fabulous to any event. Take one look at two of our rose gold designs and understand instantly the appeal of this winning collaboration.

FM29006-18R is all drama. A long, single strand of dangling diamonds set in warm 18K rose gold makes quite an impact. With 28 diamonds on each earring, the last 1/5 ct. diamond sparkles just above your collar bone, flashing shards of light reflected along the neck and shoulders. The perfect pair to enhance a long neck or sculpted shoulder with a delicate up-do.

To match FM29006-18R or to wear on its own, NK28917-18R is a dazzling rose gold, white diamond ring. The intertwining rows of glimmering rose gold and diamond lined strands create a unique stacked band look. 96 accent diamonds make up four of the gracefully curved rows, while 7 feature diamonds are the focal point of this fashion band. Thoughtfully placed by Natalie K designers and set in individual prong settings these Forevermark™ diamonds make quite the impression.

Browse the entire Forevermark™ Fashion Collection and add irresistible glamor to your fabulous fashion repertoire.