Flowers are love's truest language

(But sometimes even the truth needs a little help)

Flowers are part of our daily life. For virtually every event we have assigned a special flower. Flowers for love, church, church graveyard, marriage, etc. In the 16th century inn's use to have a branch or flower stalk as signboard which later often changed only into the name of a specific tree or flower. Many times one finds flower gardens in mythological sceneries. The allegoric use of flowers is uncountable: attributes for the springtime, the youth, the sunrise, the rhetoric, the virtue etc. Lots of countries carry a flower as national symbol: Hungary had the tulip and Scotland the thistle, etc.


On our site we have dedicated a page to flower symbolism where you can read much more about the symbolism behind the use of floral motifs. Enjoy!

Click the picture to see a close-up of this magnificent Art Deco ring.

Antiqualy yours,
The Adin team
www.adin.be


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See our:
flower inspired jewelry
latest acquisitions
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or read our explanations on:
flower symbolism
extensive antique jewelry glossary
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Holidays in the Garden of Adin

ANTWERP, August 02 (Reuters) – And his wife said to the gardener: Behold, I need a break. Get us a place at an ark in the sky and entrance into a bright lit place. And behold! I am bringing the good mood flood upon the earth. But the gardener wanted to take of all his things of gold, many of each he wanted to bring into the ark to preserve with him; but his wife threatened to end their covenant. And thus the gardener and his family went on holiday without their jewelry; according to all that his wife had commanded him, so he did.

Wishing all our friends, customers and colleagues
a relaxing vacation!

Click the picture to get to the description of the ring.

Antiqualy yours,
The Adin team
www.adin.be


P.s. Perhaps you know someone who might be interested in receiving our mails? Forward them this mail and they can subscribe themselves at: our subscription page

See our:


engagement rings
all our rings
latest acquisitions
complete inventory
or read our explanations on:
extensive antique jewelry glossary
antique jewelry style overview

Perfect Diamond For the Perfect Love

Diamonds are associated with the finest things in life, and a diamond engagement ring is possibly the most significant diamond purchase that you will make during your lifetime. Browsing jewelry stores and catalogs can be overwhelming, with each one guaranteeing that they offer the best quality selection. So how can you be sure that you are getting a great diamond in that designer ring?

Finding the perfect beautiful ring for the woman that you love can be a difficult job if you don’t know what you are looking for. When you propose you want her to know that only the finest, superior quality diamond ring is good enough for her, and you should also take care to find a designer ring that suits her style and taste to make the ring more personal.

When it comes to diamonds size matters, but is only a part of what you should look for in an engagement ring. The physical size, or weight, of a diamond is measure in carats, but just because a diamond is large doesn’t mean that it is high quality, or even attractive. In fact, many of the largest stones that you see on display in jewelry counters may not even be real, or natural diamonds. To truly appreciate a diamond you need to take into consideration the other 4 ‘c’s of diamonds, namely cut, clarity and color.

The finest diamond designer rings will display exquisite cuts, a high level of clarity, and a pure color. However, if you are looking for a cheap engagement ring you can opt to choose a higher grade of one element over another to keep the price of your designer ring within your budget. For example, if you are happy with a diamond that has flaws ‘only visible under close inspection’ then you will be able to afford a larger carat. A diamond with a cut that is not quite perfect might be technically less valuable but could create an unusual fire and sparkle to enhance the clarity of the gem.

Each piece of diamond jewelry that you purchase should come with a certificate to show you exactly what the rating is for each ‘c’. The beauty of buying a diamond designer ring online is that a good site will often display that useful information right alongside each beautiful ring. Some may even let you search by settings for your engagement ring, by diamond type or by price range letting you find a precious engagement ring within your budget.

Modern designer rings now also offer choices in other gemstones for engagement rings in tantalizing color combinations such as diamond and tanzanite rings or pink saphire and diamond rings. Settings for engagement rings can also vary, ranging from modern designer styles to classic and traditional settings.

The important this is to choose a diamond ring not based on size or price alone, but to choose a designer ring that you feel she will love and treasure forever, because that is was an engagement ring symbolizes.

The Hunt for a Perfect Diamond

Diamonds are associated with the finest things in life, and a diamond engagement ring is possibly the most significant diamond purchase that you will make during your lifetime. Browsing jewelry stores and catalogs can be overwhelming, with each one guaranteeing that they offer the best quality selection. So how can you be sure that you are getting a great diamond in that designer ring
Finding the perfect beautiful ring for the woman that you love can be a difficult job if you don’t know what you are looking for. When you propose you want her to know that only the finest, superior quality diamond ring is good enough for her, and you should also take care to find a designer ring that suits her style and taste to make the ring more personal. When it comes to diamonds size matters, but is only a part of what you should look for in an engagement ring. The physical size, or weight, of a diamond is measure in carats, but just because a diamond is large doesn’t mean that it is high quality, or even attractive. In fact, many of the largest stones that you see on display in jewelry counters may not even be real, or natural diamonds.
To truly appreciate a diamond you need to take into consideration the other 3 ‘c’s of diamonds, namely cut, clarity and color. The finest diamond designer rings will display exquisite cuts, a high level of clarity, and a pure color. However, if you are looking for a cheap engagement ring you can opt to choose a higher grade of one element over another to keep the price of your designer ring within your budget. For example, if you are happy with a diamond that has flaws ‘only visible under close inspection’ then you will be able to afford a larger carat. A diamond with a cut that is not quite perfect might be technically less valuable but could create an unusual fire and sparkle to enhance the clarity of the gem. Each piece of diamond jewelry that you purchase should come with a certificate to show you exactly what the rating is for each ‘c’. The beauty of buying a diamond designer ring online is that a good site will often display that useful information right alongside each beautiful ring.
Some may even let you search by settings for your engagement ring, by diamond type or by price range letting you find a precious engagement rings within your budget. Modern designer rings now also offer choices in other gemstones for engagement rings in tantalizing color combinations such as diamond and tanzanite rings or pink saphire and diamond rings. Settings for engagement rings can also vary, ranging from modern designer styles to classic and traditional settings. The important this is to choose a diamond ring not based on size or price alone, but to choose a designer ring that you feel she will love and treasure forever, because that is was an engagement ring symbolizes.

The Hunt for a Perfect Diamond

Diamonds are associated with the finest things in life, and a diamond engagement ring is possibly the most significant diamond purchase that you will make during your lifetime. Browsing jewelry stores and catalogs can be overwhelming, with each one guaranteeing that they offer the best quality selection. So how can you be sure that you are getting a great diamond in that designer ring
Finding the perfect beautiful ring for the woman that you love can be a difficult job if you don’t know what you are looking for. When you propose you want her to know that only the finest, superior quality diamond ring is good enough for her, and you should also take care to find a designer ring that suits her style and taste to make the ring more personal. When it comes to diamonds size matters, but is only a part of what you should look for in an engagement ring. The physical size, or weight, of a diamond is measure in carats, but just because a diamond is large doesn’t mean that it is high quality, or even attractive. In fact, many of the largest stones that you see on display in jewelry counters may not even be real, or natural diamonds.
To truly appreciate a diamond you need to take into consideration the other 4 ‘c’s of diamonds, namely cut, clarity and color. The finest diamond designer rings will display exquisite cuts, a high level of clarity, and a pure color. However, if you are looking for a cheap engagement ring you can opt to choose a higher grade of one element over another to keep the price of your designer ring within your budget. For example, if you are happy with a diamond that has flaws ‘only visible under close inspection’ then you will be able to afford a larger carat. A diamond with a cut that is not quite perfect might be technically less valuable but could create an unusual fire and sparkle to enhance the clarity of the gem. Each piece of diamond jewelry that you purchase should come with a certificate to show you exactly what the rating is for each ‘c’. The beauty of buying a diamond designer ring online is that a good site will often display that useful information right alongside each beautiful ring.
Some may even let you search by settings for your engagement ring, by diamond type or by price range letting you find a precious engagement rings within your budget. Modern designer rings now also offer choices in other gemstones for engagement rings in tantalizing color combinations such as diamond and tanzanite rings or pink saphire and diamond rings. Settings for engagement rings can also vary, ranging from modern designer styles to classic and traditional settings. The important this is to choose a diamond ring not based on size or price alone, but to choose a designer ring that you feel she will love and treasure forever, because that is was an engagement ring symbolizes.

How to find the Ring that gets her to say: “Yes, I will!”

You have been seeing each other for a while. Now you are at the stage where you feel this is the woman, with whom you want to spend the rest of your life. You have decided the time and place you are going to pop ‘The Question’. You have practiced your lines well.

Now the only dilemma you face is how to buy the ring that will make her scream, the ring that she will wear for the rest of her life, and the ring that will prove to the world that she belongs to you…

Most men get very anxious and confused when it comes to shopping for an engagement ring! So I thought, why not decrease the anxiety of all you men, planning to go down on the knees. This article aims at filling you in, on what you need to know to find the ring that will melt her heart.

1. Is it a good idea to surprise her or not?

You are the best judge of what your lady likes. If both of you have been openly talking about getting engaged, then it’s perfectly fine to go hunting for engagement rings together. Off late many contemporary couples are going ring shopping together once they have discussed the idea of getting engaged. When you are out shopping or you happen to be strolling in an area near a jewelry store, take a walk over to the store windows. Pay attention to what draws her. Are there certain stone shapes (round, pear, oval) that she’s drawn to? Does she like jewelry that is chunky looking, contemporary or sleek and modern? If you are having fun browsing, you might go into a shop and have her try on some rings. Make sure to note her ring size!

However, I am sure there are plenty of guys out there who feel that it’s the most romantic idea to make it a complete surprise. If you belong to this category then, you want to select a ring for her on your own and pop the question on bended knees. For all you romantic fellows it is necessary that you learn about your girlfriend’s jewelry preferences, too—but you will have to do so in a very hush-hush manner. You should start by paying attention to the jewelry that she wears. Does she prefer silver or gold? Vintage or contemporary? Another good way to learn about her tastes in rings by talking to her best friend or sister. Make sure that you make them swear to secrecy before you discuss too much.

Well, now you must be wondering how you would know her ring size. The best way is to ask people closest to her or take a wide guess or steal one of her rings from her jewelry box. While doing all this, please remember if the ring is smaller for her fingers, it can be made to increase. However, if it is bigger than her size than its very difficult to decrease the size.

2. Knowing clarity, color, cut & carat

Now that you know, if you want to surprise her or not, you know her jewelry choice & ring size, it’s time to learn a bit about diamonds and other stones so that you can make sure you buy the best possible.

Clarity refers to any small flaws found on the diamond; many diamonds will have minute scratches or air bubbles. The fewer flaws a diamond has, the greater its value. The color of the diamond will be graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow); in general, the more colorless the diamond is, the more valuable it is. Cut means the way the diamond was faceted to allow light to reflect from it. In a well cut diamond, light enters the diamond and reflects straight back to the viewer's eye. Cut is graded Ideal, Premium, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Generally, you should go for an Ideal to Very Good Diamond. Carat, refers to the size of the stone. Keep in mind that it truly is most important to know your girlfriend’s taste: some women feel that a large carat ring looks too flashy and would prefer a smaller ring.

That was about diamonds. If you are looking for an Emerald, make sure that the stone is green and does not have any black spots. As in case of Ruby, the darker it is- the better.

3. Choose a good store:

This is one of the most important steps in choosing the ring! Take opinions and don’t just go by publicity. Go to a jeweler you can trust. Going to one known to friends and family is a great idea. It’s important to make sure that the store is accredited. Before you buy, find out what the return policy is so that you can exchange the ring if necessary. You might want to take a friend along for buying the ring. Having a friend whose opinion you can trust with you, can make the whole experience much better.

4. Deciding how much to spend on the Ring:

Are you are feeling slightly rested? You should be, since you know what kind of ring your lady will love and you know more about diamonds. Well, now the biggest question on your mind is how much to spend on the ring. While you want to keep in mind that this is a very significant purchase—this is something that (you hope) she will wear every day for the rest of her life. Nevertheless, you need to be realistic about what you can spend. If your budget is tight go for semi precious stones set in silver. For medium budgets, plain gold or enameled gold rings are recommended. For those with a high budget, go for diamond set in platinum / gold. Most women prefer Diamond rings, hence if your budgets are low, go for a centerpiece with diamonds surrounding in smaller size. The centerpiece can be Ruby, pearl, turquoise etc.

A decent engagement ring today runs in the $3,500--$4,000 range, but there are ways to purchase one for less money.

Before buying a ring, talk to your mother or grandmother- there may be an heirloom ring available in your family. You can have an heirloom stone taken out of its original setting and redone; for example, if your ancestral ring came in a 22K gold setting and your girlfriend likes platinum, a good jeweler can remove the stone and redo it in platinum.

5. Planning with a time window:

Last but not the least; you must plan the buying with time in hand. Do not think that you can walk into a jewelry store and essentially come out with the ring the same day. You may not like what is available and may have to get one made to order. Do your shopping well in advance of your proposal date. Ask for a written contract (In case you are ordering) with the date that the ring will be ready for you to take home.

Ready to take that step? All the best!!!

In years to come, you will remember the time and energy you put into finding the right ring…& how happy it made her when you popped the question.