History of the Diamond Engagement Ring

A diamond ring has become the ultimate expression of a promise – a universally recognized symbol of unbreakable love.

The word diamond stems from the ancient Greek word ‘adámas’, which means ‘unbreakable’. This beautiful gemstone is one of the hardest natural materials known to man, resistant to fire and stronger than steel – so it is fitting that diamond rings have become synonymous with everlasting love and commitment.

A ring made of silver, and later of gold, has been a symbol of betrothal since Roman times, and possibly even as far back as Egyptian times. But it was not until 1477 that the gifting of a diamond ring to seal an engagement was first recorded. When Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, he established a tradition that would define enduring love for hundreds of years to come.

Diamond engagement rings gained in popularity in the 19th century, a time of great wealth, when diamonds became more widely available. New cutting and polishing techniques allowed diamonds to sparkle with a fresh brilliance in solitaire engagement rings. In the 20th century, the tradition became firmly established. By the 1940s, diamond engagement rings had become the most popular line of jewelry in department stores; by 1965, 80 percent of American women had one.

It is a tradition that endures today, with couples around the world choosing to celebrate their promise to each other with a diamond engagement ring. And with new innovations, including Forevermark’s signature setting, which is designed to show off the full beauty of the unbreakable diamond at its heart, it is a tradition that shines brighter than ever.

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Did you know that Marisa Perry Atelier is now an exclusive site holder for Forevermark diamonds? All of our diamond jewelry can now be set with stones bearing the Forevermark promise. Click here to read more about the Forevermark Promise: The Promise

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* this article was sourced from the Forevermark website

Romantic Home: Black & White

Hello, my lovely Romantic readers!

Just a few days ago, our Liz took some stunning pictures of our jewelry in black and white and I just felt so inspired, I had to share with you!  What better way to add a touch of romance to your home than by printing off some of your favorite pictures in black and white?

I personally like mixing some of your own favorite memories with iconic prints. I love the idea of pairing sultry with playful, and sentimental with silly. There’s something about black and white photos that just evoke a dreamy, romantic state of mind.

Marisa actually just gave her bathroom a makeover with some cute prints of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. It just looks fantastic with black chandeliers and soft colors. Both women are just so beautiful and awesome inspiration for getting ready in the morning.

If you’re like me and don’t have black incorporated into your interior color scheme, why not try putting them in earthy, wood frames for an antique feel? I think the twine and clothespin garland display is super cute, but then again my apartment is totally crafty and DIY.

I’m already brainstorming ways to fit black and white photos into my home decor! If you’re interested in more information about any of these photos, they are pinned on our Everyday Romantic board on Pinterest. Have a romantic night! 🙂

xoxo – Alexandria

Once Upon a Time: Alexandria & Steven

Hi Romantics! I hope you’re all enjoying your Tuesday! I’m sipping down a RedBull at the front desk as I type this – there’s nothing like “wings” to get you through the day. 😉

I’m typing in today for the second installment of our Once Upon a Time series. I really hope you guys are enjoying having a peek into our personal stories of romance and feel encouraged that any day can be the day you find your heart’s best friend! I’m seriously such a hopeful romantic and this post should show you why.

December 8th, 2009, I was having a tearful heart-to-heart with one of the best friends I had made in this city. The two of us sat on a big leather couch in the Student Lounge of her college, in the basement of the Empire State Building. Surrounded by Starbucks-style decor and students studying, she informed me that her parents were making her move back to Alabama and she’d be leaving before the school year came to a close.

We were both crushed, trying to find a bright side to the situation, when the most attractive man I’d ever seen knelt before us and began to comfort her. I listened in while he said the sweetest things I’d ever heard to my auburn-haired friend. I couldn’t help but think he was amazing and want to know more.

But – as the conversation continued, it became really obvious that he was making eye contact with her ONLY. The conversation lasted for a good ten minutes, and he didn’t glance at me once! I started to get annoyed and wonder what his deal was, until…

he said to my friend: “I don’t understand how you can be so upset when you have friends THIS beautiful here to support you…” {he turned to look at me} “.. hi, I’m Steven.”

Oh, brother! Right? Well, it caught my attention. My friend gave him my number & we began texting that night. Who knew that would be the start of my happily ever after?

Be hopeful, Romantics. You never know what’s around the corner!

xoxo – Alexandria

Romantic Occasion: Sunset Sail

Hello, Romantics! Happy Thursday!

Today I’ve been daydreaming about summer love and the beginning of my relationship with my hubby.  Each birthday with him has been over the top romantic, but I thought this one would be perfect to share with you.  There’s still time to make this happen this season, so please steal this idea to make any occasion a romantic one!

The word “nautical” doesn’t normally come to mind when people think of NYC, but we’re surrounded by water!  The city offers several ways to take advantage of this perk, but so far, this is my favorite one – a sunset sail around Manhattan.

For my 20th birthday, my boyfriend (now husband) told me to get all dressed up and meet him in Chelsea.  He said we were late for dinner reservations and convinced me to literally run up 10th avenue in heels!  I was still new to NYC, so when he told me we were lost and should ask for directions, I didn’t question him.  We walked into Chelsea Piers at Pier 62, and when I approached the person at the booth to ask for directions, my boyfriend handed the guy tickets! I was so confused at first, and then surprised!

Within minutes we were boarding the beautiful, “Adirondack“. We left the pier just as the sun was starting to set, and went South around lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and back up along the Hudson. The crew came around often with complimentary wine and blankets to warm you up from the ocean breeze. It was the ultimate snuggle scenario.

The views of the city were breathtaking as the sky turned pink and purple. I couldn’t help but take a million pictures.  The sail was slow and relaxing, with enough time to really enjoy some quality time with my love. There was plenty of room to be cuddly without feeling uncomfortable, but people close enough to make new friends if you wanted to. We actually went dancing with the couple next to us when we pulled back into the piers!

Since moving to NYC, this is still one of my favorite memories. I hope we get to do it again soon.  The season to buy tickets is still open for a few more weeks this year and would be a great way to send off summer.  If you end up booking a trip, please, let me know how it is!  I love reading your comments.

xoxo *& happy sailing!* – Alexandria

Romantic Sparkle: Sapphires

I am so excited to be writing our very first post of the “Romantic Sparkle” series!  Working at Marisa Perry Atelier, I get to see so many beautiful things that I want to share with the world and finally we have the perfect outlet! Are you excited to see some sparkle? 😉 The first two photos are of a classic take on a sapphire ring, and the last two are more modern rings from our designer, Douglas Elliott.

This beautiful Princess Diana style ring features a 5.35 carat oval sapphire, with 1.67 carats of diamonds in the setting.  I am so in love with this ring.  It’s so classic.

Below are two rings by our designer, Douglas Elliott. Both sapphires are set in our “In Love” setting, in platinum.

This ring directly below features a 1.95 carat, cushion cut, naturally beautiful sapphire.

Now, this ring below features a 2.64 carat, cushion cut sapphire with a special, fancy intense pink diamond on the inside as a secret love note to the bride. Aww…

Each item featured in our Romantic Sparkle series is currently in stock at Marisa Perry Atelier and available for purchase.

– xoxo – Alexandria

Which ring is your favorite? Classic or Modern? Let us know in the comments!