Brad Pitt helped designs Angelina Jolie's beautiful custom, emerald-cut engagement ring.

With Angelina Jolie’s elegant emerald-cut engagement ring recently making headlines, many women will be begging their beaus for emerald-cut engagement rings. Here is a look at some of the most famous emerald-cut rings for inspiration, as well as tips for finding your own perfect emerald-cut diamond ring:

• Angelina Jolie’s understated sparkler is estimated to be valued at $250,000 and carries its own unique look with the custom design, befitting of the elegant actress.
• Kim Kardashian’s famed engagement included plenty of attention for her engagement ring, a dazzling 20-plus carat, emerald-cut sparkler from NBA player Kris Humphries. Although the relationship did not last, the larger than life ring lives on in celebrity history.
• Pop star Jessica Simpson donned a dazzling emerald-cut diamond engagement ring from former flame Nick Lahey with a 4-carat center stone flanked by two diamonds. Although the relationship did not last, the ring remains a beauty.
• Starlet Reese Witherspoon wore a 5-carat emerald-cut vintage bauble with an Art Deco-inspired design that still stands out for its stylish beauty, despite that fact that her relationship ended.
• Socialite Paris Hilton paraded around in a 24-carat emerald-cut diamond ring from Greek shipping heir Paris Lastis. The gaudy bauble was perfect for the outlandish party girl, whose engagement did not last.
• Donald Trump proposed to his current wife, Melanie Knauss, with a 12-carat emerald-cut ring reported to cost more than $1 million.

Tips for Buying an Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring

• Emerald-cut engagement rings are best for accentuating long, slender fingers and can make chubby fingers look bigger. For women who do not have slender hands but still want the emerald cut, go for emerald-cut rings with side diamonds or baguettes to help make the ring appear wider and less oblong. The side stones will help draw attention from the finger.
• The diamond color and clarity is especially important when choosing an emerald-cut engagement ring because the larger, rectangular center stone will show flaws more easily than a round-cut ring such as a solitaire. Go for a color that is G or higher and a clarity rating in the VS range.
• Emerald-cut diamonds are generally less expensive than some of the popular cuts, so you can get more carats for your buck with emerald cuts, as well as an elegant looking diamond that, with the right care, will last a lifetime.

Solitaire

Solitaire diamond engagement rings are the most popular rings on the market. A single diamond is graceful and elegant, featuring a simple design that will never go out of style. Solitaire rings are offered in several cuts of diamond; but, round brilliant is the most popular since it looks beautiful with small diamonds as well as eye-catching, oversized stones.

Split Shank

The split shank design gives an engagement ring a distinct, antique look. This design is ideal when you want to forego a wedding band altogether. Split shank rings are characterized by the widening at the center of the ring which creates a focal point. The center stone can range from a simple solitaire diamond or a swirl of micro-pave diamonds that rise about the band. Split shank rinks are an ideal choice when you are looking for a throwback-style ring that works well as a standalone piece.

Fancy Diamonds

A fancy diamond is a wonderful choice that will spruce up any engagement ring design. Fancy cuts include princess, asscher, cushion, heart and pear-shaped diamonds. These diamonds flatter solitaire ring designs as well as multi-diamond rings. Fancy diamonds such as the princess and cushion-cut are stunning when encircled by halos. Additionally, fancy diamonds look beautiful whether they’re mounted atop polished metal or diamond-encrusted bands.

Three-Stone

Three-stone rings are among the most symbolic engagement rings on the market. The multiple stones represent love’s past, present, and future; but, that symbolic layer of bling comes with a more expensive price tag. Three-stone rings typically feature a large center stone flanked by two small diamonds on either side. You also have the option of using three diamonds of the same size if you want to make a bigger statement.

Color Splash

Colored diamonds and gem stones are another way to spruce up a typical engagement ring design. Fancy yellow or pink diamonds give designs a touch of refined elegance, while black diamonds convey a stylish uniqueness that complements antique and contemporary rings. Colored gemstones such as emeralds and rubies are also an option since they are cheaper than diamonds. Colored gems can make

Tradition states brides need “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” Put a stylish touch on the “Something old” requirement by wearing a distinct piece of vintage jewelry on your wedding day. From shimmering diamond bracelets and natural pearl necklaces, to classic pieces that are centuries old, there are a myriad of options to choose from.

Local Jewelers

Vintage jewelry can be obtained in various ways. Visit your local jeweler to see if they have any vintage pieces in stock. The jeweler will provide the history of the piece, and an interesting story about the way it was acquired. Most importantly, they will ensure that the piece is structurally sound before they resell it.

Online Jewelers

Online jewelers that specialize in vintage jewelry are another option. By shopping online, you have access to pieces across the globe. This increases your options of finding unique jewelry from different regions and countries. You can peruse the online inventory and look at pictures of the jewelry and the historical information the jeweler provides.  On the downside, you will not have the opportunity to see the piece in person. However, if you do your homework and purchase from a reputable online retailer, you will find a quality piece.

Estate sales

Estate sales are routinely held in most areas on the weekends, and they generally feature unique jewelry pieces that were acquired during someone’s lifetime. The jewelry is typically very unique since it represents the previous owners taste, interests, life and travels. Some of the jewelry offered at the sales can be expensive. However, you can find beautiful antique jewelry pieces at reasonable prices. Estate sales are typically advertised in local newspapers or online classified websites such as craigslist.org.

Jewelry Auctions

For the well-to-do looking to make a statement at their wedding, auctions are a great way to find one-of-a-kind fine vintage jewelry. Auction houses such as Christie’s International and Sotheby’s in New York routinely offer up the world’s most glamorous pieces which once belonged to royalty, affluent families and Hollywood legends.

Family Heirlooms

If you are looking for a piece with familial attachment, talk to your parents and family members and see if they have any vintage jewelry to spare.  A family heirloom will add a touch of comfort and a connection to the past, while you head into a new life with your significant other.

Dubbed “The Reluctant Heiress” due to her reclusive lifestyle, Clark had an eye for unique fine jewelry.  The heiress’ coveted “The Clark Pink” ring was the auction showstopper, selling for a whopping $15.7 million. The 9-carat cushion-cut diamond ring took in nearly triple its original estimate, and is currently the most expensive pink diamond sold to date.  The staggering tally is all the more impressive considering that the ring was tucked away in a bank vault for seven decades.

Another noteworthy piece for sale was a rare, 19.86-carat colorless diamond ring designed by Cartier. The D-color diamond ring fetched an impressive $3.1 million. Clark’s Tiffany & Co. designed diamond bracelet also bested its pre-auction expectations. The shimmering piece, which dates back to 1915, sold for $266,500.

The Magnificent Jewels auction was a top moneymaker for Christie’s, earning $70.7 million overall. Clark’s jewelry collection alone earned the second-highest auction total for private jewelry, and it doubled pre-sales estimates. Despite the impressive total, the auction fell short of the record-breaking $137.2 million in earnings from the sale of The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor last year.

Angelina's emerald-cut diamond engagement ring is already inspiring similar ring designs.

Yes, those unidentified objects in the sky are flying pigs, because “Brangelina” are making it official. After a seven-year courtship and several beautiful children, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie shocked the world by announcing their engagement.

As we pick our jaws off the floor, the attention now turns to the most important part of the announcement: the engagement ring.

Gossip blogs were set ablaze when Jolie appeared at an April 12^th event at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art wearing a shimmering diamond on her ring finger. The couple later confirmed that the sparkler was indeed an engagement ring.

Jolie’s engagement ring contains a total of 16 carats and was designed over the course of a year with Brad Pitt’s direction. The ring reportedly took one year to design because Pitt wanted to create a one-of-a-kind piece that would flatter Jolie’s long and slender fingers. The ring features a 7-carat, emerald-cut center diamond mounted atop a stunning band that is encircled by an additional 9 carats of emerald-cut diamonds. The ring puts a modern twist on a classic design, while the high-quality diamonds are a perfect match for a woman of Jolie’s beauty and stature.

The engagement ring costs an estimated $500,000, which is relatively small when compared with the multi-million dollar rings worn by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Heather Mills, Jennifer Lopez, and Liza Minnelli. Maybe Pitt decided on a lower price-point as a good luck charm, since all of the aforementioned celebrity’s marriages ended in divorce.

According to reports, knockoffs of Angelina Jolie’s engagement ring are making their way to jewelry stores across the country. The unique style and design are expected to be among the year’s hottest trendsetters.

History

Eternity rings date back more than 4,000 years, when they first appeared during the height of Egyptian civilization. Egyptians originally used rings with interlocking bands to symbolize eternal life and love, not to mark any particular milestone.  The first Eternity rings were made from metals and often studded with stones. Their interlocking shape was thought to mimic the ouroboros, an ancient symbol of the serpent eating its own tail. The ouroboros symbolizes infinity, thus becoming the perfect representation of everlasting love.

Modern Uses

Unlike their earlier uses, eternity rings became popular anniversary gifts during the 1960s. The rings were given from husbands to wives as a symbol of their undying love and devotion. The rings also were a representation of the time the couple had spent together.

Today, eternity rings have become a popular choice for wedding and engagement rings in addition to serving as anniversary gifts. Celebrities such as “Dancing with the Stars” host Brooke Burke illustrate the ring’s versatility by wearing it as a standalone piece in lieu of a traditional bridal set.

Design

Eternity rings are typically made from precious metals such as platinum, white gold or yellow gold and contain a continuous line of identical-cut gemstones.  Most eternity rings are studded with diamonds that seem to be suspended above the band. However, some rings pair diamonds with alternating colored gemstones such as rubies, sapphires or black diamonds. The rings are offered in a variety of settings, including channel set, pave and micro-pave set, and bar set. There are also two distinct types: half eternity rings and full eternity rings. Half eternity rings feature stones on the top half of the band, while full eternity rings are completely encircled in gemstones.

So if you are in the market for a shimmering anniversary gift, or a one-of-a-kind sparkling wedding band for your bride-to-be, the love of your life will cherish her eternity ring forever.

Here are some guidelines for how to pop the question, based on her ring preference:

• Vintage or antique engagement rings symbolize a unique style and fondness for bygone eras. To knock her socks off, set up a proposal in a place reminiscent of the past, such as a historic landmark, an old-fashioned restaurant or diner or speakeasy. Pay attention to the time periods she adores, and you’ll be able to win her over with a proposal  that conjures up that era.
• Solitaire rings are classic pieces that stand the test of time. To woo this tradition-minded lass, go all out with a romantic proposal in a special place that you can return to and celebrate on big anniversary dates. A breathtaking scene overlooking a lake, on a mountain or atop a skyscraper can all wow your love and allow you to revisit together in the future.
• Three-stone engagement rings symbolize your love’s past, present and future. Since these elements are all important to your bride-to-be, you can incorporate them into your proposal. Include a story or memento from your first date or the time you first met as a tribute to your past. For the present, enjoy a beautiful setting that pleases the sense, with scenic sights, beautiful music and fine food and wine. Pay homage to your love’s future with a symbol of your future hopes, such as a collage of your aspirations, a poem or a story of how you see yourselves in the future.
• Contemporary engagement rings are for the woman who loves to be on the cutting edge and enjoys modern life. Forget tradition and propose in a non-conventional way. Consider her hobbies and passions for inspiration on the perfect setting or props. When you do pop the question, you can use words like “partner” and “equal” for this modern-minded woman.

Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” Auction is set to take place on April 17^th at the Rockefeller Center Headquarters in New York. The auction will feature 300 individual jewelry pieces from the collections of private donors and late-heiresses. Items up for auction include necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and brooches studded with diamonds, rare gemstones and natural pearls. Individual pieces are expected to earn from $2,000 to $8,000,000, and Christie’s is expecting to take in $40 million overall.

The Magnificent Jewels auction will contain dozens of pieces from the estates of several high-end jewelry collectors. Forty pieces from the jewelry collection of Lucille E. Davidson, an art collector and philanthropist who died in 2010, are up for auction. The collection is noted for its exceptional signed jewelry pieces which feature modern designs, and is highlighted by a “mystery set” of jewels designed by Van Cleef and Arpels. Mystery set jewels include the stunning “Pavot” flower brooch, which is studded with rubies and diamonds, the ruby and diamond “Bow Brooch,” and two sapphire and diamond bracelets.

In addition to fine estate jewelry, the auction will contain an impressive selection of diamond rings. Top pieces include a 6.26-carat, D-color, circular-cut diamond ring, and the “Belle Epoque” diamond ring, a 6.50-carat, D-Color stunner that is internally flawless.

Several of the world’s finest colored diamonds, rare gemstones, and natural pearls are also up for auction. The highlight of the colored diamonds is the 43.49-carat, cushion-cut fancy intense yellow diamond ring. The dramatic piece was designed by Graff and has an estimated value of $1.5 million. The exquisite, five-strand natural pearl necklace is expected to fetch between $600,000 and $800,000, while the pear-shaped, 10.26 and 9.01-carat Colombian emerald ear pendants, and square-cut, 9.13 and 8.16-carat fancy yellow ear clips, are also sure to be popular with bidders.

Engagement rings have a high monetary and sentimental value. Therefore, it is important to protect your lifetime investment with an insurance policy. In addition to providing much-needed coverage, an insurance policy will provide peace of mind.

Homeowner’s and Renter’s Insurance for Your Ring

There are several ways to insure your engagement ring. Since homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies cover valuables up to a certain dollar value, check your existing policy to ensure that your engagement ring will be covered. Additionally, many companies offer jewelry insurance that can be purchased as an extension of your current renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy.

Jewelry Insurance for Your Ring

When the value of your engagement ring exceeds what your renter’s or homeowner’s policy will cover, you can insure your engagement ring through a company that specializes in jewelry insurance. Specialized jewelry insurance policies are highly recommended since they cover specific, valuable pieces.  The policies can be purchased from several insurance companies. Moreover, many jewelers offer jewelry insurance policies.

When purchasing an engagement ring, talk to the jeweler to see what your insurance options are. If you have already purchased an engagement ring and are looking to insure it, there a few steps you should follow. First, make sure you have the original receipts for your engagement ring. Next, have the ring appraised by a reputable gemologist. Finally, contact a jewelry insurance company or visit a local jeweler to learn which policies would best fit your needs.

Important Ring Insurance Questions

Whatever your situation, when buying insurance for an engagement ring, carefully read the fine print. Insurance coverage varies by locale and situation, so it is important to understand the ways in which your jewelry is covered. Ask the insurance salesperson if the policy covers the ring in the result of loss or theft. Also, ask if the dollar value amount the ring is covered and how it will be replaced. Lastly, discuss the ways in which you file a claim, i.e. who to contact and what documentation is necessary, and how long the overall process takes.

Jewelry is an ideal gift for any occasion. From birthdays and anniversaries to Christmas and Valentine’s Day, a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry will show your loved one how much you care.

There are a myriad of reasons why you should choose jewelry over other gift ideas. Jewelry offers a range of possibilities that include charms, rings, bracelets, watches, brooches, necklaces, earrings and body jewelry. The pieces are offered in a choice of precious metals such as platinum, white or yellow gold, which can be studded with high-grade shimmering gemstones.

The breadth of choices that jewelry offers ensures that your gift will complement the wearer’s taste and style.

Another reason that jewelry makes a great gift lies in its versatility. Jewelry is one of the few items that flatters casual attire or adds a posh touch to business and formal wear. Its exceptional versatility makes jewelry an excellent gift for both genders. Whether you are looking for a handsome bracelet for the man in your life, or a stunning pair of diamond drop earrings for the woman you love, there are countless pieces to choose from.

Unlike most items, jewelry is highly personal. Finding the perfect piece for your significant other takes time and requires attention to detail.  The extensive and time-consuming search will show them how much you care. And when you find the piece that conveys everything you want to say, you will have gained an interesting back-story that adds an extra layer of significance to the piece. Couple the interesting back-story with a personalized piece that features a unique design and heartfelt inscription, and your gift will radiate a “wow factor” for all to see.

With proper care, maintenance and preservation, jewelry can last a lifetime. Therefore, the beautiful pendant, dazzling watch or shimmering ring you give them today can be theirs to cherish forever. The piece can then be passed down as a family heirloom to serve as a reminder of the loving bond that outlasts the constraints of time.