Vintage Engagement Rings are Gaining in Popularity

In today's culture, items such as jewelry are becoming more
ornate and expensive. The cost does not necessarily
translate to quality. When a man is ready to propose to the
love of his life, he wants to give her something special
and unique to show just how much he adores her. That is why
many couples are turning back time and purchasing a vintage
engagement ring.

A true vintage engagement ring is defined as a ring that is
between thirty and fifty years old; however, rings older
than this, which are technically called antiques, may be
sold as vintage. These rings are generally more ornate than
newer rings and often contain large stones. The appeal of
this type of engagement ring comes from the vastly
different styles available. Many women are able to find a
vintage engagement ring that fits their personal style more
so than the engagement rings that are mass-produced today.
The stones are considered to be of higher quality than
newer engagement rings. It is necessary to examine a
vintage engagement ring thoroughly before choosing to
purchase it.

How to Purchase a Vintage Engagement Ring

As with any engagement ring, it is important to look for
the "four C's." These are clarity, color, cut, and carat.
The clarity refers to the visibility of flaws in the stones
or in a better clarity, the lack of visible flaws. The
color obviously refers to the color of the stone. There are
several grades of colors when it comes to a white diamond.
The cut of a vintage engagement ring is going to be
different than with newer rings because they were cut by
hand as opposed to the laser cut rings of today. The carat
refers to the size or weight of the stone.

A vintage engagement ring can be purchased from multiple
sources. People often sell these rings as part of an estate
sale, at a flea market, through an online auction site, a
consignment shop, or through a jeweler. Obviously, the best
place to purchase a vintage engagement ring is through a
reputable jeweler. If the ring is for sale through another
dealer, then make sure to have it checked by a certified
gemologist before you buy it. If this is not possible then
it is probably best to walk away from the ring lest you be
disappointed with it in the future.

While the stone is the most important part of the
engagement ring, a vintage engagement ring is likely to
have a more detailed setting and will be more easily
broken, scratched, or tarnished than newer rings. Check the
setting thoroughly to make sure the stones are set securely
and will not be lost. Be extra careful with a newly
purchased vintage engagement ring because it will be
delicate and need extra care. Unlike a new engagement ring,
a vintage engagement ring can show a lot of thought and
effort and is a great way for a bride and groom to start a
successful life together.


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For more information about vintage engagement rings check
http://www.ringsforengagement.com/vintage_engagement_rings.h
tm

How to Score Great BCS Championship Game Tickets on eBay

Are you dying to get BCS Championship Game tickets for the
game on January 8, 2007?  eBay can be a great place to find
tickets at a better price than many of the overpriced
online ticket brokers.  Sites such as StubHub charge a fee
to both sellers and buyers, which can add up for
higher-priced seats such as those for the BCS Championship
Game.

Here are some tips to make your ticket purchasing
experience better:

-Check the prices on similar listings.  Some buyers get
stuck in a bidding frenzy which can cause one listing to
skyrocket while similar listings go for a more reasonable
price.

-Know your seller.  Check the seller's feedback score; your
best bet is to go with the seller who has the best rating.
See if they have sold other tickets recently and how long
they have been a member.

-Know what seat you are buying.  Don't blindly purchase a
ticket based on the seller's description.  Check the
seating chart on the venue's web site and ask the seller
questions.  Is the view obstructed?  Is it convenient to
restrooms, food, and exits?  Some sellers may even be able
to provide a photo taken from the seat itself.  Also,
verify the number of tickets you are buying by looking in
the "Details" section of the ad.

-Pay via PayPal, never with cash, a money order, or Western
Union.  PayPal's Buyer Protection will cover any losses up
to $1,000 if you never receive your tickets.  However,
doing your research on your seller beforehand should
eliminate this problem.

-Be wary of listings that tell you to "contact us directly"
for better seats.  There ARE legitimate sellers who do this
to bypass eBay fees, but there are also scammers who do
this to bypass eBay security.  If you buy the tickets off
eBay, you're not covered by eBay's fraud protection.

-Make sure the tickets are shipped through traceable mail
with insurance.  Spending an extra few dollars here can
make a big difference.  Ask for the packages to be shipped
with a signature required at delivery so they aren't
sitting in your mailbox or on your front porch.

To summarize:  check similar listings for the going price,
make sure you're purchasing from a reputable seller,
research the exact seats you are bidding on, pay via
PayPal, always make your purchase through eBay -- not
through an off-the-record transaction, and be sure your
tickets are sent so that they can be traced and insured.
By using these tips, you should be able to find great
tickets and be on your way to the BCS Championship Game in
Glendale!


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http://www.CollegeBowlGameTix.com provides the best BCS
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you're looking for at the right price.