Are you covered?

We had just returned from an enjoyable boat ride on the lake. My friend and I headed up to the house to start making lunch. As we were awaiting her husband to join us, we noticed he was looking for something down by the water. He looked frantic and we kept calling him to come inside. Finally, he reveals the reason for his delay. He was looking for her engagement ring that had fallen somewhere, but where…the boat or even worse the water!

Earlier, she had taken off her ring so she wouldn’t lose it in the water and put her ring in an empty cigarette box, which was safely placed in the glove compartment of the boat. And we thought we were being careful…

When her husband grabbed the box, the lid wasn’t shut completely and there goes her ring. Slips right out and it’s gone just like that. That sick feeling in the pit of your stomach is suddenly present. You’re thinking this isn’t real, this can’t be possible! It’s one of those moments you think will never happen to you, but it just did.

The worst part…the ring wasn’t insured.

We all jumped up and started to process the reality of the situation at hand. Now, we’re all frantically looking for this precious family heirloom diamond engagement ring that is NOT insured.

If the ring had fallen into the water, the chances are so slim that we would recover it. This would definitely ruin the rest of the trip if we lost the ring. Not only is the ring irreplaceable, but it would be very expensive to replace.

But wait…like a shimmering beacon of hope that lights up a dark tunnel, there sat a shining diamond ring upon the cement block under the dock. Instead of falling straight into the lake, the ring was saved by the base of the dock. Luck has never been more on our side and relief never felt so good. We can all laugh about the story now, but at the time it was a panicking and nauseating situation.

Even if your ring is lost for good, it’s never truly replaceable. However, knowing your ring is insured, you can at least take comfort that your insurance can help replace your ring.

I often have moments where I took my ring off somewhere and can’t find it for a few minutes. Those few minutes are terrifying, but at least my rings are insured.

You can never predict the future and unfortunate events can happen so it’s best to make sure that you insure your engagement and wedding rings.

Contact your insurance agent and find out what is the best policy for you. Protect your precious investment as you might not be as lucky as us.

Absolutely Pear-fect!

Looking for a unique stand out diamond? A pear shape might just be your diamond in the rough. Also known as a teardrop, the pear-shaped diamond is a hybrid of styles. Inspired from both the oval and marquise, this distinctive shape is a perfect choice for the one-of-a-kind bride.

A pear diamond set in a halo makes for a truly show-stopping ring, which is why we love the new Tate Pear Engagement Ring from our Tandem Collection.

What’s your favorite diamond shape for an engagement ring? Do you prefer a classic shape, or why would you love to shine with our Tate Pear Engagement Ring?

Discover more stunning styles at Jeff Cooper Designs.

Ring Cam Captures Your Proposal

There are certain moments in your life that you want to remember forever.  The facial expression on your face the moment of your proposal is a memory you want to preserve. Unless you have someone recording or photographing on your behalf, your proposal is usually a private moment only remembered by you and your significant other.

Wouldn’t it be great to capture your partner’s reaction the instant you get down on one knee? Well, now you can with the Ring Cam. A group of Michigan entrepreneurs have invented a product that captures that instant forever: the Ring Cam, a jewelry box with a small camera installed, so that the reaction of the proposal can be saved and watched over and over.

The Ring Cam was invented by Hope College grads, which began as a design project and has also made it past the second round of auditions on ABC’s Shark Tank. The Ring Cam is available for about $200 or can be rented for $99. Would you be interested in the Ring Cam? We think it’s a stellar idea and it’s a wonderful way to record your once in a lifetime event.  The Ring Cam would also look great with a Jeff Cooper ring inside, too.

It’s all about the ring

Season 10 of The Bachelorette wrapped up on ABC last night and we’re all talking about the ring. Josh Murray proposed to Andi Dorfman on the finale of The Bachelorette with a Neil Lane classic double halo diamond platinum ring. She said yes! See the ring here.

What do you think of Andi Dorfman’s engagement ring? Do you the love the double halo? If you do, our Tara Engagement Ring featuring double halo diamonds is just the ring for you. A striking split shank at the top and two incredible halos of accent diamonds make your center stone the center of attention. Can be custom made to fit any shape center stone. Hand crafted in either Platinum, 18K Gold or 14K Gold.

Our Trinity Engagement Ring is another similar style. Featuring two concentric circles of eye-catching pavé diamonds surround by one incredible center stone makes a stunning impression. The Tate Round Engagement Ring is simply ravishing. Tate’s fishtail setting showcases your round center diamond with wonderful light and presence. Its cushion shaped halo creates a fascinating contrast.

Let’s take a look at the history of engagement rings on both the Bachelor and Bachelorette featured on The Knot.

Fall in love with more Jeff Cooper Designs and find the ring of your dreams.

DIY New Years Decorations & the year’s best engagement photos

This week, we’re reflecting on the year that’s almost past, and getting excited for all the change and possibilities to come. Check out our Facebook page, we’re loving all the engagement ring selfies our brides to be have been sharing.

Have a great weekend, and take a few minutes to enjoy our list of links we’re loving!

This series on raising kids around the world is a fascinating read, whether you have kids or not.

New year, new couch? We loved these.

Want to get off the couch and throw a bangin’ soirée? Here are 51 DIY ways.

What do you think? Here are Green Wedding Shoes’ favorite engagement photos of 2013.

These glamorous luxury caftans make us want to book a flight to somewhere tropical immediately! A must for a beach honeymoon, don’t you think?

Is it too soon after Hanukkah and Christmas for a cookie recipe? Meyer lemons are the epitome of fresh and light, so it’s fine.

No? Okay, here’s a refreshing grapefruit cocktail, then.

Our penchant for rose gold is well-documented, so we love this “Blush Bride” mood board.

And lastly, a wonderful little photo essay on Love, Marriage and Second Chances.

Have an amazing weekend!

Featured photo via Iris and Light.

a Sailing ship kite & seasonal sweets

Last list o’ links before Christmas! Here’s some end of week fun to get the holidays started right, and we’ll see you next week!

Tomorrow is the last day to view the legendary Yayoi Kusama’s art show in NYC.

We love these pops of pink. What a beautiful break from winter grey, right?

Great sophisticated party dresses for New Years Eve. 

On our reading list, Jacques Costeau’s The Silent World.

We love this date idea: learning to play pool!

This sailing ship kite is so magical!

And if you have some time (and calories) to spare, here’s seasonal sweets galore.

Featured image, Yayoi Kusama.

pippa middleton engaged

The most famous lovely bridesmaid of all time is soon to be a bride! Pippa Middleton, Kate Middleton’s spotlight-stealing sister, became engaged to banker boyfriend Nico Jackson early this onth during a trip to India.

The couple was on holiday at Oberoi Amarvilas, which is a very posh resort with Taj Mahal views, and he popped the question in a manner that friends described as “very romantic and grand.”

And we can’t wait to see the ring. Congrats to the glamorous jet-setting couple!

The best Celebrity engagement rings: 2013

We’re convinced that there’s a soul mate ring for every bride, but every year we do enjoy a few favorite rings in the media.

This year, we’ve been especially smitten with halo rings, and so has Hollywood!

Natalie Portman, Kaley Cuoco and Naya Rivera from Glee wear princess cut halo rings, which have proven to be one of the big trends in 2013. Here’s one we love, by us.

Kelly Clarkson wears the insanely popular halo style with a big yellow diamond, which we also love. Customize anything and everything, so it totally fits your personality!

Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian inspired their men to give them epic diamonds. As did one lucky Jeff Cooper bride, just last week!

Lauren Conrad and wear a classic round solitaire, which is sweet, simple and timeless.

Every bride is special and it was a great year for engagement rings, but we think that halos and mixed metals stole the show.

What are some of your favorite rings of the year?