Z-TRENDS Blog

Enchanting Aquamarine: March’s Birthstone

The first signs of spring are here, which means it’s time to trade in winter’s rich, saturated colors in favor of a lighter, brighter look. The icy, ocean-blue of the aquamarine is the perfect way to welcome spring – and luckily for any March birthday girls, it’s also this month’s birthstone!

Aquamarine can range from the palest blue to a pure turquoise. Dying to rock a sunnier shade this spring? No problem – in spite of its name, aquamarine also has a golden variation, showcased perfectly in this show-stopping yellow aquamarine ring.

 

Whether you’re celebrating your birthday this month, or just looking for an easy way to incorporate a dash of color into your spring wardrobe, here are some of our favorite aquamarine finds.

Rings

The crystalline brilliance of aquamarine makes these rings the perfect companion for spring’s nail trends – think feminine, from prettily-shaped neutral nails to classic pink manis.

1. Cushion-cut aquamarine and white topaz accent ring in sterling silver
2. Aquamarine and white topaz flower ring in sterling silver
3. Aquamarine and 1/4 CT. T.W. diamond frame flower ring in white gold

Pendants

Runway styles this spring included the return of boatneck and one-shoulder tops. A pretty aquamarine pendant is an easy way to dress up these styles. It’s also a natural pairing for the floral patterns saturating the fashion world this spring.

1. Cushion-cut aquamarine and white topaz framed pendant in sterling silver
2. Aquamarine pendant in 14K white gold with diamond accents
3. Square aquamarine birthstone pendant in sterling silver with diamond accents

Earrings

Retro hairstyles and sleek topknots graced the runways this spring, delivering the perfect opportunity to showcase a pair of sparkling aquamarine earrings.

1. 6.0mm lab-created aquamarine and diamond accent frame stud earrings in gold
2. Cushion-cut aquamarine and lab-created white sapphire stud earrings in white gold
3. Aquamarine and 1/5 CT. T.W. diamond drop earrings in sterling Silver

You can see these styles (and lots more!) at Zales.com.

Finding The Perfect Match

You two are perfectly matched - shouldn't your wedding rings be as well? 

Long after the last piece of cake has been eaten and the candles have been blown out, your wedding rings will be there to symbolically declare the love between a bride and a groom.  Although many different styles of wedding bands and engagement rings exist, many opt for matching sets for a number of reasons.

 

For the man who wants to make sure everything about her ring is perfect - a bridal set is a clear winner.  A perfectly matched engagement ring and wedding band ensure both bride and groom of a seamless fit without  gaps, slips or sliding.  The diamonds in a set are also hand-chosen to match one another in color and clarity.  Whether the bride favors a framed ring with lots of glittering diamonds to accent a great center stone, a three-stone look to forever remind her of your past, present and future love, or a sculpted vintage look to boldly display her timeless elegance, there are hundreds of bridal sets available to accent her beauty on the wedding day and for years to come. 

For those who want to make sure both bride and groom are perfectly styled, a Trio Ensemble shines bright!  Trios ensure matching diamonds and designs for all without sacrificing sizing and customization.  Each ring is ordered and sized separately, and rings can be purchased as add-ons or at a future date. 

Find these and other amazing designs at your local Zales Jewelers store or at Zales.com!

Seeing the World Through Rose-Colored Jewelry

You’ve seen the trend pop up everywhere, but aren’t quite sure how to pull it off. Not to worry, Zales is here for you. Rose gold’s rising popularity is due to the fact that it’s so versatile and complements all skin tones. Zales offers a variety of rose-toned pieces, including rings, earrings, necklaces and watches.

The best aspect of rose gold is that it allows you to show off your individuality by providing a subtle twist to traditional jewelry. Imagine holding out your hand and flaunting your new rose gold engagement ring. Not in the market for engagement rings? This pink amethyst ring is a showstopper and would work perfectly as a right hand ring.

For those who want simple sophistication, a delicate band is a great way to incorporate rose gold into your jewelry wardrobe.

Rose gold also works beautifully combined with other gemstones. Add pink sapphire and amethyst to the mix to get these dazzling studs. A fan of morganite? Take a look
at these beauties in cushion-cut and heart styles. (These would be a great substitute for conventional engagement rings as well.)

One of the most effortless ways to incorporate rose tones into your everyday lifestyle is with watches. This rose-tone stainless steel mesh bracelet watch is a dainty and feminine look from Skagen. Also from Skagen is another great rose-tone watch with mother-of-pearl dial, for those that want a classic, timeless look.

Rose gold adds a dash of romance to any piece, and Zales makes showcasing this trend quite easy, wouldn’t you say?

-Linda P., Associate Merchant

Linda P. rocks a rose gold ring on her right hand every day. Say that three times fast.

Celebrate Her Birthday with Vivid, Vibrant, Vivacious Amethyst

Lucky February birthday girl! The passionate purple amethyst is your birthstone!

This dramatic gemstone has an ironic history. Known as the stone of seduction, it's also said to protect the wearer against the powers that seduce! We can't attest to the latter, because we are so captivated by its vibrant colors and attractive variations. (Maybe if we had been wearing our amethysts…)

Amethyst can range in color from palest green to pink to deepest purple. Most amethyst jewelry today utilizes the bright purple stones.  At Zales, we carry a large variety of amethyst jewelry, ranging from sweetly simple to disarmingly charming to sleekly sophisticated and more. You're certain to find a style perfect for your favorite February birthday girl!

Sweetly Simple

                                                          

Amethyst Love Knot Earrings in Sterling Silver

Amethyst and Diamond Accent Ring in 10K White Gold

Cushion-Cut Amethyst and White Topaz Pendant in Sterling Silver

 

Disarmingly Charming

    

Amethyst and 1/4 CT. T.W. Diamond Butterfly Earrings in Sterling Silver

Oval Amethyst and Diamond Accent Flower Ring in Sterling Silver

Amethyst and Diamond Accent Butterfly Pendant in Sterling Silver

 

Sleekly Sophisticated

   

Princess-Cut Amethyst Swirl Stud Earrings in 10K White Gold

Princess-Cut Amethyst Pendant in 14K Gold

Emerald-Cut Amethyst Ring in 10K White Gold with Diamond Accents

 

Find these and other amazing amethyst designs at your local Zales Jewelers store or at Zales.com!

How to Plan the Perfect Proposal

With Valentine’s Day just a heartbeat away, we thought it would be the perfect time to share some tips on crafting the perfect proposal – and to spread the love with a few of our favorite proposal stories from our offices.

1. Know your audience. A sporting-event proposal on the Kiss Cam isn’t right for everyone! If you aren’t sure how your lady love would react to your plan, check with her closest confidantes (after swearing them to secrecy, of course) before you set anything in stone.
2. Outline your proposal. This will be a moment that both of you will remember for the rest of your lives. Spend some time pre-planning what you’ll say to her so you don’t find yourself fishing for words while you’re down on one knee.
3. Dress the part. Whether you’re planning on popping the question in a 5-star restaurant or a more low-key locale, spruce up so that you’re looking your best for this special moment. Odds are that she’ll want to share a post-proposal photo with friends and family, so looking polished is doubly important.
4. Get the OK from her family. Although some don’t consider this a must-do anymore, know your soon-to-be-fiancee – if family is super important to her, then be sure to get the stamp of approval from her parents.
5. Find the perfect engagement ring. Some brides want to be involved in choosing a ring, while others would rather be completely surprised. If you aren’t sure which camp your love falls into, check with a friend or family member.

If you’re looking for a little inspiration for your big day, here are a few of our favorite proposal stories from around our offices, plus the scoop on where you can find rings just like theirs.

Richard & Linda

Richard planned an elaborate proposal with a little help from Linda’s boss. She arrived at a local restaurant, under the impression that she was there for a work event. Linda was led to a private wine room, where a red ribbon and a card were hanging from the doorway with instructions to “follow the ribbon and take a trip down memory lane.” The ribbon led Linda to 6 different tables, each of which held a memento and a poem. The final note instructed Linda to turn around, and Richard was standing there with a beautiful ring.

For a look similar to Linda's, try this elegant 1.5 carat solitaire ring.

David & Laura

After rekindling a romance from years before, David and Laura worked together to build the perfect ring from the Zales Design Your Own Ring program. Laura had no idea that the ring was created when the two took a romantic weekend trip to Seattle. After checking out the wares in a souvenir shop, Laura and David boarded a boat to an island in the Puget Sound. On the island, the pair stopped to sit on a bench by a pond. David told Laura he had gotten her a gift at the souvenir shop – which turned out to be the ring! Laura happily accepted his sweet proposal. 

For a similar look, try designing your own ring, or scoop up this gorgeous Vera Wang engagement ring.

Matt & Jennifer

Matt's sweet and simple proposal took place on a Saturday morning. Although Jennifer had helped to pick her engagement ring, she was unsure when the proposal would take place. Matt woke up early that morning and snuck into another room with their Yorkie pup. He tied the ring around the dog's collar, and the dog immediately headed back to bed. Jennifer woke up to see her perfect ring on their puppy's collar, and Matt followed up with his proposal.

For a ring similar to Jennifer's, try this princess cut engagement ring.

Want to read more sweet engagement stories, or share the details of your own engagement? Stop by Love Stories at Zales.com!

Design Your Own Engagement Ring

Have you ever wandered through a store, knowing exactly what you’re looking for, only to end up empty-handed? If you (or your love) feel that way about the search for the right engagement ring, designing your own ring is the easy way to get the ring of your dreams.

Our Design Your Own Ring program lets you choose every element of your engagement ring or bridal set – from metal type and setting style to the diamond’s carat weight, color, cut, and clarity.  You can pick your perfect diamond from a selection of more than 40,000 stones of up to 10 shining carats. Whether you’ve got your heart set on a princess cut, or you’re looking for a traditional, round stone, we’ve got you covered with 10 shapes to choose from.

Designing your own engagement ring on the Zales website is an easy, 4-step process.

1. Start by picking your style – you can customize your own engagement ring, 3-stone ring, bridal set, or even choose a quick-ship engagement ring that you can have in just 5 business days.
2. Choose your setting. In this step, you can pick everything from your metal type and ring size to whether you’d like your solitaire to stand alone, be paired with side stones, or boast a gorgeous vintage setting. Metal choices include 14K and 18K white or yellow gold, platinum, or palladium. We’ve even got a rundown on the benefits of each metal type if you aren’t sure which one is right for you. 
3. Find your diamond! With easy-to-use slides for each characteristic, picking the ideal stone is a snap. Narrow your choices by adjusting the range for carat weight, clarity, color, cut, or price.
4. Review your choices, and add the perfect engagement ring to your cart.  Your creation will arrive in a pretty rosewood box, so it’s instantly presentation ready – just in case you can’t wait to share it!  

So, although the choices are endless (or at least higher than we’d care to count) when it comes to designing your own ring on Zales.com, here are a few of our favorites.

If you love the styles above, just go to the Design Your Own Ring page and follow the steps below to get started.

1. 3-stone engagement ring - select 3-stone as your style, then search style 64-S14531.
2. Vintage-style engagement ring - select engagement ring as your style, then search style 64-S0046.
3. Princess-cut solitaire ring - select engagement ring as your style, then search style 64-S0032.
4. Square-framed engagement ring - select engagement ring as your style, then search style 64-S0508.

Easy Ways To Spice Up Your Winter Wardrobe

If your winter wardrobe is officially in the doldrums (telltale sign: the only colors you’re wearing are black and grey), spice up your look with some garnet jewelry. Garnet, January’s birthstone, is a rich, red color that pairs perfectly with sterling silver or yellow gold. Not sure how to mix garnet in to your look? Here are some easy ways to work it in.

Fighting frizzy, winter hair with a ponytail? Dress it up with these garnet drop earrings. Drop or hoop earrings are a great way to take your ponytail from gym-worthy to pretty and polished.

If you love all things vintage and girly, try these classic garnet earrings, set in yellow gold with diamond accents. Rock them with a tailored sheath or a fitted shirt and full skirt for a Mad Men vibe.

 

 

The perfect companion to this season’s dark, vampy nail colors is a dramatic garnet ring. Try it with navy nail polish if you’re feeling bold, but don’t forget to keep your mani short and neat for a modern look. Wear this cocktail ring with your favorite little black dress for a look that’s party-ready.

 

 

For an adorable, everyday look, this stackable garnet ring is a must-have. Wear it solo, or pair it with a stackable pearl ring for the perfect duo. Show off these rings with your favorite white button down and jeans for a classic look, or sport them with a basic grey & black winter combo to add a little sparkle to your outfit.

All of the jewelry styles featured in today's post are available at zales.com.

What's your favorite way to add color to your winter wardrobe? Let us know in the comments!

Few things are more comfortable than sitting cozily in one’s home, reading a book or watching a movie next to the fire while snowflakes fall gently outside the window. Many like to wear snowflake jewelry as a symbol of the joys and beauty of the season, such as this charming diamond snowflake pendant. Snowflake jewelry also makes a lovely accessory at holiday celebrations, paying homage to the season without being overstated. Additionally, some prefer to give a snowflake pendant or ring as a gift for the holidays. It’s fun to add some sparkle to your wardrobe and to celebrate the beauty of winter snow with snowflake styles, especially when you are inside amongst the warmth of a joyous occasion and the real snow falls outside.

 

Christmas Gift Giving

It’s that time of year again, Christmas time is here!  What gifts will you give your friends and family this year?  Zales.com has the perfect present for that special someone you are shopping for.  Whether it you’re searching for a necklace, watch, ring, earrings, bracelet, or design your own; there’s a plethora of gifts waiting to be checked of your list! 

This is the year you will buy your friends and family gifts they will absolutely love rather than a typical fruit cake.  For the lady in your life, why not try colored diamonds? With enhanced blue and white diamonds, this ring encompasses the upcoming trend of water lily rings and adds a touch of flavor to the average diamond ring. 

Shopping difficult for the guy in your life?  Give him a
Citizen watch for all occasions.  The men’s Corso two-tone stainless steel with a black dial watch is perfect for work, play, and it’s even water-resistant!  Give your mom or grandma the gift of personalized jewelry with a mother’s birthstone heart pendant.  This sterling silver necklace allows you to create a heart-shaped necklace with your mother and/or grandmother’s children’s birth stones surrounding the heart.  This gift is sentimental and will hold a special meaning as she treasurers the
 gift of her children. 

Let’s not forget the special girl in your life.  For a younger girl, the butterfly diamond bracelet is the perfect gift to start her jewelry collection.  Cultured freshwater pearl earrings are essential for a teen age girl to have.  Pearls will  always be seen as classy and sophisticated and are a perfect gift for the young, glamorous lady in your life. 

Guys, are you looking to propose this holiday
season?  The Vera Wang LOVE collection is your ticket to a perfect engagement ring.  The collection is timeless and elegant and will make your fiancé the happiest girl alive!  Christmas is right around the corner, give your friends and family gifts that he/she will cherish and last a lifetime.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

 

This December, Go Ahead and Be Blue!

When it comes to birthstones, the holiday season is a really great to get the blues! Blue topaz, the traditional birthstone for December, is one of the most regal and elegant of gemstones. 
Since ancient times, the blue topaz has been rumored to bring the wearer protection, health and even invisibility! But the blue topaz is go brilliant and majestic, you won't want to hide it away.

For the December birthday girl, Zales offers a far-reaching assortment of blue topaz gemstone jewelry.  Earrings, for instance run the gamut from simple and subtle stud earrings, to more dramatic dance-the-night-away drops. Whatever her style, you're certain to find a pair she’ll adore. 

Or, share your love for her with a blue topaz ring.  Brilliant cuts, breathtaking colors and thoughtful accent stones are used to create a look that's perfectly her. This charming ring says "I love you" in with a shimmering blue topaz heart and glistening diamonds, while this heart ring breaks the mold with brilliant black and white accents. For the girl who appreciates a more classic look, this vintage-inspired ring is certain to win her heart.

A blue topaz birthstone pendant is always a sweet surprise.  From the classic emerald-cut blue topaz drop to the fun and flirty butterfly, to a fashion-forward and trendsetting key pendant, you'll find a look that fits her distinct personality.

Zales is your complete source for elegant and inspiring blue topaz jewelry. Shop these styles at your local Zales store, or find an expanded assortment at Zales.com.