While a tension setting may seem like a precarious way to hold a precious gem, it’s actually quite secure. Despite its name, this setting actually uses compression—not tension—to hold a stone in place in tiny groves that are cut into the band. Due to the high level of pressure that’s exerted on a stone to keep it firmly in place, the tension setting is only suited for gemstones that are quite hard, such as sapphires, rubies and, of course, diamonds.

The tension setting is a relatively new: it was invented by Friedrich Becker at Niessing, a German jewelry company, in the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until approximately two decades later that it began to be used in jewelry—and it’s been gaining fans ever since! Tension settings allow more of the gem to be put on display than other settings, such as a prong setting (in which a gem is held by prongs) or a channel-setting (in which a gem in set in a groove, or channel). And, since a tension setting leaves a stone bare on the bottom, it allows the maximum amount of light to pass through that stone, making it seem even more brilliant.

The Personalized Tension-Set Gemstone Birthstone Ring is a striking example of the tension setting. A 3mm (0.10 carat) round birthstone of your choice is squeezed by the simple,
shining 14K white gold band of this personalized piece, making it a modern way to remember someone you love or to celebrate your own birthday. Each side of this contemporary piece can be engraved with up to eight characters, allowing you to customize it with a name and a date.

Tension settings are an excellent way to add a unique look to wedding jewelry and they’re ideal for celebrating a love that makes you feel as though your heart is floating in midair. The Blue Titanium Sapphire Wedding Band Ring is a striking example of how a tension-set gem can make a wedding band extraordinary. A tension-set 3.5mm round sapphire seems to float as it’s held by a sleek 6mm-wide titanium band. A stripe of blue wraps around this ring, adding to its modern, colorful appeal, while the titanium that surrounds it has been polished to a nearly mirror-like shine. It’s a truly exquisite blue titanium wedding band.

The tension setting is also an excellent pick when popping the question, as demonstrated by the 1/2 Carat Tension Set Diamond Engagement Ring. This contemporary take on the classic diamond solitaire hugs a half-carat round diamond with two arms of 14K white gold that emerge from a simple, shining band.

A tension setting is a head-turning option, whether you’re looking for a piece to express your love or your fashion sense. This modern pick seems to elevate your look, no matter how you wear it.

Like its more common blue counterpart, pink sapphire is quite hard, ranking just below the diamond and making it a fitting gemstone for those who tend to be a bit rough on their jewelry. Pink sapphire and diamond rings are lasting picks, and they come in styles for nearly every woman.

The 14K White Gold Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring is a timelessly beautiful pick. Three oval-shaped pink sapphires, each 5mm wide, adorn this eye-catching ring, interspersed with four round diamonds. These dazzling pink stones total over a carat in weight, and they positively pop against their backdrop of colorless sparkle. Fine beaded edges surround these pink sapphires, framing each one with a touch of class and showcasing the gleaming beauty of 14K white gold. This lovely ring could serve as a unique anniversary ring as well as a striking fashion statement. Its trend-defying beauty will accent your finger with elegance for decades.

If you’d rather a more modern take on the pink sapphire and diamond pairing, take a look at the Pink Sapphire and Diamond Wave Ring in 14K White Gold. This asymmetrical piece features a 3mm round pink sapphire that seems to float as it’s held in a contemporary tension setting. Two arms of shining 14K white gold emerge from the 2mm-wide band to secure this gem in place, arcing like gentle ocean waves and creating a look that’s sure to draw eyes. The arc on the left of the center stone is adorned with five round channel-set diamonds, adding extra sparkle and emphasizing the modern curves of this lively piece.

The bold color of pink sapphire makes it an excellent way to express a love that’s unashamed, and what better time to express such a love than when popping the question? Pink sapphire engagement rings are unexpected but brilliant, and sure to make an impression on the one you love.

If you’re considering proposing with a pink sapphire and diamond ring, consider the Pink Sapphire Emerald-Cut 1/2 Carat Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold. This daring ring gives the classic three-stone style a modern twist in more ways than one. An emerald-cut pink sapphire, 6mm high, serves as the center stone of this bold piece, and it’s flanked by two slightly smaller emerald-cut diamonds, a quarter carat each. With its polished 14K white gold band, vibrantly-colored focal point and geometric shapes, this is a contemporary take on three-stone style with sophistication and enduring appeal.

Pieces of pink sapphire jewelry with diamond accents are perfect for this summer—and for many summers to come! Pick one of these daring yet feminine rings for an accent that will light up your look all season long.

For a simple, seasonal way to surprise that special someone, try hiding the ring in the tree or tying it to an ornament. The Christmas lights will increase any diamond’s sparkle and maximize any metal’s shine.

Two-tone wedding bands gleam with contrasting shades of precious metals, creating styles that are both versatile and eye-catching. The Art Deco 1/2 Carat Diamond Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold is a prime example. The ring features a glittering ½ carat diamond that’s revealed as a smooth, stylized 14K yellow gold flower opens its petals, giving a new twist to solitaire style. In contrast to the simple, sweeping shape of this flower, a 14K white gold band is carved with a swirling paisley-like petal motif. This ring makes the lines and shapes of the Art Deco period relevant in the present and for the future.

A Christmas sleigh ride can set the stage for a memorable proposal, adding a sense of old-fashioned charm. If you live in an area that’s too warm for snow, a horse-drawn carriage is an equally romantic alternative.

Vintage engagement rings are particularly fitting for a sleigh ride proposal. For instance, the 3/4 Carat Three Stone Princess Cut “Floret” Diamond Ring captures the romanticism of the Victorian Era with unmatched sparkle and beauty. A 0.30 carat princess-cut diamond is accented by two princess-cut side diamonds and six smaller round channel-set diamonds, all set in a band gorgeously carved with a leaf and floret motif.

If you’re looking to propose in a big way, consider using your front lawn (or an out-of the way place at a local park) to spell out your proposal. If weather permits, write it in the snow on a large scale, illuminating your message if you’re planning on popping the question after dark. You could also use candles to form the words “Marry Me?” or create your message with Christmas lights on the ground or on the roof.

Rings with multiple diamonds look particularly stunning when they’re reflecting the light of a candle or of any illuminated proposal, as demonstrated by the brilliant 0.95 Carat Diamond Swirl Engagement Set. This pair of rings contains 59 diamonds in all, working together in perfect harmony to form a show-stopping contemporary look. The engagement ring in this set features a gorgeous 0.50 round carat diamond, while smaller stones encrust the band and encircle the center gem like a lively ocean wave. The coordinating diamond-covered wedding band moves with its partner without missing a beat. It’s just one of several of Apples of Gold’s diamond bridal sets that glimmer with multiple stones.

No matter how you pop the question, any of these engagement rings will help make your proposal unforgettable. These stunning rings represent the love that makes your heart sparkle.

Apples of Gold has an adopted orphanage! Last month we adopted Care For African Kids (CFAK), which involves supporting them, both through regular donations and through spreading the word about the way they’re caring for children in desperate need in Uganda.  We’re excited to share them with you!

Care For African Kids provides holistic care and support to orphans, as well as to disadvantaged children and youth in Uganda. They believe that God has called them with a mission to rescue these children, and because of this, CFAK stands as an advocate for them, using a number of resources to release these children from the bondage of poverty and misery, improve their physical well-being and help them advance academically.

Care For African Kids was founded in 2008 to care for four children who had been left alone after they lost their parents to HIV. The founders of this organization then realized that there were many more vulnerable children in need of support, and they opened a home for them in the Wakiso district of Uganda. They then opened another branch in Ndibulungi Gomba, Uganda, where they are also building a primary school. Today the orphanage cares for over 225 children, providing a safe and stable home, education, medication, food and other support. CFAK is also planning to expand their orphanage project so that they can provide this kind of care to over 500 kids who have been orphaned or abandoned.

Without the Care For African Kids, many of these children would be without food, clothing, education and a safe place to call home. CFAK is truly changing the lives of these precious kids, and we’re thrilled to have a part in it!

In addition to the orphanage, Care For African Kids works with disadvantaged families to increase their physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Many families in Uganda face numerous hardships, including widespread unemployment and the destruction of homes due to extreme weather, and CFAK helps to meet their needs by providing resources such as food, clothing and funds for schooling and medical care. In addition, last year CFAK introduced a “Girl Power Project” which helps female orphans, as well as those with disabilities, those from disadvantaged families and those who have endured abuse or violence.

Want to help us help Care For African Kids? It doesn’t take much to make a difference! For example, just $32 will provide the school supplies that a child in primary school needs for an entire year! You can also opt to sponsor a child monthly, and in return you’ll receive regular newsletters, school reports and exam results and letters from the child you’re helping. Or, you could help to provide items such as clothing, shoes, a generator or first aid supplies—you can view a list of the items that are most urgently needed and make a donation at www.careforafricankids.org.

Apples of Gold’s support of Care For African Kids stems from our commitment to put God first and our neighbors next. We see the children whose lives are being changed by CFAK as our neighbors and we’re blessed to be able to invest in them.

Stay tuned for more! In a blog to come, we’ll share about one specific way we’re helping Care For African Kids and how you can help, too.

Garnet is an unexpected but stunning choice for engagement rings. The deep red of this semiprecious gemstone is a natural symbol of love, and pieces that feature heart-shaped garnets play off of this connection to affection. For instance, the Vintage Filigree Garnet Heart Ring in 14K White Gold places a centimeter-high scarlet heart within a Victorian setting that emulates romance.

Tanzanite rings feature a stone that’s found only in one small area of the world, just five miles square. This sense of exclusivity makes them ideal symbols of the love that you feel only for your special someone. For instance, three alluring oval-shaped tanzanite stones are accented with six channel-set diamonds in the Three Stone Tanzanite and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold, creating a look with a sense of rare beauty

Green amethyst is another out-of the ordinary stone that’s perfect for representing a love like no other. Its refreshing light green color is both full of life and mesmerizingly soothing, perfect for the one who makes you come alive and who sets your heart at ease. The Sea-Foam Green Amethyst and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold showcases a 2.80 carat oval green amethyst, framed by diamonds and set on a diamond studded band. This straightforward but stunning style is fit for a fairytale.

Smokey topaz is a modern yet timeless gemstone. Its soft taupe sparkle is supremely sophisticated and incredibly versatile, making it ideal for expressing lasting love. The 1.75 Carat Oval Cut Smokey Quartz & Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold demonstrates this unique gem’s upscale beauty with a gently glimmering oval-shaped stone, accented by four small diamonds. Rings such as this speak of a love that’s mature and poised to endure for a lifetime.

If you’re looking for an engagement ring without a hint of shyness, don’t miss Apples of Gold’s pink topaz rings. While the bright hue of the stones in these rings isn’t the first color to come to mind when most of us picture topaz, it’s a surprising pop of color that’s sure to bring smiles as well as admiring glances. The Vintage Leaf Pink Topaz Ring in 14K White Gold beautifully features this bold yet feminine stone. A delicately engraved leaf motif adorns the slender band of this time-honored-style, and when it’s viewed from the side it reveals a surprise: a heart-shaped cutout beneath the gemstone, adding a secret symbol of your love that only the wearer will see. While this ring is inspired by the past, the stone it contains is an up-to-the minute burst of lighthearted, ladylike charm.

Unique gemstones are perfect engagement ring options for one-of-a-kind brides! Choose a style with an unusual stone to demonstrate that your love is anything but ordinary.

There are several ways to select a piece of gemstone jewelry that will be particularly meaningful to your mom. By choosing a stone that coordinates with your wedding colors, you can give your mother a piece that will make her look and feel even more a part of the celebration. That’s far from your only option, however. You could also select her birthstone or a gem that’s always been one of her favorites. You could even give her jewelry that features the birthstone of the month of your wedding to serve as a reminder of her part in your special day.

Gemstone pendants can make any mother feel honored and appereciated. Give your mom something blue as a token of your gratitude with a piece such as the Blue Topaz Pear Shaped Gemstone and Diamond Pendant in Yellow Gold. A striking teardrop-shaped blue topaz dangles elegantly from this pendant, suspended by a lively spiral of gold with three tiny diamond accents.

Let mom know that she was the first one to rule your heart with the Heart-Shaped Amethyst and Diamond MOM Pendant in 10K White Gold. A petite heart-shaped amethyst, doubling as the “o” in the word “Mom,” adorns the center of this pendant with regal beauty. A tiny diamond provides an additional glimmering accent to this gracefully-shaped heart.

Gemstone jewelry that features unique gemstones such as pink topaz, green amethyst or smokey quartz can be a lovely way to thank your mother for giving you a love that’s far from ordinary. For example, Apples of Gold’s 6mm x 4mm Oval Shaped Smokey Quartz and Diamond Flower Pendant in 14K White Gold showcases an alluring soft brown gem that’s sure to draw compliments. The classic diamond-accented design of this pendant is familiar, but the oval-shaped gemstone it features adds a hint of mystery.

Gemstone earrings can also serve as thoughtful symbols of your appreciation. Celebrate the sunshine that mom brought into your life with the Citrine Stud Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold. This classic pair of round yellow stones is perpetually cheery and always stylish. Or, honor mom for giving you life with the soft yet lively 1.38 Carat Cushion-Cut Green Amethyst and Diamond Earrings. Cushion-cut sea foam green gems dangle from these whimsically-styled earrings, creating a look that’s soft and lighthearted.

As you prepare to begin a new life with the one you love, don’t forget to honor the one who gave you life in the first place! A gift of gemstone jewelry is a lasting way to say “thank you” and to remind your mother of her part in your wedding day.

Sterling silver is an excellent medium for jewelry for flower girls: it’s beautiful, durable and affordable. The wide variety of styles available from Apples of Gold allows you to choose a piece that’s just perfect for the special little lady in your wedding.

Sterling silver earrings accent the natural beauty of any flower girl, and styles with diamond-like stones and pearls add a timeless touch to your wedding. These perpetually good-looking pairs are versatile classics that your flower girl will come to love even more as the years go by.

Allow the simply elegant beauty of Apples of Gold’s White Cultured Freshwater Pearl Lever Back Earrings to make a statement on your flower girl’s ears. A single round pearl drops from each one, creating a look that’s timelessly elegant.

For a diamond-like style that will make your flower girl look and feel like a princess, consider a pair of cubic zirconia earrings like Apples of Gold’s Rhodium Plated 6mm CZ Stud Earrings. This pair features stones that are big enough to add sparkle, but small enough that they won’t overwhelm. As a bonus, they’re rhodium plated to prevent tarnishing, making them a lasting reminder of her part in your wedding day.

Silver and gemstone pendants add a touch of color to your flower girl’s outfit, and with a rainbow of colors to choose from, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to find one that coordinates with your wedding theme. If you’d like your flower girl to wear a touch of “something blue,” consider giving her a piece of silver gemstone jewelry that features a blue gemstone such as aquamarine, blue topaz or sapphire. The 4.75 Carat Blue Topaz and Diamond Heart Pendant in .925 Sterling Silver is a perfect pendant for the occasion, with its sparkling, heart-shaped blue topaz accented by a single diamond.  It comes with an 18” sterling silver chain, so it’s ready to slip around your flower girl’s neck.

Silver heart necklaces for your flower girl are ladylike touches that she’ll be happy to wear. Consider a graceful design such as The Hugging Heart Sterling Silver Pendant to remind her of the special place she holds in your heart. The unique curving design of this necklace seems to wrap a simple heart in a warm embrace.

By giving your flower girl a piece of fine jewelry from Apples of Gold, you’re not just giving her a gorgeous accessory for the wedding ceremony. Your flower girl will be able to wear any of these earrings or your pendants for many years to come.

When you’re cleaning. Household cleansers and other chemicals can harm your ring, and it’s important to be conscious of the times that you come in contact with these products so that you can avoid doing harm to the piece that’s taken up residence on your left hand. For small jobs, simply use your right hand. If you’re going to be cleaning for a while, wear gloves or stash your ring until you’re done.

When applying lotion or sunscreen. While these creamy beauty products may not harm your diamond ring, they can build up in crevices and create a film that causes it to lose its luster. Consider sliding off your ring the next time you moisturize.

When you’re doing heavy lifting. Whether you’re hitting the gym or helping a friend move across town, heavy lifting has the potential to bend engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as scratch them or even knock out a stone. Consider leaving your ring at home or, at the very least, wearing gloves.

When you’re cooking with your hands. In the same way that lotion can form a film on your ring, food particles can also cause your ring to lose its shine, especially if you’re wearing a detailed design such as the Paisley Design 1/2 Carat Diamond Ring in 14K Gold. Take off your engagement ring the next time you mix up a meatloaf or shape cookie dough.

When you’re gardening. It’s no surprise that digging in the dirt can soil your ring, and a knock on a stone can cause your diamond to come lose. While gloves will help keep your ring clean, shed your ring if you’re doing anything more than light weeding.  

When you’re swimming. Taking a dip with your ring on might seem harmless, but it poses two potential dangers. First, if you’re swimming in cold water, decreased circulation in your hand may cause your ring to become loose and fall off. While you may be able to retrieve it, why take the risk? Secondly, the chemicals in many pools can cause many wedding rings to become discolored.

Having a safe place to store your ring when you take it off seems like a no-brainer, but it only takes placing your ring in a precarious position (like on the edge of the sink) once to do some serious damage. Consider designating a specific, secure place in your bedroom (or your kitchen if you often take it off while cooking), so that you always know where to find it.

Although you may not want to go without your ring for a single second, remember that by taking your ring off at the right times, you can help to ensure that you’ll be able to wear it for years to come.