Stumbled upon this photo somewhere in PinterestLand. It’s a really great visual depiction of one of the 4 C’s of diamonds – carat. Even though the term carat refers to diamond weight, the naked eye observes changes in carat weight as increases and decreases in the size of the stone. This photo shows you the naked-eye difference between a 1-carat, 2-carat, and 3-carat diamond.
Keep in mind that carat weight is actually a range. The likelihood of finding a diamond that is precisely 1.00 carat is quite small and jewelers classify a range of diamond sizes by the nearest round-number carat weight. This means that a 0.86 carat diamond is sold as a 1.00 carat and a 1.20 carat diamond is too (Note: this is how you can keep costs down without compromising visual effect!). According to The Diamond Buying Guide, expect a good quality 0.50 to 1.50 carat diamond to range from $3500 to $5000 (for the stone alone). If the price seems too good to be true on a particular rock, look in to its other C’s – colour, clarity, and cut – as often the price will reflect idiosyncrasies or deficiencies across these elements.
The higher a diamond’s carat weight (which means, the larger the stone) the greater the likelihood of inclusions (clarity), discolouring, and a less-brilliant cut. These 2.00 carat diamonds (ranging from 1.50 to 2.50 carat weight) ring in at an approximate average price of $10,000 to $15,000 for the stone itself. You can also purchase 1.00 carat diamonds with this hefty pricetag, but these are considered the ‘best of the best’ with brilliant cut, perfect colour, impeccable clarity.
Choosing the right diamond shouldn’t just be based on your credit card limit. Consider who will be wearing the stone and how its size will reflect her. Like it or not, engagement rings are an unspoken symbol that announce to the world – “I’m engaged”, “I’m in love”, “I’m taken”. If you’re a partner who is brave enough to venture out in to the world of ring shopping without any guidance from your significant other, make sure you’re very aware of how she would want the ring to speak to the world around her. Some girls prefer a loud and flashy ring, while others lean toward something more elegantly understated.
If you’re considering an eco-friendly (and budget-savvy!) alternative to organic diamonds, visit out friends over at Quorri & Co. Even though budget becomes a substantially less significant concern with man-made diamonds, make sure you’re still thinking about how the size of the stone will be read by everyone who sees it. Since you know that as soon as you pop the question she’ll be flooded with requests to “see the ring”, choose a diamond size that holds true to how your bride-to-be wants to be perceived by the world and not just how well-off you want to come across.
To learn more about synthetic diamonds, check out our other Quorri blog posts. If you have questions about diamond-buying or need help planning the perfect proposal, make sure to get in touch!
UBER :: Toronto Black Car Service :: WG Promo Code
{ so this is why we love UBER! }
(and why we think you should too)
“Uber is everyone’s private driver”.
First introduced to Uber when Courtney and I were invited to the UNIUN industry open house last month, I started out completely unfamiliar with the service and totally skeptical of signing up for a smartphone app with a credit card number. It wasn’t until a super-helpful Uber rep, Lucas, took the time to tell us more about who they are and what they do that I opted to set my uncertainties aside and live on the edge….
… and my first thought after the black car dropped us off that evening? Where has this service been all of my life?!
{ all about UBER }
Uber is an on demand car service application for smartphones. It’s so easy to download the free Uber app for iPhone/Android - search, select, download.
Once you’ve signed up your account (yes, it’s totally safe to give them your credit card!) – just pick the vehicle you’d like, press a button, and a car with your own private driver arrives to your location in minutes. Cars range from Lincoln Town Cars to Cadillac Escalades, with traditional taxi cabs available as well.
And remember that credit card I was so uncertain with sharing? Well – it’s brilliant! It means I can just hop out of the car once we’ve gotten to where we’re going and I don’t have to worry about whether anyone has cash on hand, change for a tip, etc. No more pit stops at gas station ATM’s when you unexpectedly find out your cab doesn’t take plastic in the middle of your ride (I speak from experience!)
Within a few minutes of getting out of the car, UBER emails you a detailed receipt (and by detailed, I mean VERY detailed!) – date, time, distance traveled, average speed, map, driver’s name, car type. Perfect for record-keeping.
UBER’s black car service is priced at approximately 30% more than the average cab and gratuity is always included (so $13 vs. $10? – totally worth it). It’s also found in 25 + markets worldwide, from Toronto to San Francisco, New York to London. You can rely on the service anywhere, without worrying about how you’re going to get from A to B. LOVE IT!
Since signing up for UBER that night at UNIUN I’ve used the service multiple times on my own and never cease to be amazing at its promptness, efficiency, and totally high-end feel. I mean, really – who doesn’t want to live a life of having their own private black car to shuttle them around??
{ UBER on your wedding day }
Since learning about the UBER service I’ve shared the details with all our Toronto WG-couples. Get in touch with us to have the UBER team set up personalized promo codes on behalf of WG for your wedding party, family, and guests. This entitles all of them to their first ride free as well. It’s an amazing alternative to that pricey late-night sedan you considered booking through your limousine service (and ensures everyone gets home safely, despite all the shots they did at the bar!)
{ a ride on US }
When I love something this much, I want everyone else to love it too. I chatted with the folks over at UBER and they were awesome enough to set up a specialized promo code for new UBER users.
Download the app and use the code WeddingGirl to get your first free black car ride (in Toronto, up to $30). The code is active now and expires on December 31st 2013 – so even if you’re not from the Toronto area but you know you’ll be going downtown at some point this year, stash the details and take a ride on us!
