Clinton News-Record, 1985-2-27, Page 64Diamond ring still the romantic choice
Gold and diamonds have remained stable
op the world rnarjiet in the pastyear and
this is reflected in the prices of diamond
rimga which havenot increased dramatical-
ly over theFyeat'. .
Diamonds remain the favouritestone for
engagement rings, a position they have •
held, legend' says,.• since the 15th century
when Maximilian of Austria presented the
first diamond marking his engagement to
Mary of Burgundy.
Diana, Princess of Wales' choice of a
beautiful sapphire engagement ring rimm-
ed with small diamonds,has not affected the
decision of area brides, according to David
Anstett of Anstett Jewellers. While coloured
gemstones are popular, the majority of the
couples purchasing their engagement rings
at Anstett's are still choosing diamonds.
A suggested guideline for determining the
price of this, once-in-a-lifetime purchase is
two months' salary. Realizing that
diamonds have appreciated more than 10
times their original value in the past 20
years, that investment does not seem ex-
cessive.
The value of the diamond of your choice
depends an the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity and
carat weight. However, there is such varia-
tion in grading from store to store, it is
almost impossible for the uninitiated to
make an educated comparison.
Of paramount importance is the reliabili-
ty of the jeweller who assists you in your
selection. Taking into account your
preferences, he can guide you to the best
stone and setting your money will buy.
There was a time when a young man
selected the ring and, choosing a. romantic
moment, presented it to the girl of his
dreams. But customs have changed and now
it is just as common for the couple to shop
together and make a choice by mutual con-
sent,
In many cases, jewellers say, the man
does the initial shopping, gaining an idea of
the stone and style his budget can afford.
Then he brings his fiancee to the store of his
choice to make the final selection.
As an alternative to a solitaire diamond,
some brides are choosing their birthstone,
usually accompanied by diamonds in a
cluster setting`
Frequently the wedding band is selected
A Cake to
Enchant your
Reception
From Bartliff's
Bakery in Clinton.
Let our
specialists
create a
beautiful cake
for your wedding.
We also
specialize in
Birthday Cakes, Anniversary Cakes, Pies and Cookies.
Remember— when you buy Bartliff's,
you buy the best!
93AR7LIFFS
Balwry• G GRestauriant
"A tradition in Huron County since 1902"
ALBERT ST., CLINTON 482-9727
at the same tune as .the engagement ring,
particularly when the rings have been
designed to match and enhance one another.
Witlf double ring ceremonies the order'of
the day, the bride is responsible for purchas-
ing the groom's ring. Depending on the
weight and styling the price range averages
$100 to $300.
With the ring on the appropriate finger it
is time to proclaim the good news.
In today's more informal climate, official
engagement announcements are less com=
mon than formerly. However, the bri'de's
parents may wish to commemorate the hap-
py occasion with a party honoring the cou-
ple. This usually takes the form of a cocktail
party or outdoor summer barbecue for
relatives and close friends. It is also an ex-
cellent time for parents of the bride and
groom to become acquainted.
Arranging for the engagement announce -
men to appear in the newspaper is a duty
assigned to the bride. The wording is for-
mal, including the names of both parents,
and, usually, the time and place of the wed-
ding. It may appear at any time prior to the
wedding but is often published at the same
time as the wedding invitations are issued.
WARNING!
COUPLES ENTERING
OUR STORE
MAY FALL IN
LOVE
It happens every day. People walk through
our door only to discover two levels 'of
extraordinary values. They spot something
unique and distinctively styled. It's love at
first sight! Don and Diane took one look at
the Bird's Eye Maple Dining Room Suite '
shown above and immediately started
planning for a new addition at home. It's the
chance people take when they enter May's....
so be warned. Bt will happen to you too!
Bed & Bath Shop .
Fine Furnishings
Lighting
Decorative Consultant
Decorative
swam
VISA
Accessories
8 The Square
Goderich
524-4400
1
Style and opulence never looked so good. 'Yves
St. Laurent's classic black tuxedo in exclusive
to Classy Formal Wear in 1985.
Crystal facts...
Flom page 34
Q.: When delicately tapping the crystal,
what does the bell -like ring tell us?
A.: The clearer the tone, the better the
quality.
And remember: Whether formal or ihfor-
mal, leaded or full -lead, machine pressed or
handblown, crystal will always add a
magical touch to your new home.
Stocking the kitchen
From page 35
different manufacturers, it's wise to con-
sider the respective product warranties.
Comparison of use -and -care information is
often helpful, too, in choosing between pro-
ducts.
Also consider not only how the product
looks on the store shelf, but how it is likely to
look after years of use.
Products that wear especially well will
hold their "like new" looks longer and re-
quire fewer replacements. Regardless of
the couple's financial situation, products
. that look good andlast longermake
economic sense.
R.G. Stoddart
of 72 The Square
GOLD- SILVERSMITH
-DESIGNER-
also
•weaving • glass •
CANADIAN
AWARD WINNING
DESIGNER
GODERICH, ONTARIO
524-4509