The Underwoods Journal
Top 5 Engagement Ring Trends-2023
Brought to you byUnderwoods Fine JewelersHere are our TOP 5 most requested and purchased engagement rings this year.Shop Bridal#5 3-StoneThree stone rings have had a surge in popularity this year. Why? It’s simple, you have complete creative freedom when it comes to choosing the stones you love. Side diamonds have gotten extremely unique with shapes such as Cadillacs, epaulettes, kites, half-moons, trapezoids and more. First choose your center diamond shape and then play with a multitude of different sides diamonds.Shop 3-Stones#4 Emerald cutEmerald Cut has been climbing the charts with its simplistic sparkle. Emerald is considered a “Step-Cut” facet, which means it displays parallel lines with mirrored sparkles. It has a clean, sleek aesthetic that modern design lovers will enjoy. Most of our brides set their emerald cut diamonds in a solitaire mounting or a 3-stone setting style with side tapered baguettes.#3 Radiant CutThis shape is new to the top trends. A radiant cut can either be elongated or square like the emerald cut with the exception that is sparkles more like a round shape diamond (The round diamond sparkles the most out of any diamond shape due to the symmetry). The most popular setting styles for this elegant diamond is a solitaire or hidden halo#2 Hidden HaloHidden Halos have been the most requested setting style we have seen all year! A hidden halo is a skirt of diamonds visible on the outer edges of your center diamond. You can create this hidden halo design with or without side diamonds, with regular prongs or bezel setting, even with any diamonds shape you desire. The most popular shapes for this mounting style include oval, radiant and round.#1 ovalRegardless of what this diamond shape is set in, it is going to look gorgeous. Oval diamonds are all a different length to width ratio, so finding a high-quality diamond that looks elongated and beautiful is exceedingly difficult to come by! The most popular setting styles we have seen for oval diamonds this year include yellow gold solitaires, hidden halos, and 3-stones.Keep Up With the TrendsFollow Us On InstagramFollow Us On FacebookSome of our FavesShop BridalContact Us611 W. Dickson Street Fayetteville, AR 72701479-521-2000 sales@underwoods.com Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10am-5pm Closed Sunday"What a great experience, the staff was very knowledgeable and helped us find the right wedding bands." - Joe S."In celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary I decided to upgrade my wife’s engagement and wedding rings. I had heard good things about Underwoods and they lived up to their reputation. They worked with us to find the right design and my wife couldn’t be more pleased with the beautiful high quality result. I highly recommend Underwoods."- Eric E."Underwoods helped my fiancé pick out my dream ring. We were 100% satisfied with the service we received and look forward to using them for future purchases. The staff is wonderful as well. Thank you, Underwoods!"- Brittany B.BlogProduct Updates & Sales Ready to find a ring with this kind of meaning? Explore engagement rings.
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Classic Engagement Ring Trends - Here to Stay
From east to west diamond engagement rings are tried and true. We narrow down the top trending classic engagement ring styles here to stay in 2023 & beyond.
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Top Engagement Ring Trends 2022
#5 3-StoneNumber five on our list goes to 3-stone rings! We started seeing the uptick for this style trend in 2021 and it has gained momentum coming into 2022. This is the perfect style to make your own. Add any shape and colored gemstone your heart desires. Shop 3-Stone Rings#4 Emerald CutOn the rise this year is the gorgeous emerald cut diamond. An emerald cut diamond is considered to be a step-cut, which means the diamond is a rectangular or square shape with facets arranged as parallel lines looking like “steps”. The elongated shape is a plus when you're going for a bigger look. Shop Now#3 Side AccentsIf you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind piece that you can totally make your own, adding unique side diamonds is the way to go. There are endless possibilities in the shapes you can choose from. The most unique shapes for side diamonds are kite, trapezoid, tapered baguettes, half-moons and pears.Shop Now#2 Hidden HaloThis is a trend that took to the sky this year. Forget the traditional halo, most brides what the halo hidden on the side for a unique and elegant detail. This style can be made with the diamond shape of your dreams. We have seen the largest scale of this style made with oval and round shaped diamonds.Shop Now#1 Yellow Gold SolitaireThe number one trend we’ve seen this year is a yellow gold solitaire! This style went above and beyond all other engagement ring trends. A solitaire ring can be made with any diamond shape and several different options of simplistic mountings. This style allows the diamond to be the main focal point with showing only the beauty and brilliance of your center diamond. It's a timeless ring you will cherish for a lifetime.Shop NowBonus!Most Popular Diamond Shapes of 2022 Include... #1 Round #2 Oval #3 Rectangular (Includes elongated Emerald and Radiant Cut) Our Faves Ready to find a ring with this kind of meaning? Explore engagement rings.
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How To Secretly Get Your Partners Finger Size
Do you know your partners finger size?So, you’ve finally decided that it’s time to pop the question. You’ve picked out the perfect engagement ring from Underwoods and you have the perfect proposal planned out. There's one thing standing in your way: You don’t know what ring size you should get! No need to worry! We have some tips and tricks to help you secretly find your future fiancé's ring size.1) Ask a friendGet in touch with a friend or family member of your significant other. They may have bought them a ring as a gift before, or the topic of ring size could have popped up in conversation. If they don’t know, you can always recruit them to help. Have someone take them “window shopping” for a ring and get them to see what their ring size is for “fun”. Borrow a ringIf you can get your hands on a ring that your partner wears, you can bring it in to Underwoods and get it measured. If you can, make sure that they usually wear the ring on their right ring finger to get the most accurate size. If they don’t wear a ring on that finger you can still bring it in and get an estimated measurement for another finger. Just be aware that the ring will most likely need to be re-sized.What if you can't "borrow" your loved ones ring?If you’re unable to bring their ring to us without them noticing it’s missing, there are a few tricks you try to get a measurement. First, you can try the ring on yourself and mark on your finger where it falls. Then you can come in and have us find the size that falls in the same place. You can also make an impression of the ring in a bar of soap and bring it in for measurement. Another method is to trace the inside of the borrowed ring with a pencil and have us match the size.When in doubt, size it upIt's always better if the ring is slightly too big rather than too small. You want to be able to slip it on their finger when you propose! It’s usually pretty simple... just make sure when you are buying the ring, you make sure it is a ring that can be resized. Sometimes thin bands that are covered in gems cannot be resized. We also recommend proposing first. Once you propose, have your partner come in and we can measure their finger for the perfect size. Popular ring STYLESGet the love of your life a ring they will be proud of for a lifetime. Here are some of our current popular styles everyone is loving! item #DLFR1089 Marquise-SHAPEDiamond Solitaire with Diamond mens bandItem #UCDC0613 rUBY aCCENTSGorgeous Bridal SetShop NowMake your ring even more special when you Create a custom designHere at Underwoods, we have a full time designer on staff as well as a full in-house custom shop. Click Now To Learn More!Latest blogsView MoreUnderwoods Fine Jewelers 611 W. Dickson Street Fayetteville AR, 72701 479-521-2000 info@underwoods.com Ready to find a ring with this kind of meaning? Explore engagement rings.
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Proposal Guide
What You Need to KnowThis situation can be different for everyone. If family is important to her, ask her if her family is more traditional when it comes to asking for her hand in marriage. When asking for the blessing, it never hurts to bring a small gift to who you’re asking like a small bottle of wine or whiskey.Take her to a jewelry store (we recommend Underwoods) and have her try on rings. They always look different in person than they do with just a photo from the internet. Internet photos can sometimes give you unrealistic expectations. When trying on rings, get her finger sized. Make sure you know what the most important features are she expects for her ring. Consider things like the metal color, the shape of the diamond and the style of the mounting. If she wants you to surprise her with the ring, make sure the sales associate helping you writes down as many notes as possible and gives you a copy to keep. All that’s left is for you to pull the trigger and purchase a ring!When to ProposeTiming is everything! Choose a time frame you’re wanting to propose like Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter. This is important to plan out because sometimes the perfect ring could take up to a couple of months to make if you don’t buy it right out of the case. One good idea is to make sure you have the ring in hand before planning your grand proposal.Where to ProposeWHERE to propose is going to be just as important as WHEN you propose. Feel her out with how she wants to be proposed to. Does she want an extravagant proposal with all her friends and family? If so, consider your proposal location somewhere with food or a bar. This will allow you to have an engagement party immediately following your proposal.Intimate ProposalIf she wants the proposal to be intimate, choose a location that is special for the both of you. It never hurts to hire a photographer to hide in the bushes to capture your special moment! If you need ideas for a perfect intimate proposal location, click the link below to discover the best places to propose in Northwest Arkansas!Click Here For A List Of Best Places to Propose In NWABonus Tip: If she likes to pamper herself, have one of her friends take her to get her nails done before you propose. She will be taking lots of photos with her ring on! Beyond the ProposalYou're probably asking yourself "what's next?". What are the first steps AFTER you propose to the love of your life? Well, we have created an Underwoods Wedding Checklist just for you! Screenshot, save and print our checklist now!Shop Engagement RingsUnderwood Engagements*Our amazing Underwood couples*Take the first step Call today to reserve your Bridal Appointment! 479.521.2000 611 W. Dickson Street in Fayetteville, AR Open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Closed Sunday info@underwoods.com facebookinstagramyoutube Ready to find a ring with this kind of meaning? Explore engagement rings.
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Hottest Bridal Trends of 2020
By Underwoods Fine JewelersThree stone rings are all the rage in 2020 thanks to mega celebs like Princess Beatrice and Meghan Markle. The upward trend we're seeing is having a three stone ring made in oval diamonds. It's elegant and elongating and will look incredible on most hands.Men are getting creative with their styles by adding color and texture! One studly look we've noticed is a wide band with a hammered or satin finish. This look is not only attractive, it will eventually show less wear and tear over time.We have seen a huge jump in popularity with marquise shaped diamonds! This elongated shape will make the carat weight look larger than other shapes and will make your finger look longer and thinner. One gorgeous style that will melt your heart is a ring with many textures and patterns. Vintage inspired rings are extremely ornate! Popular among brides, you will enjoy looking at your rings non-stop beauty and the craftsmanship that went into creating it.It's no surprise that diamond halo engagement rings are still hot this year. This style adds sparkle with a larger look, which is why most brides love it! You can spruce up the halo design by wearing a double halo ring or incorporating a unique diamond shape such as an oval or emerald cut. Our brides love the look of a fun stackable band! This style is perfect for a busy women on the go or a fashionista who loves to mix and match. A great alternative for our non-traditional brides is our unique hand-forged opaque diamond collection! This style is up and coming and gives you a natural Earth-toned look. These diamonds are durable and great for everyday wear. Created in-house by our Master Bench Jewelers, our one-of-a-kind opaque diamond rings will turn heads wherever you go. The most popular stones in engagement rings besides your traditional diamond is Sapphire and Ruby! Each gem scores a hardness of 9, making them an ideal choice for a gemstone engagement ring. Sapphires come in many colors allowing you pick and choose your favorites while Ruby is always red. Browse AllBrowse AllBrowse AllBrowse Allunderwoods fine Jewelers Located at 611 W. Dickson Street in Fayetteville, AR Open Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm Sat: 10am-5pm Sun: Closed 479-521-2000 info@underwoods.com Ready to find a ring with this kind of meaning? Explore engagement rings.
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Best Places to Propose in Northwest Arkansas
Best Places to Propose in Northwest ArkansasAccording to Underwoods Fine Jewelers Northwest Arkansas Northwest Arkansas is one of top places in the country to live! It's full of nature, parks, scenery and museums with endless activities and possibilities. Take advantage of everything Arkansas has to offer with it's incredible views and iconic scenery when ready to pop the big question. Here are the top places to get engaged in Northwest Arkansas according to Underwoods Fine Jewelers. Thorncrown chapel and mildred b. cooper memorial chapel Both of these enchanting Arkansas chapels were designed by the famous architect E. Fay Jones. Thorncrown Chapel is in the heart of Eureka Springs while the Mildred B. Cooper Chapel is located in Bella Vista Arkansas. Propose or get married at either of these stunning chapels that have incredible views that won't disappoint. Thorncrown ChapelMildred B. Cooper Chapel Mount Sequoyah Looking over beautiful Fayetteville, Mount Sequoyah has two amazing proposal spots. "The Cross" is an iconic spot for photos and proposals in NWA. It was constructed in 1936 and is just as popular today as it was back then. The second proposal spot that overlooks Fayetteville and the surrounding mountains is Mount Sequoyah Gardens. In 1998, the city dedicated this land as a park to preserve the panoramic mountain views. In 2014, it was completed with a stunning arbor with flagstone paving and gorgeous architecture. Directions to Sequoyah CrossDirection to Sequoyah Gardens Tanyard creek Off the beaten path in Bella Vista, Arkansas is an incredible place called Tanyard Creek. It was created by thousands of volunteers and financed by donations. It's a breath-taking trail that will transport you through the natural world of Northwest Arkansas. Propose at one of the many waterfalls or bridges Tanyard Creek has to offer. Get Directions Sassafras springs vinyards Located in Springdale, Arkansas, Sassafras Springs is a vineyard perfect for special occasions! It's mostly known for it's extravagant weddings but this place is also the perfect proposal location. After you pop the question, take advantage of the party deck to throw an engagement party! They also have a great selection of wine to taste! Learn More Crystal bridges Free to everyone and donated by the Walton Family Foundation, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art officially opened in 2011 and is located in Bentonville, Arkansas. You will experience art, architecture and the beauty of nature while exploring galleries, trails and the grounds. You will find art work at every corner you turn making this location an amazing place to propose! This one-of-a-kind museum is also available for weddings as well as receptions. Learn More botanical gardens of the ozarks Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks is 44 acres of whimsical beauty. This is a captivating destination with a collection of 12 themed gardens and the only butterfly house in the region. This is not only a great place to propose, it's also a place for celebrations and entertainment such as weddings and festivals. Learn More fayetteville's downtown square The downtown Fayetteville Square is a charming area with many historic buildings, restaurants and shops. It's a center focal point for the local farmers market, different festivals, parades and more. The area is maintained season to season making this the ideal place to propose all year round! It is home to the Lights of the Ozarks each winter, displaying incredible lights making this a great time to propose with plenty of photo ops. Directions Donald W. reynolds Razorback stadium If you're from Arkansas, there is a good chance that you are a Razorback fan! Many proposals happen during football games at the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. The energy, the crowd and even the atmosphere are already full of goose bump excitement, so why not add to the thrill and propose! Razorback Football Schedule natural dam falls You can't get anymore natural that the Natural Dam Falls! Located on the Mountain Fork Creek in Cedarville, Arkansas, the natural dam is right in the middle of the creek. The falls are short yet are almost 200 feet in length, spanning the entire creek! Drive right up to the waterfalls and then enjoy lunch at the National Forest picnic site. Directions University of arkansas campus We think the University o Arkansas Campus in Fayetteville is one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States! There are many historical buildings, beautiful landscapes and even a "Proposal Rock", which is a tradition for students and Alumni! One of the best times to propose on campus is in the Fall, when all of the leaves are changing. You can easily find a great spot to propose that will provide you with incredible photos. Virtual Tour war eagle mill Located in Rogers, Arkansas, War Eagle Mill has a rich history dating back to 1832! It's iconic red building, stunning bridge and waterfall call for incredible scenery when proposing. Each fall, it's home to the War Eagle Craft Fair, bringing in thousands of new tourists each year. Learn More Hawksbill crag Whitaker Point Trailhead, otherwise known as "Hawksbill Crag" is located in Kingston, Arkansas. People from all over the country flock to this popular hiking route. It's a scenic route with many photogenic outcrops, making it a romantic proposal destination. On your hike, you will see waterfalls, lush mountains and breath-taking views. Get Directions Underwoods Couples Proposing in Nature Shop Engagement RingsOur Blog Read More Blogs611 W. Dickson Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-521-2000 Open Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: Closed Ready to find a ring with this kind of meaning? Explore engagement rings.
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10 Helpful Tips on Engagement Ring Shopping
1) Figure out which shape you like best It’s important to go inside an actual jewelry store to try on rings. What may look great on a model’s hand that you’ve seen on Pinterest, may not always look the same on your hand in person! Trying on different shapes will be the starting point for any first-time ring shoppers. Shop Engagement Rings 2) Choose what color of metal you desire Figure out which color looks best on you by trying on different colors of metal. Placing different colors on your skin is important. It’s a lot like clothes shopping, once you get it on, you can determine if it looks good on you. Shop Different Colored Metals 3) Measure your finger When you go ring shopping, have your finger measured to the perfect size. Knowing the ring size will be much easier on your loved one when they are ready to surprise you with the ring. How to secretly get her finger size 4)Show the jeweler photos of ring styles you like. Having an idea of the styles you like will help your jeweler pinpoint what you like and don’t like. They will easily be able to show you similar styles for you to try on. The style of the ring lets your personality flourish. Are you a little bit more classic and sleek or are you all about the vintage? Shop Styles 5) Keep an open mind Keeping an open mind will help you when ring shopping. Try on pieces you would’ve never expected to wear. Who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with a one-of-a-kind piece! Shop Custom 6) Take your time Ring shopping is a wonderful experience if you let it be! Take your time, enjoy the special moment, and try on several pieces. Give yourself at least a couple of months in advance before the big proposal. You never know if your ring must be ordered or custom made and that takes time. Shop Past Present and Future Rings 7) Bring a friend, family member or significant other with you It’s always nice to have the opinion of someone who knows you well. Going alone can be intimidating, so bring your loved one along to help you relax and have a little fun. Shop Engagement Rings 8) Before you shop, have a budget in mind. Having an expected price you’re wanting to spend on an engagement ring will help the jewelry experts know what to show you. Different budgets will determine the overall look of your forever ring.Shop Engagement Rings 9) Be cautious with online diamonds and rings. You truly never know what you’re purchasing until you see it in person. The quality of the diamonds and the ring mounting itself are extremely important when choosing a ring you will wear every day for the rest of your life. How to buy a diamond 10) Take Notes If you aren’t ready to purchase the same day, make sure your jeweler takes notes on everything you love. Most jewelers will keep your information on file but it’s also a good idea to have your own set of notes to take home with you. Shop Engagement Rings Bonus Tip! When trying on rings, hold the sides when placing it on your finger, instead of touching the diamond. Touching the diamond can cause smudges and fingerprints. By holding the sides, you will be able to see the diamond sparkle to it's full potential! EngagemenTExpert Advice Schedule an Appointment Today! Call 479-521-2000 or come by today! located at 611 W. Dickson street in fayetteville. Open Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm Sat:10am-5pm Sun:Closed Ready to find a ring with this kind of meaning? Explore engagement rings.
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Top 10 Engagement Ring Trends for 2018
With so many engagement ring styles out there, the options can seem endless — especially with all the gorgeous 2018 engagement ring trends surfacing lately. So, if you're planning on buying an engagement ring in the near future, or if you're curious about what style you like the most, you're in luck! We've been taking notes on the most popular engagement ring trends 2018 has to offer, and you can check them out right here. Oval Diamond Rings Oval diamonds are more popular than ever! Their elegant elongated shape offers a distinctive spin to the classic round diamond. While oval diamonds look striking as the centerpiece of a solitaire engagement ring, we also love the look of ovals in three stone engagement ring settings, trendy east-west settings, and sparkling halo settings. DLFR1347 Platinum DLFR0877 What attracts us to platinum? Could it be because the symbolism of platinum is tied to rarity and exclusiveness? Platinum became popular in the 1700s in the European culture and was usually worn by royalty. That early symbolism is carried over into how we view the precious metal in todays society. Think about it, in todays world we see platinum as a high status, from platinum album sales to platinum credit cards. Having a platinum engagement ring not only signifies rarity but it is also a metal that is extremely durable. The precious metal is more rare and more difficult to work with than gold and therefore usually costs more. Choosing platinum is a strong choice as a statement for a wedding or engagement ring because it symbolizes the very best. Twisted Accents We love the romantic notion of a twisted band — forever intertwined like your love. Symbolic and stunning, this on-trend infinity design represents two lives coming together and becoming one. There are many ways to add an elegant "twist" to your engagement ring. You can feature diamond twists on the side of your engagement ring or just add a diamond twist wedding band to a simple solitaire engagement ring.DLFR1245 Colored Gemstones UCDC0298 We are seeing engagement ring trends move towards center diamond alternatives like gem stones. Precious gem stones are unique in that each one possesses different symbolisms, shapes and different colors. This year we think that colored gem stones as diamond alternatives will be a huge hit. Come see us to get the very best advice on which gemstones will be perfect for your everyday wear! Rose Gold There are so many reasons women are mesmerized by this gorgeous metal. Rose gold is yellow gold that is alloyed with copper to create a soft, feminine blush tone. Another thing that is great about rose gold- it's a unique choice for an engagement ring, but it's also a safe bet because it will never go out of style. Rose gold has been around for hundreds of years and women of all ages love it. Men are also wearing rose gold wedding bands to harmonize with their spouse's ring. DLFR1336 Traditional Solitaire Traditional Solitaire A solitaire is a single center diamond without diamonds on the sides of the ring. Nothing says classical sophistication like a solitaire engagement ring. This engagement ring style represents around 70% of the engagement ring market and it’s not hard to see why celebrities like Gisele Bundchen, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, and Mila Kunis opt for these timeless treasures. Solitaire engagement rings can be designed in a variety of styles to give it a modern and unique twist while still retaining its elegant aesthetic and simple lines. There are several other solitaire styles and options that we would love to show you! Fancy Shapes A fancy shaped diamond is any other shape other than round. Everyone falls in love with certain shapes that become an important part of their personal style. Fancy shape diamonds give consumers the option to choose a stone that reflects their unique aesthetic, so it makes sense that fancies are gaining popularity in this age of personalization and unconventional engagement rings. DLFR1189 Stackable Wedding Bands DLW1495 Audrey Hepburn’s husband Mel Ferrer may have kicked off the trend of stackable rings in different metals, a style that’s still going strong today. By giving the style-conscious star rings in different color metals, she could switch them out to match her outfit. The stackable bands can be worn with the engagement ring, or worn as a right hand ring. Add one for each special occasion! Vintage Style Vintage styles can come from any past era, depending on the style you like. In general, vintage engagement rings usually feature more ornate designs and can be handcrafted, like our cutwork filigree ring shown. There is nostalgia and romance associated with antique style rings, and there are usually more textures, with details different from modern rings. Often, small colored stones like ruby, sapphire and emerald are used in vintage inspired designs. This upward trend is classic and timeless!UCD0513 Bypass DLFR1310 It’s a style that has been around since at least the 1830s, but most of us have probably never noticed the elegant, twisted style wrapped around our friend’s finger. In the last couple of years the bypass ring has become a growing trend. The curves and twists of a bypass ring give it an elegant look, while still being modern and sleek. You can have two-stones on a ring that sit next to each other and represent you and your loved one. Ready to find a ring with this kind of meaning? Explore engagement rings.
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