Tag: advice

ask jeff cooper: holiday proposal ideas

December is the most popular month for engagements, so what are you waiting for?

If you decide to get engaged for the holidays, congratulations! Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

The Knot has a list of cute proposal ideas here. And right here are 50 more. Still not sure how to go about it?

The most important part of a great proposal is finding a way to make it special and exciting, whatever that means to you and your love.

You don’t need a gimmick, but you’ll tell the story again and again, so think it over before you pop the question. You’ll know you have the right idea when it’s completely personal and unique to you and your partner.

Prince William popped the question on African Safari. Kanye West rented out a stadium. You might return to the place where you first met, or do what one of our customers did, and attach the ring to a beloved pet.

Whatever you decide, have a ring picked out, wait for the right moment, and feel free to be as over the top romantic as you want.

Good luck! And don’t forget to share your proposals with us, we love them!

Featured image is the Anneliese Engagement Ring, from our Arabesque Collection.

 

we love: doing everything better

“What ever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.” ― Walt Disney

This week, we’re learning how to do more things, even better. So here are some clever ideas how to do a lot of things, a little bit better. If you have any great tips to share, tell us in the comments!

Here’s how to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

How to eat the healthiest lunch.

How to dress. The 10 fashion commandments, by J Crew’s Jenna Lyons.

How to get superhuman energy.

And here’s how not to mess up your day. (We love the part about only wearing clothes you love. So true!)

How to start a houseplant collection.

How to start a necklace collection.

How to peel a head of garlic in 10 seconds.

Use it to make the best garlic bread.

And how to feel glamorous every morning, without fail.

How to take natural and relaxed group photos. Check these out. So much fun.

And last, but not least, how to find the perfect engagement ring.

Have a swell weekend, everyone!

Featured image via.

‘Like’ us on Facebook!

 

 

ask jeff cooper: wedding day rain & cool umbrellas

Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition!

In Italian they say, Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata, or Wet bride, happy bride. So why are we so worried about it? The hair, the makeup, the dress, the pictures.

Outdoor weddings are so beautiful and trendy, but there’s a great deal left to chance!

We were inspired to write this by the incredible wedding photographer Heather Jagger, who shot a friend’s wedding recently and she wrote, ” It rained all day but it only seemed to make it better somehow.”

So before we get any further, look at this. Beautiful, right? Your wedding will be, too!

Just prepare a little, then don’t worry. Like the Beatles said, Love is all you need. That is what makes or breaks a wedding, not a little (or a lot of) rain!

First tip: Wedding day makeup is a special genre and has to be danceproof, cryproof, hugproof and cakeproof, anyway. Everyday makeup doesn’t always cut it, so be prepared, and be a good sport, and all they’ll notice is you.

Second tip: Do your research.

Third tip: Rain (or potential rain) is a great excuse to express your style. There are cheeky umbrellas. Umbrellas that create an amazing pop of color in your pictures. And statement umbrellas like this or this.

Fourth tip: You may as well splurge on some chic boots, too! The blue gloss would make an amazing “something blue.”

Tip five is really the only tip you need: If it rains on your wedding day, own it!

Featured Image via Jagger Photography.

‘Like’ us on Facebook!

 

ask jeff cooper: buy me a ring

The question we hear most often from our clients is, “How do I pick a ring?”

The next most frequently asked question is, “How to do I get him to pick a ring I love?”

There’s some sound advice with a sense of humor over at East Side Bride, but we thought we’d offer some sensible advice from our experience.

If you want your love to propose, just nurture your relationship. Be thoughtful, be affectionate, be a great listener, but also have a life of your own so there’s some intrigue and mystery there.

Most people can’t gracefully come out and say “here’s what ring to get me.” But there are some ways to subtly influence your partner’s choice. If someone is thinking of proposing, they will take notice when your taste in rings comes up.

1. Tell your mom, sisters and all your girlfriends what you like. “I really love princess solitaires. No yellow gold. I love anything by Jeff Cooper.” Keep it simple and they’re sure to remember when he comes to them for advice.

2. Compliment rings you love in his presence, and be specific. “Your solitaire engagement ring is fabulous! What brand is it?”

3. Use language that helps your partner describe your personal style. You could say, “I love old fashioned jewelry. Or, “My style is really sleek and simple.”

4. And finally, if you don’t mind being a little more obvious, Like’ and ‘Share’ rings you love on Facebook, and repin them on Pinterest.

If you get a ring that’s not what you have in mind, you have two choices. Make the best of it, or ask to exchange it. As with any gift, graciousness is key. Be positive and grateful. We’ve known many brides who’ve said something like, “This ring is so beautiful I want to cry. You are the best fiance a girl could ever want. It is a little fancy for me though, how would you feel about us picking our something simpler?”

Your partner proposed to make you happy, so compromising on a ring is only as big a deal as you make it.

Love our featured image? It’s the Heidi Cushion Eternity Set from our vintage inspired Heirloom Collection.

‘Like’ us on Facebook to send a hint!

 

 

 

Ask Jeff Cooper: Wedding Planning

Since so many of our friends and fans are engaged and planning weddings, we’re aware of the pressure on couples to please others. Everyone has an opinion on the food. The dress. The officiant. And family members who contribute financially are even more invested.

These days, couples are expected to contribute creatively to the celebration too, putting a unique, or at least trendy spin on the day. It’s a lot to think about.

We came across this Andy Warhol quote that gets to the heart of the issue.

“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”
– Andy Warhol

In other words, trust your instincts and do what inspires you.

For more Ask Jeff Cooper posts, click here.

Photo via Jagger Photography.

Ask Jeff Cooper: Engagement Rings How To

It’s the question almost every groom-to-be faces. ‘How do I choose an engagement ring?’

We went over the finer points of how to recognize quality here, but most of us still need help picking the perfect style for her personality.

Conventional wisdom says to ask the bride’s mother, sister or a close friend to come look at rings. That’s not necessarily the advice we’d give you.

FIRST, if you’re sincerely worried she won’t love the ring, just ask her what she likes. You can always pretend you’re researching a birthday or holiday gift.

If you want the ring to be a total surprise, the key to understanding (and conveying) her personal style is Hard Evidence. And the proof is in the pictures.

Here’s a short list of snapshots that will help your salesperson pinpoint the ring of her dreams. (You could bring them on your phone, but it’s way better to print out these pictures and bring them to the store.)

1. Pictures of her in her favorite outfits.

2. Snapshots of her favorite jewelry, that show the metals, stones, and styles she likes.

3. Pictures of her handbags, perfumes, or any brand names she likes may give valuable clues to her taste. If her bag, signature fragrance and coat are all classic, trendy or super feminine, you’ll probably want her ring to match.

4. Does she subscribe to any magazines? Whether she reads Town & Country or Real Simple, her reading material has the potential to be very revealing when it comes to the personal style she aspires to.

5. And last, but not least, does she have a Pinterest account? This is a goldmine of clues about her personal style, and you may actually find ring pictures in there. Take screenshots of anything you think is relevant.

SECOND. to get an idea how a bride’s personal style might translate into her wedding style, we like Brooklyn Bride’s “Phi Style” mood boards.

For example, if her Pinterest is filled with black and white pictures of movie stars and glamorous dress up outfits, she might dream of being an Old Hollywood Bride, who’d probably love an Ava Engagement Ring.

Is she an independent, sophisticated art lover? Does she collect images of modern, funky interiors and fashion? The Sculptural Bride might love the Estella Engagement Ring.

Or would you say she’s a bohemian flower child? Does she love nature, vintage style, or ethereal, romantic dress designs and photography? The Lily Engagement Ring is one to consider for the Kate Moss-inspired 1920s garden bride.

As you begin your search, just remember to be prepared, patient and relaxed. The perfect ring is out there!

Pictured above, a brand new design from our Laurel Collection.

Like us on Facebook!

 

 

 

Ask Jeff Cooper: What to Look for in Wedding & Engagement Rings

Congratulations on finding your soulmate! Now you just need the perfect rings. Whenever you look at your wedding rings, you’ll remember falling in love. The proposal. The wedding. Pick the right engagement ring, and the meaning behind it can shine even more.

Most ring buying advice focuses on the 4Cs. Or how many months’ salary to spend. But there are subtleties to recognizing and buying the perfect engagement or wedding ring. We created this quick guide to help you pick an engagement ring of the highest quality.

At Jeff Cooper, our streamlined designs make the quality extremely easy to see so you, your partner and everyone else knows your rings are extraordinary. Simple designs allow your eye to take in every detail, so every detail has to be perfect. Here’s a list of things to notice, to help make ring buying simple.

Wedding & Engagement Ring Buying Guide.

  • Beware of gaudy, extraneous details used to distract the eye from flaws in craftsmanship.
  • All design elements and accent stones should have a distinct presence, yet work together within the piece.
  • The center stone should “pop” with a profound brilliance.
  • Precious metal is soft; a flat edge that is sharp, crisp and bright is a sign of quality.
  • Examine different rings with your hands, feeling for the hardest and heaviest piece of jewelry.
  • Look inside. A great ring will be polished and beautiful on the outside and the inside.
  • Metals should display a brilliant luster and bright polish. To know it when you see it, first take a look at the mirror-like finish of a Jeff Cooper ring.

To find a Jeff Cooper retailer near you, click here.

‘Like’ our Facebook page.