All you need to know about Gifting and Bridal Registry in Indian Weddings

by neha
4 Comments Advice, gifts, tips

There are two ways to go about gifting in an Indian Wedding:

  1. Bridal Registry
  2. Cash

What is the proper etiquette to state your gift preference? How do you go about registering for gifts? What do you register for? Here is the scoop on gifting in Indian Weddings.

Proper Etiquette

I can’t stress this enough, but never mention your gift registry or preference for cash on the formal wedding invitation. It is in bad taste as you are requesting gifts as you should not assume that a guest will bring a gift. The gift/registry details should be reserved only for your wedding website. You can definitely include your wedding website URL on an insert with your invitation.

Let us talk about a new trend seen in South Asian Weddings. These days many couples mention on their invitations, “No boxed gifts”. This can be very confusing for your guests, especially who are not familiar with this terminology, as it is typically mentioned only in Indian Weddings. People may think that you might not want wrapped gifts, or may consider it downright rude to ask for cash. If you want to ask for cash, be more tactful and you can say something like this on your wedding website (again not on the invitation!!!):

“We have not chosen to have a bridal registry as we are unsure where we will settle and are trying to keep our moving expenses to a minimum.”

This way you don’t asking your guests that they bring a gift, but at the same time get the message across to those who intend to bring one. For more information on this topic, please see the forum discussion on Wedding Bee.

Registering for Gifts

There are many advantages of registering for gifts:

  1. You get exactly what you want.
  2. You can use all the gifts to set up your new house.
  3. Reduces duplication of gifts.
  4. Your gifts are directly shipped to you on the shipping address specified by you.
  5. Guests have an easier time choosing a gift that you will treasure.
  6. Saves time, as your guests would not have to venture from store to store to look for a gift for you.
  7. If a guest can’t make it to the wedding, they still have the ability to send a gift.

There are two ways to go about creating your bridal registry:

  1. At the stores, where you have to physically go to a store, scan a gift and add to your registry: Many couples choose stores like Macy’s, Crate&Barrell, Bed Bath and Beyond, Target etc. for the wedding registries. The advantage here is that you get to see what the item you are trying to add to your registry looks like. At the same time, for couples it can be a bonding experience as they look for things for their new home. However, one drawback can be that the item you are selecting at the chosen store might be priced higher than other places. Also, going to store to store can be a frustrating experience. Moreover, you are limited to a few stores.
  2. Creating an Online Registry: Another option is doing an online gift registry, where you find a website where you can add items from any website. You are not limited to certain stores and don’t have to go to store to store to select items to put on the registry . This is also great, as you can find the best deals online and save your guests some money. Couples are less likely to get into a public argument on what to add to a registry too. Some good websites for doing so are:

What to Register For

So here is a comprehensive list of things to register for (Adapted from The Knot):

  1. Decor
    • Vases (Floor, Tabletop)
    • Picture Frames
    • Artwork for Walls
    • Bar Cart
    • Wall Mirrors
    • Couch
    • Ottomons
    • Throw Blankets
    • Chandeliers
    • Lamps
    • TV
    • Patio Furniture
  2. Glassware
    • Double Old-Fashioned Glasses
    • Juice Glasses
    • Wineglasses (For Red and White Wines)
    • Water Goblets
    • Champage Flutes
    • Margarita Glasses
    • Martini Glasses
    • Ice Bucket
    • Coffee Mugs
    • Carafe
    • Coasters
  3. Bar
    • Cocktail Shaker
    • Seven-Piece Bar Tool Set
    • Wine Fridge
    • Wine Cabinet
  4. Dinnerware
    • Napkin Holders
    • Place Mats
    • Table Cloths
    • Table Runners
    • Cloth Napkins
    • Gravy Boat/ Stand
    • Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
    • Serving Bowls
    • Serving Platters
    • Sugar and Creamer Set
    • Salad Bowl and Servers Set
    • Formal Place Settings
    • Casual Place Settings
    • Chargers
    • Tea Kettle
    • Soup Tureen and Ladle
    • Butter Dish
    • Cake Stand
  5. Kitchen
    • Ice Cream Scoop
    • Salad Spinner
    • Canister Set
    • Tongs
    • Mixing Bowls Set
    • Measure Cup Set
    • Measuring Spoon Set
    • Oven Mitts
    • Cookware Set
    • Broiler Pan
    • Bakeware Set
    • Basting Brushes
    • Can Opener
    • Garlic Press
    • Cheese Grater
    • Veggie Peeler
    • Knives Set
    • Citrus Zester
    • Blender
    • Food Processer
    • Hand Mixer
    • Stand Mixer
    • Slow Cooker
    • Coffee Maker
    • Toaster
    • Roasting Pan
    • Cutting Board
    • Rice Cooker
    • Deep Fryer
    • Waffle Maker
  6. Flatware
    • Formal Silver 5-piece Flatware Set
    • Everyday Stainless Steel 5-piece Flatware Set
  7. Bedding
    • Flat Sheets
    • Fitted Sheets
    • Duvet Covers
    • Comforter Set
    • Mattress Pad
    • Bed Blanket
    • Standard Pillows
    • Pillow Case Set
    • Pillow Shams
    • Bed Skirt
  8. Travel
    • Suitcase
    • Carry on
    • Garmet Bag
    • Travel Totes
    • Toiletry Kit
    • Digital Camera
    • Wheeled Cooler
  9. Home Essentials
    • Hamper
    • Vaccum
    • Iron
    • Ironing Board
  10. Bathware
    • Soap Dispenser
    • Toothbrush Holder
    • Lotion Dispenser
    • Tissue Holder
    • Bathrobes
    • Bath Towels
    • Hand Towels
    • Washcloths
    • Bath Mat
    • Tub Mat
    • Shower Curtain
    • Scale
    • Hair Dryer
    • Showerhead

How to plan an Indian Wedding Budget – Worksheet

by neha
5 Comments Advice, budget, cake, centerpieces, decor, Favors, henna, Indian Wedding Music, invitations, jewelry, Lehengas and Sherwanis, overlays, stationary, wedding planning

Indian Weddings are known to be elaborate affairs, where families spend a lot of money to entertain their guests and celebrate. No matter how big of an amount you are spending on the wedding, there is always a budget. So how do you come up with a budget for your wedding? Start by compiling a list of finance sources, which could be you (the bride), the groom,both sets of parents, as well as other generous family members or friends.

In this article, we will go through all the steps to decide how to plan your wedding budget. So start with coming up with a realistic figure.

Enter total budget: ________________

Once you have a realistic figure for your budget, we will divide that amount into various categories.

Indian Wedding Budget

Image Courtesy: Flickr (soo12)

Ceremony: 5%

  • Cost of the venue
  • All transportation like horse carriage for Baraat, limos etc. for guests, family and bridal party to and from the hotel/house of the bride and groom to the ceremony site.
  • Enter Ceremony Budget: ______________

(Multiply total budget by 0.05)

Reception: 40%

Your Wedding Reception will take up the bulk of your wedding budget. The budget for your reception will include:

  • Cost of the venue
  • Event Rentals (Chairs, Tables, Flatware, Glassware, China)
  • Catering and Servers (including taxes and tips)
  • Bar and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Wedding Cake
  • Valet parking, if applicable
  • All transportation like shuttle service, limos etc. for guests, family and bridal party to and from the ceremony site to the reception venue.
  • Enter Reception Budget: ______________

(Multiply total budget by 0.4)

Music and Entertainment: 5%

This includes:

  • Baraat and Ceremony Music – Dhol, DJ
  • Cocktail hour – DJ, Live Performers
  • Reception Entertainment and Music – DJ, Dancers, Live Performers
  • Enter Music Budget: _______________

(Multiply total budget by 0.05)

Decor: 15%

In an Indian Wedding, decor takes up a good chunk of your budget, especially because there are so many elements that go into it. This includes:

  • Mandap and Ceremony decoration
  • Chair Covers/ Sashes
  • Overlays/ Table Linen
  • Bride and Bridesmaid’s bouquets (if applicable)
  • Boutonnière’s for Groom, Groomsmen, Ring Bearer and both Fathers (if applicable)
  • Flowers for both the Bride and Groom’s Mother (if applicable)
  • Flowers to decorate the Flower Girl’s basket and petals to toss
  • Reception centerpieces and decorations
  • Flowers for the Wedding cake (if applicable)
  • Sweet heart table/ head table
  • Enter Flower Budget: _______________

(Multiply total budget by 0.15)

Wedding Attire and Jewelry: 15%

  • This includes:
  • Bridal Saris/ Lehengas for the Ceremony and Reception
  • Bride’s lingerie
  • Bride’s jewelry for Ceremony and Reception
  • Wedding Bands
  • Bride’s shoes
  • Hair and makeup (including Mehendi)
  • Groom’s Sherwani/ Tuxedo and Shoes for the Ceremony and Reception
  • Enter Wedding Attire Budget: _______________

(Multiply total budget by 0.15)

Photography: 10%

This will include:

  • Photography
  • Videography
  • CDs or other digital media with all the photos
  • DVD of the Wedding Video
  • Engagement portraits
  • Ceremony and Reception – album package
  • Additional albums / photographs for gifts

Enter Photography Budget: _____________

(Multiply total budget by 0.1)

Stationery: 4%

This includes:

  • Invitations and enclosures (R.S.V.P. cards & envelopes, maps, etc.)
  • Announcements
  • Thank – you notes
  • Postage
  • Wedding Programs
  • Enter Stationery Budget: _____________

(Multiply total budget by 0.04)

Miscellaneous: 6%

This is where all those random “little” items add up. Make sure you have an extra cushion for all those extra expenses.

  • Gifts for the bridal party (if applicable)
  • Wedding gifts for each other (if you choose to do so)
  • Favors for the guests
  • Welcome baskets for out-of-town guests
  • Hotel room / “Honeymoon Suite” for the wedding night
  • Marriage and other licenses
  • Dakshina/ Fee for the Priest
  • Enter Miscellaneous Budget: _____________

(Multiply total budget by 0.06)

I hope this worksheet gave you a good idea on how to plan your wedding budget and will be helpful.


Indian Wedding Themes

by neha
2 Comments Advice, centerpieces, colors, decor, inspirations, Themes, tips

There are variety of themes that can be used for Indian Wedding. You should choose one that best suits your personality and style. Also consider your audience and what is most likely to click. Discuss the various options with your fiance and decide jointly.

We will go through traditional, typical Indian and romantic themes to add a flair to your wedding. These themes can be applied to your decor, stationary, cake, mehendi…the possibilities are endless!

  1. Peacock Theme: This would be a traditional theme and would typically apply to your decor, stationary, outfits, mehendi, cake, place settings and even overlays! Turquoises, Purples/Fuschias, Browns with splashes of green would go best with this theme. Peacock feathers, orchids, and crystal strings are what you definitely need.

    Image Courtesy: hellobellaevents.blogspot.com, and iStockPhoto.com

  2. Bollywood Theme: For bollywood theme, think of your favorite romantic Hindi movies. You can choose from many a Yash Chopra and Karan Johar movies. For decor, you could get posters of romantic Bollywood movies and put them on the walls of your reception venue (make sure you use good scotch tape, which won’t leave marks on the walls!). You could also name the tables after those movies and the table name/number that is placed on the table could be a postcard with an image from that movie. The place cards could be tickets to those movies with the name of the guest and the movie name on it. You could even incorporate bollywood in your outfits, where you could dress up as a famous Bollywood couple. Your first dance could be to your favorite romantic bollywood tune. The possibilities are endless! Colorful hues, like reds, oranges, fuschias, sequins, and brocade borders would go best with this theme.
  3. “Our first Dates” Theme: This would be a very romantic and personal theme and perfect for couples who have dated. You would start with compiling a list of your first dates: It could be restaurants, coffee shops, sporting events, movies etc. You could name the tables after your dating spots and the place cards could be designed as receipts from the restuarants/ coffee shops, tickets to sporting events/movies etc. Table number that is placed on the table could be a picture of you both with the name of the date spot. I think black and white pics with sepia tones look just fantastic! You could incorporate the sepia tones in your decor, and linen as well. This is something very personal for some people, and the theme should be used only if you are comfortable sharing it with your guests.

So which one is your favorite theme? What other themes can you guys think of?

The hottest colors for weddings in 2010: Mango and Turquoise

by neha
5 Comments cake, centerpieces, colors, decor, inspirations, overlays, stationary

If you are planning your wedding this year and are thinking of wedding colors, look no more! The verdict for the hottest colors this year is Mango and Turquoise. Different shades of tangerine, coral, mango, warm orange, golden yellow, peach, turquoise, blue are here to rule this wedding season. This complementary color scheme is very unique and very refreshing, especially for a summer wedding.

You can go crazy with these colors! Use them on your invitations, favors, centerpieces, specialty drinks (mango lassi!!!), accents, vases, cake, flowers, napkins, linen, and even your candy buffet! Don’t be afraid to add a splash of oranges and turquoise.

Suggested flowers: Mokara Orchid Stems, Asiastic Lilies, Gerberas, Birds of Paradise, and of course Marigold!

Here are some mango and turq inspiration boards for you:

Indian Wedding Music and Entertainment

by neha
2 Comments Advice, Indian Wedding Music, tips, Traditions, Wedding Saris

Music and Entertainment are indispensable from Indian Weddings. But how do you set the tone for a wedding event with music? Bollywood movies are full of great songs for weddings. It’s always good to be prepared and have a playlist ready for your wedding functions. Here I am going to discuss the events you need music and entertainment for and how to go about selecting it.

  • Mehendi: The “Mehendi” function is a very fun and festive ceremony. Music, when selected appropriately, can add a great ambience to this function. If you choose to do the music for your mehendi yourself, you can make an iPod, iTunes or a Winamp playlist of your favorite mehendi songs to play. Alternatively, if you are having a DJ, you can hand over your list to them. If you can find someone who can play a dholak and sing folk songs, then that can add a very festive mood to this function. Here is a list of few songs to get you brainstorming:
    • Mehendi Laga Ke Rakhna (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge)
    • Mehendi Hai Rachne Waali (Zubeida)
    • Mayi Ni Mayi (Hum Aapke Hain Kaun)
    • Mehendi Ki Raat Aayi (Models)
    • Mehendi Lagaaongi (Vibha)
  • Sangeet: This is the night of entertainment! Full of fun performances and lots of dancing. There are plenty of ways to add entertainment to this event. You can hire performers, performances by family and friends (my favorite!), live singing, or hire a DJ. When it comes to family performances, they can get very creative – You can enact the couple’s story with music and dance, You can do a skit, You can have a theme, the possibilities are endless! You can also add a traditional touch with dhol, garba, dandiya raas and bhangra. Here are some of my favorite Sangeet Songs:
    • Kala Shah Kala (Traditional Punjabi)
    • Baari Barsi (Traditional Punjabi)
    • Eli Re Eli (Yaadein)
    • Sajan Ji Ghar Aaye (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai)
    • Pehli Pehli Baar Dekha Aisa Jalwa (Silsila)
    • Nimbooda (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam)
    • Maahi Ve (Kal Ho Na Ho)
    • Bole Chudiyan (Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum)
    • Dholna (Shubha Mudgal)
    • Yeh Ladka Hai Allah (Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam)
  • Baraat: Baraat, which is a procession of the groom and his side of the family, is an age long tradition. Dance and Music are must! Dhols are perfect way to set the tone for this event. Some appropriate Baraat songs could be:
    • Le Jaayenge Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge
    • Nach Baliye (Bunty Aur Babli)
    • Dholi Taaro Dhol Baaje (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam)
    • Aaja Nachle (Bally Sagoo)
    • Chunari Chunari (Biwi No. 1)
    • Shava Shava (Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam)
  • Wedding Ceremony: The ceremony is the most traditional event in all the festivities. Hence, the music should be apt for that. The tunes of shehnai, santoor and bansuri can really set the right atmosphere for a wedding ceremony. Consider buying some Classical CDs or music online. For joota chhupai ceremony, my favorite song is “Joote Do Paise Lo” from Hum Aapke Hain Kaun.
  • Reception: For the reception you have to select songs for a number of things:
    • Cocktail Hour: For cocktail hour, your guests would be mingling with each other and there will be conversations. Its better to have music which is not too distracting and is just there for background. Usually slow and romantic numbers work the best. Here is what I recommend:
      • Hey Shona (Tara Rum Pum)
      • Teri Ore (Singh is King)
      • Khuda Jaane (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
      • Saanson Se Saanse (Hum Tum)
      • Aapki Nazron Ne Instrumental
      • Chura Liya Hai (Yaadon Ki Baraat)
      • Zara Sa (Jannat)
    • Introduction of the Bridal Party: Music that introduces the bridal party, parents and bride & groom should be fast paced and upbeat that gets the audience to cheer along and lets the bridal party show their personality. Here are some suggestions:
      • Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai (Woh Lamhe)
      • Deewangi (Om Shaanti Om)
      • Mundiyan Tu Bachke Rahe (Punjabi MC)
      • Dil Dooba (Khakee)
      • Twist (Love Aaj Kal)
    • First Dance: There are so many songs to choose from for the first dance. Frankly, it depends on the couple. If they have a favorite song that has a special meaning then they can always go with that. For the first dance, couples usually choose to do a slow ballroom dance. The couple can also choose to do a fast number followed by the slow dance to surprise the audience. Here are some suggestions for First Dance:
      • Pehli Nazar Mein (Race)
      • Hey Shona (Tara Rum Pum)
      • Love Song (OST 50 First Dates)
      • Now that we found love (OST Hitch)
      • Everything I do (Bryan Adams)
      • Here are some more Classic Song ideas on The Knot (http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-music-ideas/articles/50-classic-first-dance-songs.aspx?MsdVisit=1)
    • Cake Cutting:
      • Come What May (Moulin Rouge)
      • The Sweetest Thing (U2)
      • Sweetest Thing (Lauryn Hill)
      • Find some more on Wedding Wire (http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-songs/cake-cutting-music)
    • While Guests are eating: For the time the guests are eating, I would again play music that is there in background and something similar to what is played during the cocktail hour. You can also choose to do a slideshow of your pictures during this time.
    • Dancing: Dancing is something that everyone looks forward to at the wedding. Hiring a DJ is a must to make sure that your guests have a great time. I would strongly suggest that the brides have a must play and do not play list for this part of the reception. In fact if you are very meticulous, you could make a spreadsheet with categories like Bollywood, Punjabi & Bhangra, Hip Hop, Reggae, 80s, Classics etc. You have to make sure that the music caters to everyone in your audience, from the young crowd to uncles and aunties. Here are some of my favorite dance numbers:
      • Where is the Party tonight (Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna)
      • Jhalak Dikhla Ja (Remix)
      • Rang Barse and Other Amitabh Bacchan Music
      • Only You (112)
      • Turn Me On (Kevin Lyttle)
      • Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cindy Lauper)
      • Electric Slide
      • The way I are (Timbaland)
      • Mauja Hi Mauja (Jab We Met)
      • Don’t stop till you get enough and Most Michael Jackson Songs
      • Dancing Queen (ABBA)
      • Kangna (Dr. Zeus)
      • Don’t Be Shy (Rouge)
      • Glassy (Ashok Mastie)
      • Ishq (Sukhbir)
      • Billy Jean Vs Husn
      • Rail Gaddi
      • Most Jay Sean, Rishi Rich and Juggy D Music
      • Give it up to me (Sean Paul)
      • Crank That (Soulja Boy)

Feel free to add more to this list!


Latest and Exclusive Trends in Indian Wedding Jewelry

by neha
8 Comments Advice, jewelry, Trousseau, wedding planning

Marigold Events interviewed Nazuk Aggarwal, who is a renowned Delhi-based jewelry designer and a gemology expert. We talked to her about latest trends in jewelry, the latest stone cuts, how to select an engagement ring and Nazuk’s personal design style.

Latest Trends and Cuts

The lyrics from Carol Channing’s song, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend“, is perfect illustration of how Diamonds never go out of fashion. Nazuk says that Diamond jewelry is evergreen and is something that is always trendy. Elaborating on the current style of diamond jewelry, Nazuk said that many fancy shapes and cuts of diamonds, like Marquise (leaf shaped) and pear/tear drops are very much in.

marquise-cut

Check out this beautiful Marquise Cut Diamond Bracelet

pear-cut

Beautiful Pear Cut Engagement Ring

The different cuts combined with colored diamonds is an upcoming trend. There are many to choose from: blue, yellow – which tend to be most common, and pink/purple – which tend to be very expensive. Colored diamonds can be natural, which are very expensive, and treated, which are more economical. Colored diamonds will definitely add an extra oomph to your piece of jewelry!

colored-diamond-necklace

Check out this gorgeous necklace with yellow colored diamonds

Then there are also colored sapphires, which are available in almost all the colors ranging from blue, orange, yellow, pink etc. Colored sapphires are cheaper than colored diamonds. Another option can be tourmaline, which are semi precious stones, and are an economical option. They are much more cheaper compared to colored diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. These definitely add a great style and color to your diamond jewelry.

Nazuk mentioned that another way to make your jewelry stylish is to use carved emeralds, coral and turquoise along with diamonds. She says that flower shaped coral or turquoise or cabochon cut colored stones with diamonds (stone that is shaped and polished as opposed to faceted) look exquisite!

Check out these beautiful pair of turquoise (flower shaped) and diamond chandelier earrings with pear shaped Quartz drops, designed by Nazuk:

nazuk-earrings

Diamond Chandelier Earrings Designed by Nazuk Aggarwal

Nazuk says that chunky and bold jewelry is in. For your cocktail or engagement party you can wear a bold bracelet with chandelier earrings or a cocktail ring with a heavy necklace.

pink-stone-diamond-cocktail-ring

Cocktail Ring with pink stone and diamonds

Bold and Beautiful - Diamond Necklace

Gorgeous Diamond Bracelet

A few styles that are also in fashion today are Victorian style Jewelry (which was worn in Victorian era – half silver, half gold with flat diamonds) and Rose Cut Jewelry in open setting (where diamond is cut such that the top looks like a mountain).

Check out this Victorian style estate diamond brooch/pendant

Check out this Rose Cut Diamond Pendant

For weddings, traditional jewelry, especially polki (uncut diamond) looks gorgeous! Polki jewelry is from Mughal Era and is very much in fashion. Many variations of polki are available. One such variation is polki combined with diamonds. It gives a very full look when worn on your wedding day. These days bigger size polki with designs around it is the latest trend. Matha Patti or Maang teeka with Jhoomar with a nice nath, haath phool, amulet, necklace and earrings/jhumkas make a beautiful set and looks absolutely stunning. Big polki rings worn on the thumb also look really nice. Polki jewelry can also be worn for Mehendi.

Check out the gorgeous polki sets that Aishwarya wore for Jodha Akbar:

Aishwarya Rai in Jodhaa Akbar - Beautiful polki set complete with Matha Patti, Jhumkas, Necklace and Nath

Aishwarya Rai in Jodhaa Akbar- Beautiful Big Polki Set with Amulets

Aishwarya Rai in Jodhaa Akbar - Another beautiful Rajasthani Style Polki Necklace. Check out the beautiful rings.

Aishwarya Rai in Umrao Jaan - Check out the beautiful Maang Teeka and Jhoomar work on the side

If you are on a budget, then imitation polki and diamond jewelry is also available, which looks very nice too.

How to select an Engagement Ring

Nazuk says that the approach to select the engagement ring should be practical. Nazuk advises, “You don’t want it to go out of fashion!” She mentioned that something that is going to be worn on a daily basis throughout your life, should be comfortable and elegant. Nazuk asserts, “It is advisable to buy a quality stone and certified pieces as they are a good investment.”

So how do you select a quality and certified diamond?

Nazuk says that diamond certification provided by HRD, GIA, and IGI labs is recognized throughout. She specifically says not to get a jeweler’s inhouse certification (as they don’t hold any value) and insist on getting it by one of the labs listed.

Selecting a quality stone requires research. It is important to know the 4 C’s of diamond:

Cut: Cut refers to the shape and proportions of diamond. The cutting of diamond and the finish determines it’s brilliance and fire. The more number of facets a diamond has, more will be the brilliance it is going to have. Round cut is evergreen and has the maximum brilliance and fire, and hence, it is also the most expensive cut. Other well known cuts are: Oval, Princess, Heartshaped, Emerald or Step Cut, Asher Cut, Radiant Cut and Lily Cut.

Clarity: Clarity refers to how free the stone is from inclusions or dark/black specks. On one end of the scale is flawless and on the lower end is included, where flawless is most expensive, and included is least expensive.

Color: Colors range from the letters D to Z, where D is colorless and most valuable.

Carat: 1 carat is equal to 100 equal parts or points. It weighs 200 metric grams. The price of diamond goes up exponentially with the carat weight. What that means is that the price of a 2 carat ring will not be double the cost of a 1 carat ring, but will be much more.

For a great tutorial and more details for selecting a diamond, click here.

A little bit about Nazuk and her style

Nazuk studied Jewelry Design and Manufacturing  from Jewellery Design and Technology Institute (JDTI), and Gemology from Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She is the founder and owner of Bijoux (New Delhi), where she hand selects the stones, designs and manufactures handcrafted fine diamond jewelry. She holds private exhibitions, and designs customized and classic jewelry according to her client’s budget, tastes and the occasion. Nazuk’s jewelry is contemporary, elegant, high end and fashionable, where she keeps global trends in mind. She primarily uses diamonds, along with colored and semi precious stones. To schedule an appointment with Nazuk, you can email her at nazukaggarwal@gmail.com.