Jason Biggs and the Proposal that Defied Tradition

I’ve heard of non-traditional engagement rings, but this is a first. Comedy star, Jason Biggs, threw convention out the window when he proposed to his girlfriend last year by presenting her not with a diamond for her ring finger, but with – an earring for her, um, lobe?

"I proposed twice," he told People.com. "We were in St Martin. I just bought her these earrings and I took one out of her ear and proposed to her with it."

You have to give the guy credit for spontaneity.

Biggs followed the impromptu proposal with a more formal one a few months later along with the traditional jewelry garb for such a weighty occasion. But a part of me thinks they should have left it at that.

Who says we have to wear an engagement ring to signify our pending nuptials? If you want to go wtih a ring, many folks are going with colored stones instead of icy diamond looks to mix things up. And there are some lovebirds who pledge their love for one another without jewelry altogether (god forbid).

Have any of you been proposed to with anything but a diamond ring? I'd like to hear your stories. Weigh in - and have a great holiday weekend!

Rock it in Rubies for the 4th

Can it be possible that it’s already time to July 4th our way through the weekend? Aside from strategic blanket placement at the fireworks display and avoiding drunk Uncle Joe at the family BBQ, the only thing you really have to worry about is adding a little red, white and blue to your wardrobe.

Luckily, the JI has your back.


Nothing says July more than the month’s birthstone – the rockin’ red ruby. And I say rockin’ because these days the stone is finding it’s way on more hip jewelry styles than your traditional cross necklace and simple pair of studs (the blood-thirsty Twilight vampires would surely agree).



Now, rubies are generally not thought of as an ‘affordable’ stone. They fall into the precious gemstone category along with sapphires and emeralds so are often found in higher price points than the frugalista budget allows.

But with your super secret code to the Friends and Family site, JewelClub, you have access to a whole host of ruby styles at 60% - 70% off the suggested retail price.



I just did a search through their stash, and there are plenty of cool styles that would go perfectly with your Americana garb this weekend – from bold cocktail rings to fun fashion pieces like this ruby purse pendant that is only $60 with their special July discount on selected ruby merchandise. And the original price? $279!!



So whether you’re in the market for the 4th or want to get a meaningful gift for the July birthday girl in your life, take a gander at the JewelClub treasure chest (www.jewelclub.com), enter the special code: INSIDER and walk away with savings you won’t get anywhere else.

Happy birthday to America, happy birthday to you.

Swarovski Opens Concept Store

Looking lovely in white, Gossip Girls star Blake Lively hosted the opening of the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED Concept Store in New York on Thursday, June 25th.

Lively was joined by Chloe Sevigny, Lucy Liu, and Evan Rachel Wood as she unveiled the special editions necklaces for the launch of the store. All the proceeds go to benefit charity: water, a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.



"The availability of clean water is such an important issue and it is wonderful to be involved in a project that is striving to make this basic resource available to all people throughout the world," Lively said.

The Swarovski Concept Store will offer customizable jewelry for its customers, as well as collections from cutting edge designers.



So if you’re in New York City and want a cool, new item for your girls’ night ‘to do’ list or a groovy gift idea for your bridesmaids, head to the Swarovski store where you can sip iced lattes while they put the finishing touches on your customized jewelry piece.

A much better idea for bridesmaids' gifts than a (snore) picture frame or a scented candle, right?