Engagement Ring and its History

Picture the most perfect proposal in your mind. For most people, this usually involves an intimate, perfect date. Perhaps it's in a secluded area with a table for two bathed in candlelight. The woman is in a beautiful dress and the man is in a handsome suit. They might be laughing and talking over exquisite dishes, and they might go dancing. Then, without warning, the man will drop down on one knee, put his hand in his pocket and pull out a beautiful engagement ring and present it to the pleasantly surprised woman.

Then again, there have been unique proposals: while skydiving, while on the top of a tower, while simply lounging in bed. That doesn't make it any less special, but what seems to be the common denominator in all these scenarios is the presence of an engagement ring.

Have you ever wondered why it's common to give an engagement ring during a proposal instead of any other piece of jewellery? It is said that the ancient Egyptians are those who invented the engagement ring, with Greeks adopting the tradition. However, the practice can only be traced back reliably to Ancient Rome. In many countries, engagement rings are placed on the finger nearest the little finger on the left hand. It was believed that this finger contained a vein that led to the heart. Others believed that the ring was part of the bride price which represented ownership of the bride.

Roman brides were given two rings to wear: a gold one to wear in public and an iron one to be worn while doing household chores. It wasn't until the Renaissance era that using diamond rings were popularized and done by those of higher social class and wealth.

While we cannot exactly pinpoint the exact origin or purpose of the engagement ring, it has come to be a symbol of the commitment to eternal love. Today, it is indeed much easier to buy engagement ring for your bride to be. With so many choices and styles, the only daunting task is to choose which one she will like--but even that is taken care of. There is now an easier solution for those who don't know what engagement ring to buy. Engagement ring suppliers or jewellers can make you a plain band to propose with that can be embellished later on--which means you don't have to worry too much about not being able to please your bride to be.

Need help in picking out an engagement ring? There are many reputable jewellers in Singapore that will be able to offer you expert advice on all your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask! Whether you’re getting married now or in the future, having this knowledge in your arsenal will be extremely useful and quell your fears.

What To Know When Selecting and Buying Diamond Jewelleries

Buying a diamond is not an easy process. Although many of the stones that you'll be looking at for diamond earrings look fantastic, their appearances can be deceiving. Some flaws in the stones can only be seen under a heavy magnification, which means it is important for every buyer to know what the picture of their stone happens to be before they buy.

In order for you to select the right stones for your diamond rings, earrings, or other jewelleries, here is what you need to know right now.

Solitaire diamonds are more expensive. Jewelleries that are of a solitaire setting are typically more expensive because it is one large stone that is used to create the items. The same weight in smaller stones, however, can cost 90% less overall because it doesn't require the solid stone for the centerpiece and it will sparkle just as much.

Settings are just as important as the stone. Your diamond earrings are going to be exposed to a lot of different environments and a lot of movement throughout the day. The setting on your jewelleries is equally important because a poor setting can mean a lost diamond at the wrong time.

Make sure it is a certified diamond. Every diamond that is at least 1 carat in size should come with an accompanying gem report. This is an evaluation of the stone and grades it based on color and clarity. Flawless diamonds are going to have larger prices, but very slight inclusions, indicated by a VS1 or VS2 ranking, are also acceptable for most jewelleries that are worn every day.

Pick a good metal. Although platinum can be 4 times more expensive than gold, it is a more durable metal and will not show the little scratches and nicks over time that gold jewelleries will show. If you can't afford to get a solid platinum item, look for settings that are made from platinum to ensure that you're getting the very best deal.

Look for good trading opportunities. If you plan on upgrading your diamond rings later on in life, then look for good trading opportunities as you shop now for diamonds. See if you can turn in your jewelleries later on for credit toward newer pieces when you want them. This is especially important for those custom pieces that is very important to some customers.

Don't ignore the online market. Although shopping online for diamond jewelleries eliminates the ability to visually inspect the stones before the purchase, you can save upwards of 40% on the overall cost of your purchase by using an online vendor. Ask for the certified reports as you shop if applicable to make sure you're getting the best quality of stones instead of inferior stones that would normally not ever touch a display shelf.

When you know what to look for when you're shopping for diamonds, you'll be able to get the best diamond jewelleries to fulfill your needs. Use these tips today and you will certainly find an excellent stone at a fair, affordable price.

7 Tips When You Relocate to Singapore

So you’re set for a year—maybe two—of living and working in Singapore. Here are a few things to help you make the transition: 

1.    Find a furniture rental Singapore-based company.

Hiring the services of a rental furniture Singapore company is better than buying every piece of furniture you need, knowing you won’t be staying for more than two years anyway.And when it’s finally time for you to go, you won’t even have to worry about disposing of the furniture. You can leave any time you need to, without any worries and any furniture tying you down. 

2.    Look for a good apartment.

What’s a good apartment? Do you choose a place that’s a bit far, an hour away from where you work but it’s got everything you need and it’s even a few Singaporean dollars down from your ballpark or do you choose one that’s closer but a bit too pricey? Common sense dictates you go with the first choice. You can spend the money you saved on rent on other more important things. 

3.    Walk around the city.

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world. So you can walk around without fear, and discover the surprises and charms of this place all on your own. Whether you bring your trusty guidebook with you or just wander off, exploring the streets, you’re sure to be in for a treat. 

4.    Know the language

It’s always useful to know how to speak even the basics. That way, if you get lost or find yourself in an emergency, you won’t have to fear anything because you can communicate easily enough with the locals. 

5.    Learn the local transportation.

If you don’t have a car or can’t drive, commuting to work is going to be a challenge, unless you learn how to get around. Learn alternate routes to the office. Take the bus or MRT and find out which one is better for you. Both are cheap. Don’t take the cab all the time. It’s not practical. 

6.    Learn about the culture.

Know the basic Do’s and Don’ts. Strive to be respectful of all times. Be sensitive to cultural nuances. 

7.    Make friends.

Living abroad can be an exciting adventure but it can also be lonely. So make sure you find yourself some pals you can share a laugh with, a few meals and even a movie or two. It’ll make the experience so much better if you people to share it with.

7 Reasons Why Cold Beancurd is a Great Dessert

If you haven’t tried a cold beancurd ever, in your entire life, then it’s high time you did. Cold beancurd is a wonderful treat in Singapore. Here are seven reasons why: 

1.    It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Cold beancurd is an inexpensive dessert. You can easily afford to buy one for your daily midday snack without worrying that it’ll create a huge hole in your budget. A thin slice of cake can cost so much more and give you less nutrients and vitamins that a single serving of cold bean curd can. 

2.    It’s accessible.

There are plenty of restaurants and stalls that sell cold beancurd. If you want to have cold beancurd after your meal, it’ll be easy enough for you to find one.  

3.    It’s easy to make.

Want some home-made cold bean curd? No worries. Almost all grocery stores and supermarkets have plenty of ready-made ingredients to help you put together the cold beancurd of your dreams. Preparation even takes less than an hour. 

4.    It can turn from a simple snack into a fun treat.

Say you want a cold beancurd right away. But you want it done your way—mixed in with sugar syrup or Singapore soy milk that’s either in chocolate or vanilla flavor. Or if you want to totally reimagine this traditional snack, then you can add in some pearls, whipped cream and if you’re addicted to sweets, even sprinkles, and crushed candy canes. 

5.    It’s healthy.

Cold bean curd, especially when taken in its plain form, is healthy. If you want something healthy and sweet, add a bit of sugar syrup. A tiny amount will go a long way to adding sweetness to the mix. Or, you could add banana and apple slices for addedvitamins and nutrients. 

6.    It tastes just right.

With the many ways you could prepare a cold beancurd--whether sweet or plain or chocolatey or with durian or mango for a refreshing fruity taste. Or maybe with pearls and syrup and even chili sauce, it’s the kind of dessert that’s versatile enough to suit every taste out there. 

7.    It can be a meal, snack or dessert.

It’s essentially protein and glucose—if you add in some sugar syrup. It’s a great fix for people on-the-go who haven’t got the time to eat but who need the energy boost anyway. For those who simply want something to nosh on, it’s also a great snack and a wonderful after-meal treat.

Where to Score Used But Fully Functioning Printers for Sale in Singapore?

Printers are necessary nowadays. At home or in the office, printers are used to print documents and visual materials. This technology has enabled the sharing of information between colleagues to become easier and even more efficient. There are even multifunction printers that do more than just printing paper work. Some even scan and photocopy documents. If you are in need of a scanner, a photocopy machine and a printer, you can just get all three in one machine. You will be able to do more stuff and print more material if you have a multifunction printer in your arsenal.

Getting a new printer for your office or for your home is advisable. However, a new printer, especially a multifunction printer, can be a bit pricey for others. If you have a limited budget, you may not be able to afford a new printer. But do not worry. You can still find a more affordable printer in the market. There are sites that sell a used but fully functioning printer. Sale of these printers vary in price but the quality is still there. To help you choose, below is a list of sites you can visit to shop for secondhand printers in Singapore:

Locanto

Locanto is an online retailer that sells computer parts and softwares. Visitors can buy used computers, consoles, laptops, printers and monitors. The site also sells softwares, memory cards and video games. The site offers machines in Geylang, Hougang, Outram and other parts of Singapore. Printers by international companies such as Brother, Nikon, Epson and HP are sold half the price. But before you start your online shopping, you must create an online account. You can register using a personal email or you can register with Facebook or Goolge+. You can check the products being sold there on its official website: http://singapore.locanto.sg/.

Ebay

eBay is, arguably, the most popular online retail shop today. Many netizens visit the site to look for bargains and hard finds. A secondhand printer sale is common on eBay. Many sell their used buy fully functioning printers. Known brands such as Canon and Epson are sold. Printers parts such as cartridges are also commonly sold. You can check more on its site: http://www.ebay.com.sg/.

Archer Marketing

Archer Marketing is a photocopier and rental specialist based in Singapore. The company provides printer sale and rentals. So if your office is looking to rent a used printer, Archer Marketing offers a wide variety of printers. Know more about the company here: http://www.archer.com.sg/.

If you are looking for a printer, sale or rental of used machines can be found online. These shops or retail sites offer good quality printers. Just know the type of printer you need; then you can go ahead and start shopping!