#also its simultaneously very of its time and timeless

[testosterone-girldog]

realizing that a big reason why i like house md so much is because in order to watch it it demands that you engage with it critically... everyone in the show sucks by design, they've all got numerous biases, you have to contend with all of that. you get to see messy opinions and feelings, you get to watch characters as their opinions develop and change (or don't), and you get to compare it all against what YOU think.

[over-smiles-and-over-wine]

In honor of the 7th birthday of BTWIFY, my absolute favorite album of all time, the non-comprehensive and off the cuff thoughts about each song that spring to mind presently:

Every Time I Hear That Song - The thesis of the album. "That's twice you broke my heart now, the first was way back when, and to know you're still unhappy only makes it break again". (You might think I've posted that line an amount of times that could be described as 'excessive', but you'd be wrong, because that's not possible.)

The Joke - Everything I could say has already been said by myself and others. I have a memory in complete photographic detail of really *Hearing* this song for the first time while getting on the tiny exit off of the highway to my old barn and feeling like (employing Brandi's metaphors that make no literal sense) my blood was turning a different color and consistency

Hold out Your Hand - I love this song. My litmus test for how I'm feeling about the political and cultural state of the country at any given time is whether it makes me feel immortal or want to break down crying. It's a coin flip.

The Mother - Truly, I'm not old enough to fully connect to this song from the perspective of the speaker, but that does not stop it from making me have All Of The Emotions. It's the notion of possibly being a mother myself in the future and what that would look like, while simultaneously thinking about my own mother and all that she went through, and also the human-ness and raw honesty of the song itself. (Also, her "I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing so I'm just going off of pure instinct and my instincts just happen to be very good" style of guitar playing really shines here)

Whatever You Do - Yeah. [insert all of the lyrics to the song]

Fulton County Jane Doe - Probably one of the only people for which this song has one of the most direct personal associations on the album. You were more than Fulton County Jane.

Sugartooth - This is the song that made it really fully Click for me about BCB the first time I heard it. Like, "okay, this is My Band forever now and I would die for any of them". Still very much a top personal favorite. Can only listen to it under certain circumstances because it makes my throat close up.

Most of All - Ah, Most of All, the subject of my paper which maybe I will finish one day possibly maybe. Every time I talk about it it turns into 200+ words of incomprehensible rambling, so I'm not going to go down that rabbit hole right now, but you get it. I don't worry much about time lost, I'm not gunning for the dreams I couldn't find because he taught me how to walk the best that I can on the road I've left behind.

Harder to Forgive - Have not actually gotten out an instrument to figure it out, but just by ear, I think this song has her lowest note on a studio recording. Another one that could be the subject of a paper, but presently I'm not going down that path again, lol. Summary: a lot of the time, completion is letting go of the need for completion.

Party of One - So many thoughts, so many feelings. Could make a strong argument that this is her most Joni song behind You and Me on the Rock. The lyrics themselves are so specific and personal and therefore finite, but the real sentiment is completely and absolutely timeless, and that duality is just. I mean it so seriously when I say this song has a life of its own.

[ceekbee]

Very happy indeed, having a new cargo of essays for you, arriving in this second volume: here is one of them: Sojourn. DW

SOJOURN

is what we all do, every day of our restless lives: arrive, stay a while and then move on. Sojourn captures that simultaneous sense of recent arrival, intriguing stay, and adventurous departure necessary to the underlying joy and happiness of our human essence. Sojourn is a word that melds the three tenses of past, present and future together. We are creatures of the sudden hello, the getting to know and the long or the short goodbye, but sojourn is also a word that understands that even in our briefest stays we are changing and being changed by what we stay with. Staying with something is to change and deepen whatever we are staying with; staying itself is a journey that always leads to altering our further departures. Sojourn takes its definition by being a stay between journeys that is also a journey in itself.

Human beings love the idea and the ideal of the eternal and the unchanging, but seem to meet that eternal only in the never ending invitation to see and experience the underlying unstoppable and changing nature of existence. We intuitively understand that we conspire in this state of affairs, we are both helpless witnesses and unconscious engines of change every moment of our day, witnessing and causing trouble even in our simple passing through. Indeed, there is no trouble-making change agent to match our very own bodies, which moves on without our asking or without a bye or leave, through the thresholds of maturation without a stop or a halt. By the agency of some hidden, unstoppable driver of change, the body makes its pilgrim way through childhood, into adolescence, into adulthood, into eldership, into the sudden realisation that our next journey is into our own disappearance all accompanied, we hope, by our own noble attempt at a brave goodbye. The body we realise, seeing in that one single glance in the mirror, the youth we were, the person we are now and the elder we are about to become, is the ultimate sojourner.

Whether we are world travellers or home bound stick-in-the-muds, we are creatures just traveling through: our essence and our attention caught, even as we sit in our arm chairs gazing at our screens, by mythological images that mirror our traveling nature: that stranger at the door asking for alms and hospitality, that handsome traveller at a bar asking not so innocently for a good time, that good Samaritan on the road offering to help, that ultimate pilgrim of the restless, Clint Eastwood, turning his horse toward the sunset, having freed the town from awful predators, all of us, believers or not, vicarious travellers in great and timeless religious images inherited from our past: Christ entering Jerusalem, St Paul struck down on the road to Damascus, Basho’s narrow road to the far north; all of us, caught imaginatively whether we go or not, by the pilgrim roads of the world: the road to Varanasi, the road to Santiago the road to Graceland, the trackless roads across the oceans our ancestors explored: all beckoning us on to some place where something wonderful already happened and where something wonderful, something beyond my present, might well happen to me.

The underlying undertow of existence, even in our most rested state is restless, tidal change, and our agency and context for this restless travel is longing in all its forms: physiological and psychological: even Zen students, refusing to move, sitting stock still in their black robes, on their black cushions, travel invisibly on the road of longing: the longing, strangely, to be free of the restless mind, in order to be at rest with the true, underlying restless movement of the world. Each of us, sojourners all, even when we seem to be as quiet and as still as a mouse, journeying on into some other, longed for spaciousness, every step of our restless way.

From Consolations II

The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words

David Whyte

Now Available in Preorder Signed by the Author

https://davidwhyte.com/store/book/consolations-ii/

Consolations II was written in something of an intense delirium between January and the end of July this year. I wrote sixty essays in those seven months, fifty two of which are included in this volume. It was such a physically intense experience that in the hours of daily writing, I began to undergo all kinds of strange psychological phenomena, many of which folded back into and magnified the depth and reach of the later essays. The essay entitled 'Time' most especially, propelled me into a full blown, out -of-body experience in the room in which I was writing, overlooking the Italian countryside. As in my life in general, the essays in this second volume are a little more intense, a little edgier, and ask a little more of the reader than the first volume. I hope you enjoy them while being challenged and being invited a little further than you might have contemplated wanting to go... DW

[vinylspinning]

Heavy Cruiser: Lucky Dog!! (1973)

Neil Merryweather was a busy man 50 years ago, simultaneously juggling songwriting, production, recording, and overall masterminding duties for two full-time rock groups in Mama Lion, fronted by his girlfriend Lynn Carey, and Heavy Cruiser.

The previous year had witnessed the release of both groups' debut offerings, Preserve Wildlife from Mama Lion and a self-titled LP from Heavy Cruiser; so '73 inevitably saw a pair of sophomore efforts in Give it Everything I've Got and today's subject, Lucky Dog!!

At least Merryweather (born Robert Neilson Lillie in Winnipeg, Canada) was no stranger to hard work, having paid his dues with several '60s groups (including a post-Neil Young Mynah Birds featuring Rick James) before issuing two more LPs with the simply named Merryweather.

That being said, one thing vocalist and bassist Neil, guitarist Rick Gaxoila, keyboardist James Newton Howard, and drummer Coffi Hall hadn't counted on was having to remain anonymous on Heavy Cruiser's records, on the orders of their label boss, Artie Ripp.

Seems Ripp (who was also busy screwing up Billy Joel's nascent career) didn't want it known that the same band backing up Carey in Family Productions' priority act, Mama Lion, were also moonlighting here -- hence the canine avatars gracing the cover of Lucky Dog!!

Of course none of it mattered, in the end, because man and beast alike were dealt a losing hand at this metaphorical poker table ...

Whereas the sheer energy exhibited by Heavy Cruiser's debut had elevated the demos upon which it was built to respectable, certainly entertaining hard rock standards, Lucky Dog!! was simply too stylistically scattered to overcome its rushed creative process.

First cut "Everytime I Hear Your Music" quickly electro-funks itself into gear but never achieves any real momentum before the record nearly loses all of its chips with the understated, fusion synth-laden "Mirrors in Your Eyes," and the full-on jazzy "Where You Gonna Run To."

Good thing the earthy rock 'n' soul (piano, lady backing vocalists) of "Gotta Get Away" keeps the boys in the game long enough for the quality hard rock of "Open Your Eyes" and a clever bluff of The Kinks' "You Really Got Me" (in which the organ, not the guitar, carries that timeless riff) to win a few rounds.

Subsequent numbers like "Supergirl," "I'll Receive You," and the hypnotic, mostly acoustic "Freefall Glider" can do little more than fold defensively in order to minimize the damage, but our gambling pooches had one ace up their, uh, collars, in the uniquely well-crafted "Concrete Jungle."

Here, Merryweather's sly vocals coast mysteriously over Gaxoila and Coffi's confident, mid-paced groove, plus superlative keyboards from Howard, who follows a beautiful classical piano intro with punchy space rock synthesizer figures.

And in case you've been wondering, this IS the same James Newton Howard who would go on to work with Elton John, Ringo Starr, and Harry Nilsson, among others, then found his calling as an award-winning composer for film and television, with more eye-popping credits than my lazy fingers care to reproduce here.

It's Howard, not Merryweather, who keeps Heavy Cruiser's sophomore album in the game, but it was all for naught, because both they and Mama Lion ultimately went bust, breaking up later that year in Paris, mid-tour.

Neil quickly rebounded the very next year under his own name and delivered some of his best work (part space rock, part glam) on '74's Space Rangers and '75's Kryptonite.

He remained busy, working behind the scenes with countless musicians, and even enjoyed some belated appreciation from internet-empowered enthusiasts like me before passing away in March of 2021, at the age of 75.

More Neil Merryweather: Space Rangers, Kryptonite; Heavy Cruiser’s Heavy Cruiser; Mama Lion’s Preserve Wildlife, Give it Everything I’ve Got.

[man-down-in-hatchet-town]

Thoroughly Unhinged Pulp Musicals Crack Theory: Margaret IS Urania

Okay so this is all very wild but I wrote here about Kal's name and the Antikythera connection reminding me of Kalliope (shout out to @its-short-for-jackalope for figuring out that Matt's using the K spelling), and about how this could possibly link Kal (and maybe Margaret) to the Greek Gods. And well, Jack and I have been losing our minds chatting and that gave me this goofy but very fun idea. (Theory under the cut.)

If we theorize that Kal is Kalliope, and also the same species as Margaret and the Traveler... then wouldn't it make sense to assume that Margaret and the Traveler are Muses as well? After all, they are notably both women, on top of having godlike powers and apparently being timeless.

But which Muses are they? I'd say the Traveler is most likely Polyhymnia--the internet can't seem to agree on any universal rule for depicting her but some common tropes include white clothing and a cloak, which matches up with Jackie's Traveler character art. Also, alongside being the Muse of hymns and sacred poetry she is the Muse of agriculture, and the first thing we ever see the Traveler do is grow an entire ecosystem.

But most importantly Margaret has to be Urania, the Muse of astronomy herself. This fits with her connection to the moon and knowledge of astronomy, math, and science. When we visit her penthouse in the Great Moon Hoax, Matt even mentions how she has all of these "models of planets spinning," matching up with the orbs and astronomical gear Urania is often depicted with. (If we wanna get really down in the weeds, he also describes the place as "like a museum," and, uh, guess where we get that word. From the greek word "mouseion," which indicated a place dedicated to/belonging to the muses, essentially one of their "homes." If this theory does turn out to be true, then Matt and I are going to have to have some words because this being an actual clue would be INSANE.) (Shout out to Jack for reminding me to look at the description of the apartment. Partner-in-fandom-insanity-crime, as ever.)

(Also this theory makes "Urania Propitia" simultaneously funnier and somehow even more emotional. Like, yeah the Muse of astronomy really is favoring Maria Cunitz at that very moment. Our girl made it big.)

But then what brought them to where they are now? Polyhymnia traveling alone and sending her sister through time and space, Urania seemingly exiled with no memory of her past, and Kalliope on a very special voyage through the Sargasso Sea...

And where are the other six?

[cleverhottubmiracle]

MILAN — Jewellery has remained buoyant even as demand for luxury fashion and watches slowed dramatically in recent quarters. Milanese jeweller Pomellato is no exception — offering a rare bright spot for owner Kering, whose flagship brand Gucci has been among the hardest hit by the industry’s downturn. In April, Kering flagged Pomellato’s “excellent quarter,” driven in particular by new pieces in its iconic Nudo line. Its Place Vendôme jewellery house Boucheron also grew, even as the group’s overall sales sank by 11 percent. Founded in 1967, Pomellato is a relative newcomer in the world of storied jewellery houses, where leading players like Cartier, Bulgari and Tiffany date back to the 19th century. But the brand has an edge on competitors when it comes to focusing on colourful pieces women are likely to buy for themselves, as a new generation of empowered, self-purchasing clients transform the historically gifting-focused jewellery industry. Founded by Pino Rabolini in Swinging Sixties Milan with the idea to attract modern, young women with bold yet wearable designs, the house continues to channel that legacy with best-selling collections, such as Nudo, recognisable for its single, exposed coloured gemstones. Meaning “naked” in Italian, Nudo is designed to be stacked and self-styled, with pieces starting at €2,100. Some pieces are doublet set to create the illusion of striking, improbable hues — superposing agate with topaz to create a bright turquoise effect, or rose quartz with chalcedony for a deep warm pink. “We don’t have as much history to share, but we have something special: the story of femininity and a woman who was really re-born in the Seventies,” chief executive Sabina Belli says. Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli. (Pomellato) At Pomellato, 80 percent of purchases are now made by women. The brand’s emphasis on catering to female buyers is an attempt to make jewellery “not such an inhibiting category,” Belli says. Purchases made to celebrate oneself and one’s achievements can build an even stronger emotional connection with brands than more traditional gift and occasion buying. “When it’s your own money and your own choice, there is something much more intimate and strong,” adds Belli. She points out that she herself is a “very Pomellato woman… I am working, I make my own money, I’m very independent and autonomous.”The jewellery category’s recent outperformance can be attributed in large part to a clear value proposition for buyers. Even as the cost of gold and other materials climbed, prices for jewellery have increased less dramatically than in fashion. At the same time, an uncertain global economy has caused customers to refocus their luxury splurges on items that will hold their value over time. “If times get a bit tougher, as we’re currently seeing, then timeless luxury is of higher value,” says Achim Berg, former McKinsey partner and founder of consultancy FashionSIGHTS.Jewellery falls into the timeless category. “The equation has changed. A lot of the other luxury goods have become overpriced in recent years, and jewellery looks relatively cheaper. It’s seen as a relatively more solid investment,” says Berg. “It gives you a precious metal – diamond, gold, platinum. It has intrinsic value, independent from a secondary market, which is different from leather goods.”While jewellery houses are being savvy about maintaining a competitive value proposition for their fine and demi-fine ranges, they’re simultaneously benefiting from a lack of price resistance at the top end of their offer: High jewellery has boomed in recent years as brands expand their efforts in the segment, finding that shocks to the wider economy are less likely to touch ultra-wealthy buyers drawn to rare stones and high craftsmanship. For them, “it’s important to own a piece that shows a high level of manufacturing, a high level of attention to detail and creativity,” says Belli.The pieces were crafted in-house in Milan by the company’s 150 goldsmiths, some of whom have worked for the company for over 30 years. (Pomellato) Today, Pomellato is unveiling 75 new one-off pieces priced from €50,000 to €1 million: its latest high jewellery collection, titled “Collezione 1967”. The range has grown significantly since Pomellato entered the segment in 2020 with a collection of just a dozen or so jewels.The latest collection references designs from Pomellato’s archive that typify key decades in its history: chains from the 1970s, volumes from the 1980s and colours of the 1990s. One statement-making necklace features a 38-carat cabochon aquamarine, paired with a matching 16-carat drop, dangling from a chunky, twisted gold chain in the house’s signature Forçat link. Like all of Pomellato’s jewels, the pieces were crafted in-house in Milan by the company’s 150 goldsmiths, some of whom have worked for the company for over 30 years. Despite their precious components and high price-tags, the designs are intended to be wearable beyond galas or the red carpet.“You can wear them with a blazer or a white shirt in a very elegant situation, not [just] a crazy-elegant situation,” says Belli. With jewellery remaining a key bright spot for luxury, Pomellato is also working to help re-activate the category for stablemate Gucci, which first entered high jewellery in 2019. Gucci and Pomellato will soon unveil a high jewellery collaboration titled “Monili”. Featuring edgy designs that fuse leather with Pomellato’s signature chains, the collection was teased at the Gucci cruise show in May. As luxury continues to slump — consultancy Bain estimates sales are likely to fall between 2 and 5 percent this year — fashion and jewellery brands alike are looking to boost their top end. “The market is pretty polarised,” Berg says. “The top end – i.e. high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth customers — have continued to spend. They are not impacted by the macroeconomic environment, and also less impressed by the geopolitical issues. In that sense I see high-end jewellery as another attempt to access that customer group.” Source link

[norajworld]

MILAN — Jewellery has remained buoyant even as demand for luxury fashion and watches slowed dramatically in recent quarters. Milanese jeweller Pomellato is no exception — offering a rare bright spot for owner Kering, whose flagship brand Gucci has been among the hardest hit by the industry’s downturn. In April, Kering flagged Pomellato’s “excellent quarter,” driven in particular by new pieces in its iconic Nudo line. Its Place Vendôme jewellery house Boucheron also grew, even as the group’s overall sales sank by 11 percent. Founded in 1967, Pomellato is a relative newcomer in the world of storied jewellery houses, where leading players like Cartier, Bulgari and Tiffany date back to the 19th century. But the brand has an edge on competitors when it comes to focusing on colourful pieces women are likely to buy for themselves, as a new generation of empowered, self-purchasing clients transform the historically gifting-focused jewellery industry. Founded by Pino Rabolini in Swinging Sixties Milan with the idea to attract modern, young women with bold yet wearable designs, the house continues to channel that legacy with best-selling collections, such as Nudo, recognisable for its single, exposed coloured gemstones. Meaning “naked” in Italian, Nudo is designed to be stacked and self-styled, with pieces starting at €2,100. Some pieces are doublet set to create the illusion of striking, improbable hues — superposing agate with topaz to create a bright turquoise effect, or rose quartz with chalcedony for a deep warm pink. “We don’t have as much history to share, but we have something special: the story of femininity and a woman who was really re-born in the Seventies,” chief executive Sabina Belli says. Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli. (Pomellato) At Pomellato, 80 percent of purchases are now made by women. The brand’s emphasis on catering to female buyers is an attempt to make jewellery “not such an inhibiting category,” Belli says. Purchases made to celebrate oneself and one’s achievements can build an even stronger emotional connection with brands than more traditional gift and occasion buying. “When it’s your own money and your own choice, there is something much more intimate and strong,” adds Belli. She points out that she herself is a “very Pomellato woman… I am working, I make my own money, I’m very independent and autonomous.”The jewellery category’s recent outperformance can be attributed in large part to a clear value proposition for buyers. Even as the cost of gold and other materials climbed, prices for jewellery have increased less dramatically than in fashion. At the same time, an uncertain global economy has caused customers to refocus their luxury splurges on items that will hold their value over time. “If times get a bit tougher, as we’re currently seeing, then timeless luxury is of higher value,” says Achim Berg, former McKinsey partner and founder of consultancy FashionSIGHTS.Jewellery falls into the timeless category. “The equation has changed. A lot of the other luxury goods have become overpriced in recent years, and jewellery looks relatively cheaper. It’s seen as a relatively more solid investment,” says Berg. “It gives you a precious metal – diamond, gold, platinum. It has intrinsic value, independent from a secondary market, which is different from leather goods.”While jewellery houses are being savvy about maintaining a competitive value proposition for their fine and demi-fine ranges, they’re simultaneously benefiting from a lack of price resistance at the top end of their offer: High jewellery has boomed in recent years as brands expand their efforts in the segment, finding that shocks to the wider economy are less likely to touch ultra-wealthy buyers drawn to rare stones and high craftsmanship. For them, “it’s important to own a piece that shows a high level of manufacturing, a high level of attention to detail and creativity,” says Belli.The pieces were crafted in-house in Milan by the company’s 150 goldsmiths, some of whom have worked for the company for over 30 years. (Pomellato) Today, Pomellato is unveiling 75 new one-off pieces priced from €50,000 to €1 million: its latest high jewellery collection, titled “Collezione 1967”. The range has grown significantly since Pomellato entered the segment in 2020 with a collection of just a dozen or so jewels.The latest collection references designs from Pomellato’s archive that typify key decades in its history: chains from the 1970s, volumes from the 1980s and colours of the 1990s. One statement-making necklace features a 38-carat cabochon aquamarine, paired with a matching 16-carat drop, dangling from a chunky, twisted gold chain in the house’s signature Forçat link. Like all of Pomellato’s jewels, the pieces were crafted in-house in Milan by the company’s 150 goldsmiths, some of whom have worked for the company for over 30 years. Despite their precious components and high price-tags, the designs are intended to be wearable beyond galas or the red carpet.“You can wear them with a blazer or a white shirt in a very elegant situation, not [just] a crazy-elegant situation,” says Belli. With jewellery remaining a key bright spot for luxury, Pomellato is also working to help re-activate the category for stablemate Gucci, which first entered high jewellery in 2019. Gucci and Pomellato will soon unveil a high jewellery collaboration titled “Monili”. Featuring edgy designs that fuse leather with Pomellato’s signature chains, the collection was teased at the Gucci cruise show in May. As luxury continues to slump — consultancy Bain estimates sales are likely to fall between 2 and 5 percent this year — fashion and jewellery brands alike are looking to boost their top end. “The market is pretty polarised,” Berg says. “The top end – i.e. high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth customers — have continued to spend. They are not impacted by the macroeconomic environment, and also less impressed by the geopolitical issues. In that sense I see high-end jewellery as another attempt to access that customer group.” Source link

[soophiemoories]

Modern Radiance: The Ethics Behind That Glowing Lab-Grown Diamond Rings

At a time when value and aesthetics seem to come more and more together, the radiant cut lab-grown diamond rings have been seen as pretty appealing to that modern couple. Not just for an enthralling glowing effect, but for those who value strong ethical and sustainable principles, it would be a good fit perfect for expressing love in all its integrity and innovated wisdom.

Radiant Cut: Light Meets Structure

A radiant cut diamond carries an incredible power of catching and reflecting the light in the rare configuration of its shape and structure. It is a design that combines the elegance of an emerald cut with the brilliance of a round cut, holding 70 facets which create a vibrant display of light and color. Such a design maximizes sparkle while also improving the clarity of the diamond for a clear view of the depth of its brilliance.

Radiant Cut: Radiant cut has rectangularly cut ends with cropped corners, hence giving a strong yet elegant look. This helps it to go well with various ring settings that range from the simplest solitaire setting to more elaborative halo designs. This is due to the reason that radiant cut diamonds can especially be designed according to the personal style and taste of every couple.

Lab-Grown Diamonds: The Breakthrough Into Ethical Luxury

The culturing of diamonds also marks a milestone in the jewelry world, spurred by growing awareness about broader ethical and environmental concerns. Cultured diamonds are manufactured in labs using state-of-the-art technologies that mimic the natural processes under which diamonds grow in the earth, thereby creating gems identical in composition to those mined from the earth.

First of the advantages is that lab-grown diamonds are obtained ethically. In contrast to mined diamonds, which are linked to harming the environment and immoral acts, the latter is produced in controlled environments with minimal environmental disruption. The sustainability method shuns exploitation associated with mining and leaves consumers with a clear conscience, as it is well within their environmental budget.

Financial Benefits With No Sacrifice

And not only do they make ethical sense; they're also very financially favorable. They are much cheaper than mined diamonds, and thereby cost-conscious couples can select larger or better-quality stones that may otherwise be beyond their budget. Most importantly, as lab-grown diamonds have the same optical properties and brilliance as natural diamonds, no quality trade-off is required to purchase an affordable diamond.

Thirdly, the process of cultivating a diamond in a laboratory prevents lab-grown diamonds from harboring impurities associated with mined diamonds. The presence of impurities enhances the stone's clarity and beauty and makes them an excellent investment for many searching for perfection in their jewelry.

Choosing Radiant Cut Lab-Grown Diamond Rings: A Reflection of Values

A radiant cut lab-grown diamond ring becomes a matter of personal style, values, and commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and financial prudence -- the best of what discerning couples today represent. The radiant cut combines exceptional sparkle and modern design with a forward-thinking approach to love and life.

These are gorgeous accessories, but beyond the beauty and adornments they hold over the journey of a couple, they signify clarity, resilience, and ethical consideration - a minimalist ring or otherwise detailed vintage design, for instance. A radiant cut lab-grown diamond ring symbolizes the beauty in classic forever love and progressive values.

Conclusion: Radiance in the Modern Age

At a time when choice does matter, radiant cut lab-grown diamond rings are simply an elegantly beautiful manner of honoring both tradition and innovation simultaneously. Embedded within the timelessness of diamonds, they emphasize doing what is right and wise in terms of the finances. By choosing a radiant cut lab-grown diamond, you celebrate your love; you also consciously make a decision reflecting a commitment to a brighter future enabled by sustainability. May this ring mean the wonderful journey you both are about to start, walking hand in hand over the shone path of clarity and brilliance, and shared values.

[inventedworld]

INFLUENCERS

A significant number of readers can probably recall a time when substantial creative works actually played a role in shaping broader cultural conversations. A casual perusal of important books from the 1980s immediately recalls the many ways their contents suffused American life, even among those who haven’t read them. Consider this short list:

The Color Purple

Neuromancer

The Satanic Verses

The Bonfire of the Vanities

A Brief History of Time

I’m conscious of how influential creative expressions from previous eras delivered their cultural payloads through different media mechanisms than they do today. (We can leave that examination for another day.) I’m also focusing on the 1980s precisely because the media landscape in that decade describes global cultures avant les déluge.  Anyone remember just how much cultural muscle the magazine market exerted with weekly articles and photo-spreads? Make a sandwich, open a magazine, read something with lunch: ordinary behavior in 1980. The implications of that behavior, however, extend far beyond simply consuming content in non-electronic formats. A culture capable of even casually reading anything — car magazines, gossip magazines, music magazines, newspapers— meant its citizens were capable of simply focusing on something—anything—for more than a fleeting moment, by which I mean minutes not seconds. Hold that thought (if you can focus for more than a fleeting moment), ‘cause I’ll be back to it shortly.

In the 1980s, things began to change. No single factor provoked this, although multiple contemporaneous forces converged, as is often the historical norm during moment of profound change.  (For your consideration: the end of The Cold War; satellite communications; personal computers)  Pop music encountered, for better or worse, the second British Invasion, amplified by the era’s biggest meme machine, MTV. Hollywood, for better or worse, began to get its hands around the idea of tentpole properties—think Back to the Future and Indiana Jones— rather than “major motion pictures” from the previous decade —think Apocalypse Now and Chinatown. CNN inaugurated the first 24-hour news cycle in any medium. Nobody watched it very much in the beginning, but the awareness that such a thing existed at all—24 hours of news every day!—rapidly changed expectations about how often anyone might need or want updated information about anything.

I started this essay focusing on books for a reason. Books, I believe, often amount to leading cultural indicators of deep cultural changes, as well as simultaneous mechanisms for making sense of where we’ve already been. The list at the top suggests both. In just five titles, we see windsocks about identity politics, technological inseparability from all aspects of modern life, and existential examinations placed in the cultural foreground. Even among the many people who did not read these titles, these books and a small pile of others profoundly changed the cultural conversation. They were influencers. If you have any doubt about their profound influence [sic], consider:

The Color Purple has recently been turned into a movie for the second time, and continues to function as a vital engine for cultural dialogue

Apple released what might arguably be the first mainstream mirrorshades

Western tensions with wide portions of the Islamic world have not abated

Wealth disparities have expanded and become more visible and more divisive

Scientific and technical conversations have become a daily part of ordinary life, including extraordinary telescopes designed to rewrite our understanding of our own cosmic origin story

Change accelerated in the 1990s. Clearly there were other titles of profound influence: Infinite Jest prognostically anticipated the ubiquitously commercialized future. The Things They Carried looked backwards—and prognostically forwards—at the timeless experiences of soldiers at war.  But one event on August 6, 1991 shredded everything. You’re reading this essay on the outgassed exhalations of that initial moment of ignition. That day, the World Wide Web appeared with its first publicly facing page, offering the potential for a million monkeys to write neo-Shakespearean verse.  

The expression “fast forward”  ironically recalls an analogue world of magnetic tape spinning on spindles. Now it’s a cute anachronism. Therefore, fast forward to today and recall my earlier charge to consider minutes not seconds. Today’s influencers provoke us to engage with information at the metaphorically atomic scale. Largely gone from the day-to-day national dialogue are long-form magazine articles. It’s true that long form essays still appear online and in the quaint printed pages of The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Sunday New York Times, and a handful of others. But those print pages are essentially dead sheafs of tree pulp (sad), and their online versions do not have the same cultural influence they may have had in decades past.  They may be sharable, and thus easier to share (I mean, obviously), but I do not believe that broader cultural dialogue hangs on modern “sharables” in the same ways that millions of people used to wait for the latest cover stories in Time or Newsweek.  

Airport lounges present fewer book covers facing opposing chairs than ever before, replaced with the anodyne backs of cell phones held by slack jawed travelers lost in endless scrolls. Movies themselves have been relegated to last-option slouch sessions on couches, often broken up by refrigerator raids and distracting images on second screens competing for attention. Music these days is…strange. Songs appear in endless streams and playlists, separated from albums, floating adjacent to the artists themselves. To paraphrase a song in the Wizard of Oz, “Click-click here, click-click there, and a couple of tra-la-las…that’s how we move our thumbs all day….!”

What’s constant, as usual, is change. Nobody gets wildly excited about tulip bulbs anymore, but clearly people still get excited about all sorts of other stuff. Excitement does not equate to influence, however. What captures my attention and makes me worry is that the influence invested by simply the constant pursuit of stimulation has largely supplanted any actual influence from creative work. Influencers have become their own source material, rather than the source material influencing new creators. There are no longer movies in common cultural conversation, no novels that everyone can cite, precious few collective moments that remind us we’re not alone. As if to amplify this point, it’s worth noting that the trend continues to accelerate. As culture becomes more and more self-cannabalizing, we’re just about to usher in artificial intelligence to supercharge the recursive process. Soon even our own sharables will become synthetic creations of soulless systems. 

In other words, après vous, le déluge. 

@michaelstarobin

facebook.com/michaelstarobin

[gyaru-tau]

whats ur favourite movies from each genre (comedy, sci-fi, horror) :>

Ohhh, that's a good question but simultaneously I also don't really watch a lot of movies, funnily enough?? But if I had to pick... Comedy - I kinda mulled this over for a bit but I think I'm gonna give this one to Megamind. Not only is it like. A surprisingly fantastic subversion of the superhero genre in so many clever ways but it's also just.... Incredibly timeless, I think. AHEAD of its time, even. All the comedy lands and it gets funnier the older I get. Horror - Does the entire SAW franchise count? I'm counting the full thing since I have trouble picking a favorite. It's a series with such simple origins but It absolutely spirals (pun intended) into what I consider the world's weirdest soap opera. Like as soon as you think there's nothing left for them to say about this story they come out with a new movie. It's a wild, dramatic, and very gorey time. Sci-fi - I??? Honestly don't even know??? Unless if there's something super obvious that isn't clicking in my head yet I can't really think of any sci fi movie that sticks out to me, oof

[homedecor666666]

Painting the Walls and Ceiling the Same Color

Color is one of the simplest and most impactful things we can do in any interior design! Paint can largely affect how big or small a room reads, the feel of its natural light, and even potential emotion within it. One trend in recent years is using different colors for your wall/ceiling set. Once a fringe method, the approach is now lauded for its capacity to yield a holistic and immersive designer cape that appeals visually.

Creating Cohesive Spaces

Painting your walls and ceilings the same color helps to create one continuous space. This design decision renders an uninterrupted space without stopping eye movement - there are no visual breaks between walls and ceilings, but only a smooth transition from a floor to a wall. This can be especially useful in confined spaces, as it can allow them to appear larger and more open. A room with different colors provides a more abrupt transition and the room itself feels broken up.

Enhancing Architectural Features

A significant architectural arrangement also will come forth when the ceiling is painted of equal color as its walls. This will make it so, for example, if there are interesting moldings or exposed roofbeams in the room A color is very effective to give them a higher impact and not hidden amongst other details. It gives the different pieces of these environments a unified look that allows everything to pull back while still showing off the architecture itself. It forms a good backdrop that lets furniture, artwork, and other decor take center stage.

Considerations and Tips

Here are a few things to keep in mind before moving forward with the same color you painted your walls and ceiling. Start with what room you are painting and its purpose in your decision-making on color. Other areas of the home, such as bedrooms and living spaces may be more conducive to warmer, softer shades while kitchens or bathrooms may benefit from lighter colors that are clear and bright.

Lighting is very important too. Colors can look different in natural light at different times of the day, so make sure to test out your color choice in all lighting conditions. Samples swatches or small painted areas are some of the best ways to help you decide.

Lastly, consider how the room is furnished and decorated. Although a monochromatic scheme might sound like a minimalist approach and can make up a desirable canvas, it must look good with the stuff you have.

Conclusion

Continuing painting for the required area, it is possible to paint the walls and the ceiling in the same color which will produce an accent and significantly change the overall outlook of the room. It gives continuity, improves the shapes of buildings, and can simultaneously provide an atmosphere of closeness and openness in a room. Drawing out the color that could complement the abode’s lighting and the interrelated finish work, such an approach may create elegant and timeless interiors. In essence, this experimental technique can be used in more ways than one whether one wants a simple and easy-to-undertake design or a more audacious and sensational design.

[talk-today]

Why the Irish-Themed Party is the Best Hen Party Activity

A hen party, synonymous with a bachelorette celebration, is a time-honoured tradition, a centuries-long ritual of letting loose before the impending nuptials. In this exploration, we delve into the cultural sanctity of the Irish hen party, where the fusion of cultural opulence, dynamic entertainment, and the creation of unforgettable moments for the bride and her esteemed guests takes centre stage. 

Lively Atmosphere

Irish dance is well known for its energetic and cadence rhythmic beats which are irresistible and they attract the viewers through irresistible movements and cadence beats. The Irish Dance Party creates a vibrant and vigorous atmosphere in which the hen parties is not just a mere ceremony but an entertaining and long lasting memory.

Bonding Through Dance

There is a kind of magic that is delivered through dance, that unites the participants in a common dance, making the barriers disappear, and creating a sense of belonging. A vibrant and traditional hen party with the Irish Dance Party is a great option, where the bride and her guests can have a lovely time and laugh over shared tales of dancing. 

Embracing Cultural Heritage

Choosing to centre a hen party around Irish dance presents a unique opportunity for active participation in this cultural legacy, infusing the celebration with a distinctiveness that transforms it into a truly exceptional experience. In doing so, it not only diversifies the festivities but also becomes a meaningful engagement with the cultural evolution encapsulated in Irish dance.

Dancers of the Irish Dance party wear the symbolic traditional Irish costumes, and their body movements demonstrate characteristic steps of this dance culture that have been passed on from one generation to another. Adding a few cultural elements gives some touch of authenticity to the event and gives an opportunity for the bride and her guests to interact with the heritage held by Ireland.

Having Fun

For brides and their friends who relish the idea of combining fun with fitness, this revel presents an ideal fusion of both. It's an opportunity to revel in the joy of dance while simultaneously engaging in a fitness activity that allows participants to work up a sweat, burn calories, and elevate the release of endorphins in their bloodstream. All this is achieved while sharing laughter, creating cherished memories, and fostering lasting connections with friends throughout the lively journey.

Memorable Photo Opportunities

One of the objective aspects that appeal to viewers is the vivid costumes, active facial expressions during the dancing scenes, and also the very spirit of the celebration, which produces brilliant visual images that become treasured keepsakes. These photos become a lasting reminder of the unique and unforgettable hen party experience.

Bridging Generations

The inherent lack of age restrictions in Irish dance is a distinctive quality that sets it apart, making it a timeless and universally cherished art form. This inclusivity becomes a standout feature in the context of an Irish dance party, making it an ideal choice for a hen party where attendees span multiple generations, including family members, friends, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and interests.

Opting for an Irish dancing show as the pinnacle of your hen party, especially with The Irish Dance Party promises a unique and unforgettable experience. This choice seamlessly blends various elements, encompassing not just the sheer joy and camaraderie forged through dance but also the celebration of diverse cultures. The experience is a delightful amalgamation of shared moments, animated conversations, and the visual feast that an Irish dance party promises, creating an atmosphere you'd want to revel in with your friends. Adequate preparation is key to fully savouring this distinctive experience.

[brightknightblog]

Ranking Batman Arkham Trilogy Games

Since its beginning in 2016, the Batman Arkham games have been noted as the best superhero game. In 2023, this statement does not falter. In honor of the Batman Arkham Trilogy Switch release, why don’t we reflect on the games themselves and remember what about them and put them on the map?

Asylum

Each of these games is memorable in its own way, with Asylum standing out as the first in the trilogy. This game begins the series with a two-button setup, which was uncommon at the time of its release. Allowing users to go on the offensive with the attack button and counter-enemy moves with the counter button.

While this game is at the bottom of the list, it is a timeless classic that never disappoints. It is the ideal setup for the rest of the story and leaves the audience wanting more as the plot draws you into Gotham's dark city.

Origins

Batman: Arkham Origins, a prequel developed by WB Games Montreal rather than Rocksteady, isn't directly related to the Arkham trilogy, but it was released just in time to fill the three-year void between Arkham City and Arkham Knight. This allowed Rocksteady to put their full time into creating Arkham Knight. This allows for some differences from the other games.

While this game was hated at the time as many said it doesn’t bring anything else to the franchise, Arkham Origins brings an amazing cityscape and a much-needed backstory for fans of the games.

City

Arkham City has commonly been known as one of the best superhero sequels of all time, and it lives up to that name. Whether it’s the narrative or the ability to explore Gotham City unlike Asylum, this game makes its mark in the trilogy.

Arkham City is the ideal kind of sequel—one that thrives as a stand-alone game within the franchise while simultaneously building on the strengths of the preceding entry. It's an exciting experience from start to finish thanks to that, as well as the outstanding gameplay, breathtaking graphics, and captivating plot.

Knight

Being the last installment in the highly anticipated video game series, Batman: Arkham Knight was under a lot of pressure to be successful. However, the game manages to create a heartfelt and satisfying ending that leaves players experiencing every emotion possible. With new gadgets and the return of the series' iconic combat system, the gameplay is the most refined to date. The Batmobile, which has a very dynamic range of mobility and assault power, is also introduced in the title. This game marks a perfect ending to a perfect series.

Throughout the years, incoming superhero fans of all ages have welcomed the Batman: Arkham series as one of the greats. There is no doubt that this will remain unchanged as time goes on. Make sure to grab your copy of the trilogy on the Nintendo Switch!

[bigcircle-smallworld]

Immigration

Societal Attitudes on Immigration: The Impact of Racial Bias

In our so newly globalized landscape, immigration is a complex topic spiritually, philosophically, politically, and otherwise. Within exchanging culture and physical location, and considering globalization’s context of colonialism and the invention of modern racism, immigration is deeply intertwined with societal attitudes around race and ethnicity. 

Considering perspectives from our speaker Ernesto Cisneros, the Latino/Mexican- American experience is unique in many ways. For one, California has a Hispanic/Latinio population larger than any other ethnicity. While a larger presence often feels like it should mean a mirrored distribution of power or education or capital or even stories, these communities are still vastly underrepresented in all fields. This type of “majority-minority” contradiction is difficult to wrap one’s head around when seeing it play out. It can feel very confusing, especially considering the cultural blending and separation that can happen simultaneously. Cisneros talks about how confusing these giant issues can be, especially for children, and the children he sees almost every day as an educator. Conservative narratives about immigration are especially unforgiving. The recent reemergence of Nazi-era “Great Replacement Theory” rhetoric now shapes itself to fit modern-day America, pulling in Mexican immigrants as job-thieves and people who are taking advantage of America’s powerful economy and social benefits without doing the hard work of being a “real” American. This timeless reactionary argument is not only baseless, but also applied hypocritically. Beyond the obvious lack of consideration on what exactly constitutes a “real American” and why that makes them deserving of something, in conflicts that involve other conflict-torn areas, racial bias rears its horns. 

For example, the response to mostly white Ukrainian immigrants is significantly different. The U.S. and E.U. governments, currently very strict and conservative on border policies, enthusiastically accepted Ukrainians and allowed them to skip bureaucratic formalities that others must spend years adhering to. In Poland and Belarus, physical violence that often takes place against refugee and immigrant populations was notably missing for Ukrainians. 

Middle Eastern immigrants also experience unique forms of discrimination and xenophobic rhetoric. Post-9/11, discourse about colonialism’s ravaging effects in Middle-Eastern governments and hugely ruinous U.S. invasions is somewhat overriden by anti-Islam and “terrorism” rhetoric. Many are fleeing from deathly emergencies, but that fact gets dropped when our discussions shift to racial and ethnic arguments.

Lina Sergie Attar, founder of the Karam Foundation, speaks in her New York Times op-ed about the utter destruction of Aleppo, a once-vibrant city where she spent much of her childhood. She ironically mentions how people claim “victories” as gaining more land foot by foot during this conflict, rather than aiding the many starving Syrian people and halting the constant death and destruction. This attitude applies to most situations regardless of race, but when racial bias dehumanizes victims of conflict,

Many of these differences are not simply racial; for example, pro-Ukraine sentiment is also partly an extension of anti-Russian sentiment and politics. Yet it is undeniable, especially considering current events in Israel and Palestine, that pre-existing systems of bias certainly do affect our conception of immigrants and refugees from different backgrounds. I hope that being conscious of this bias can help us limit its impact on how we act as Global Scholars. 

2023 Demographics - Summary Data for State: California, Claritas / Be Well Placer, March 2023

https://www.placerdashboard.org/index.php?module=DemographicData&controller=index&action=index

[boutiqueseven]

The Essence of Elegance: Rolex Men's Watches for Sale

In the world of horology, there exists a name that's synonymous with luxury, precision, and timeless style: Rolex. For over a century, Rolex has been crafting timepieces that are not just instruments to tell time but also symbols of achievement, sophistication, and taste. If you're considering entering the realm of luxury watches or adding another gem to your collection, exploring Rolex men's watches for sale is a journey into the epitome of fine watchmaking. In this blog, we'll take you on a tour of the remarkable world of Rolex men's watches, shedding light on the brand's history, craftsmanship, and iconic models.

The Legacy of Rolex: A Brief History

The Rolex story began in 1905 when Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis established a company in London specializing in timepieces. Their vision was to create wristwatches that were not only reliable but also elegant. Rolex, a name derived from the French word "horlogerie exquise" (exquisite watchmaking), was registered as a trademark in 1908.

Fast forward to today, and Rolex stands as one of the most recognized and respected luxury watch brands globally. Its unwavering commitment to innovation, precision, and craftsmanship has led to numerous groundbreaking advancements in the world of horology, securing its place as a leader in the industry.

Meticulous Craftsmanship: What Sets Rolex Apart

When you explore Rolex men's watches for sale, you enter a world where meticulous craftsmanship reigns supreme. Each Rolex timepiece is a testament to the brand's relentless pursuit of perfection. From initial design to final assembly, every aspect of crafting a Rolex watch involves a blend of cutting-edge technology and the skilful touch of expert artisans.

Key elements that set Rolex apart:

Exquisite Materials: Rolex watches are often made from the finest materials, including stainless steel, precious metals like gold or platinum, and even rare materials like Role Sium (a combination of stainless steel and platinum). These materials ensure the durability and longevity of the timepiece.

In-House Manufacturing: Rolex is one of the very few watch manufacturers that produce nearly all components in-house. This includes the cases, dials, hands, and movements, allowing for complete control over quality and design.

Iconic Design: Rolex's designs are characterized by timeless elegance and functionality. Their watches are instantly recognizable, featuring distinct features like the Oyster case, the Cyclops date magnifier, and the Mercedes hands.

Precision Movements: Rolex watches are powered by in-house movements known for their accuracy and reliability. The brand is renowned for pioneering the automatic self-winding movement, which eliminates the need for manual winding.

Iconic Models: Rolex's Timeless Creations

When exploring Rolex men's watches for sale, you'll encounter a range of iconic models that have become synonymous with the brand's legacy. Here are a few of these timeless pieces:

Rolex Submariner: A legendary dive watch celebrated for its robust construction and iconic rotating bezel. It's the quintessential tool watch, both underwater and on land.

Rolex Daytona: A symbol of speed and precision, designed for motorsport enthusiasts. Its tachymeter scale and chronograph functions make it a favorite among racers.

Rolex GMT-Master II: Designed for frequent travelers, the GMT-Master II enables you to track time in two different time zones simultaneously. Its distinctive bezel with 24-hour markings is both functional and stylish.

Rolex Datejust: A classic dress watch that effortlessly combines elegance with practicality. The Datejust is known for its date display and timeless design, making it suitable for any occasion.

A Timeless Investment and Legacy

Rolex watches have a reputation for retaining their value exceptionally well over time. This is due to a combination of factors, including the brand's global recognition, limited production numbers, and the enduring quality of their timepieces. Some vintage Rolex watches have even appreciated significantly in value, making them attractive not only as exquisite accessories but also as potential investment pieces.

Furthermore, owning a Rolex watch is more than possessing a timekeeping instrument; it's an experience. The weight of the watch on your wrist, the smoothness of its mechanical movements, and the glint of its meticulously crafted details all contribute to a sense of luxury that transcends the surface. A Rolex watch becomes part of your journey, accompanying you through life's moments, big and small.

In conclusion, exploring Rolex men's watches for sale is a journey into a realm of craftsmanship, legacy, and luxury. Each Rolex timepiece tells a story of innovation and dedication to perfection, backed by a brand with a storied history. Whether you're a watch enthusiast, a collector, or someone looking to invest in timeless elegance, Rolex offers a range of options to cater to your taste, style, and aspirations. A Rolex watch is not just a timepiece; it's a statement of enduring elegance and a symbol of your appreciation for the finest craftsmanship in the world of horology.

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[majadejewelrydesign]

Love Keeps Growing: Flower Design Wedding and Engagement Ring

Floral Theme Engagement and Wedding Ring: A Symbol for Love and Growth

Flower theme rings is always great for marriage proposal as the jewelry symbolize hope and a new beginning. After post-COVID era, the world is ready for fresh start on many things, perfect time for those who are ready to tie the knot. Read on to find out why our floral theme engagement and wedding rings could be your best choice!

2 as 1 Wedding and Engagement Rings Set

Should you stack engagement ring with wedding band; wear them simultaneously on different fingers; or only wear the wedding band? Really boils down to a matter of styling and personal choice. While there is no certain rule, from my observation most people prefer to stack engagement ring and wedding band on the same finger. We did a brief survey asked if there Is any reason for those only wear wedding ring. A common answer is simply the look of both rings does not match with one another. From this pragmatic standpoint, I want to design sets that goes perfectly together. Aesthetically and mechanically.

The affiliation of engagement and wedding ring is similar to the relationship of flower and leaves – both enhances each other’s beauty; or as Aristotle quotes, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”

Floral theme jewelry is always popular thought-out ages. A true timeless classic, we see portrayal of flowers in both antiquity and modern jewelry. We are stun by the beauty of flowers. Some culture calls them the jewelry of nature, and thus makes perfect sense in a poetic way to represent flower in jewelry. The design is especially meaningful in wedding rings, because it brings out the beautiful and feminine aspect of women.

Calla Lily the Symbol for Purity

Calla Lily has no thorns and have a very faint scent, therefore symbolize purity and child-like innocent.

As a believer of dualism, I always want to find the perfect balance between the opposite polarities. The LILY ring, for example, the contrast plays beautifully between the finely crafted miniature flower verse rough texture of the raw stone. Also playing with contrast is the texture on the shanks; the tree bark texture verses the smooth surfaced on both rings. Chic and minimalist to wear as two separate rings; or elaborate as the whole Calla Lily plant when stack together as one.

ORCHID the Sensual Beauty

Orchid is the perfect choice for the bold and adventurous, because it symbolizes stunning beauty, pleasure and sensuality. 

ORCHID ring is the perfect choice if you want something classic yet different. Features a faceted center-stone, the shoulder is detailed by a bud accent with diamond. A design simple and clean on its own; makes a head turner by matching two pieces together. A very special wedding ring inspired by the extra-long vines of orchid, this unique style charters the territories of alternative wedding rings designs.

Plum Blossom the Symbol of Undying Love

The plum blossom (aka Ume) is significant in East Asian culture because it has the rare characteristic of blooming under cold weather, therefore is considered a symbol of strength, perseverance, beauty and determination. In the context of love this stoic aspect is especially meaningful.

In this UME ring we once again play on the contrast of stones plus the texture of metals. A plum flower design engagement ring sets a raw stone, partner with a pave wedding band that cool to wear on its own. Stack them up together and get an image of a blooming flower on the Ume tree branch.

Now that you know the story behind each or our flower design ring sets, we hope you’ll find appreciation for the meaning and symbology. These beautiful botanical theme wedding and engagement rings are definitely something to consider!