Shopping

Oval vs. Elongated Radiant Diamonds: Which Engagement Ring Shape Is Right for You?

Choosing an engagement ring begins with one of the most important decisions you'll make: selecting the perfect diamond shape.While dozens of beautiful cuts are available, two have risen to the top of nearly every bride's wish list in 2026—the oval diamond and the elongated radiant diamond.Both appear larger than many traditional cuts. Both create incredible finger coverage. Both deliver timeless elegance with a modern twist.Yet despite these similarities, they possess completely different...

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Bezel Engagement Rings: Why Minimalist Luxury Is One of 2026's Biggest Bridal Trends

For years, prong-set engagement rings have been the traditional choice for showcasing a beautiful diamond. But as modern couples increasingly seek jewelry that blends elegance with everyday wearability, one style has quietly become one of the fastest-growing engagement ring trends of 2026—the bezel engagement ring.Clean, sophisticated, and effortlessly contemporary, bezel settings offer a fresh take on classic engagement ring design. They highlight the beauty of the center diamond while...

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Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds: The Elegant Bridal Trend Defining 2026

Engagement ring trends may come and go, but every so often a diamond shape emerges that feels destined to become a classic. In 2026, that diamond is the elongated cushion cut.Combining the soft, romantic corners of a traditional cushion cut with the graceful proportions of an elongated silhouette, this shape has quickly become one of the most sought-after choices among couples looking for something timeless, elegant, and distinctive.At Christopher Fine Diamonds in Chandler, Arizona, elongated...

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Hidden Halo Engagement Rings: The Luxury Detail Everyone Notices

Some of the most beautiful engagement ring details aren't immediately obvious.While oversized halos once dominated bridal jewelry, today's couples are embracing a more refined approach to sparkle. One of the fastest-growing engagement ring trends of 2026 is the hidden halo—a subtle design element that enhances a diamond's brilliance without changing the clean, timeless appearance of a classic solitaire.It's elegant without being flashy, luxurious without feeling overdone, and has become one of...

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Toi et Moi Engagement Rings: The Romantic Ring Trend That Continues to Captivate Couples

Some engagement rings are admired for their brilliance.Others are remembered for the story they tell.Few designs combine both quite like the Toi et Moi engagement ring. French for "You and Me," this iconic style features two center stones sitting side by side, symbolizing two individuals coming together to create one shared future.Although the design dates back centuries, it has experienced an incredible resurgence in recent years and remains one of the most sought-after custom engagement ring...

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East-West Engagement Rings: The Modern Bridal Trend Turning Tradition on Its Side

A simple change in direction is giving classic engagement rings an entirely new personality.For decades, engagement rings have followed a familiar formula: an elongated diamond positioned vertically along the finger. Today, however, couples are embracing a fresh perspective. One of the fastest-growing bridal trends of 2026 is the east-west engagement ring, a modern interpretation of a timeless classic that combines elegance with individuality.Rather than placing the diamond in the traditional...

Local Services

For the Kids in the Valley

How two non-profits in the valley are on a mission to serve kids Article by Ashleigh Underwood | Photography by Provided Combating Childhood Hunger Corbin's Legacy Q: What is Corbin’s Legacy? Corbin’s Legacy is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. The mission is to eliminate childhood hunger at a local level. Over the past ten years Corbin’s Legacy has provided meals to students at Title I schools through backpacks of food sent home over school breaks, delivery of food to classrooms for children...

Professional Services

Behind the Camera

Meet Sonja Stafford, the creative behind the camera of amazing photos Article by Ashleigh Underwood | Photography by Sonja Stafford Q: What would your elevator pitch be about yourself?    I’m Sonja Stafford, owner of Sonja Stafford Photography. I create timeless, magazine-inspired portraits that help everyday women, families and professionals feel confident, beautiful and seen.    Q: How long have you been a photographer?   I’ve had the privilege of working as a professional...

Entertainment

A Day at Desert Pups

Follow Athena as she hangs out at her favorite place Article by Athena Underwood Hi Friend! I don’t know what is going on but my human said it’s important so I’m going to try. I overheard her and my other human, well really, I have four humans. Two big humans and two smaller humans. One of them might be more medium sized but the little one, the littlest human—he’s my best friend. Well, all my humans are my best friend, but I play with the littlest human the most. Anyway, I overheard the two...

Life + Culture

A Downtown Treasure

Beyond Words Bookstore is a shop the whole family can enjoy Article by Ashleigh Underwood Follow me to Downtown Mesa where we explore an adorable alleyway—The Greenbelt Shops. At the end of the alleyway, tucked to the right is the coziest bookstore just waiting for you to open the door—Beyond Words Bookshop. It’s like a breath of fresh air when you first walk in, whether that’s really feel of the A/C hitting your face after stepping in from the Arizona sun is up to you, but it’s like that...