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4 Engagement Ring Tips and Tricks

Our top 4 tips and tricks for your engagement ring.

A little on the worried or concerned side when it comes to choosing and buying an engagement ring? You should and shouldn’t be. It is a big choice, but if you know your partner and what they are like and what they prefer, this will be a walk in the park.

We are here to give you engagement ring tips & tricks so you can buy a beautiful, affordable engagement ring.

1. A Smaller Carat

www.capetowndiamondmusuem.org

Our first advice to you is to buy slightly under the carat weight you were initially thinking of buying. Usually, carat’s appear bigger in real life than what you thought you saw or knew online. If you were looking to purchase a 1 carat diamond, invest in a .90 carat or .95 carat diamond instead. This can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

2. Ignore the 3 month salary rule

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in the wedding industry. People still think they have to spend 3 months’ salary on an engagement ring. It is a difficult though process on deciding how much to spend on an engagement ring or how much an engagement ring should cost, however everyone’s situation is not the same. You should spend whatever is right for you. You don’t need to spend tens of thousands of Rands to get a beautiful, sparkly engagement ring!

At Ralph Jacobs, we will take your budget and work out the best available quote – We work with various metals like 9k, 18k and Platinum and can customize the center stone with either Diamonds, Evermore Moissanite and Precious Gemstones.

3. Study up on the 4 C’s

Engagement Ring Tips
www.yourdiamondteacher.com

You will have to brush up on your gemstone and diamond education. Most importantly is to familiarize yourself with the 4Cs. The 4Cs are a universal diamond language and they consist of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Knowing this will help you determine where your opportunities are for saving money.

If you want to save on clarity grade, it’s best to go with a brilliant-cut diamond. Princess and round diamonds are the most well-known brilliant shapes. Brilliants will hide lower clarity grades because of the faceting pattern on their table.

4. Choosing Your Setting

Different Ring Setting Types

Settings are crucial to your engagement ring, as they can enhance or limit the feel of your center stone. Choose a setting that holds your center stone up high, like a cathedral setting. A center stone set higher up will appear slightly larger than it really is.

If you choose a Round Cut Moissanite in a halo setting, your stone size can be slightly smaller. The Halo will increase the look of the center stone, and you can opt for a smaller stone.

A smart setting choice for your engagement ring that will help to save money is to opt for a halo setting. The tiny stones surrounding your enter stone will assist in making it look larger. Therefore, you can settle for a slightly smaller carat weight for your center stone if you choose a halo setting and this will cost you less.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for the perfect Diamond Engagement Ring, or would rather opt for a sparkling Moissanite ring, using these Engagement Ring tips and tricks can save you a lot of money in the long run. At Ralph Jacobs we believe that each customer has the right to knowledge in order for you to make the right decision. Speak to on of our Sales Consultants should you need any additional info regarding a ring design. We will gladly assist in making your dream design a reality.

This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/4-engagement-ring-tips-and-tricks/

March Birthstones and the Perfect Engagement Ring

March birthstones paired with the perfect metal choice.
Source: www.moondropcreations.com

The birthstone for March is Aquamarine. The alternative March gemstone is the earthy bloodstone and both gems are listed as official March birthstones. Aquamarine and bloodstone are very different when it comes to appearance, but they share a similar reputation for protecting one’s well-being.

At Ralph Jacobs, we design all kinds of spectacular design. The march birthstone will look perfect in 9k Rose or Yellow gold, paired with either Diamonds or Evermore Moissanites

The aquamarine birthstone evokes the colors of the sea. From deep green-blue to light, slightly greenish blue hues. The Aquamarine symbolises purity of spirit and soul. The official birthstone colour for March is light blue, just like the Aquamarine. Aquamarine crystals are generally very pale in colour to almost transparent and are rarely found naturally in darker blue shades. Light blue is also considered the Pisces birthstone colour for Pisceans born in March.

Source: www.moondropcreations.com

The bloodstone birthstone is typically a dark-green cabochon that contains red spots of iron oxide, the “blood” that brings health and strength to the wearer. The bloodstone works well for someone who prefers a vintage style engagement ring. The images below also show how well the bloodstone works with a golden or rose gold band. Whereas an Aquamarine pairs great with all metals.

Both of these birthstones make for a very unique engagement ring. Continue reading the blog to see some of the most fascinating engagement rings made with Aquamarine and bloodstones.

Aquamarine Engagement Rings

Source: www.notonthehighstreet.com
Source: www.hautejuice.wordpress.com
Source: www.pinterest.com
Source: www.pinterest.com

Bloodstone Engagement Rings

Source: www.weddbook.com
Source: www.etsy.com
Source: www.etsy.com
Source: www.antiquejewelercompany.com
This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/march-birthstones-and-the-perfect-engagement-ring/

The 5 Most Timeless Engagement Rings

5 of the most timeless Engagement rings you will absolutely adore.

Choosing an engagement ring is an important decision. There are so many beautiful styles and trends available, which doesn’t make it easier to make this big decision. When it comes to style trends, sometimes the most daring decision is to overlook trends and go for tradition. You should remember that trends come and go, but these timeless classic engagement ring styles have remained popular throughout the decades.

There are many timeless engagement rings to choose from. From traditional to modern, vintage to glamorous, all of the rings in the list below are extremely elegant and timeless. If you’re ready to pop the question, or want to drop a hint to your significant other, here’s a look at the 5 most timeless engagement ring styles.

Solitaire Engagement Ring

Considered one of the most classic engagement ring styles, the solitaire setting features a center stone and a simple band. This ring setting design enables the center stone to take center stage! If you’re afraid that this could just be too simple, never forget the power of customization. This classic design works perfect with a round Evermore Moissanite in the center.

www.ralphjacobs.co.za

Halo Engagement Ring

If you’re looking for a timeless, yet attention-grabbing style, the halo engagement ring setting is for you. This style combines the foundation of an accented setting with the addition of a band of stones encircling the center stone. This ring setting elevates the traditional solitaire and round brilliant to new heights. Halo engagement rings combine the best of both worlds: classic elegance with modern glamour.

www.ralphjacobs.co.za

Three Stone Engagement Ring

Are you wondering whether or not three stone engagement rings are popular? Well, you can definitely bet on that! And that’s always been the case, as three stone engagement rings are considered the most traditional ring setting. This romantic ring is rich with meaning and history, making it one of the most alluring classic engagement ring styles available.

www.ralphjacobs.co.za

Classic Round Engagement Ring

This engagement ring setting will forever be the most classic setting choice and will remain timeless. This setting is similar to the solitaire setting with one key difference: the center stone is always round. With an elegant band and center stone, the round brilliant style personifies classic beauty.

www.pavejewelers.com

Accented Engagement Ring

This style is similar to a solitaire engagement ring, except that instead of a simple metal band, the band has side accent stones. The accent stones provide enhanced drama to an otherwise minimal ring design.

www.ralphjacobs.com
This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/the-5-most-timeless-engagement-rings/

Secunda Reformed Church morning service 14 March 2021

Secunda Reformed Church morning service 14 March 2021

“Jesus, The Light Of The World,” by Anton Knoetze

Secunda Reformed Church Morning Service 14 March 2021

John 8:12-30 – King James Version

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.

14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

Also read: Secunda Reformed Church morning service 7 March 2021

16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.

23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.

26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.

Kruik se Oggenddiens 14 Maart 2021

Welkom by Kruik gemeente se Oggenddiens, 14 Maart 2021

Vanoggend se tema: Wat maak jy met God se genade?

Kruik se Oggenddiens 14 Maart 2021

Wat maak jy met God se genade? Hoe reageer jy op God se goedheid? Kies jy om ‘n toeskouer of deelnemer van God se genade te wees?

Lees ook: Kruik se Oggenddiens 7 Maart 2021

Preeknotas + Besprekingsvrae: http://bible.com/events/48577051

Maak ‘n finansiële bydrae op 2 verskillende maniere:

  • Gee Aanlyn – Kruik Gemeente, ABSA, Tjek, 632005, Rek nr: 1510140016
  • Gee deur Zapper App – vind ons QR code in die diens aankondigings.

Kontak ons gerus op Kruik Gemeente se Facebook Messenger en Whatsapp lyn (0721336130) of besoek ons webtuiste by: https://www.kruik.co.za/​​​​​.

Ons sal graag met jou gesels.

Geniet die diens saam met ons!

Celebrate Duis:Lig ©️ 2014 Merchant Music CCLI#573661

Ek Weet U Is Lief Vir My S. Smith ©️ 2006 MAR Gospel Music Publishers CCLI#573661

Item: Thank You Jesus M. Crocker & H. Hobbs ©️ 2013 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI#573661

So is die Lewe: Veilig agter my pallisades.

Geniet nog ‘n aflewering van “So is die Lewe” uit die pen van Marius Britz.

Dantè Alighieri, die bekende Italiaanse digter, beskryf in sy Goddelike Komedie hoe hy deur nege konsentriese vlakke van die hel beweeg, op soek na die wese van die mens se bestaan, vergesel deur die Romeinse digter Virgil.  In hierdie nege vlakke kry hy te doen met soveel van die euwels wat vandag nog in ons samelewing bestaan, soos trots, lus, gierigheid, wraak, geweld  en bedrog. Die besoek aan hierdie vlakke van hel is nodig, skryf Dantè, om mens bewus te maak van die oorwinning van die Goeie in jouself.

Die wêreld, soos ek en jy dit elke dag beleef, lyk ook verskillend vanuit verskillende perspektiewe. Die omgewing waarin jy bestaan, is dalk voorstedelik, beveilig en in stand gehou. Maar neffens jou, nader as wat ons dalk ooit kon besef, is daar ‘n ánder wêreld, ‘n skadubestaan van gefolterde mense wat ‘n eksistensie van ontbeer beleef.  Jy sou dit “hel” kon noem. 

Lees ook: So is die Lewe: Om die pyn te laat ophou.

In Durban, daar naby die hawe, het ek dit die eerste keer ervaar.  ‘n Ou, vervalle fabriek is deur ‘n organisasie ingerig as skuilplek vir haweloses.  Geld is uiteraard skraps, en die gevorderde fases van verval is in sy ekstreme vorms daar teenwoordig.  Daarom die bemande staalhekke by die ingang waardeur jy loop: nuuskieriges moet buite bly, en die weerlose, gefolterde siele moet binne gehou word. 

Die hele kompleks is swak belig, bedompig, gevul met reuke van menselywe van elke oorsprong en geslag.  Selfs in die badkamers is daar skimagtige figure wat langs die toilette op goiingsakke slaap en jou stom, grootoog dophou.  Daar is eenvoudig nie genoeg plek nie.  Aandete was ‘n klonterige homp wit massa wat in konfytblikke geskep is, en gulsig geëet is met plastieklepels.  

Mense van alle kleure, oorsprong en geslag in kettings van haweloosheid, prostitusie, dwelms, alkohol, gesinsgeweld kom soontoe op soek na asiel teen die lewe se verniel. Jy hoor die gehoes, die kreune van pyn, jy sien die verwoesting van ongeneeslike terminale siektes wat om hulle hang soos ‘n mistigheid.  Motors wat daar naby verbysnel op pad werk toe, winkelsentrums toe, vakansieplekke toe, is glad nie bewus van die vlakke van hel in daardie ou gebou waarin lewe homself elke dag afspeel nie. 

Ek het ook hierdie alternatiewe wêreld beleef in Hillbrow. In middernagtelike evangelisasieuitreike op Saterdagaande het ons die seèr mense gesien wat in die diepste hole van Johannes Kerkorrel se plek wegkruip. Die nagklubs en kroeë vol verweerde en vermiste mense. Al het ons probeer gèè, ons drome, ons sente, ons klere vol gate, ons ontoereikende troos, ons stom teologie oor God se grootheid en genade, ook vir hulle, die uitgestotenes uit die samelewing, het ons, met ‘n heimlike sug van verligting teruggekeer na ons veilige klusters in suburbia, warm, veilig, dig en ondeurdringbaar.

Soos wanneer jy jou motor se elektriese ruit toemaak wanneer die bedelaar by die robot vir jou geld vra, jy dan stip voor jou kyk en wag dat die robot groen slaan sodat jy met die nodige spoed kan wegry, wèg van die aanslag op jou gewete, wèg van die appèl wat gemaak word op jou begrip van iets wat jy nie verstaan nie. 

Jy sou die alternatiewe wêrelde, die konsentriese vlakke van lewe wat Dantè “hel” noem ‘n klomp name kon gee. En, as jy jou oë net oopmaak, sal jy hulle elke dag raaksien. Dis soms skreiend: By die Kaapstadlughawe land stralers van regoor die wêreld. Toeriste, besigheidsmense, noem maar, wat leef in hulle eie, alternatiewe wêreld. Hulle klief heen en weer  deur die blou lug in luukse stralers, wat saggies suig aan koue witwyn of whiskey en ys aan boord, terwyl hulle deur die gratis koerante blaai om te lees wat in die werklike wêreld aangaan.

Húlle heimat is een van geldmaak, geniet, presteer, uitstyg bo die gemiddelde.  Maar ry jy net by die lughawe uit na die N2 toe, hetsy na Kaapstad of Somerset-Wes, is jy omring deur hierdie alternatiewe wêrelde, wat in Dantè se terminologie, konsentriese vlakke van hel genoem sou kon word. Plakkershutte so vêr as wat jy kyk.  Soms minder as ‘n liniaallengte teen mekaar gebou.  Sommige teen sterk hellings, sodat mens wonder hoe op aarde enige mens teen so skuinste sou kon slaap.

Daar is geen privaatheid of waardigheid nie.  Soms selfs drie of vier geslagte, ses, sewe, agt mense in een makuku.  Ironies daarmee saam, as uitroepteken van die ellende: rye en rye plastiektoilette aan die kant van die plakkershuise, teenaan die teerpad.  Nie eens in die privaatste van menslike behoeftes word jou waardigheid gerespekteer nie. 

Die antwoord op hierdie vraagstuk is eenvoudig.  Soos Bob Dylan sing: “The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind.” Of, in Afrikaans: “Ek weet nie.”  Elke politieke party in hierdie land het uiteenlopende standpunte en oplossings om hierdie alternatiewe wêrelde te probeer hanteer.

Blowing In The Wind (Live On TV, March 1963)

Miskien moet mens jouself afvra wat jý daaraan kan doen? Jy kan tog nie mensalleen ‘n verskil aan almal se lot maak nie.  Maar jy kan die nood van die man of vrou wat vir jou werk, wat in ‘n ander wêreld as jyself leef, probeer verstaan en aanspreek.  Weet jy wat is sy/haar van? Waar bly hulle, watter straat?  Hoe lyk hulle huislike omstandighede?  Watter van die opgegaarde goed in jou motorhuis kan hulle dalk gebruik? Al daardie klere wat te groot of te klein vir jou geword het;  kan hulle dit nie dalk beter gebruik nie? 

Laat Dantè die laaste woord spreek:  “Brothers,’ I said, ‘o you, who having crossed a hundred thousand dangers… you must not deny experience of that which lies beyond the sun, but to be followers of worth and knowledge.”

Search and Seizure at Volksrust Municipality

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SEARCH AND SEIZURE OPERATION CONDUCTED AT DR PIXLEY KA ISAKA SEME (VOLKRUST)

MPUMALANGA –Members of the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga assisted by Volkrust Local Criminal Cantre and Dog Unit Secunda conducted a search and seizure operation at Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme ( Volkrust) Mpumalanga on Thursday 11 March 2021.

The investigation was carried out by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga after many complaints were received from many angles about the dissatisfactory in terms of Service Delivery within the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality. Preliminary investigation by the team revealed that tender processes within the municipalities were not properly followed and the team applied for a Search and Seizure warrant from the Magistrate. The search warrant was granted and the operation was carried out on Thursday.

During the investigation, suspicious irregularities and discrepancies were identified about tenders awarding processes whereby tenders were awarded to companies that were paid without following proper procedures and even before the service could be rendered causing the state Millions of rand.

Also read: Pair nabbed at border post

The team required tender documents awarded for certain companies during a particular period to investigate suspicious Theft, Fraud and Corruption. The documents were seized for further investigation and the outcome will be shared accordingly.     

Read more about the HAWKS HERE

Pair nabbed at border post

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PAIR INTERCEPTED AT LEBOMBO PORT OF ENTRY FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF GOLD

MPUMALANGA –  Two suspects aged between 25 and 38 are expected to appear before the Komatipoort Periodical Court on Thursday 11 March 2021 after they were intercepted at Lebombo Port of entry with a warrant of arrest.

It is alleged that in November 2020 the pair who were driving a truck crossing the border from Mozambique to South Africa were stopped and searched. They were found to be in possession of a small plastic bag with a yellow stone.

Also read: Return of the Big Guns

The case docket was registered at Komatipoort and referred to the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Mpumalanga for investigation. The pair were never arrested and the stone was sent to a laboratory to determine the type. The Forensic report was received and it confirmed that the stone was gold with an estimated value of R1 million. The two persons were red-flagged after the warrants of arrest were issued.

On Wednesday 10 March 2021, the two suspects were arrested while trying to cross the border from Mozambique to South Africa. Investigation continues.

Read more about the HAWKS HERE

Oosterland hosting a mini golf open – major championship

Hoërskool Oosterland is hosting a Mini Golf Open and turning it into a Major Championship

Lake Umuzi & Hoërskool Oosterland are presenting a major putt-putt championship with R5000 prize money and spot prizes! Family, friends and colleagues can try their hand at mini-golf, grab a bite and stroll through the Boeremark. Covid-19 regulations are in place to make this a fun day! Funds for this event go toward completing the Multi-purpose centre at the school – for the use of the well-known Oosie-band.

Mini Golf Challenge

What Covid -19 compliance measures are in place? This is an event in the open air of Rocky Waters Lake Umuzi. Bring your mask, we provide sanitiser. Screening questions and temperature will be taken. The 18 holes course will not be filled to capacity. Compliance officers will be on site.

How will this work? Teams of 2-5 people per team can enter and play 18 holes at Rocky Waters Lake Umuzi mini-golf course. Two hours are allocated for each round. The individual winners will be contacted to play a championship round.

Where do I book and when do I play? Bookings can be done by sending a message or phoning Line de Vries 082 786 1034 or the school 017 631 1091.E-mail enquiries can be sent to bemarking@oosterland.co.za. Timeslots are available on Friday 27 March 15:00-19:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 16:00. Sixteen slots per session are available. R60 entry fee per person. Contact us if you want to be a sponsor or you want to advertise.

Mini Golf Challenge

Who can win prizes? Individual scores will be considered for the championship prizes. Anyone between 3-100 years old can play. The fun and games will be in the teams – so choose wisely! There are prizes for the best dress team! After the last round of golf on Saturday, the judges will phone the finalists. The best 16 players will be in the final on Saturday for a championship round from 19:00-21:00. There will be live coverage and the winners will be announced on the Bulletin live stream Facebook channel. Prizes include spot prizes during the day and prize money to the value of R5000.

Trees planted by DA in GMM

The DA in Mpumalanga is fighting Climate Change by planting trees

On Saturday 27 February 2021 the DA Provincial launch of the “plant trees to fight climate change” campaign started in Middelburg. The first tree was planted by Provincial leader Jane Sithole, Provincial Chairperson Bosman Grobler and Annerie Weber Member of Parliament serving on the Environment, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio and manager of this campaign. 

The Bulletin speaks to Mariaan Chamberlain

Today, 10 March 2021, the DA GMM constituency planted trees in Emzinoni.

Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air, storing carbon in the trees and soil and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. So when we cut down trees for firewood, to make a place for infrastructure or any other reasons, the trees are not replaced and we have a lot more CO2 in the air than there should be. Therefore planting trees is one of the primary strategies to fight climate change. 

Also read: Return of the Big Guns

It is also important that the right type of trees are planted. It is always good to plant indigenous trees in the area where you live. The trees that were planted on Saturday was  “Wit Karee, Swart Karee, Olienhout en Wit Stinkhout”. Today a few fast-growing trees were planted such as peach and birchwood.

AS the community we have all felt the effects of climate change namely increased heat, drought and insect outbreaks, declining water supplies, flooding and erosion.

The DA asks the community that where they can to get involved and plant a tree wherever they see the need.

Thank you to “Garden Terrace” for your donation of trees as well as the compost for planting the trees.

Let us all take hands and give as Govan Mbeki Municipality our contribution to fight climate change and make a difference.

This will be a continuous campaign.

Read more about the DA in GMM HERE