Father’s Day is the best time of year to celebrate the man who raised you, spent countless hours driving you to friends’ houses after school, and imparted those cringy yet arguably hilarious dad jokes that still have you cracking a smile. For the man in your life who knows how to keep a pristine lawn and can play a round of golf in under 90 strokes, planning the best Father’s Day trip is no easy feat. 

On a score out of 100, we decided to rank the most Father’s Day-friendly cities that will leave no shortage of manly activities for you and your dad or husband to enjoy. So if you’re not sure where to go for Father’s Day, read on to find out which cities were “dad-approved.” 

The 20 Best U.S. Cities to Celebrate Father’s Day

Cleveland, Ohio, shatters records as the top place to celebrate Father’s Day. With the highest number of steakhouses (10), breweries (34), and hardware stores (19) per 100,000 residents, it’s no wonder dads could spend countless hours wandering this city. Cleveland is known for its bars and nightlife at places like The Chocolate Bar, which features desserts like triple chocolate mousse and martini glasses filled with warm chocolate and served with strawberries for dipping. What hardworking dad doesn’t deserve a nightcap fit for a double-O agent paired with something sweet?

Fort Wayne, Indiana, ranked second as one of the best places to go on Father’s Day with a total city score of 64 out of 100, overflowing with countless Father’s Day trip ideas. Swig down a pint of domestic beer for $3.50 (average cost) or visit one of their seven fishing trails per 100,000 residents. This midsize metropolis is host to countless rivers, reservoirs, and lakes sure to allow for optimal father-child bonding time and bright blood-orange sunsets.  

Madison, Wisconsin, ranked third with the most basketball hoops (10) on the list per 10,000 residents. Reno, Nevada, and Omaha, Nebraska, nearly tied for fifth, proving dads can celebrate Father’s Day rain or shine. 

Rounding out the top 20 are places like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Nashville, Tennessee; and Raleigh, North Carolina. Pittsburgh, dubbed the City of Bridges, contains three steakhouses and five men’s clothing stores per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, Nashville has 1.5 golf courses per 100,000 people and an average lawn size of 0.215 acres, slightly inhibiting dads’ evolutionary urges to stop and admire other men’s lawns.

The Best Cities for Father’s Day Activities

When it comes to picking one of the best places to go for Father’s Day, it’s important to understand what’s at the core of your husband’s or father’s desires. Is he an “active” dad, interested in basketball or exposing his dad bod while he clears the gutter? Is he the kind of guy who likes to work with his hands, always coming home with the latest gadget and disappearing for hours on end in the garage? Whoever your dad might be, we narrowed down the top four “dad personas” to help make it even easier for you to plan the most epic dad’s day off. 

Spokane, Washington, received a top score of 19.6 out of 25 for our “Brews & a Ball Game” category, making it one of the best places to go for Father’s Day. Buy your father some peanuts and Cracker Jack at Spokane’s 6,800-seat Avista Stadium, which hosts minor league baseball games. 

Cleveland, Ohio, is the top city to spoil your dad with gifts while stopping at one of their mouthwatering Michelin star restaurants, ranking highest for both the “Father’s Day Gifts” and “Steakhouse Dinner” categories.

For the man in your life who would rather spend the day outside coating on sunscreen and watching his fishing bobber float in a lake, consider taking a trip to Madison, Wisconsin. Madison is known for its top-rated, picturesque golf courses and variety of fishing spots, which means your dad will be sure to come home with a classic sock tan and Moby-Dick level fishing stories.

The 10 Worst U.S. Cities to Celebrate Father’s Day

The top four worst cities to celebrate a Father’s Day trip are located in California: Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Francisco. Bakersfield is a letdown, featuring no live sporting events per 100,000 people. 

New York places eighth as one of the worst places to go on Father’s Day. The average cost of a domestic pint of beer in New York will run you $8.00, and there are only 0.4 fishing trails per 100,000 residents, making a Bud Light out on a lake virtually impossible. 

Surprisingly, Boston, Massachusetts, a city rich with history, is the seventh-worst city to visit for Father’s Day. Imagine all those dad bods crammed into only one steakhouse and 0.6 golf courses per 100,000 people. When it comes to showering your dad with gifts galore, it might be best to skip Beantown. 

Methodology

We determined the best places to go on Father’s Day by sourcing data from Ballotpedia, Wikipedia, Yelp, Yellow Pages, Lawn Starter, Trail Link, Numbeo, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Trust for Public Land, and Ticketmaster. Next, we categorized and assigned a weight to 14 dad-approved factors like the number of golf courses, breweries, and steakhouses with a score out of 100 and compared that data across 70 of the most populated U.S. cities. 

Number of steakhouses – 2.00

• Source: Yellow Pages

Number of golf courses – 2.00

• Source: Yellow Pages

Number of breweries – 2.00

• Source: Yellow Pages

Average star-rating of steakhouses – 1.50

• Source: Yelp

Average star-rating of golf courses – 1.50

• Source: Yelp

Average star-rating of breweries – 1.50

• Source: Yelp

Number of hardware stores – 1.50

• Source: Yellow Pages

Number of men’s clothing stores – 1.50

• Source: Yellow Pages

Average lawn size – 1.00

• Source: Lawn Starter

Number of fishing trails – 1.00

• Source: Trail Link

Cost of a pint of domestic beer – 1.00

• Source: Numbeo

Number of childcare workers – 1.00

• Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Number of basketball hoops – 1.00

• Source: Trust for Public Land

Number of upcoming live sporting events – 1.50

• Source: Ticketmaster

We then took it one step further by compiling our “dad-approved” factors into four main categories: Steakhouse Dinner, Brews & a Ball Game, The “Active” Dad, and Father’s Day Gifts. We gave each category a weighted score out of 25.

Steakhouse Dinner

• Number of steakhouses, average steakhouse star-rating, and number of childcare workers

Brews & a Ball Game

• Number of breweries, average brewery star-rating, cost of a pint of domestic beer, number of live sporting events, and number of childcare workers

The “Active” Dad

• Number of golf courses, average golf course star-rating, average lawn size, number of fishing trails, number of basketball hoops

Father’s Day Gifts

• Number of hardware stores and number of men’s clothing stores

Closing Thoughts

There are certain things only a father can do, like rock a fanny pack, cut the umbilical cord, and most of all, support their kids like no one is watching. So that you don’t waste precious bonding time wondering where to go for Father’s Day, Shane Co. wanted to arm you with the best places to take Dad out on the town — as long as he won’t be required to ask for directions. 

On the off chance you can’t make it to one of the top cities on our list, Shane Co. offers a stylish selection of men’s jewelry and customizable wedding bands to still make your Father’s Day a memorable one.

The post The Best U.S. Cities to Celebrate Father’s Day appeared first on The Loupe.

Father’s Day is coming up, and that means it’s the perfect time to show all the dads in your life how much they mean to you. Even if you aren’t able to see each other in person this year, you can still send him a gift that means more from Shane Co.! Shop all our Father’s Day gifts online at ShaneCo.com. Remember: Everything ships for free within three days.

One way to make sure this year’s gift is extra special is to get it engraved with a heartfelt message, their name, or another saying. Here are some of our favorite engraving ideas for Dad:

• Their name or initials
• The initials of your family members
• World’s Best Dad
• My Hero
• You Taught Me Well
• Always Your Little Girl/Boy
• You Were Right
• Best ____ Ever (Cook, BBQ Master, Storyteller, etc.)
• Happy Father’s Day
• To My First Role Model
• Thank You for Everything
• Superhero, Minus the Cape

You can also engrave an inside joke or quote that you both love — the personal touch of an engraving is sure to make your gift more meaningful.

Engravable gift ideas

Engravable Signet Ring in 14k Yellow Gold

Stainless Steel and Round Diamond Money Clip with Black Enamel Accent

Sterling Silver Tie Clip

14k Yellow Gold Cross Necklace

Stainless Steel Cuff Links

The post Engraving Ideas for a Meaningful Father’s Day Gift appeared first on The Loupe.

In the United States and across the world, we celebrate Mother’s Day, where we take a day in May to honor our matriarchs and thank them for everything they do for us. But how did this tradition originate? And how can you make this Mother’s Day the best one yet?

Where does Mother’s Day come from?

The tradition of honoring mothers is nothing new. Celebrations of motherhood can be traced as far back as to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses, Rhea and Cybele. The earliest known incarnations after that include the Christian festival “Mothering Sunday,” which fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and encouraged the faithful to return to their “mother church” for a special service.

Over time, this shifted into a more secular holiday where children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity as American Mother’s Day became a national holiday, all but disappearing in the 1930s and ’40s.

Mother’s Day in the United States of America

Mother’s Day as we know it in the U.S. dates back all the way to the 19th century, when Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia started “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach mothers how to care for their children. These clubs became a unifying force in a region of the country that was, at the time, still divided over the Civil War. In 1868, Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” where mothers could gather with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation. Even back then, mothers played peacemaker to their large families in the United States.

Another precursor to Mother’s Day came from suffragette and abolitionist Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation” in 1870. She asked for mothers to unite in promoting world peace and campaigned for a “Mothers Peace Day” to be celebrated every June 2. While her idea didn’t exactly catch on, it led the way for the versions of Mother’s Day that followed.

Becoming a national holiday

The official celebration of Mother’s Day arose in the 1900s because of Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Anne Reeves Jarvis. After her mother’s death in 1905, Anna came up with Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers make for their children. She gained financial backing from a Philadelphia department store owner named John Wanamaker and, with his help, in May of 1908 she organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. At the same time, thousands of people celebrated the new holiday at a Wanamaker’s retail store in Philadelphia.

Jarvis’ idea was so successful that she started a letter-writing campaign to urge the adoption of Mother’s Day as an official holiday. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. Ironically enough, Jarvis remained unmarried and childless throughout her life — but this didn’t stop her from recognizing the importance of mothers in cultures all over the world.

Fun facts about Mother’s Day

Surprise Mom with these interesting facts you may not have known about this important holiday.

• The original Mother’s Day involved wearing a white carnation as a badge in addition to visiting one’s mother and attending church services. White carnations are still a popular choice for Mother’s Day flowers, while colorful pink ones are given as well.
• In the 1970s, women’s groups often protested on Mother’s Day to highlight the need for equal rights and access to childcare.
• Approximately 122 million calls are made to moms on Mother’s Day in the U.S. How’s that for a phone bill?
• In 1968, Coretta Scott King, the wife of Martin Luther King Jr., used Mother’s Day to host a march in support of underprivileged women and children.
• More fresh flowers and plants are purchased on Mother’s Day than for any other holiday except Christmas/Hanukkah.

How to find the perfect gift

Jewelry makes a meaningful gift for Mother’s Day because it treats Mom to something special she might not otherwise buy for herself. Shane Co. has the widest selection of gifts for Mother’s Day, all crafted by our design team with exclusive styles for every budget. You can shop online at ShaneCo.com, and your gift is guaranteed to be shipped within three days. Mom will get a heartfelt present, wrapped in a burgundy bow just for her.

With hand-picked diamonds, rubies, sapphires, pearls, and gemstones, she’ll love the beauty her Shane Co. jewelry adds to her wardrobe. Along with personalization options like engraving, as well as our other custom jewelry, you can add a unique touch to her piece she won’t find anywhere else.

Here are some of our favorite customizable Mother’s Day gift ideas:

Family Collection

Our Family Collection is designed to highlight the members of your family, reminding Mom of the people who love her most. Choose from exclusive and high-quality designs for a unique piece that will make her think of you, always. Pick from two to seven stones for these gorgeous necklaces in your family’s birthstones, favorite colors, and more.

Engravable Gifts

Want to send Mom a special message that will remind her of a special Mother’s Day? Gifting her an engraved gift means she’s getting something that’s personalized just for her. This Horizontal Bar Bracelet comes in a variety of high-quality metals and is perfect for displaying a meaningful message, name or date. She’ll also love this unique 3D Bar Pendant with enough space for engraving the names of all her kids and/or grandkids.

Mother & Child Collection

There’s no better way to celebrate motherhood than with a gift from our Mother & Child Collection. She’ll radiate classic beauty with this Freshwater Pearl Mother & Child Pendant, while this customizable Mother & Child Pendant leaves a space for the special stone of your choice. Reminiscent of a mother’s embrace, this collection is sophisticated and meaningful — the perfect Mother’s Day surprise.

Other gifts we love for Mom

Lockets: The perfect place to put a picture of her family. With vintage to modern designs, our lockets are timeless pieces that will look great on every mother. This elegant Engraved Locket in 14k Yellow Gold has milgrain detailing that will stand out, just like she does.

Gemstones: Give her something stylish to wear with gemstone pieces that add lots of stunning color to her vibrant style. This Solitaire Gemstone Pendant comes in a variety of colorful shades and is only $100, for an easy, never-fail Mother’s Day gift.

Matching Sets: What’s better than one Mother’s Day gift? Well, two, of course! Matching sets are the perfect way to surprise Mom (one gift from you, and one from the kids!). Try this Infinity Black and White Sapphire Pendant with matching earrings for an unforgettable surprise.

Why shop Shane Co.?

Worried about picking the right place to shop for Mother’s Day gifts? Shane Co. makes it easy to give her exactly what she wants with benefits like our Free Lifetime Warranty, where your gift is protected for free, for life. Chat with online jewelry consultants or book a virtual appointment if you need help figuring out what to get Mom, or shop our entire Mother’s Day Gift Guide on ShaneCo.com. We’re here for all of life’s important moments — because that’s what a friend would do.

The post Celebrate Mom This Mother’s Day appeared first on The Loupe.

Many people grow up dreaming of the day they’ll find their perfect partner. Whether you’ve watched romantic movies, listened to sappy love songs or just witnessed devoted couples in everyday life, it may still surprise you to find out that entering into a lifetime partnership with someone has a plethora of emotional benefits.

1. It fights depression

Did you know that getting hitched can actually reduce your chance of developing depression? It’s true! Married couples report less depression and more support from their partners than their single counterparts, according to an article in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior. When you think about it, this makes sense — after all, having someone trustworthy to talk to about our most intense feelings and emotions can have a huge effect on how we deal with them.

2. It’s a mood enhancer

Despite the common joke that marriage is stress-inducing, studies show that married couples produce lower levels of “stress hormones” like cortisol, resulting in less anxiety and stress and, consequently, better moods for all those involved. This feel-good effect even extends to children who are being raised within married families.

3. It increases social support

If you’re worried that getting married will result in fewer friendships, think again. An article in The Journals of Gerontology discussed how older married couples actually have more of a sense of community than those who are simply cohabiting. In addition, another study concluded that married mothers receive more social support than both single and cohabiting mothers.

4. It reduces rates of addiction

A study done by Dr. Walter Forrest and Professor Carter Hay on marijuana use found that those who went on to marry were “less likely to have continued using the drug than those who remained single.” Apparently, tying the knot results in increased self-control, leading to a reduction of alcohol- and drug-related problems and dependence.

5. It leads to better intimacy

It’s no surprise that marriage promotes intimacy, but what you may not be aware of is that married couples seem to have no trouble bringing this closeness into the bedroom. The 1992 National Health and Social Life survey supports the finding that married men report more satisfaction in their sex lives than single men.

6. It makes you happier

There’s no doubt about it: Married couples report being happy far more often than unmarried or divorced people do. The National Opinion Research Center surveyed 35,000 men and women and discovered that while only 24% of single people reported they were “very happy,” 40% of those married felt ecstatic in their everyday lives.

Want to learn more about the benefits of marriage? Check back on The Loupe for more helpful blogs to get you ready for the next step in your relationship. You can also follow Shane Co. on social media (@shanecompany) or visit our website to quench your thirst for everything bridal.

The post Benefits of Marriage, Part 1: Emotional appeared first on The Loupe.

Gift buying can be frustrating, especially if you’re not sure where to look. That’s why Shane Co. is dedicated to making finding the perfect gift for any occasion as easy and simple as it is to actually give it. We make it easy to find and buy the perfect gift by offering perks and services that no other jeweler has.

Why give jewelry?

Jewelry is the perfect go-to gift, as long as you have a wide selection of styles to choose from. It’s a historically sentimental gift — whether you’re personalizing their piece or simply choosing something classic and elegant, jewelry has the advantage of being something that stands out from other gifts. Another reason to give jewelry is that it’s timeless — while clothing can grow out of fashion and electronics can break, a pretty necklace or bracelet can be cherished for a lifetime. The reasons why jewelry makes the perfect gift are endless!

Easy to find

We love being your friend in the jewelry business, so we make it easy to find the perfect gift for any occasion on ShaneCo.com or in-store. Here are some of the benefits we offer that you may not have heard about yet:

Favorites list

Did you know that you can have your sweetie add items to their favorites list to help take the guesswork out of finding a gift? They can even add your email and use the “drop a hint” tool to send you a list of their favorites. This way, you already know that your present will be a hit.

Gift guides

With thousands of designs to choose from, we know it can seem overwhelming to decide on just one. Luckily, our gift guides help point you in the right direction, with curated lists of on-trend and classic styles that make the perfect gift, even for those hard-to-shop-for friends and family. Check out ShaneCo.com for customized birthday gifts or come see our holiday gift guides for whatever season you’re in.

Style finders

We’re happy to offer tools like our gift finder quiz to help you decide on the perfect gift for everyone you care about. Just answer a few questions about what they like and we’ll show you a list of options we know they’ll love.

Jewelry experts

If online shopping isn’t your thing, or you’re simply looking for a more personalized experience, visit Shane Co. in-store to speak with a member of our noncommission sales team. Our staff is highly trained and dedicated to providing a fun, no-pressure experience. Whether you know exactly what you want or have no idea where to start, they can certainly help guide you in the right direction.

Ready to give

When you get a gift from Shane Co., your purchase will come wrapped in a bow and ready to present to your loved one. That way, you don’t have to struggle to make it look as good as it does when they open it — we’ve done the hard work for you.

Free 2-day shipping

No more worrying whether your gift will arrive on time. We offer free 2-day shipping to anywhere in the U.S. when you shop Shane Co. online.

60-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Afraid they might not like their gift? With the largest selection of styles, it’s unlikely you won’t be able to find something perfect for your loved one. But if for some reason they aren’t completely happy, we offer a 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee on all Shane Co. orders.

Free Lifetime Warranty

We create jewelry that’s truly built to last. From hand-picking diamonds and gemstones to using more gold in every ring, our jewelry is crafted with heirloom-quality care. Even still, your gift is protected — for free, for life, including the center stone.

Honest financing options

Unlike our competitors, we don’t try to trick you with hidden fees and false advertising. Our financing options are available for any budget in order to make sure you can easily afford your purchase.

Update at any time

Want to make sure they’re able to upgrade their diamond in the future? We have the most comprehensive upgrade policy in the industry, allowing you to receive full credit for your diamond, sapphire, ruby or metal piece.

Buy online, pick up in store

In order to make shopping as easy as possible, we also offer our customers the option to buy their gift online and pick it up in the store. No matter what your preference is, there’s an easy way to do it at Shane Co.

Never-fail gifts

Here’s a tip: There are some gifts that simply never go out of style. Check out our favorites below!

Diamond studs

A classic style that every woman loves to wear, diamond stud earrings are an ever-popular gift that you can customize according to your budget. Choose the shape, size and grade of the stone you want and enjoy a sparkling pair of hand-picked diamond studs.

Premounted pendants

Choose from the widest selection of colorful stones — whether it’s their birthstone, school colors or simply a favorite shade, you get to pick the stone that’s premounted on our high-quality yellow, white and rose gold or sterling silver chains for a beautiful pendant they’ll want to wear every day.

All-metal designs

An engravable bar necklace or disk pendant in their favorite shade of gold or silver makes a simple, personalized gift that will express how you feel about them. We also have a stunning collection of all-metal lockets that will become a treasured keepsake for years to come.

The post How to Find the Perfect Gift appeared first on The Loupe.

It’s important to recognize all the meaningful women that make your world a better place. If you’re married or in another significant relationship, getting a gift for your mother-in-law, whether it’s her birthday, Mother’s Day or another holiday, can be the perfect way to let them know you love every member of your family and appreciate all they do for you.

The relationship you have with your mother-in-law can be complicated. Keep in mind that respect should always come first. After all, you shouldn’t have to change who you are to better fit into your partner’s life. Instead, be the person your sweetheart fell in love with — and let your extended family do the same. Accept them, their flaws and their strengths, and learn how to work together to compromise and create a loving atmosphere filled with new and old traditions. Giving a gift can be a great way to ensure a symbiotic relationship, as well as recognize the important role that your mother-in-law plays in your life.

Why Give Jewelry

Jewelry is the perfect gift for any occasion because it’s versatile and meaningful no matter what time of year it is. It’s a sentimental present that is timeless, durable, and can be personalized to fit the wearer’s style. By gifting jewelry, you’re also giving them something they might not splurge on for themselves. With thousands of exclusive styles to choose from, the hardest part of finding gift ideas for your mother-in-law is picking out exactly what to get her.

Our Top Gifts For Mother-In-Laws

At Shane Co., we specialize in high-quality jewelry in unique styles you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re having trouble figuring out what to get your mother-in-law, here are some ideas she’s sure to love.

Personalized Styles

Engravables

The perfect way to customize your gift. Choose something simple or modern to highlight her unique sense of style, then include a meaningful message she’ll treasure forever. Our favorite engravable gifts include:

• This gorgeous Diamond Circle Necklace in 14k White Gold. With an adjustable 18″ chain and 36 pavé-set diamonds, embrace classic style with plenty of room for customization.
• A Horizontal Bar Bracelet in 14k Rose Gold. This bracelet is feminine and delicate in our signature shade of rose gold. Engrave it with her name or a special date to make it the perfect gift.

The Family Collection

This allows you to personalize your piece with the gemstones of her choice, such as birthstones to symbolize all the members of her family, or stones in her favorite colors. This is the perfect gift to let her know that you’re more than happy to have her in your life. Some of our popular styles include:

• This Infinity Pendant with up to seven customizable stones. Timeless style meets meaningful beauty with this personalized necklace. Choose from our wide selection of hand-picked stones to create a unique gift.
• Our Family Collection Vintage Pendant. With vintage-style details and room for up to seven stones of your choosing, she’ll love the delicate look of this sophisticated pendant in 14k white gold.

Lockets

A timeless piece and a truly meaningful gift. Many of our lockets are engravable and can be personalized with the special photo of her choice. One idea is to include a picture of you and your significant other. Here are some of our best locket gifts:

• An Engravable Round Diamond Heart Locket is a beautiful present that never goes out of style. Made with high-quality sterling silver and a starburst-surrounded .03-carat diamond, you can finish it off with a personalized engraving for an elegant gift idea.
• This Engraved Locket in 14k Yellow Gold hangs from a 22″ adjustable cable chain. It’s beautifully detailed and has room for a photo inside.

Classic Looks

Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires always make a treasured gift. You can choose from hundreds of designs with our directly imported and hand-picked stones to find the perfect gift to show her she deserves a little extra sparkle. Take a look below for our favorite picks:

• Stud earrings are a great gift she can wear every day. With studs, you can choose the size, color and price that fits your budget.
• This Diamond Dangle Necklace is great for the mother-in-law with a more contemporary style. Sparkling diamonds are complemented by a warm rose gold chain in this unique Y-shaped design.
• Our Traditional Sapphire Band can be worn for more than just weddings. Made with 31 pavé-set blue sapphires, it can be worn alone or paired with other rings for an added element of sophistication for her wardrobe.

Pearls have timeless style and represent the beauty and rarity of nature. They showcase your mother-in-law’s elegance and will always look sophisticated year after year. Check out some of our popular cultured pearl styles:

• Our Lavender Freshwater Pearl and Amethyst Dangle Earrings are a colorful pair that add an element of glam to her jewelry collection. The 7.5-8mm freshwater pearls are complemented beautifully by two bezel-set round amethyst gemstones.
• This Graduated White and Lavender Freshwater Pearl Bracelet is simple and classic, with 5-9.5mm cultured pearls on a hand-knotted strand secured by a high-quality sterling silver clasp.

Perfect Pairings

Stackable rings are an on-trend way to introduce new styles to your mother-in-law’s wardrobe. Mix and match our handcrafted fashion rings for a contemporary, elevated design that’s personalized just for her. Some of our favorite pairs include:

• This Bezel-Set Ring in 14k White Gold comes in a variety of different gemstone styles that can be stacked for a unique look. Choose from rich red garnet, colorful green tsavorite, soft green peridot and more.
• A Vintage Diamond Band in 14k Rose Gold has a classic look that can easily be paired with more modern styles for a gorgeous juxtaposition. Milgrain detailing and vine designs beautifully complement its 16 round diamonds.

Spring sets use floral designs and colorful gemstones created by our in-house design team for pairings that add a touch of color and style to her wardrobe. She can wear them together or separately for a versatile array of looks. Here are some popular gift ideas:

• This Amethyst, Rhodolite Garnet and White Sapphire Necklace paired with matching earrings. This 18″ necklace crafted with sterling silver looks beautiful with its partner pair of stud earrings. The modern cluster design highlights the unique properties of all of its gemstones and looks great dressed up or down.
• A Traditional Blue Sapphire and Diamond Pendant with its complementary stud earrings. This fashionable floral design is simple and elegant with an added touch of trendiness. Sparkle more with hand-picked blue sapphires and round diamonds.

Why Shop Shane Co.

There are many reasons to choose Shane Co. as the best place to find gift ideas for your mother-in-law. Our comprehensive gift guide makes it easy to explore popular designs for every style, and we make it simple to shop by price with the “Gifts by Price” option in our navigation menu. We offer honest financing options and a variety of price points for every budget, as well as customizable options like engraving that add the sentimentality and meaning you’re looking for in your gift.

Direct Importers

We are direct importers of ethically sourced diamonds, rubies, sapphires, pearls and gemstones, and we stand by our products. In conjunction with our in-house design team, we travel the world looking for the most modern designs while still embracing timeless, classic style that’s built to last. With our Free Lifetime Warranty, you never have to worry about your gift breaking, and with our 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee, you can be sure she’ll be more than satisfied with her gift.

Family-Owned

As family-owned-and-operated, fourth-generation jewelers, we want our customers to be able to trust in us for honest and dedicated service. That’s why our sales staff is noncommission and no-pressure. They’re trained and excited to provide an enjoyable and personalized experience with a wide breadth of knowledge on everything we sell. You can find a store near you using our store locator feature, or start shopping online to take advantage of our free 2-day shipping. Whatever you choose, you can feel good buying a gift from Shane Co.

The post Gifts For Your Mother-in-Law Made Easy appeared first on The Loupe.

The time of year is upon us when students all over the world are frantically testing and writing to obtain that long-awaited degree. Whether they’re planning for their high school graduation, getting their bachelor’s or post-graduate degree, or celebrating another accomplishment, we love to recognize the success of our loved ones and all the hard work they put into receiving their diplomas with graduation gifts. Along with this celebration comes a variety of traditions that range from silly to serious.

Graduation traditions

Pomp and circumstance

You may not know its name, but you’ve certainly heard this recognizable tune play at pretty much every high school and college graduation you’ve been to. The familiar “Graduation March,” however, actually has its roots in the monarchy. It was written by British composer Edward Elger to memorialize the coronation of King Edward VII. Later on, when Elger received an honorary doctorate at Yale, the song was played again and quickly gained popularity as the music of choice for graduations everywhere.

Cap and gown

The traditional graduation gown consists of a long robe and a square-topped cap — something you’ve probably seen in movies even if you haven’t donned one yourself. Many believe this design is related to clerical outfits of the 12th and 13th centuries, as most scholars were a part of the church at this time. Historians also believe that since academic buildings were generally unheated, the long robes and hoods were worn to keep scholars warm in the chilly halls. Oxford and Cambridge were the first recorded schools to standardize gowns for graduation, and the tradition lives on today.

The turning of the tassel

This tradition is one of the newer ones, having only emerged within the last 40 to 50 years. Originally a simple design element, the movement of the tassel is meant to symbolize a student’s movement from candidate to graduate. If you’re afraid of messing it up, remember that it’s traditional to move the tassel from right to left upon instruction.

Throwing the graduation cap

The tossing of the graduation cap is believed to have started in 1912 at the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon graduation, the Navy gave newly commissioned graduates their officers’ hats for the first time, leaving the midshipmen’s caps they were previously wearing useless. The new officers then tossed their old hats into the air to celebrate, and many graduates have since followed suit.

Graduation leis

This Hawaiian tradition involves graduates being presented with leis by their friends and family members throughout the ceremony. They can sometimes receive so many leis that they end up looking buried in flowers, although “alternative” leis like candy necklaces are sometimes given out, too.

Diplomas

The word “diploma,” meaning “double-folded paper,” originated in the mid-17th century. Unlike the cap and gown, diplomas are an American tradition, presented to graduates as a certification of the completion of their studies. The first diplomas were given out at Harvard University in 1813. They are sometimes referred to as “sheepskins” because they were originally written on parchment, which was formed from sheep or goat’s skin. This durable material was perfect for the long-lasting diploma.

Graduation celebrations

While we can’t say when the idea of celebrating our loved one’s achievements originated, we can say that it’s a time-honored tradition we’re happy to be a part of. Most people choose to celebrate by hosting a graduation party, dinner, or another event that puts a spotlight on all the hard work the graduate has done to get to this point. Giving graduation gifts is also a common practice encouraged to celebrate the graduate’s success.

Picking out the perfect graduation gift

There are a lot of reasons why jewelry makes a great graduation gift for every man or woman. The enduring nature of jewelry means your gift won’t go out of style like the newest trendy pair of shoes, and they won’t outgrow it like they might a piece of clothing. It’s much more personal than money, allowing the graduate to place special significance in your gift. It will also help kick-start their “adult” wardrobe, giving them something they can wear to future job interviews, special events, and all the other things that come along with post-graduation life. Here are a few tips on how to pick out graduation jewelry they’ll truly love.

Shop for versatility

Choose a piece they can easily mix and match with others, or one they’re able to dress up or dress down depending on how they’re wearing it. This ensures they’ll get a lot of use out of your gift.

Know their style

Does your graduate follow the trends, or do they favor more classic styles? Are they in love with vintage jewelry or obsessed with geometric designs? Think about how they dress and what they’ve liked in the past to find something that’s right for them.

Personalize it

There are a million and one ways to make a piece of jewelry extra special. You can choose their birthstone or school colors, specific shapes that match up with their interests, or even engrave their gift with a personal message. Customizing their gift to make it more meaningful will help to make it one they’ll love to wear.

Add utility

This tip is especially important if you don’t see your graduate wearing jewelry that often. Purchasing a gift with more of a purpose, like cuff links or a money clip, can transform it into something they appreciate all the more.

Benefits of shopping Shane Co. for graduation

With the largest selection of exclusive styles, customization options and high-quality craftsmanship, Shane Co. is the place to shop for graduation gifts. We offer signature styles that highlight your graduate’s unique personality, and all of our jewelry is made with hand-picked stones directly sourced and priced for every budget. With our 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee and Free Lifetime Warranty, your purchase is risk-free. Shop at a store near you or explore endless options online to take advantage of our free 2-day shipping, anywhere in the U.S.

Still not sure what to get your grad? Take our gift finder quiz or explore some of our most popular gifting options below.

Classic Diamond Studs

Our traditional studs come in a range of sizes, handcrafted with individually matched stones. With a range of prices, they look great with timeless diamonds or a unique colored gem.

Engravable Signet Ring

This beautiful customizable ring looks great with every skin tone in our signature shade of 14k rose gold. Make it special with a message, the date of their graduation or their initials for something they’ll treasure forever.

Diamond Tennis Bracelet

A tennis bracelet is the perfect gift for the stylish graduate. It’s simple and easy to accessorize with any outfit — a wardrobe staple for the sophisticated woman. It’s a great way to introduce an “adult” piece to your loved one’s jewelry collection.

14k Gold Knot Cuff Links

These cuff links represent timeless style with a contemporary twist. Made from 14k yellow gold, they’ll look great when it’s time for your graduate to suit up and are a valuable investment he’ll love to wear.

Freshwater Pearl Strand

Is there a better way to transition your wardrobe into adulthood than cultured pearls? She can pair this enduring style with a T-shirt and jeans or a little black dress for a versatile piece. Each strand is hand-knotted between each pearl and built to last.

The post It’s Graduation Gifts Time! appeared first on The Loupe.

This Father’s Day, we sat down with Rordan and dove into his life as a dad. From wrestling matches to bedtime stories, Rordan tells us his favorite parts of raising a family.

Q: Describe your emotions when you first realized you were going to be a dad.

A: I was really excited, nervous and curious about what it was going to be like. You know it’s going to be life-altering. You know it’s going to be crazy, and it’s going to be fun. Many aspects will be tough, no doubt. But overall, immediately I was temporarily overwhelmed and then anxious, and then once again, excited for the life experience. 

Q: What is the most challenging part of being a father?

A: Finding all the time to spend with the kids is hard. There is also a fine line between being your kid’s friend while still being their parent and being able to set boundaries. I think that with me, I struggled with the infancy stage as well. I’m a very hands-on parent and I want to be there for every changing and the feeding, but trying to balance that with my professional life was tough for me emotionally, especially as this stage goes so quickly.

Q: Being the president of a company is not easy. How do you balance that with being a dad?

A: I make my schedule around their schedule. I wake up before they do, help them get ready for the day, and we have breakfast together every single morning. I don’t come into the office until I’ve taken the boys to school or have otherwise had some quality time with them each morning. At the end of the day, I always try my hardest to be home for dinner. Their schedule comes first. Family time is precious.

Q: What is the most rewarding?

A: Overall, it’s the feeling of love between the kids and me. To me, it’s different from the feeling you have with a spouse, friend or your own parents. It’s simply a different type of relationship. I also love teaching them and showing them something new. For example, I take a lot of pride in introducing them to new foods and traveling. When my four-year-old (then three) wanted to try “exotic” guacamole made with ants, grasshoppers and worms in Mexico, it was rewarding to see him challenge me to try something I otherwise might not have … and yes, we both ate it and enjoyed it!

Q: What core values has your father taught you that you hope to instill in your children?

A: There are several that I’ve carried with me throughout business and life — honesty, integrity and being transparent. There is a humility through action that needs to be taught, as well as the need just to have fun. I hope to make those values stick with my kids throughout their lives.

Q: What advice do you remember most (even still follow to this day) from your father?

A: My dad would tell me that there are times that an ostrich will stick its head in the sand, but when it does there’s another part that sticks out even more. It’s important not to hide from things and be honest. The situation may not always be great, but you can’t only talk about the good things and ignore the bad. Dad always says that he has to look in the mirror to shave every morning, and he has to like what he sees looking back at him. That has always stuck with me.

Q: If you had to give a new dad some fatherly advice, what would you say?

A: Don’t wish away certain ages or take any amount of time for granted. Time moves fast, so be conscious and live in the moment. It’s also important for every couple or person to parent the way they want. There is not a right way to be a good mom or dad, and you only restrict you.

Q: What is your favorite Father’s Day memory so far?

A: Last year, I told my wife that what I’d really love would be to sleep in and relax in the morning. Instead, I ended up waking up early because I felt left out and didn’t want to miss anything. I wanted to make sure I was there. Another year, my boys handmade me a gift that I will keep forever. Those things mean the most.

The post Following in Dad’s Footsteps appeared first on The Loupe.

Round Diamond and Stainless Steel Tie Clip

For the practical dad that wears a shirt and tie every day for the office, this tie clip will be his new go-to accessory.

Figaro Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold

A modern piece that will have Dad staying on trend, this 14k yellow gold bracelet will accent any outfit perfectly.

Sterling Silver Cuff Links with Black Onyx Inlay

Every dad needs a pair of cuff links. Treat him to these classic sterling silver cuff links with a modern twist.

Sterling Silver Rope Necklace

This rope necklace is a piece that Dad can wear all the time and is a perfect style staple.

Circle Sterling Silver Cuff Links & Sterling Silver Tie Clip with Mother-of-Pearl Accents

Make it a set! Give Dad cuff links and a tie clip paired with a tie from his favorite brand and you are sure to make this Father’s Day a special one.

Shop all men’s accessories here.

The post 5 Father’s Day Gifts Dad Actually Needs appeared first on The Loupe.

“We love sports and always sing ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ together at the games. She surprised me when she chose this as our mother/son song at my wedding to dance to!” – Corey H.

“I have always loved my mom, but since becoming a mom myself my appreciation is greater than ever! Love, support, kindness and respect are qualities she emulates and ones I hope to pass on to my daughter. I am proud to be her daughter and to be my daughter’s mother. There is nothing greater than a mom’s love.” – Erinn M.

“[This is] my mom on a field trip with me and my class to the pumpkin patch. She is always supporting me, even as an adult. I’m so lucky to call her Mom!” – Amber M.

“The best inspiration and supporter! The best grandma and whom I hope to be more like every day. I learned everything I know about being a mom from my mom!” – Jackie B.

The post Mother’s Day Contest Winner appeared first on The Loupe.

Find Mom a gift she’ll love for years to come.

The post Find the Perfect Gift for Mom: Take our Quiz! appeared first on The Loupe.

Stackable Rings

Stackable rings are the perfect gift for a new mother. There are so many styles available, allowing you to find one that is unique to her. You can go for a simple gold band or a statement piece. As her family grows, so can her stackable ring collection! I recommend choosing a style that reflects the child’s birthstone or a special color. This is a great way to gift something fashion-forward that also represents her family.

Shane Design Studio

Create a special piece that represents her family and the exciting addition of a new baby! Shane Design Studio has pendants and rings in an array of designs that you can customize yourself. Whether you choose a classic blue sapphire for a boy, a pink sapphire for a girl or the baby’s birthstone, we have plenty of options to choose from. There are also options that allow you to add stones for each member of your family.

Mother & Child Pendant

A gorgeous Mother & Child pendant is a sentimental push present, as it represents the bond between a mother and her baby. The pendants come in several beautiful designs, and we have engravable choices as well. You can make her pendant extra special by engraving the date of her child’s birth.

Charm Bracelet

All of the big events in life can be commemorated with a charm. Shane Co. has dozens of adorable charms that would be perfect gifts to congratulate a new mom. There are also charms to represent all the special occasions to come. It’ll be fun for her to add charms as her family grows!

Diamond Studs

Diamond jewelry is always a great gift, whatever the occasion. Diamond studs make an especially excellent push present. They are timeless and can be worn with anything. Also, our trade-in program makes upgrading her studs easy and affordable. Each special occasion can be celebrated with an upgrade!

The post Perfect Push Presents appeared first on The Loupe.

Don’t we all have that desire to give Mom beautiful things that she will want to keep forever and (bonus!) maybe even wear forever?  Shane Co. has stunning gifts that match those criteria—no matter what her style. I sat down with our fashion buyers to get their gift recommendations for Mother’s Day. Here’s what they shared.

For a New Mom

If the mom in your life has a brand new bundle of joy, one of Shane Co.’s exclusive Mother & Child Collection pendants would be the perfect gift. The newest designs feature either a single blue or pink sapphire, or a single pearl.

For a Fashion-Forward Mom

Dainty, stackable pieces are trending right now, and Mama knows it! Shane Co. has created necklaces with adjustable lengths and petite bracelets available in four fashion-forward shapes for Mom to mix and match at will. They are available in your choice of yellow gold, white gold or rose gold. To make the gift even more sentimental, you have the option to engrave something special on the pendants. Warning: She’ll want to collect them all.

For a Sentimental Mom

Mom probably carries around tons of photos of you on her phone and shows them to people all the time. But there’s something extra special about the tradition of carrying a picture of your loved ones in a precious little case close to your heart. Shane Co. lockets are available in 14k Italian white gold, rose gold or yellow gold, and they come in an assortment of shapes with a variety of decorations or personalized engravings. If you want to see her get a little teary this Mother’s Day, put a baby photo in one of these.

For a Mom who Loves Color

If nothing makes Mom happier than having a rainbow of colors in her wardrobe, then here’s your go-to gift this Mother’s Day! Our brand new pearl or mineral earring and bracelet sets are vibrant (and engravable!).

For a Mom Who Has Everything

If your mom loves jewelry and it seems like she has every piece under the sun, you probably can’t imagine what else you could possibly get her in any jewelry category. But wait! Does she have a custom piece of jewelry? One made especially for her? That’s exactly what our Family Collection offers. You can choose from three different rings and eight different pendants, then customize the metal as well as the number and kind of stones. So whether you add in your entire family’s birthstone colors or make a piece with Mom’s favorite colors, she’ll get a gift as unique and special as she is this Mother’s Day.

For more gift ideas, visit ShaneCo.com or stop by your local Shane Co. to find many other beautiful pieces Mom is sure to love.

The post Mother’s Day Gift Ideas appeared first on The Loupe.

When it comes to the push present, there are no rules or guidelines. Some would say that makes it hard. I say, choosing such a gift is fun and special because there is not a wrong way to do it. Some fathers choose jewelry they can engrave with the name or initials of the new baby, while others choose a birthstone piece. The father can also start a charm bracelet or stackable ring collection. And when nothing else seems to be the perfect baby-themed gift, some fathers will just select an item they know the mother would love in general!

Here are some great ideas and why they would be the perfect gift for a push present:

These delicate rings are very versatile and fun. You can wear them with a wedding set or on a separate finger all together. They are stackable and each one can have a special meaning. They can also be engraved.

These are just a few of the exclusive charms that Shane Co. offers. Add them to a bracelet or necklace to tell your family’s unique story. You can add a new charm for every special occasion.

Pendants that can be engraved offer a customized way to showcase the new addition to your family.

Our Family Collection pendants and rings are the perfect way to create a lasting impression. You can personalize them with gemstones for each family member.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to make the gift memorable and unique. Find something that she will wear for many years to come and every time she looks at it, she will remember her most cherished gift of all, the birth of your child.

The post A Present for the Big Push appeared first on The Loupe.