Amelia, portrayed by Lucy Hale, and Ismay, portrayed by Christina Hendricks, take center stage as two women who play integral roles in A.J.’s life. Amelia is a kind book rep who reminds A.J. what it’s like to be in love after the death of his wife. Ismay is A.J.’s former wife’s sister, a beautiful woman with a troubling secret. Both women have unique styles in the movie that reflect their personalities. See Shane Co.’s two featured rings below that capture the essence of each woman.  

Cultured Akoya Pearl and Diamond Ring

Amelia wears this stunning ring after A.J. proposes to her. It perfectly suits her personal style, which can be described as “coastal chic,” as the movie takes place on the fictional Alice Island in Massachusetts. This pearl ring speaks to the seaside setting and the subtle elegance Amelia carries with her. Pair with pearl studs for a lovely look we think Amelia would appreciate. 

Tahoe London Blue Topaz Ring

Ismay can be seen wearing this ring, which complements her New England English teacher vibe. She is often seen in plaids, camel tones, turtlenecks, and blues that pair well with her red hair. This London blue topaz ring is a perfect standout piece for her classic style and bold beauty. Shop the Tahoe London Blue Topaz Pendant to complete your look. While not featured in the film, we think Ismay would have loved this necklace to pair with her ring.  

We love the cozy charm of this movie, as well as its sense of mystery and fulfilling family scenes. It makes you want to curl up in a beautiful small-town bookstore, take long walks by the ocean, and wear jewelry that reflects the scenery all around it. Shop these two Shane Co. rings to romanticize your own storied life. 

Explore all rings at Shane Co. to create another film-worthy fashion moment. With our Free Lifetime Warranty, we’re your partners for life with free maintenance, repair, cleaning, and more. As a family-owned, renowned business in the industry, we promise to be your trusted jeweler and friend in the jewelry business.

The post The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry: A Heart Too Full appeared first on The Loupe.

Frozen or on the rocks, Casamigos or Patrón, strawberry or lime — whatever your preference, you can’t go wrong with a margarita. The iconic tequila cocktail has been a fixture at house parties and Mexican restaurants since the 1930s. The classic margarita typically consists of blanco (or silver) tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice served in a glass with a salted rim; however, many prefer spin-off recipes that include different flavors, spices, and types of tequila. 

To pay our respects to the time-honored mixed drink, Shane Co. surveyed over 2,600 American drinkers, aged 21+, to find the nation’s collective margarita preferences and reveal how residents in each state take their margarita. Additionally, we found out how many margaritas it takes residents in each state to get tipsy, the cost of getting tipsy off margaritas, and how much Americans are spending on margaritas each year.

Read on to find out which type of margarita is your state’s favorite, along with other “salty” insights!

Here’s How Each State Takes Their Margarita

The classic (or house) margarita certainly takes the cake as the most popular margarita flavor around the U.S., voted the favorite by residents in 20 states. The most popular combination is a classic margarita with Patrón tequila, on the rocks, with a sea salt rim. The second most popular is the same combination, but sub in Jose Cuervo for Patrón. If you ask us, Jose Cuervo would not be our second pick, but perhaps its rich history and budget-friendly prices enhance its appeal. 

The second most popular margarita flavor is strawberry, chosen by residents in 14 states. A strawberry marg with Jose Cuervo is the preferred aperitif of Southerners, especially. Residents in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and West Virginia all love this winning combo. What’s more, out of the 14 states that prefer strawberry margaritas, eight states like their strawberry margs frozen.

There were only three states that did not choose Jose Cuervo or Patrón as their favorite tequila for their margaritas. California and New Mexico named Don Julio their favorite, while residents in Illinois have a taste for Casamigos over any other tequila brands. 

We asked residents in each state to choose their favorite margarita flavor out of a list of 15 flavors (everything from blood orange to passionfruit to key lime). Again, the classic margarita reigns supreme as the most popular margarita flavor (20 states), followed by strawberry (14 states). Honorable mentions go to mango and spicy jalapeño margaritas — voted the favorite in four and three states, respectively. Watermelon and passionfruit are the outliers with both flavors preferred in one state.

For fun, we also asked respondents to name their favorite tequila cocktails out of a list of 14 beverages. The vast majority, 87%, chose the margarita as their favorite tequila cocktail — proof that you can’t go wrong with this simple and sour drink. Other favorites were tequila sunrises (37%), sangritas (24%), and Mexican mules (21%).

Pick Your Poison

American margarita drinkers are especially loyal to Patrón silver tequila for its smooth/sweet taste and light, peppery finish. We asked respondents in each state to choose their ideal tequila brand for a margarita, and the largest portion (35%) said Patrón. Jose Cuervo was the runner-up (34%), followed by Don Julio (13%), Casamigos (8%), and Espolón (3%). 

Further, by a small margin, more people prefer their margaritas on the rocks (52%) than frozen (48%). When it comes to rim seasoning, sea salt is the favorite. 29% prefer sea salt on the rim of their margaritas, followed by 24% who choose sugar and 20% who choose regular (kosher) salt. 14% of margarita drinkers who like to turn up the heat prefer chili lime salt, while 13% prefer to keep it simple with no seasoning at all.

When it comes to types of tequila, 63% of respondents say blanco is their favorite, followed by 18% who say reposado is their preference. These two types blend perfectly with cocktails like a margarita or paloma, whereas other types (añejo and joven) taste better on their own, either neat or on the rocks. 
What’s more, margarita drinkers aren’t necessarily calorie counting — 83% of respondents prefer regular margs to skinny margs. For some, the quality of the margarita mix is also important. 23% of respondents would turn down a margarita at a restaurant or bar if the mix was store-bought rather than made in-house. 

How Many Margs Does It Take to Get Tipsy?

Tequila typically means tipsy nights filled with dancing and drunken secrets. But just how many margaritas does it take for the average American to catch a buzz? On average, it takes Americans 2.55 margs to get tipsy, but drinkers in Wisconsin, Florida, and Oklahoma beg to differ. Tanks in these states need anywhere from 3.08 to 3.20 margs before they start to feel wobbly. Connecticut, however, only needs 1.97 margs before feeling tipsy.  

The Cost of Getting Tipsy off Margaritas

In our survey, we asked American drinkers, “What is the most you’d be willing to pay for a margarita at a restaurant?” The average response was $10.97. We then multiplied the average number of margaritas it takes respondents in each state to feel tipsy by $10.97 to find the cost of getting tipsy off margaritas in each state.

Margarita drinkers in Wisconsin and Florida have the highest tolerance so naturally, their costs of getting tipsy off margs are the highest — $35.10 and $34.42, respectively. On the opposite end are Connecticut and Nebraska, where residents can catch a buzz off margs for the low price of $21.60 and $22.81.

Hefty Bar Tabs

According to survey responses, the average American drinks 30.18 margaritas each year. At an average price of $10.97, that means Americans are spending an average of $331.07 on margaritas each year. That’s a fair amount of coin to be putting toward margarita consumption alone. 

Other “Salty” Findings

• Respondents need 3.03 margaritas for enough liquid courage to dance in public.
• 41% of respondents have sent a text they shouldn’t have after having margaritas.
• 31% of respondents would choose margaritas over coffee if they could only have one of the two beverages for the rest of their lives.

That concludes our margarita preferences survey and the results are clear: margaritas are beloved. Americans can’t help but obsess over the tart and tangy cocktail that can be smoky, spicy, or sweet! Sweetness can come in liquid form or as a gift from a loved one. If you’re looking to buy your sweetie the ultimate gift, shop our collection of engagement rings!  

Methodology

Shane Co. surveyed 2,671 Americans across 42 states, aged 21-76, who drink alcohol, to determine each state’s favorite type of margarita. The survey ran from March 28 to April 1, 2022. Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming were not included in the results due to a small pool of survey respondents who were available to take the survey in these states. In the study, “tipsy” was defined by survey respondents as unsteady, staggering, or foolish from the effects of liquor. When asking respondents how many margaritas it would take for them to feel tipsy, a margarita was defined as a traditional 4-ounce margarita.

The post America’s Margarita Preferences appeared first on The Loupe.

Sunday brunch. A popular weekend event for most people that involves a combination of breakfast and lunch food options and is often accompanied with fun cocktails like mimosas or Bloody Marys. With so many options to choose from, we set out to determine which brunch cocktail is the most popular in every state by utilizing Google Trends search volume.  

Methodology

In this study, we used Google Trends search volume to analyze a total of 39 search terms to find the most popular brunch cocktail over the past five years. We also analyzed which is the most popular juice to use in mimosas, along with an analysis of which well-known brunch cocktail reigns supreme in the U.S., the mimosa or Bloody Mary. Read on to see which was the winner in your state!

Battle of the Brunch Cocktails

There are two cocktails that immediately come to mind when you think of brunch, and that are on just about every brunch menu in the U.S.: Bloody Marys and mimosas. The first drink is a tomato juice base mixed with vodka and spices, and is usually garnished with a celery stalk or some olives. The second is a mix of fruit juice, normally orange juice, and champagne; however, the ratio of these two ingredients is up for debate. 

In a head-to-head face-off, mimosas win as the more popular brunch cocktail with around 84% of the states having a higher search volume over Bloody Marys. 

Each State’s Favorite Juice for Mimosas

When it comes to ordering mimosas, there are a variety of juice flavors to consider and to choose from. Do you go for the classic orange juice, or branch out to cranberry, grapefruit, or even pineapple juice? 

When it comes to the classic, just eight states had a higher search volume for orange juice: Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Virginia, and Washington. Cranberry juice came in at the top and was the most popular in 14 states. Pineapple juice was the most popular in Hawaii, which is no surprise for the state that is notable for the popular sweet fruit.

The Most Popular Brunch Cocktail in Every State

There is quite a bit of diversity when it comes to the most popular brunch cocktail in every state, but the screwdriver was ranked the most popular overall with a combined total of 14 states. Similar to a mimosa, a screwdriver has orange juice but substitutes vodka instead of champagne. The classic mimosa came in a three-way tie for second place overall with sex on the beach and tequila sunrise at four states each. Irish coffee, a common morning beverage often combined with a bit of whiskey, was the most popular in Colorado, Delaware, and Virginia. Surprisingly, the Bloody Mary was the most popular in just one state, Wisconsin.

Closing Thoughts

Brunch is a special time to get together with friends and family, whether it’s just because or a special occasion like an engagement or wedding shower. It’s sentimental moments like those that make you think about popping the big question with a gleaming engagement ring from Shane Co.

The post The Most Popular Brunch Cocktail in Every State appeared first on The Loupe.

SUMMARY

Getting married is a beautiful — albeit sometimes scary — moment that many couples experience together. It requires a deep understanding of and trust for your betrothed. It’s an unshakable bond of commitment; a promise to always be by their side and put their needs above your own.

While we can think of nothing more romantic than that, we get it. Your single life is going (or went) out the window! Why not enjoy one last hoorah as a bachelor or bachelorette with the company of your closest friends before settling down with your one true love?

That’s the aspect of marriage that this contest is all about. What did YOU do for your bachelor or bachelorette? How wild and crazy did it get? Share a ludicrous moment from your last single night for a chance to win $1,000! Maybe just one teeny, tiny thing doesn’t have to stay in Vegas, right?

WINNER UPDATE

Shane Co. found a girl who knew how to have fun at her bachelorette trip! Congratulations to Charissa Walker for winning $1,000 for sharing a photo of her bachelorette party. Get to know Charissa and her love story below:

“I was born and raised in Detroit. Graduated college with a Bachelor’s in Computer & Information Systems. Met my husband in July 2014, got engaged May 2015, and got married April 2016. Never imagined I’d have a whirlwind romance but we did, and it’s been an exciting ride! Our wedding was nothing short of amazing. Six years later and we still have people tell us how much fun our wedding was. Now we are happily married with two sons, Shane and Gavin. I guess it was destined for me to win!”

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for your wildest moment from your bachelor or bachelorette party captured on camera! Whether staged or candid, we want a photo that captures the mood and atmosphere of this important pre-marriage ritual. Couples new and old can enter, meaning you can enter whether your party is a time capsule from bygone days or still fresh in your mind. Show us your matching party masks or bring that ’70s vibe full force. If you were part of the bridal party instead of the bride or groom, that’s OK too! We want to live vicariously through your wild times.

Along with the photo, you’ll be given the option to add a caption to further bring your moment to life. With photos collected, the general public will vote on which is the wildest!

That said, in case your party or trip got a little too wild, we have some ground rules to follow. The following requirements must be obeyed for entry.

Requirements: 

• Share one (1) photo from your bachelor or bachelorette party or trip 
• Share an optional comment explaining the photo to further bring your story to life
• Graphic content will not be tolerated
• Content depicting illegal activities of any kind will not be tolerated
• Applicants must be 18 years or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply

Disregarding any of these requirements is grounds for immediate disqualification.

HOW TO ENTER

To enter the contest, contestants MUST COMMENT BELOW, in your comment add your single photo (and caption if included) from your bachelor or bachelorette party. 

Any contestants who do not comment a photo below will not have an official entry into the contest. 

The deadline for contest entries is Monday, May 16, 2022. Contestants will need to submit their photo by that date to be considered. After this date, no further entries to the contest will be permitted.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, and will receive a $1,000 payment.

CONTEST TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The rules of the competition and the prize for the winner are as follows: 

1. The promoter of this competition is Shane Company whose principal office is located at 9790 E Arapahoe Rd, Greenwood Village, CO 80112.
2. Employees of Shane Company, their family members, or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition.
3. Persons must be at least 18 years old, or otherwise have reached the age of majority under the laws of the state where they reside, in order to participate.
4. Only residents of the United States are eligible to participate.
5. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
6. There is NO ENTRY FEE AND NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER THIS COMPETITION. Any purchase or consideration otherwise given by entrants will not improve one’s chances of winning.
7. The route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are available via www.shaneco.com. Individuals may enter to win by submitting their picture and story on the contest page on Shane Company’s website. Upon clicking the participation link, entrants will be asked to provide their name and contact information so that Shane Company can notify the winner of the results.
8. The closing date for entry will be May 16, 2022. After this date, no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
9. Only one winner will be selected from the entire pool of eligible entries. The selection process will be at the discretion of Shane Company. 
10. The winner will be notified by email and/or letter within 15 business days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 2 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.
11. Shane Company will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected.
12. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name, image, and video in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current federal and state data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
13. The winner’s name will be available 28 days after the closing date by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the following address:

• 2203 Uravan Street, Aurora, CO 80011

14. Shane Company’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The post Share Your Bachelor(ette) Photo for a Chance to Win $1000 appeared first on The Loupe.

In 2014, Time Magazine found that “33% of tweets test at a fourth-grade reading level.” So most tweets only required an elementary school education to understand, but what do reading levels look like on Twitter in 2022? In an era when celebrities tweet about every topic under the sun, from cryptocurrency to social justice to HBO’s “Euphoria,” how “smart” are their Twitter feeds today? Shane Co. was determined to find out. We used the Flesch-Kincaid reading level formula to analyze celebrity tweets and ultimately determine which musicians, actors, and celebrity magnates have the most literate Twitter feeds.

Methodology

In this study, we used a readability tool to find the average Flesch-Kincaid reading ease score and grade level of celebrity tweets. We analyzed 20 celebrities in total with the largest following on Twitter. In February 2022, we analyzed 50 of the most recent tweets for all 20 celebrities. All tweets analyzed were written in English and had 120 characters or more. 

Reading Level Definitions

Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Score: The Flesch score uses the number of syllables and sentence lengths to determine the reading ease of text. Lower scores are correlated with higher grade levels (i.e., lower scores are more ideal).

A Flesch score in the range of 60-70 correlates to an eighth/ninth-grade English level. A score between 50 and 60 correlates to a 10th-12th-grade level. A score below 30 correlates to a college graduate level.

Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: The grade level highlights roughly what grade a reader needs to be in school to understand your text. 

Percent of Difficult Words Used: Difficult words are identified as long, polysyllabic words with more than three syllables, which may be harder for an audience to understand.

How Literate Are Celebrity Twitter Feeds?

At the top of the list, the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, tweets at an 11th-grade reading level, with an average reading ease score of 51.23. Scores between 50 and 60 correspond with 10th-12th-grade English. Considering Obama’s Twitter feed includes paragraphs of political prose, spanning every topic from clean energy to foreign policy, it makes sense that the grade level of his tweets is a cut above the rest. 

Two tech giants lead the pack with texts the average high school sophomore can understand. Both Bill Gates and Elon Musk tweet at a 10th-grade reading level, with average reading ease scores of 45.72 and 48.58, respectively. For background, Bill Gates’ feed is a testament to his foundation’s work, addressing international poverty and inequity, while Musk’s feed is jam-packed with SpaceX developments and irreverent political commentary. Though wildly different, both magnates earn top spots on our reading level list. 

Other celebrities topping the list are Oprah, tweeting at a ninth-grade reading level, and Lady Gaga and Ellen DeGeneres, both tweeting at an eighth-grade reading level.

Analyzing the Grade Levels of Celebrity Tweets

While notable figures like Obama, Bill Gates, Oprah, and Lady Gaga tweet at the highest grade levels, Britney Spears, LeBron James, Miley Cyrus, and Kim Kardashian West tweet at the lowest. 

Britney Spears has dealt with enough stress in recent years with the #FreeBritney movement and her widely publicized conservatorship, so by no means do we hold her feed’s fourth-grade reading level against her! The Twitter feeds of LeBron, Miley, and Kim K are not much better, each tweeting at a fifth-grade reading level. The average grade level of tweets across all 20 celebrities analyzed is seventh grade (7.40). 

Analyzing Difficult Words in Celebrity Tweets

In our study, difficult words are identified as long, polysyllabic words with more than three syllables. Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Barack Obama, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lopez use the most difficult words in their Twitter feeds. On average, 16% or more of the words they use in their tweets are considered “difficult” by the definition above. So every time Obama tweets the word “gerrymandering” or Musk tweets the word “superchargers,” we can add these to the tally of difficult words. 

Closing Thoughts

So there you have it — most celebrity tweets require no more than a seventh-grade education to understand. Luckily, you don’t need to boast an intellectual Twitter feed to find love or your perfect match. In fact, more people are finding “the one” online by simply sliding into Twitter DMs and using the platform like a dating app (hey, it might beat Tinder). 
Found your lifemate on Twitter and ready to start ring shopping? Shop our Perfectly Preset Engagement Rings or start designing your own!

The post Analyzing the Reading Levels of Celebrity Tweets appeared first on The Loupe.

The “Food Pic”

A foodie is a food aficionado: someone with a great appreciation for enticing cuisine and the experience that comes along with it. Some of our most priceless moments revolve around good food. Who doesn’t love sharing an intimate meal with their partner? It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures — as most relationships begin with a conversation shared over some delicious grub.

As the saying goes, “it was love at first bite” — so snap a picture. Common foodie knowledge is that their camera eats first to feed social media’s hunger. In 2022, foodies across the U.S. pepper their Instagram feeds with aerial photos of mouthwatering dishes from their recent culinary jaunts. The food lovers at Shane Co. couldn’t help but wonder, where in the U.S. do most foodie photographers reside?

Methodology

In order to determine where the most foodies are located, Shane Co. asked 2,153 iPhone users across all 50 states and several demographics to record the number of food pictures they currently have in their camera rolls. From there, we were able to calculate the average number of iPhone food photos in each state. Our goal was to cook up some foodie insights to find the states that are the most and least obsessed with their food and food photography. The survey ran from November 24 to December 6, 2021.

States With the Most & Least Foodies

CARBe Diem, right? States with the most iPhone food photos — Colorado, Florida, and Arkansas — surely think so, averaging 174.5, 152.5, and 151.5 in their camera rolls, respectively. It’s clear that many states are keeping their eyes on the fries — we mean, prize. Alternatively, Montana averaged 51.7, 48% lower than the national average. Sometimes a well-balanced meal is a slice in both hands, instead of the camera. 

Female Millennials Are the Biggest Foodies

Food is the muse, but who is behind the camera? Averaging 115.9 food pics in their camera rolls, millennials have 15.8% more food photos on their iPhones than the national average. Survey responses show that millennials snap food photography more than any other generation. Apparently, posting artistic food photography, accompanied by the hashtag #foodporn, is a favorite pastime of the “me” generation. In contrast, baby boomers let their mouths eat first. Boomers average 71.6 food pics in their camera rolls — 28.5% below the national average. 

Furthermore, women dominate with 14.7% more food pictures on their iPhones than the national average. Female respondents average 38.2 more food photos in their camera rolls than men. So it’s confirmed the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach — not through food photos. 

Closing Thoughts

Overall, we found that Coloradans and female millennials are the top foodies when it comes to being camera-ready. Whether it’s a snapshot of steaming cappuccino foam art or a picture of a street taco, they likely have the memory tucked away in their camera roll. Whether your camera eats first or you do, any experience shared with your significant other, partner, or spouse and a divinely delicious dish is picture-worthy. If you’re thinking about popping the question over a decadently frosted dessert, make it even more memorable with a sparkling engagement ring from Shane Co.

The post The States With the Most Foodies, According to iPhone Camera Rolls appeared first on The Loupe.

Disney movies overflow with magic, enchanting music, charming woodland sidekicks, and hot people. Admit it — you’ve thought a Disney character was hot, maybe even have had a crush on one at some point in your life. I mean, who wouldn’t swoon over Hercules’ muscles or Prince Eric’s jawline? 

But mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the hottest of them all? If only we had Snow White to be the judge — she’d be the fairest of them all! 

Methodology

Using a list of 31 popular Disney characters, we surveyed 2,400 respondents in all 50 states through Prolific, asking them one question — which Disney character they have the biggest crush on. We determined clear winners in each state, along with how many states voted for that character the most. Read on to see what your state’s Disney character crush is!

Which Disney Characters Americans Are Crushing On in Every U.S. State

Does your state’s crush match up with yours? Between Aladdin, Flynn Rider, Prince Eric, Mulan, General Li Shang, Megara, Tarzan, Beast, Jasmine, Ariel, and Kristoff, who would you choose? 

Rapunzel isn’t this popular Disney character’s only lover; according to the survey, a majority of the U.S. is crushing on Flynn Rider. 

Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, and South Carolina can officially form an Aladdin fan club. There’s something irresistible about this popular Disney character’s winning personality. Meanwhile, Oregon chose Aladdin’s beautiful counterpart, Princess Jasmine.

Arkansas, Idaho, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Washington just want to be a part of Prince Eric’s world. New Hampshire, on the other hand, wants to dive under the sea for Ariel. North Dakota was the only state to have a tie between the popular Disney characters Flynn Rider and Prince Eric.

Georgia, Hawaii, and New Mexico agreed they’d get down to business (to defeat the Huns) for General Li Shang, while Connecticut chose a strong-willed female counterpart, Mulan. Kentucky (Megara), Mississippi (Tarzan), and Vermont (Beast) are outliers, being the only states to choose these Disney characters.

Most Popular Disney Character Crush Overall

There’s no doubt Flynn Rider’s smolder is what captivated the hearts of America. The popular Disney character won the survey with a landslide result of 26 states crushing on him. Aladdin (8) and Prince Eric (6) almost tied for second place, followed by General Li Shang. 

Closing Thoughts

A dream is a wish your heart makes, and at Shane Co. we want to help make your fairy tale a reality. Our team chooses the finest diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, only buying the best of each grade. If you’re looking for a perfect gift for your crush, our jewelry provides maximum sparkle — fit enough for a prince or princess. 

The post Which Disney Characters Are Americans Crushing On? appeared first on The Loupe.

UPDATE

Breaking news — Shane Co. has found a winning cinephile to take on the binge-watch job role! Congratulations to Shatakshi Singh for winning $1,000 to binge-watch ’90s rom-coms from “Pretty Woman” to “Sleepless in Seattle.” Based on Shatakshi’s heartfelt submission, she’ll ace this task with flying colors! Check out Shatakshi’s bio and winning submission below.

The Winning Binge-Watcher – Shatakshi Singh

Shatakshi Singh is a woman of color graduate student, specializing in interdisciplinary social sciences at a state school in California. She originally hails from India and moved to the U.S. to pursue higher education. Along with an interest in scholarly activities, she enjoys watching rom-coms as a way of combating stress and escaping the harsh realities of the day. In her free time, she can be found nose-deep in fictional books or flailing to manage a decent run around rocky terrains.

The Winner’s Submission

Tell us why you love romantic comedies.

As a little girl growing up in a heavily patriarchal household in India, I experienced being shuttered away from the opposite sex so completely that for the longest time, I couldn’t develop the faculties to speak to people other than that of my gender. Love was not spoken of in my family. Primarily because it did not exist, my mother was married to my father because her father mandated it, and I was told I would meet the same future as my father directs it. Turning to television became a way of escaping that reality, and all I learned about love I learned from the American movies I saw on TV. I naturally gravitated towards rom-coms due to their idea of happiness, companionship, and overcoming the hurdles to escape my own life, which was spent entirely within the four walls of my household. I incessantly learned what love is and what love could be in that same house and dreamt about finding it in daydreams. I eventually came to it once I moved for my higher education to the U.S. As a result of this, rom-coms have enabled me to imagine and engineer a future that I would have otherwise been bereft of, and they continue to hold a very high place in my life and experiences.

Tell us why we should pick you to binge-watch 10 rom-coms.

As someone who has spent the better part of their lives being told that love is not love unless it is approved, predetermined, and sanctioned by one’s parents, I bring a unique perspective to how rom-coms help preserve an optimism for love and life even in the most trying of circumstances. I come from a country where people get killed for love if it doesn’t conform to societal structures of caste, class, and gender. In such a circumstance, rom-coms have played an almost liberatory role in my life, in setting myself free from the mores of such a society. It enabled me to move to America, to live the kind of life I did not believe could exist beyond the movie, and to, most importantly, dream and be accepting of love when I found it. If it was not for rom-coms, I wouldn’t be able to adjust to this new life, this country, and to the freedom that I always yearned for but never had. I am particularly well-suited to binge-watch the very films that have been so seminal to shaping me as an individual, and in doing so, I could live my life story all over again, reminding myself of how far I have come from where I started.

If you could live out the love story in any movie, which would it be?

I would like to live out the romance between Heath Ledger’s character Patrick and Julia Stiles’ character Kat in the movie “10 Things I Hate About You.” In my mind, it was the purest and healthiest romance on screen in the ’90s. It exposes a vulnerability in both the male and female leads, talks about expectations and disappointments of romance, explores the possibility of seeing people beyond the superficial surface, and demonstrates effectively that romantic relationships can constitute a positive experience with the prospect of change, self-discovery, and catharsis. These are all things that I wish to have in a relationship and represent the highest pinnacle of what love can be. As a result, this is the love story I would like to live out.

SUMMARY

The team at Shane Co. loves a good romantic comedy, and the best ones (in our opinion) are from the ’90s. There is just something about a sappy love story that gets us all in our feels. 

How does a Friday night snuggled up on your couch with a box of chocolate and a bag of popcorn, watching an old ’90s rom-com sound to you? If this sounds appealing, we want you to apply! Apply to feel all the feels by binge-watching and comparing some of our all-time favorite ’90s rom-coms. We’re enlisting someone to binge-watch 10 movies and compare the love stories, the breakups, and more for $1,000. 

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for a hopeless romantic to watch 10 romantic comedies from the ’90s. In addition to watching the movies, you will be asked to take notes and track specific details in each of the movies. 

The ideal applicant will have:

• A true obsession with romantic comedies
• A love for all things cinematic 
• The ability and availability to binge-watch 10 movies in a short period of time

Additionally, applicants must be 18 years or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply. 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO DO

We’ve narrowed the list of ’90s rom-coms to 10 that you’ll be asked to binge-watch over one month’s time:

1. Pretty Woman 
2. 10 Things I Hate About You 
3. Never Been Kissed
4. Clueless 
5. There’s Something About Mary 
6. Sleepless in Seattle 
7. My Best Friend’s Wedding 
8. You’ve Got Mail
9. Runaway Bride
10. Notting Hill 

You’ll receive a separate worksheet to complete for each movie as you watch. All movies will need to be watched and all worksheets will need to be completed by Monday, December 27, 2021. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET

In addition to the $1,000 payment, we’ll provide a $50 Amazon gift card to rent the movies on the list.

HOW TO APPLY

Fill out the application below and tell us why you’re the perfect person for this job. Applicants’ level of love for rom-coms will be a strong factor for consideration, so don’t hold back! Tell us why you love love so much. The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 22, 2021. We’ll select and notify the winner by Monday, December 6, 2021.

CONTEST TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The rules of the competition and the prize for the winner are as follows: 

1. The promoter of this competition is Shane Company whose principal office is located at 9790 E Arapahoe Rd, Greenwood Village, CO, 80112.
2. Employees of Shane Company or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition.
3. Persons must be at least 18 years old, or otherwise have reached the age of majority under the laws of the state where they reside, in order to participate.
4. Only residents of the United States are eligible to participate.
5. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
6. There is NO ENTRY FEE AND NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER THIS COMPETITION. Any purchase or consideration otherwise given by entrants will not improve one’s chances of winning.
7. The route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are available via www.shaneco.com. Individuals may enter to win by clicking on the participation link on Shane Company’s website. Upon clicking the participation link, entrants will be asked to provide their name and contact information so that Shane Company can notify the winner of the results.
8. The closing date for entry will be Monday, November 22, 2021. After this date, no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
9. Only one winner will be selected from the entire pool of eligible entries. The selection process will be at the discretion of Shane Company. The winner will be required to complete certain tasks designated by Shane Company. If the winner does not follow through with the tasks required of them, they will not receive the prize of $1,000.
10. The winner will be notified by email and/or letter within 15 business days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 2 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.
11. Shane Company will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected.
12. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name, image, and video in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current federal and state data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
13. The winner’s name will be available 28 days after the closing date by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the following address:

• 9790 E Arapahoe Rd, Greenwood Village, CO, 80112

14. Shane Company’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The post Get Paid to Binge-Watch ’90s Rom-Com Movies appeared first on The Loupe.

Part of our role as your friend in the jewelry business is providing our customers with the easiest and best ways to afford their favorite pieces. With the introduction of the new-and-improved Shane Co. Credit Card, it’s simpler than ever to take home that new pair of diamond studs, a beautiful sapphire necklace, or even the dreamiest of engagement rings.

How does it work?

With the new Shane Co. Credit Card, you’ll get:

• No annual fee^†† and no prepayment penalties
• Convenient monthly payments
• Exclusive cardholder perks
• Easy-to-use bill payment options

Finally, you can choose the financing option that’s right for you — including no interest if paid in full within 12 months.†

Interest will be charged from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full by the end of the promotional period.

^††Standard purchase APR 29.99%. Minimum interest charge $1.

Apply online today to get started or learn more on our website.

Financing guidelines

Our new credit card makes it easy to take home your perfect ring in any budget. Check out the examples below to get an idea of how it would look to take advantage of our 12 months special financing offer.

For this Pave-Set Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold set with a 1-carat cushion cut diamond, your engagement ring would cost a total of $3,120. With the Shane Co. Credit Card, payments of $260 per month for 12 months would mean you can take this ring home! Budgeting tip: If you pay down half and put the rest on your card, your payments will only be $130/month.

For this gorgeous Halo Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring in White Gold set with a 1.22-carat emerald cut diamond, the total cost of your engagement ring would be $7,425. When you buy it with the Shane Co. Credit Card, each monthly payment would be $619 when taking advantage of our 12 months special financing. By paying down half up front, your payments come down to $310/month.

This Classic Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k Rose Gold set with a sparkling 2-carat oval diamond would cost $11,325. Using the Shane Co. Credit Card to avoid paying accrued interest, each monthly payment would be $944 for 12 months to take it home. With half of the cost used as a down payment on the ring, your monthly payments will be $472.

For this show-stopping Round Double Halo Engagement Ring set with a 5.8mm (.89 carat) round traditional blue sapphire, your engagement ring would cost a total of $3,645. By making monthly payments of $304 to your card for 12 months, it’ll be all yours! Pay down half, and your payments come out to only $152.

With this Pear-Shaped Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold set with a .76-carat pear diamond, the total cost for your engagement ring comes out to $4,485. With 12 monthly payments, that’s $374/month. If you pay half up front, your payments will be $187!

Budgeting made easy

Buying an engagement ring is a big purchase — it’s meaningful, sentimental, and long-lasting. Here are a few more tips to make sure you budget correctly for the perfect ring:

1. Start with a budget. Having an idea of what you’re going to spend on the ring will make it a whole lot easier to find the right one. Start by browsing online, then talk to one of our non-commissioned sales associates and let them know what your budget is before you even begin trying out rings.
2. Save up. Even if you plan on using a credit card or another financing service for the total amount, it’s recommended that you save up at least one-third to one-half the cost of your ring. This is to ensure that you’re able to make your payments on time, and will keep you from going overboard with your purchase.
3. Prioritize. Decide which aspect of the engagement ring is the most important for you or your partner — do they have their eye on a diamond-studded halo setting? Or are they looking for a larger diamond to take center stage? Knowing where you want the bulk of your budget to go can help a lot when you start your shopping journey.
4. Take your time. The ring will be worn (hopefully) forever, so there’s no need to rush! Do your research beforehand and make sure you’re getting something that will withstand the test of time. Whether that means a more classic design, a favorite colored stone, or a ring that you won’t mind upgrading later on down the line, this is a decision that merits a lot of thought.

Need some help?

Want to take advantage of your new Shane Co. Credit Card but not sure where to start? Learn all about how to buy a diamond on The Loupe, or shop some of our favorite ring styles below!

Halo engagement rings

This popular style features a ring of diamonds or another gemstone surrounding the center stone, making it appear even bigger and brighter. Shop all halo rings here.

Classic engagement rings

Solitaire, pave-set and other traditional styles make up this always in-style category of rings. Check out all of our classic engagement rings here.

Vintage engagement rings

Inspired by all our favorite eras, vintage-style engagement rings include filigree detailing and delicate curves. Shop all vintage engagement rings here.

^†Deferred Interest if Paid in Full within 12 Months: To avoid interest, you must pay the full promotional balance before the promotional period ends. If you do not, we will charge interest from the purchase date at the Standard APR. After promotional period ends, the Standard APR also applies to the remaining balance. Minimum monthly payments required, but they will not pay off the balance in time. You must make larger payments to avoid the interest. Prior purchases excluded. Account must be in good standing. Limited time offer. Other finance plans may be available. Standard account terms apply to purchases that do not qualify. New accounts: Standard Purchase APR 29.99%. Minimum interest charge $1. Existing accounts, see your credit agreement for applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Shane Co. financing account issued by TD Bank, N.A.

The post Financing Made Easy: Introducing the New Shane Co. Credit Card appeared first on The Loupe.

Day 1

London Blue Topaz and White Sapphire Pendant

London Blue Topaz and White Sapphire Dangle Earrings

Day 2

9mm Freshwater Pearl Pendant

Day 3

Crown Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold

Day 4

Traditional Blue and White Sapphire Bar Necklace

Day 5

Aquamarine Earrings with Diamond Accents

Day 6

Diamond Star Pendant

Day 8

Sterling Silver Byzantine Chain

Day 9

Round Ruby Hoop Earrings

Day 10

Multi-Colored Baguette Bar Necklace

Day 11

Diamond-Lined Bracelet

Day 12

Morganite & Diamond Dangle Earrings

Morganite & Diamond Pendant

The post Thank You for Participating in Our 12 Days of Magic Giveaway! appeared first on The Loupe.

For the man who wants a classic twist

This 6mm wide Flat Zirconium band featuring a Red Apple sleeve offers just the right amount of flair without being too “out there.” Swap red for your favorite color and you’ll love to wear this unique ring.

For the outdoors-y man

Can’t stay away from nature? Thus 8mm wide/High Bevel/Titanium band with a laser carved Trees pattern, featuring a Highland Green sleeve brings the beauty of the outdoors to the tip of your finger. The beautifully laser carved pattern reveals your personality while the green sleeve continues the trend.

For the ultra-romantic man

This 8mm wide/Domed/14k Yellow Gold band with a machined Claddagh Celtic pattern, featuring a 14k Yellow Gold sleeve uses the Claddagh pattern and gorgeous 14k gold to beautifully demonstrate how you’re married to your best friend.

For the man who’s crazy about football

If you can’t stay away from Sunday football, this 10mm wide/Beveled/Platinum band with a laser carved Football pattern is for you. The textured finish features a distinctive football pattern that brings out the best of your favorite sport.

For the scientific man

This 3 mm wide/Flat/14k Rose Gold band with a laser carved Soundwave pattern creates a memorable look that mimics the soundwaves you make all the time when exchanging words of love with your partner. In sweet rose gold, it makes an unforgettable band.

For the man who thinks outside the box

If you love innovation, this 5mm wide/Beveled/Sunset Damascus band with one 2mm Centered inlay of 14k Yellow Gold is just the band for you. The distinguishing pattern in Damascus steel is complemented by an unexpected gold inlay for the perfect combination of styles.

For the man who loves a Celtic touch

This 7 mm wide/Domed/14K White Gold band with a laser carved Celtic 9 pattern also featuring a Forged Carbon Fiber Sleeve has a sleek finish paired with this popular Celtic design and a hidden textured sleeve. Embrace your heritage for the ultimate in meaningful jewelry.

To explore all the options available to you, check out our men’s band customization tool on ShaneCo.com and get started designing your wedding band!

The post Ways to Customize Your Men’s Band With Shane Co.’s New Tool appeared first on The Loupe.

Dreaming about getting engaged, but can’t figure out what kind of ring you want? With so many gorgeous options to choose from, it can be hard to decide on just one. Luckily, we have tools to help you find the perfect engagement ring without spending hours searching through images.

Our newest tool, MatchMaker, allows you to tap “like” or “dislike” on a wide variety of ring images and gains information about your preferences that you may not even realize yourself. Then, we’ll provide you with a personally curated list of engagement rings that we think match your style. It’s fun and easy to play — even with your partner looking on!

To try out MatchMaker for yourself, click here. If you’d rather browse all Shane Co. engagement rings, visit our website to get started.

The post It’s Time to Meet Your Match appeared first on The Loupe.