Artfully Elegant — Handmade Jewelry & Handcrafted Gifts

After reading through many fun entries and making what seemed to be an impossible decision, we are please to announce the winner of its inaugural Proposal Contest, which was held over the holiday season.

Kathleen Matson, of Palmerton, won a $100 Artfully Elegant gift card for use in our store at 451 Main St., or online at www.artfullyelegant.com for her touching submission.

Matson and her husband, Gary, were married in 1996 after they mutually selected the same engagement ring at different times within the same store.

Matson’s story, listed in full detail below, was selected by Artfully Elegant President and CEO, Ranjeet Pawar, and Director of Operations, Erin Panner, as the best of a very poignant bunch.

“It was extremely difficult to choose,” said Panner. “We received so many great stories, it was tough to go through and pick just one, however, Kathleen’s stood out just a little bit more to us. We’re very happy to announce her as the winner.”

Stories were solicited on social media and submitted through Artfully Elegant’s website. Entries included stories that featured the Bethlehem Public Library, Lehigh University, Bethlehem’s Rose Garden, the movie “Back to the Future” and many more.

A full listing of stories can be found at this link:

Runners’ up were Samantha Kleinrock of Bethlehem and Dan Maher of Bethlehem, respectively.

Below, we will list the top three submissions.

Kathleen Matson’s submission:

“In January of 1996 Gary suddenly lost his wife of 30 years after a heart surgery. He spent a lot of his day mourning her loss. His daughter Nicole and I were friends and she invited me to go with her to cook meals, hang out, go out, etc.

“(Gary and I) became friends too. In April, we went on a date and began spending more time together. In June, Gary asked my father for permission to propose. In July, he learned he would need heart surgery

“He procured a beautiful ring and told me the line from “When Harry Met Sally” (my favorite movie) ‘When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want that to start as soon as possible.’

“It was no fancy location, his kitchen in Bucks County, but he got down on one knee and proposed. Of course, I said, ‘Yes.’ During his surgery recovery, we picked invitations, venues, caterers, and set the date for December 7. After he left the hospital we went to pick wedding bands.

“We each went to a different side of the store. We both met in the middle and said, ‘I found the perfect ring.’ He asked me to take him to my selection first. He looked and said it was nice.

“Then we were off to see his selection. He took my hand and led me across the store to another jewelry counter and pointed to his selection. It was the exact same ring. Just another sign we were meant to be.

“Along the way to our wedding we encountered the naysayers who thought he was too old or I was too young, he didn’t wait long enough, and other reasons why we shouldn’t marry. On December 7, 1996 we did marry and this Monday celebrated 19 happy years together. No fancy location but a genuine heart-felt proposal that led to a long and happy marriage.”

Dan Maher’s submission:

October 2013. I pretended to be a German performer named Dieter Bieber. I helped run some of the games at Oktoberfest. In most of my downtime, I chatted up this nice girl named Elizabeth, who also worked the event. We both lived in very close social circles, but this was our first time actually talking to each other.

The entire time I stayed in character, pretending to be from Dusseldorf. A few days later, I talked to her on Facebook for the first time as Dan. I told her my friend Dieter said I should ask her out. For the next two years, I continued to insist Dan & Dieter were two separate people.

October 2015, as Dieter, I just finished hosting the Dachshund races at Oktoberfest. Elizabeth sat in the crowd. We were about fifty feet away from the exact spot where we had our first conversation. The sun was out. This was a happy moment. I planned to do this the following weekend, but the moment felt so right.

I asked the audience to stick around for one more thing. I told them I spent the past two years with Elizabeth and that I wanted more years with her. All the years with her. I stepped down from the faux-mountain from where I oversaw the adorable dog races. She stepped out from the stands. I asked her to be my wife. She let me know she was in a pretty committed relationship with Dan. I told her we were the same person. October 2016, we’re getting married. Fortunately, our friend Ben Hallman happened to video-record the dog races and just kept rolling.

Samantha Kleinrock’s submission:

Around this time last year I started to have a feeling that might now fiancé, Chuck, might propose! But winter came and went and in the spring, we spotted a house that we really loved (in walking distance to Artfully Elegant!) and decided to move forward with buying a house together.

In April, we closed on the home and started painting and making changes before finally moving in May. Our weekends were filled with family coming to help and projects and to-do lists.

And then, one random Saturday after breakfast at Blue Sky and a trip or three to Lowes, Chuck said “Hey, you should go get some pictures of the house printed for your grandparents anniversary party tomorrow.”

I said “yeah you’re probably right” and walked into the kitchen where he was standing looking through my camera.

I started to look through the before and after pictures until I came to a random picture of a bookshelf I knew I didn’t take, followed by another, and another…. and then a picture of Chuck holding a poster saying “Sam” and the next “will” and so on.

I truly blacked out and just remember ending up sitting on the kitchen floor wearing a ring he designed around a diamond from his mothers engagement ring.

We think he officially asked and we I think I officially said yes. After drinking some champagne, we called our families and not one single person answered the phone. We eventually got to share the good news and surprised my extended family in a toast to my grandparents marriage at their 65th anniversary party the next day. We’re getting married in Bethlehem at the Ice House in October!

Artfully Elegant would like to personally thank the dozens of submissions. We will continue to share them throughout the year to inspire others on their own proposal endeavors.

Tags: contest, proposal, winnters

How Did You Get Engaged?

Every married couple has a proposal story. While some may include the Eiffel Tower or Grand Canyon, some simply include a special dinner and the final courage to pop the most important of questions. Artfully Elegant wants to hear your proposal stories, no matter how big or small, for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate.

We will share these stories with others through our blog, website, social media, and local media as a way to inspire others looking for a great engagement idea. Be sure to visit ArtfullyElegant.com for a full array of beautiful engagement ring ideas and wedding band options.

Fill out the form below in full. We’ll announce the winner of a $100 Artfully Elegant gift card in the beginning of January 2016.*

*By submitting your story, you agree to allow Artfully Elegant to share it on their social media, website, and with third parties.

Tags: contest, engagement, holiday, proposal, sweepstakes

Even if you decide to pop the question at a hockey game, up in a hot air balloon, or at a fancy dinner, you still need to start with the perfect ring.

Why get the same type of ring everyone else has seen time and time again? Handmade rings by world-renowned artists say much more than mass-produced rings ever could.

From Todd Reed to Wes Airgood, Artfully Elegant has some of the most sophisticated and exquisite engagement rings you’ll find anywhere.

Take a look at at few of our favorites, and be sure to browse our full collection or visit us at 451 Main Street in beautiful downtown Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

R481 18K YELLOW GOLD-SQ107
Todd Reed

This R481 is made of 18k yellow gold solitaire features an amazing square 0.75 ct yellow fancy cut diamond. Approximately 0.10ct of white diamonds surround the center diamond in a halo.

CEYLON YELLOW GOLD ENGAGEMENT RING
Wanderlust by Wes Airgood

A twist on the classic prong settling, this solitaire has an unexpected accent that creates a truly unique design. The oval white diamond is paired with the simple bezel setting that encompasses an additional round white diamond. The signature Wanderlust textured band creates a subtle and organic feel that will wear perfectly over time.

ER018
Todd Pownell

2mm 18k yellow gold rustic hammered shank with a single 0.42ct inverted old mine cut diamond set at top in a darkened textured bezel.

ANTIGUA YELLOW GOLD ENGAGEMENT RING
Wanderlust by Wes Airgood

A unique combination of diamond shapes in a clustered prong setting, this engagement ring wraps around the top of the finger with elegance and sophistication. This design features an oval, two cushion, and two round white diamonds perfectly set together to create an asymmetrical, yet whimsical look. The signature Wanderlust textured band creates a subtle and organic feel that will wear perfectly over time.

Tags: engagement, engagement rings, wedding

Whether you’re looking for a gift for your new bride, wonderful mother, or sister who lives across the country, Artfully Elegant has a wide variety of gifts for you to look at.

VERSAILLES YELLOW GOLD ENGAGEMENT RING
Wanderlust by Wes Airgood

If you’re thinking of popping the question, do so in style with  unique combination of diamond shapes in a clustered prong setting from Wanderlust by Wes Airgood. Shop now.

TINY HEART RING
Figs & Ginger

The perfect gift for the lady or ladies in your life who enjoy fun handcrafted jewelry. The Tiny Heart Ring is made from at least 50% recycled, is given a blackened patina, and is made by hand so pieces will vary slightly. Shop now.

R481 18K YELLOW-SQ89
Todd Reed

If you’ve ever wanted to purchase a Todd Reed band, September is the time. Now through September 30, 2015, purchase any Todd Reed ring and get 10% off another Todd Reed band! Shop now.

LIVE LAUGH LOVE TRIPLE CHARM NECKLACE
Baroni

This whimsical piece is a Baroni favorite. These charms are a reminder of those we love and spend our time with, or miss from afar. They also offer sage advice on how to live! Shop now.

BRASS CUFF WITH PATINA
Nancy Nelson Jewelry

This brass cuff is utilizes a mold made from birch bark that was cast in brass and patina to create a truly one-of-a-kind gift. The cuff is malleable and will fit most wrist sizes. Shop now.

Be sure to visit Artfully Elegant’s full online shop for even more gift ideas!

Tags: artfully elegant, engagement, gift ideas, gifts, jewelry, jewelry gifts, necklaces, women

Artfully Elegant is proud to be located on Main Street in beautiful downtown Bethlehem. We’ve seen our fair share of proposals along the cobblestone streets, many after we’ve helped them select their perfect ring.

And while Main Street in Bethlehem may be the closest to our shop, there are many places throughout the Lehigh Valley to propose to your significant other.

1. Any one of the Lehigh Valley’s Covered Bridges

Lehigh County is home to numerous covered bridges, many of which have their original materials. There aren’t many more beautiful places to pop the question than in front of one of these rustic structures during the fall months. Photo courtesy of Discover Lehigh Valley.

2. Along The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

The Lehigh Valley is home to nine wineries along The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail and each of them have their own charms. From Franklin Hill to Galen Glen (featured in our top photo), getting down on one knee during wine tasting not only takes the edge off, but may increase your chances of a “yes”!*

3. Coca-Cola Park and The PPL Center, Allentown

These two spots may be more suitable for those who know that their significant others will definitely say yes. Coca-Cola Park is the home to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and The PPL Center hosts the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team. Profess your love in front of a crowd of thousands!

4. The Lafayette Inn, Easton

Take your love on a weekend getaway at one of the Lehigh Valley’s most wondrous inns. The Lafayette Inn has 18 individually decorated guest rooms in a stunning 1895 Georgian Mansion.

5. Hawk Mountain

For those who are a bit more of the outdoorsy type, take your loved up on possibly the best vantage point in the Lehigh Valley.

6. The Hoover Mason Trestle, Bethlehem

We’re not sure if anyone has gotten engaged on the Lehigh Valley’s newest attraction, but judging from some of the incredible pictures taken there, and our own experience walking on it, the Hoover Mason Trestle would be a fantastic spot.

Do you have any other locations you think would be perfect? Where did you get engaged?

Always remember, Artfully Elegant is here to help you when you’re making your decision on which handmade engagement ring to buy. Be original.

Tags: artfully elegant, engaged, engagement rings, lehigh valley

Artfully Elegant is proud to be participating in the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s LGBT Business Council 2015 Wedding Expo at SteelStacks in Bethlehem on Sept. 20.

Please visit us during the fun event to find that perfect homemade jewelry piece for that special someone.

The event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free and there is plenty of parking.

Wedding Expo from 1 pm till 5 pm – We will be able to host 45-60 vendors from various segments of wedding planning. Register today at lehighvalleychamber.org

The first 100 register guests will receive a full stuffed swag bag.

Tags: artfully elegant, bethlehem, lgbt, lgbt wedding expo, steelstacks, wedding

Todd Reed knows a thing or two about the art of love. His engagement rings have been on the ring fingers of spouses-to-be for decades. That long-lasting success is a testament to Reed’s commitment to authentic design.

Reed proudly stands behind his product and his values and continues to offer a lifetime guarantee on the craftsmanship of every piece.

The winner of numerous awards and distinctions over the years, Reed is celebrated as an icon in the raw diamond jewelry designer community.

R481 18k Yellow Gold-sq107

“I started to get interested in jewelry when I was 10, primarily watching and being interested in the craft of putting things together,” Reed said. “By the age of 19 I had a studio and was teaching myself jewelry making and starting to realize what it took to turn idea into a well constructed finished piece.”

Reed has an affinity for raw diamonds, which make every single one of his pieces absolutely unique.

“My work uses raw diamond cubes and other natural diamond shapes. It started as a way to question society about the idea of perceived value,” Reed said. “In particular how value and perceived value relate to ideas of beauty or perfection that have become norms of society. Raw diamonds offer a unique character every time; the unique surfaces and textures are individual and deeply inspiring.”

Take a look at Artfully Elegant’s Todd Reed Collection to find the unique piece that fits you and yours.

Tags: engagement rings, gold, jewelery, todd reed

I work with plenty of clients looking for the perfect engagement ring for their significant other. I spend a lot of time with them in person, over the phone, and through email learning about them and their soon-to-be fiances. I try to understand their personalities, their tastes, what exactly is they’re looking for in the ring and then we work together to find “the one.” Jamie and Becky’s story is one I won’t ever forget. Jamie came to me looking for the perfect ring for her partner, Becky. In one of the very first emails we exchanged, Jamie said to me that Becky was one of the most incredible women she has ever known and deserved a ring to match. After a lot of searching, she finally decided on the Ice Blue Pave Solitaire from Anne Sportun. It’s just the right amount of sparkle, but the blue diamond sets it off and takes it to that really special level. I sent the ring off to Jamie and then figured I wouldn’t hear from her again until sometime in May, when she planned on proposing. Well, Jamie sent me an email on Monday and I guess she couldn’t wait! Jamie had the ring for a few weeks and it was burning a hole in her pocket. On March 31st, she decided she couldn’t wait any longer and eventually decided to do it the next day on April Fool’s Day, something Becky would never expect. They went to dinner that night at the same place they’d had their second date. They’d had a great dinner that night and walked along the river afterward. In that moment, Jamie realized Becky was someone different, someone special. Later after they’d been dating a while, Jamie knew she would propose there, along the river, bringing it all back to the date that changed everything. After their dinner on the 1st, they walked down to the river and Jamie proposed to Becky, who said yes through many tears. But then Becky surprised Jamie too. Becky had decided to have a ring made for Jamie and she would give it to her whenever Jamie proposed. On March 31st, the same day Jamie decided she couldn’t wait any longer, Becky had cut a hole in the lining of her purse for the ring, so she’d have it on her and ready no matter what. She pulled it out and then it was Jamie’s turn to be completely shocked. Even better, and independent of each other, the two of them managed to pick rings that are perfectly complementary to each other. Becky had Jamie’s ring designed by a local jeweler and it has 2 blue diamonds in the center with white diamonds the rest of the way around. It’s a perfect match to Becky’s Sportun ring and both rings clearly suit the two of them. From all of us at Artfully Elegant, I just want to extend our congratulations and the biggest amount of best wishes to Jamie and Becky. Rori got goosebumps when I told her the story and even Ranjeet cracked a smile. Their story completely made my day and probably my week and possibly my month. They’re clearly both so happy and in love with each other. I wish you two nothing but happiness for the rest of your lives. Congratulations again.

Artfully Elegant, in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Style Magazine, is very pleased to announce our trunk show with Todd Reed. On Saturday, May 14th, Todd Reed’s wholesale manager and long time colleague, Kim Carpenter, will be on hand at Artfully Elegant with over 300 pieces never before seen in our gallery. In addition to completed designs from all of their collections, Kim is going to bring a variety of loose diamonds you can design a custom ring around or put them in a setting of your choice. Been lusting after a Todd Reed design to call your own? Now is the best time to make it a reality. Kim and our staff will be in the gallery throughout the day, but the real fun is from 5-9pm that night. Joining with the lovely ladies at Style and playing on Todd’s theme of “Raw Diamonds, Raw Elegance,” we will feature sushi from Kome, Japanese beer from Kirin Ichiban, and champagne for all to enjoy. This should be a wonderful evening of jewelry and revelry. Put it on your calendars now because this is not to be missed! Check back here for updates, follow us on Twitter, or friend us on Facebook.

I know I was poetic about Anne Sportun’s pave diamond rings a lot on here, but that’s because they’re awesome. This new one, the Pave Diamond Medallion, is no exception. Ranjeet and I ordered it when we saw the always lovely Barb and Suzanne at the New York Gift Fair at the end of January. Now that it’s here in the shop I can’t stop trying it on! It’s great size for one – about 14mm in diameter or a little more than a half inch. I always say the great thing about pave rings is the sparkle. Lots of smaller diamonds combined produce a whole lot of sparkle that you just can’t get one from huge stone. While this is a great picture, the ring must be seen in person (and tried on) to be truly appreciated. We also have some a new pair of earrings and two necklaces from Anne. We went with a sapphire theme for this set, so they all work together nicely or on their own. The earrings, em1065, are really cute and super affordable for solid gold and sapphires. The n1165 is a great necklace – the graduated rondelles of sapphire really pop and make a statement on the delicate chain. We also got a wonderful double strand of sapphires. Look for that on the site shortly!