Meet MiaDonna & Co!

We're absolutely thrilled to introduce MiaDonna & Co.!
I have to say, after becoming "tweeps," I quickly began to learn more about them and really admire their mission and goals.  As many of us come to know, when you think "Wedding," one of the first things women tend to think of are "engagement ring."  Then what? Probably "diamond engagement ring," right? Well, here's a company that offers all that bling, without the mining controversy.

Interview with Anna-Mieke, founder/CEO of MiaDonna & Co

Note: All images that appear in this post are courtesy images used for this post only and belong solely to MiaDonna & Co and The Greener Diamond.

 Q: What is MiaDonna&Co and The Greener Diamond about?

A:  MiaDonna and The Greener Diamond were created at the same time to work together - to make things right for everyone.

 About MiaDonna 

MiaDonna & Co. is an amazing, innovative company that was founded by consumers that wanted an alternative to the cost and conflict associated with providing diamond jewelry to the consumer. MiaDonna & Co. is an advocate for diamond and gem consumers, global societies and the earth by offering the latest in man-made diamond and gem alternatives while using only recycled gold and platinum for their magnificent American-made settings. Finally, the diamond consumer has a viable choice to the controversy of earth-mined diamonds.

Right now we have 2 different technologies.
      1. MiaDonna Diamond Hybrid® and
      2. Man-Made Diamonds
          For more information please visit our our website and blog!

 The Greener Diamond 

The Greener Diamond was founded by MiaDonna & Co. to educate diamond consumers and to work with world charities to rebuild diamond mining communities. The Greener Diamond organization and MiaDonna work hand in hand with a common goal to bring the beauty of love back to diamonds. The dark side of the diamond trade has played out in mass media, but consumer demand continues to grow. MiaDonna decided there needed to be an alternative for the consumer, humanity and the earth.

This is how it works:

1. MiaDonna provides environmentally friendly alternatives to earth mined diamonds, gems and precious metals. The objective is to relieve some of the pressures these commodities put on the earth, while offering the consumer a beautiful, ethical and affordable choice and be the sustainable funding source for The Greener Diamond.

2. MiaDonna then funds their foundation "The Greener Diamond". The Greener Diamond educates diamond consumers and works with it's world charities to assist in repairing some of the damaged lives and land left behind in the wake of an unethical diamond industry.

MiaDonna gives The Greener Diamond the ability to restore lives and land by working hand in hand with global charities like Doctors Without Borders, Youth Action International and SOS Children's villages.

We are currently working with Youth Action International to train 500+ reformed child soldiers the trade of agriculture and plant a rice field. This will not only give these people a future free of mining but it will also give the local community a sustainable source of income and food. This project was made possible purely by diamond consumers making educated buying choices. http://www.miadonnadiamondblog.com/cat/greener-diamonds/

Q: When did you start this company, and why?

A:  I created MiaDonna and The Greener Diamond at the same time to make things right. It is a system and they work together as I have explained above.

Click on "My Story" at The Greener Diamond Website for a video about why and how we started. http://thegreenerdiamond.org/

Q: Why do you think brides/grooms should consider your products rather than traditional engagement/wedding jewelry?

A:  So many reasons:

1. Economy - Given Today's economy is just does not make sense any more to spend 3 to 6 months salary on a piece of jewelry. I would much rather see couples getting out of debt or purchasing a house etc. People can now have there dream ring without the cost. We can replicate a ring that would normally have a designer value of $500,000.00 for just a few thousand dollars.

 2. The Environment - Most of our rings are free of mining! Mining is catastrophic to the environment.

Did you know:
Side note: Brace yourselves. -Gabriela, NLE

*It takes 2 tons of earth to be excavated to produce a 1ct diamond (90 miles below the earths surface) and in a large (so called "conflict free") canadian diamond mine, 2,000,000 tons of waste is produced DAILY! http://www.miningwatch.ca/index.php?/nunavut/no_clean_diamonds

*Russia has a diamond mine so deep and wide it is creating its own atmosphere. There is a no fly zone over the mine, because it has the potential to suck small aircrafts into it.

*Australia has a diamond mine the size of Japan.

I could go on... 

3. Global Societies - it is estimated that half of all earth-mined diamonds come from mines in southern and central Africa (and the majority of these diamonds are not mined ethically or the sale of these diamonds are funding war activities and weapons. Keeping rebels and people in power that have no right being there). 70% of all women in america own at least one diamond, so when we purchase these stones and metals we (consumers) are the fuel. Buying from MiaDonna will remove us from funding wars and funding the repair that we (diamond consumers), very unintentionally, helped to create.

Q: Where can we find your products?

A:  We are 100% web based at MiaDonna.com. We do understand that people need to see our products so we offer a free 15 trial period, when you purchase any of our products.

Q: Tell us about either the most over-the-top or most extravagant ring you've had to create?

A:                                              

             This is my favorite ring.

         It has a 3ct radiant cut MiaDonna Diamond
         Hybrid® in the center and it is designed from
         all angles!

         It is HUGE but oh so stunning!

          "OMG. G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S. That's really all I need to say!"
                                                               - Gabriela, NLE



Q: Is there any additional information you'd like to provide for our readers: (Quirky facts, special sales going on, more info on products, etc.)

A: 

1. We have a full line of eco-friendly pendants, earrings and mens rings coming out in the next 2 months!

2. Remember that we offer a free 15 day trial.

3. We can send you a free ring sizer if you need one.

4. We are hand crafted jewelers, meaning we make every ring from scratch when you order it. This gives as the ability to custom make anything you can think up!

5. We make everything in the USA, making our level of quality is very high.

6. Have you seen everything else we are doing to be eco-friendly?

7. We offer a fantastic warranty and try to cover the consumer for everything.

Also...

I want consumers to know the power of their buying choice... because the answer starts with us and the products in which we purchase, the choice of products we buy and the companies they come from. As consumers we hold the greatest power to create change...we need to be educated consumers!
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On behalf of NLE, thank you so much for your guest interview with us. It's shocking--really--to know what it takes to produce such a precious stone. Thank you for providing that alternative and making it available to anyone who can appreciate conflict-free jewelery.  We wish you continued success and support!
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Want to feature this post on your blog? 
Contact me for details! -Gabriela, NLE

Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2011 Collection!

All I've got to say is YUM.  His styles are just so elegant and fashion forward, even if you aren't his number 1 fan, you still have to appreciate his work. 

These are some pictures from his 2011 Spring Collection.

• My (Gabriela's) top 3:

Photo Credits: Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011 wedding dress collection, via Coutorture

• Justin's Top 3:

                                                  

                                          

Photo Credits: Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011 wedding dress collection, via Coutorture

Which are your favs from his newest collection?  Which would you wear for your special day?

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Want to feature this article in your blog, e'zine or otherwise? You can, as long as you attach the following to the article:

Gabriela is the partner and certified wedding/special event consultant for No Limit Events LLC as well as the main writer for the company blog, No Limit Events LLC: Bloggin’ It. She enjoys sharing fun and unique wedding ideas, which include helpful wedding and party related posts, inspirational photos and advice for those planning special celebrations. Gabriela lives in New Jersey with her husband and business partner, Justin, and their 2 lovable cats. Planning a luxurious wedding or special party? Please visit her blog and website for specials and helpful advice.

Guest Blog Post: What a Great Idea for My Ceremony!

BRIEF INTRO: I'm so pleased to introduce you to Celia Milton, a wonderful celebrant and officiant and a friend of NLE.  Celia's warm and energetic personality is almost impossible to forget, and we can say that from experience! {Psst! She actually married us!}

What a Great Idea for my Wedding Ceremony!
Article by Celia Milton

Congratulations! You’ve said, “I will!” Now, the real question is how will you say, “I do!” Maybe you have always dreamed of a very traditional wedding, but more and more bridal couples are choosing to make their ceremony the first expression of their “couple personality”. Here are some quick ideas that will help you create a ‘one of a kind’ ceremony; let your imagination run wild and you’ll have a ceremony that will inspire and delight your guests.

The Lineup


Who do you pick? Best Women? Men of Honor? Moms? Dads? Siblings? Your Children? Your Dogs? Or no one? Those you choose to “stand up” with you should be chosen carefully, not out of obligation, but because they belong next to you, as they’ve always been. The “sides” don’t have to balance out!

The Music

What music do you love? Reggae? Gospel? Vintage Sinatra? Depeche Mode? You can choose music that expresses your personality and your relationship in many original ways beyond the traditional classical selections. For the processional, you need to be able to walk (or dance!) in to the beat. The recessional should be a joyous accompaniment to your first walk as married partners!

Processional


How will you all get down the aisle? In a crazy dancing group? Will your dads, moms, or both walk you down? Will your children walk with you? Your dog? Or will you walk together. Each choice sends a different message about your history, your present and your future.

Gratitude

So many people to thank! The most popular gratitude ceremonies include moms or other treasured women, handing them roses, photo journals, or other tokens of your thanks. You may have sponsors or mentors who have been key to your growth as individuals and a couple. Who are you the most thankful for? How can we express that!

Remembrance

“We are all the culmination of the people who came before us, and we are here to finish the dreams left unfinished.” Playwright Welly Yang. There are many ways to honor the friends and relatives who are such an important part of our histories. A moment of silence within the ceremony is one; photos and mementos displayed at the reception is as well. If you’re wearing your grandmother’s ring or your uncle’s bow tie, let’s mention that as a fond acknowledgment of their presence and influence in your lives.

Love Story

It is yours alone! What makes you special? What is unique about him, about her, about yous twos together? What do even people who THINK they know you, not know? What is your fondest, maybe unspoken dream for the future? What is your funniest guilty pleasure?


Special Guests

Who do you know who tells a great story? Sings like a pro? Play the harp? Do card tricks? Great! Enlist them to participate in the ceremony in ways that are comfortable for them. Your guests will love a break from ME talking, and your talented friends will know that they’ve given you a special gift.

Vows

Write them, steal them, repeat them after me. Read them from an antique book or a velvet notebook; read them from your ipod, blackberry, from post it notes, valentines or, as one of my grooms did, write it on a banana. Make them funny, make them serious, make them rhyme. But make them you.

With this Ring

How about a “ring warming”, a beautiful ritual in which each guest holds the rings and infuses them with their hopes and dreams for you. How about your parents presenting you with your partner’s ring and giving a little blessing or a few words of celebration as they do? How about tying them (securely!!) to your dog/ring bearer? How about, instead of a ring pillow, a treasure chest? A cupcake? A fishing pole? Something that is as original as you are?

Unity

Of course, there is the unity candle ceremony. But there is also the pouring of the sand, various sharing of beverages (wine, tea, tequila, sake, chocolate milk…you name it; if it can be shared, I’ve helped couples share it!) There is a sharing of chocolate, sushi, bread and salt, even water. You can saw a log in half (if you’re Swedish and your venue will let you….), you can include a hand fasting or drape your shoulders in a blanket or cord.

Bye Bye

Before you dance down the aisle, we’ll announce you as husband and wife, partners and family, Pinky and Brain, or anything else you’d like to be called. Maybe we’ll break a glass (or a Christmas bulb, as one of my mixed-tradition couples did). Or jump the broom. Or leave to a shower of bubbles, noisemakers, confetti canons, birdcalls, rattles, bells rose petals, popcorn or sparklers. Your imagination is your only limit! And now, let’s get this party started!
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Celia has managed to assist in over 20 years of celebrations and ceremonies. She's owned her own successful and prestigious catering company and draws on this experience--combined with her gifts as a motivational speak and writer--to delight and inspire all of her unique clients. 



"I have the best job on the planet; I get to marry people! I hear love stories every day and weave them into wedding ceremonies that are unforgettable and unique."

*Want to learn more about Celia?
Check out her blog:www.celiamilton.com/blog