Technology and Gadgets Online

 A 22ct diamond ring is the prize offered by New Zealand born jeweller, Michael Hill, in a contest to find the “World’s Best Couple”  launched by reality TV star, Kim Kardashian last month.  

In a bid to win the prize and title are my husband and me: Steve and Kathleen Nyssen (“Nyssen Kind”) from Whangarei, New Zealand. 

Ironically, Whangarei is the birthplace of  the Michael Hill empire. He is lauded as one of New Zealand’s most successful specialty retailers, having cracked the market at home and in Australia; as well as, the States and Canada. The competition is open to couples in these same countries. Each couple is required to complete challenges on-line, then garner as many votes as possible – a very clever marketing move by Mr. Hill to help breathe new life into the business amidst a stagnant economy.

At this stage in the competition, only votes move the couples up the ladder. On December 2, 2010 the top 6 couples – the couples with the most votes – will be invited to the next phase of the competition: judging.

Little is revealed about this stage of the contest, but Michael Hill and Kim Karashian are said to be on the panel of judges, along with as-yet unnamed “experts.”  

Steve and I entered the competition late – a full two weeks after it opened. Still, out of over 10,000 couples we are hovering around the #17 spot. We are definitely underdogs – older than many (if not all) of the couples ahead of us by at least a decade (I’m 40; my hubby, 39). We are not at all savvy in the ways of marketing ourselves. The internet, Facebook, Twitter - and reality TV for that matter - remain mysterious horizons that we tend to scratch only when time permits. But we are learning! We’re also not accustomed to competitions. Ours is more of a “grass-roots” campaign, to be sure.

Nevertheless, we are in it to win it. My husband was diagnosed with cancer last June. Our decision to enter is largely due to this fact. We’re finding this competition to be an excellent way to distract ourselves from the often dismal reality of the cancer. We’re creating memories for ourselves that we will treasure forever – with or without the ring. 

It is strange to be this close, yet still so far from entering the top 6. The faces there haven’t changed much, so we are trying to come to terms without “giving up.” We have to take a few steps back every so-often in order to continue to enjoy the ride in this strangely nerve-wracking contest. I realized the other day that I was equating Steve’s prognosis to the outcome of the contest – a dangerous thing to do. 

Instead, I’m viewing this as an opportunity to embrace life and to celebrate our incredible Love Story. And I am grateful to Michael Hill for the opportunity to do so.

If you are interested in reading more, or to vote for us visit:
www.my22ct.com/profile/6677

Cocktail Rings and cubic zirconia go hand in hand unless you’re Victoria Beckham and can have genuine gemstones for every party. For most of us having a real gemstone to wear to a party that is anything larger than a small pea is just not possible. That is why discovering a unique place to buy a variety of high quality and yet inexpensive faux diamond, pearl and gemstone rings is quite a find. That find is called Emitations. That is where you’ll find everything from Victoria Beckham cocktail ring replicas to copies of the Hollywood stars newest jewelry and imitations of the gemstone creations worn by royalty.

Pearl Ring Bauble

I have made a list of some of the best cubic zirconia rings they offer and a few other creations that I think are worthy of buying. The first is called Shaina’s Faux Pearl Cocktail Ring (from Emitations pearl rings line of cocktail baubles) that is a great price at just $94. It’s a large eccentric spiral of curled sterling silver and pave CZ stones that highlight a massive 12mm faux pearl. It’s a unique pearl ring with cubic zirconia embellishments for sparkle. There’s just no way your hands won’t get noticed wearing this fabulous faux gem at a party.

Katherine Heigl Inspired Jewelry

Then there are celebrity engagement ring styles that serve really well as cocktail rings, like the CZ Engagement Ring inspired by Katherine Heigl that retails for just a measly $34. It has a 3 carat center stone to dazzle everyone as you enter a room. It’s a ring for a select few ladies who like to be dramatic. It’s a fun sparkly CZ ring that won’t be mistaken for the real deal, but will add to your personal fashion statement.

Eva Longoria Inspired CZ Ring

Eva Longoria Inspired this fabulous CZ engagement ring that retails for the nothing sum of $25. Since this is a huge emerald cut imitation diamond, it’s not a believable engagement ring, but rather an eccentric party ring or cocktail gem to have fun with. It’s great to take on a holiday, on a cruise ship, wear on the beach or anywhere a little bling will make you feel feminine and flirty. This ring is an emerald cut, so if you order it from Emitations don’t expect it to be the shiniest fake diamond you’ve ever seen, because emerald cut stones have less fire even in genuine diamonds. However, if it doesn’t have the sparkle because it’s dirty you can clean it up with a toothbrush and some toothpaste and then dry with a soft dry cloth. It should polish up nicely.

Just a note about this Eva Longoria Inspired cubic zirconia ring: If you are expecting an exact duplicate of Eva Longoria’s engagement ring this copy falls somewhat short because it does not have the pave set stones around the entire band.