GeekSugar

Vibrating Alarm Ring: Wake Up Without Sound

GeekSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:00:34 -0700

Designed by Meng Fandi, the Ring is a vibrating alarm made for people who don't like the loud blaring sounds of a typical alarm (isn't that everyone?). You set the Ring alarm set up via its charging cradle and fit the Ring over the tip of your finger. When it's your chosen time the Ring vibrates until it is put back on the dock.

While it's only a concept at this point, the idea seems faultless when it comes to couples waking up at different times and for those of us who have grown to hate the sound of our alarm clocks. I initially wondered whether the Ring would zap your partner in the night if you tried to cuddle, but apparently, the vibration is "discrete" so you won't feel like you're being electrocuted. It would also work well for hearing impaired persons.

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USB Engagement Ring: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

GeekSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:00:35 -0700

Well, the good news is, it's definitely a conflict-free diamond! This USB stick/engagement ring combo is for the geekiest among us. . . Those who would prefer their geek lover's declaration of intent of lifelong commitment be represented not by an expensive diamond ring, but by a Swarovski crystal and data-full USB ring.

Think of the possibilities! All your pictures and planning info for the wedding could be on the stick. It's not yet in production, but if it were, I'd give it as a gift to my engaged friends. I think you'd really only be in trouble if you subbed this for the actual engagement ring, but aside from that, it's a cute wink to geeky betrothed girls - what do you think?

Totally Geeky or Geek Chic? Brickwall LEGO Ring

GeekSugar — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 07:00:21 -0700

I don't often wear big clunky jewelry, but when its create-your-own LEGO jewelry, I may need to reconsider. On Eric Nakamura's blog he features these brickwall rings, which allow you to choose which piece of LEGO you want to add to your silver ring. They even come with an instruction manual. My first question is since when did we need an instruction manual to tell us how to snap LEGOs together? My second question is totally geeky or somewhat geek chic?

How to Buy an Engagement Ring Online

GeekSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:02:31 -0700

Online shopping can be daunting, especially if the item in question is something you want to ensure the authenticity of, like a Wii, a designer handbag, and yes. . . an engagement ring.

I know some of you are groaning about who or why someone would shop online for something so important, but the practice is rising in popularity as shops are becoming more trustworthy and offering better deals, not to mention the fact that the Internet promises something more rare than the cheesy jewelry store at your local mall.

Buying and browsing online for rings is great whether you're the proposer or the proposee - say you're waiting for a proposal but don't want to march in to your local jewelry stores - it's totally ok (and incognito) to check out rings and styles to find what you like. For the tips, read more

My personal favorite kinds of engagement rings are antiques, which can be hard to come by at brick-and-mortar stores, depending on where you live. A good friend of mine proposed last year with a gorgeous and one of a kind antique ring he'd found online, and then had it resized for his fiancee.

Or maybe there's a large, specific retailer (Tiffany's comes to mind, and goosebumps come to arms) that you want a ring from but can't make it to a location.

Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Like any ring shopping, do your research first on the four C's: Cut, clarity, carats, and color. Blue Nile has a great, comprehensive guide for you to bone up on your ring knowledge.
The website Pricescope reviews and compares diamond prices of Internet stores and physical stores - a great second stop after you've gotten your four C's class.
Look for GIA certification for any diamond - it's a gemologist's grade of the quality of the diamond.

Tiffany & Co.: It's Tiffany, so prices and standards are going to be higher, but like I said, if you can't get to an actual store, online is a great source, especially because you don't have to worry about the quality.
Antique Rings: Swoon! I love the idea of an engagement ring with history, and it's also a socially conscious choice. Some sites are: the Antique Jewelry Mall, Art Deco Diamonds (my fave for the photography), and don't count out eBay - just be smart about the seller.
Brilliant Earth: This awesome site specializes in conflict-free diamonds and if you don't necessarily want one of their rings, you can buy the loose conflict-free diamond and shop for a setting elsewhere. If you don't use Brilliant Earth, at least read the buying guide so you can learn to avoid "blood diamonds." Green Karat is another conscious online retailer - they use recycled gold.
Blue Nile: A reputable seller that boasts personal proposal stories from buyers (awww) and uses PayPal!
James Allen: Here, you can design your own ring (including a 3-D video of what you design) and use a virtual loupe (the thingie you use to inspect diamonds closely). Bonus: download diamond screen savers (for Windows only)!
Diamond Ideals: features a no-questions-asked return policy and a lifetime upgrade policy.
White Flash: offers free verification and free shipping.

And of course, do a lot of research on the piece and any retailer you might use prior to clicking "add to cart"! Oh, and, congratulations!

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Hugh Jackman Has a Cell Phone Rant - Did You?

GeekSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:47:32 -0800

Last weekend I decided to go to the movies alone. Just me, a small bag of popcorn, and a movie I've been dying to see. A movie that was then interrupted by a ringing cell phone. Seriously? I haven't been to a movie in the past year (at least!) that hasn't featured a "Please silence your cell phones" PSA before it starts. I was in honest disbelief that the phone rang so loudly, and grew angrier when the phone's owner didn't attempt to silence it. Thirty seconds after the ringing stopped and as I tried to re-engage in the movie: "Ding!" a voice mail notification. The audience groaned audibly.

The experience reminded me of a TMZ video I'd seen a few months ago. It features the actors Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig in the middle of a performance of their play, A Steady Rain as the show is interrupted by a ringing phone. Hugh (understandably!) went off on a rant, while somehow keeping his composure enough to remain in character. (You can also check out his rant in the second half of this episode of PopSugar Rush).

Do you have a cell phone rant of your own? We have all been there, and the best thing to do when you have a rant is to share it. Join the Cell Phone Rant group and give me your best, most annoying tales of the rude cell phone users in your world - your story could be featured on GeekSugar. Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

Woven Polycarbonate iPhone Case: Love It or Leave It?

GeekSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:44:17 -0800

Even the most diligent gals have had a gadget slip out of their hand, or vibrate right off of the table as it rings - myself included! The Chilewich iPhone Case ($40) is made from sturdy woven polycarbonate.

The covers are from designer Sandy Chilewich, known for her signature basket-weave design. And, the case is designed so you don't have to remove it to connect it to a dock or charger.

An attractive and impact-resistant iPhone case? Sold.

Binary Encoder Ring: Love It or Leave It?

GeekSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:45:03 -0700

Binary apparel is so hot right now! First it was that awesomely chic clothing line Rhombus, and now there's this Binary Encoder Ring by designer Jonathan Ben-Tovim.

Now if I were going to wear a binary ring, I'd pick this over the metal Binary Wedding Ring - the material is rad looking, and you can of course customize the code, but no price on it kinda scares me. I think they're cool and classy, but I could see others not being as into them. What do you think?

Forward Button Ring: Love It or Leave It?

GeekSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:35:45 -0800

Hitting the back button usually implies that you might be feeling a little bit of panic, fear that you've gone too far, but the forward button? Totally hopeful. Echo that feeling with the Forward Button Ring ($20) from Fred Flare.

Made of white acrylic, it would certainly go with a lot, especially if you happen to be wearing other computer icons as jewelry. And it's large and in charge on your finger, so you better be ready to commit to that piece when you slip it on.

What do you think?

Periodic Rings: Love It or Leave It?

GeekSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:00:49 -0700

Geek jewelry isn't just about binary code and recycled computer cables. A husband-and-wife design team have created ITSNONAME, a line of science-inspired Periodic symbol rings that are halfway between classy and brassy. The "Ag Silver Periodic Ring" edition will set you back $205, while the Pt Platinum Periodic Ring is a whopping $6,500. Would you rock it?

Totally Geeky or Geek Chic? Buying Engagement Rings Online

GeekSugar — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:08:01 -0800

Online jewelry seller Blue Nile now ranks second behind Tiffany & Company in diamond ring sales, according to industry analysts. Meaning, a whole lot of people are purchasing engagement rings and other sparkly items online than you might have imagined.

While shopping for high-ticket items such as jewelry online clearly allows the shopper (who, let's face it is often a nervous groom-to-be) the opportunity to peruse, price and get all the diamond details without talking to an overeager salesperson, it also means the buyer can't hold the ring in his or her hand and get an up close look at it. So, what do you think, is shopping online for engagement rings totally geeky, totally chic or something in between?