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26
Jun

For Our Blog Readers

categories The Store    

UPDATE: Just so y’all know, the sale is officially over.  The code will not work anymore.  Just thought I’d say something.

16
Jun

Some Comments On Some Comments

categories Bella's Engagement Ring, Twilight Books    

Before I say anything else, I want to say thanks for all of the wonderful and positive comments that you all have left related to the ring.  The comments have been very much of an uplifting experience, particularly considering how much work has been put into getting this ring just right.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The announcement for the ring has been up for a few days now, enough time to garner a few questions that I thought I’d take a moment to address.  But before I do that, I really need someone to explain something to me.  Here is a sampling of some of the comments that I am confused about;

"I couldn’t see edward giving that to Bella. It kind of looks like a ring an old granny would wear."

"blech, i wouldn’t marry the guy who gave me that."

"that is one UGLY ring"

"it does not fit the description that Stephenie has given in the book."

"I pictured it a very delicate pretty ring that would look like it really belonged to Elizabeth Mason. so maybe keep trying on that design…look through the tiffany’s catalog…"

That last comment is particularly amusing, considering that Edward said he’d be willing to give Bella something from Tiffany’s if she didn’t like his mother’s not-so-modern ring.  Editor’s Note: Bella refused to get a modern ring, by the way.

Now here’s my confusion.  I have stated over and over and over again that Stephenie approves ALL of the Twilight-related designs.  This means that she is given conceptual designs, prototypes, photographs, and every other matter of design concept art that we generate in order to determine the final version of any design or piece of jewelry we put out.  This means that Stephenie gives us guidance on how something is supposed to look according to what SHE ENVISIONED when she wrote the books.  This means that our products are as close a representation to what Stephenie imagined as they can possibly be without Stephenie herself designing them.  And yet, some people insist that we didn’t get this right, despite the fact that Stephenie herself has told us this is Bella’s ring?

Please, explain this to me, how could we have gotten it wrong when Stephenie herself has told us that we got it right?  I’m way confused on this, and would like to know.

Update: I want to thank everyone for their comments and their willingness to answer this question.  I posted this during a time of particular stress, thanks to the unexplained slowing down of the web site over the weekend.  I think I need to clarify something, though.  I didn’t mean to sound like I was complaining about all of the negative comments.  If there’s one thing I have learned in the 39 years that I have been alive (which is pretty much most of my life) it’s that you will never be able to please everyone.  No, that’s not what I was complaining about.  Some people aren’t going to like the ring, and that’s fine.  What I’m so confused over is how many people are telling us that we don’t have the design right, when in fact, Stephenie herself has told us we have.  And I don’t accept the "explanation" that "Stephenie has no fashion sense".  (Yes, I’ve been deleting comments that allude or outright state that.  But only because they’ve been said in such a mean and un-Twilighter-like way.  It’s okay if you feel that way, but there are nicer ways to state your opinion).  Stephenie is the ultimate authority on her universe.  If she says we got something right, then what else can you say?  It’s a phenomenon that’s always puzzled me.  People did the same with the Star Wars universe when the prequels were made.

Okay, on with the other questions.

Am I reading this right?  There are Cubic Zerconia crystals used on both the Fine and the Fashion versions?

Yes, that is correct.  We have found that we can offer the CZs on both versions.  The Genuine version will have real, live diamonds.  None of the versions will have the Swaravski rhinestones as we suggested in the survey that was given a month or so ago.

When it says “Available in 14K yellow gold or white (rhodium plated)” does that mean that if you order the white one it’s made of yellow gold and then it is rhodium plated or what?

Yes.  The way I understand it, this is how ALL white gold is done.  White gold is not a solid material, but a plating over a base material.  If anyone from Infinite Jewelry Co. happens to be reading this, perhaps you could provide a much better explanation?

Is there any way to set up a payment plan?

At this time, we do not have a way of offering a payment plan, although we are looking into this as a possibility.  If we are able to find something down the road, rest assured we will let you know.

Are those prices the set prices?

Yes, those are the prices that we have set at this time.  Keep in mind, our prices are based heavily on availability and cost of materials.  Due to availability of materials and the chancing economy, all products and pricing are subject to change without notice.  We will do everything in our power to give our customers some notice prior to any price or product change.

I think that’s about it for now.  Of course, you can always ask more questions and I will do my best to answer them.  And as I get better answers to some, I will update this post.  I’d like to end by thanking our friend Lesley, who says "Ok, now you guys need to work on making a wedding dress."  Now that you’ve put the bug in our ear, I don’t see how we can avoid not making it.

-Brian

15
Jun

These Are The Times That Try Men’s Souls

categories The Blog    

I want to apologize for the site flakiness for today (June 15).  We’re investigating the problem now, but at this time we do not have an idea as to what the cause is and what the solution will be.  We ask for your continued patience.  Thanks.

Happy Father’s Day to me, right?  So much for my scheduled sleep-in.

-Brian

 

Update – It appears that things may be functioning better, today.  Optimizing the database appears to have helped, but I’m not 100% convinced that that was the problem.  I’m still researching.

If you are a hacker, and you are trying to hack into my storefront, and you also happen to be reading this blog, I give you this one warning:  I will find you, and I will kill you.

13
Jun

“…It’s Just Another Hand Me Down…”

categories Twilight Books, Twilight Images    

Eclipse Quote

I think it’s only fair to warn you that the following post could be hazardous to your health. It is therefore recommended that you consult with your physician before reading on.

June 13 is a very important date. For many Twilighters, there is simply nothing more that needs to be said. But in case you are not aware, this is the day that Edward proposed to Bella. And on this day, he gave her one of the most anticipated gifts a man could give a woman.

No, we’re not talking about a 52" 1080p LCD flat-panel television, a Blu-Ray player, and THX certified 7.1 surround sound system. We are also not talking about a Delta Machinery 3 HP Left Tilt Unisaw with Biesemeyer Fence or a Charmglow Gourmet Luxury Island, although any guy with a valid mancard would agree that any or all of these would, in fact, make most excellent gifts.

No, as much as I’d love to discuss any of those things, I’m almost positive that’s not what it is you want to hear right now. What we are talking about, of course, is the ring. And not just any ring, but the ring. So let’s not waste anymore time, and get right to the juicy bits, okay?

Experience your romance with Edward in a whole new way when you slip on Bella’s Engagement Ring™! You’ll love showing off the radiant stones in this elegant, slightly-domed oval, gold ring. In true Victorian-era design, your ring is created by master artisans with an open-scroll gallery and a fine beaded edge that surrounds the brilliant faceted stones. How exciting for you to own the only authentic Bella’s Engagement Ring™ authorized by Stephenie Meyer!

We are pleased to offer this beautiful ring in three versions to suit your style and pocketbook: Fashion, Fine, and Genuine. The three versions have the same stunning appearance, they are just made of different materials. Additionally, we are happy to present this classic ring in two colors, yellow or white gold.

Bella’s Engagement Ring™ will be offered in two editions, just like we did for the bracelet. The Signature Edition, and the Classic Edition. The Signature Edition pieces will be limited to 613 and will be accompanied by a special, numbered Certificate of Authenticity personally signed by Stephenie Meyer! These will be true heirloom, collector’s rings, and will be registrable as such.

The Classic Edition pieces will not be limited, will be for sale on-going, and will come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Any of the ring versions (Fashion, Fine, Genuine) can be ordered as a Signature Edition or as a Classic Edition.

Some Technical Specs:

 

Approximate Measurements:

 

Fashion Ring Features

 

Fine Ring Features

 

Genuine Ring Features

So there you go. I’m certain that there are no further questions, so go away!

Just Kidding! Come on back, you silly kids.

Seriously, I know you have a couple more questions. Like "What in the name of Billy Jean does the ring look like?!" Get ready, because here it is.

 

Bella's Engagement Ring - Artist's Rendition
This painting is an artist’s rendition of
Bella’s Engagement Ring™
The final product may differ slightly

I’m guessing you’d also like to know when the ring is being released. Well, I can tell you this, you can expect to see an announcement in the next couple of weeks, with the ring going up for pre-sale a few days after that. Yes, the ring is coming!

And it will be here soon.

-Brian

10
Jun

Update…But Not The One You Want

categories Bella's Engagement Ring, The Store    

There’s been somewhat of a drought here in Twilight Teez Blogville. There’s one primary reason for that; time. Seriously, we’ve been very busy with things on our side, and we’ve been exceptionally busy getting the one very thing you’re most interested in seeing ready for sale. I do have one little bit of news, though, so I thought I’d post something to at least show you we’re still out here.

We have been running Twilight Teez out of our home for the past year and a half, and trust me that’s not the best way to be running this type of business. Especially one that’s been growing as much as ours has. The lack of space has been one of the leading factors we haven’t branched off into products that we have had many requests for, such as hoodies, sweatshirts, pajama bottoms and ties. But all that will change as of tomorrow, when we sign the lease on a building to move Twilight Teez into. We’ve been looking for some time for a place to move our business, and we finally have found a place that will accommodate our needs. We hope to be moved into the place by next week. Pictures will follow soon.

I also want to take a moment to ask you to keep an eye on the site, as the announcement you’ve all been waiting for will be made here in the next few days.

-Brian

3
Jun

Taking the $ Out of U$PS

categories The Store    

It’s been a bit of time since my last post, and there’s good reason.  It’s been stupid busy over here at Twilight Teez.  We’re making progress on so many different things; the ring, The Host merchandise, contract negotiations with Summit Entertainment, and even moving into a new warehouse (and reclaiming our home)!  It’s just been chaotic, and I really haven’t had any time to do much more than spin around with overwhelmed confusion.  But there’s one thing I do feel I need to take a moment to write about, and that’s our new shipping options.

No doubt as you have placed your orders, you have noticed that our shipping options have changed from USPS to UPS for domestic orders.  This is primarily because things have come to a head for us with USPS.  The crap we’ve had to deal with on a domestic level from the USPS has finally hit the fan, and we are now taking steps to move to a different courier.  UPS has offered the best and easiest options to integrate with our store and provide the best automation for shipping as well as greater accountability.  There’s a very steep learning curve, and there’s undoubtedly going to be some rough spots as we transition into this new system and learn the ropes, so we are asking ahead of time for your patience on the matter.  I think you will see that the better tracking capabilities alone will be worth slight inconveniences that may lie ahead.  Hopefully we can get over these bumps quickly and provide a much smoother ride for you, our wonderful customers.

For international shipments, for now, we must still continue to use USPS.  We’re looking into other options, but USPS still provides the best international shipping rates – unless you want to pay US$60.00+ to ship your items…

I’m certain that most of you don’t come here to read about shipping options, though.  I know what you’re after, and who can blame you?  We’ve been hinting and teasing you for months on end about this.  Of course, I’m talking about the ring.  Unfortunately, I’m afraid I still have no new information to put out there for you.  Trust me, this piece of jewelry is beautiful, and I am certain it’s going to be well worth the wait.  We just ask for your continued patience as we get the final pieces put together.

As always, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.  I’ll try to answer your questions here in the blog, but you’re also always welcome to use our Contact Us page.