Sheri L

Depth is a crucial consideration in jewelry engraving - not just in the depth of your message, but in the depth of the cut. Engraving that goes deep into the metal is usually less prone to wear than shallower engraving. Since the whole idea of engraving jewelry is to have an everlasting message that can be easily read, or a beautiful pattern than can be easily seen, be sure to discuss durability issues with your engraver.

Engraving Techniques

Hand engraving and machine engraving are the two types of engraving available. Hand engraving is done with a graver. A graver is a chisel-like tool and good hand engravers are adept at inscribing different intricate text styles and symbols. Machine engraving works with a computer or templates and an engraving machine. The types of text styles may be limited in some machine engraving operations, however, machine engraving is often less expensive than hand engraving.

1. Choose by the look rather than by the method

Both types of engraving are usually still quite affordable, so it is often best to check out both options and select the type of engraving you want based on how it looks rather than by the particular method used. Machine engravers as well as hand engravers will have samples of lettering and other designs to help you decide on the look you want for your piece of jewelry.

2. Make sure your piece of jewelry is suitable for engraving

Be sure that the piece of jewelry you choose to have engraved has a large enough surface to contain the engraving work you want. For example, ring bands should be wide enough to contain all parts of the design or lettering with even spacing. A too-crowded look can ruin the look of the piece. Don’t be shy - get the engraver’s advice!

Meaningful Messages

While engraving names and dates is popular and can be very touching, don’t be afraid to be even more expressive and creative when having jewelry engraved for a loved one.

1. Be sure your message suits the wearer, the occasion and the piece

Wedding rings can be engraved with a single word that holds special meaning for the couple. The message you choose for a relative’s graduation will certainly be quite distinct from the one you choose for your husband or wife for your 25th anniversary. Remember that the message you choose will hopefully last for generations, so be sure to give your choice of engraving a lot of thought. .

2. Personalize the jewelry in an expressive and thoughtful way

Keeping #1 above in mind, don’t be afraid to be sentimental. For example, if a couple shares a special phrase, the message can be shared even more by having one half of the message engraved on each wedding ring. Engraving pet names or nicknames is another good way of personalizing jewelry if the recipient likes the name. If you share no special name or phrase, express something heartfelt and thoughtful that shows your feelings for the wearer and you can’t go wrong!

Kim G

Many a frustrated male has wondered into a jewelry store asking himself this
question: “why does a diamond say ‘I love you’ and a toaster doesn’t?” In order to
understand our current fascination with jewelry, we must first take a look into the past.

Early jewelry was most commonly thought to serve practical purposes such as to
pin clothes together, but a recent find has broadened our ideas on the subject. Thought to
be the oldest form of body adornment is a 100,000 year-old string of Nassasrius shells
that had been made into beads. Common early materials used to fashion jewelry were
carved stone, animal teeth, wood, and shells. Throughout history jewelry was primarily
worn by the wealthy or revered as a sign of status and many were buried with their
jewelry.

It is thought that gold was discovered as recently as 5,000 years ago and at that
time it may have been associated with the sun due to its attractive properties and
similarities in light reflection, symbolizing warmth. Seen as a gift from a sun god, gold
was used to craft religious objects and used in early religious ceremonies. In fact, gold is
the first atomic element to be mentioned in the Bible. A soft metal, gold was easily
fashioned into adornments, a trend which continues today.

The Pharaohs in Egypt can be credited with forming metals into a circle
symbolizing eternity, and hence symbolizing unending love, but it wasn’t until Roman
times that wedding rings became common to wear as a public declaration of marriage and
commitment. From there, jewelry adornment took on many forms due to both fashion
and function.

During the 15th-17th centuries, jewelry began establishing itself as one of the most
important elements of fashionable clothing. Wearers of fine jewels were either royalty or
the wealthy and as time went on, gifts of jewelry were given among the lesser class as a
means to express devotion and to promise to provide for them. Specifically diamonds
began to increase in popularity in the 18th century when prong setting of stones was
introduced thereby increasing the brilliancy of the stone. Diamonds themselves are the
most unyielding element in nature and it would suit to follow this line of thought with
giving the gem as a symbol of unyielding love.

When it comes right down to it, why do we buy jewelry? The motivation behind
a gift is as limitless as the possibilities you are given once you enter a jewelry store.
What are you trying to convey? Love? Flirtation? Devotion? How will your feelings be
received? Impetuous and fleeting? Or that of a complex, ornate, unique web? The gifts
you give out of love reflect the love itself. Each setting is different and each gem is
different, combined in a specific way to characterize your feelings for the bearer of your
gift.

Motivation behind giving jewelry as gifts used to vary from wishing to warrant
protection for the wearer to being an offering for the respected. It was a comparison of
beauty, a symbol of unbreakable bonds. After all these years, after all the changes in
trends, classes, social status and government, the gift of jewelry boils down to this: you
are giving a physical token of a feeling you cannot put into words. That affirmation of
love, devotion, adoration is what the bearer is seeking, and is so happy to receive. In the
biggest sense of the cliché, it is the thought that counts. So when you are faced with case
after case of gems, each different in their size, shape, brilliance and setting, think of how
you feel about the bearer of your gift, and you’ll know just what to choose.

Sheri L

“Diamonds Are Forever” is the seventh in the series of James Bond spy movies, as well as Shirley Bassey’s title song, inspired by Ian Fleming’s novel of the same name. The song emphasizes that diamonds last “forever and ever” and “when love is gone, they’ll luster on.” Diamond is the world’s hardest natural material and diamonds are the most durable and ever-lasting material on Earth, so, yes, diamonds really are forever thanks to their durability. .

Durability is stability, hardness and toughness

A gemstone’s durability is its degree of stability, hardness and toughness. Toughness relates to chipping and breaking, while hardness has to do with scratching. Stability refers to how well the gemstone resists light, chemicals and heat. Diamonds have excellent stability and hardness as well as good toughness so this all adds up to incredible durability.
Stability – Diamond is used in the electrical industry and in engineering drill bits because of its high resistance to heat, light and chemicals. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) is technology that allows synthetic diamond to be fabricated, either in thin or thick sheets, due to a gaseous chemical reaction.
Although diamonds are highly resistant to most chemicals, bleach should not be used to clean diamonds. Diamonds are often cleaned with a mixture of ammonia and water or a diamond cleaner and soft-bristled brush. Diamond has an extremely high melting point of 3,820 degrees Kelvin. It is the best heat conductor of all natural elements, due to its high lattice density. Lattice density refers to the amount of atoms per unit of volume. As atoms are denser in diamond than in any other natural material, diamond is also the hardest of all natural materials.

Hardness – Diamond measures a perfect ten on the Mohs
scale. The Mohs scale is named after Friedrich Mohs, a German mineralogist, and it tests hardness by how easily a mineral can be scratched. Talc has a score of only one to diamond’s ten.
Softer minerals cannot scratch harder minerals. Diamond is so hard that the next hardest mineral on the Mohs scale, corundum – which is sapphire and ruby, is four times softer than diamond. The hardness of diamonds makes them perfect for wearing as jewelry as they are not easily scratched. Since diamonds can scratch other diamonds, however, diamond jewelry pieces should be kept separate in a jewelry box.

Toughness – Ruby, sapphire and alexandrite are all tougher gemstones than diamond, but diamond is still very tough. A diamond will usually only break if it is dropped on a hard surface or hit with a blow that splits its four-way cleavage. Cleavage is a straight, clean crack in a gemstone.
Feathery cracks on the top of a diamond may cause easier breakage and diamonds with these types of surface cracks are not very durable. A good quality cut diamond has its girdle, or outer rim, left thick enough to prevent chipping. The pointed end of a diamond is called a cutlet and if the cutlet is too pointed, breakage could occur during the setting process.

Kim G

While diamond wedding rings tend to take stage in the United States and across the world, there are a few notable exceptions both in style and symbolism.

The first appearance of wedding rings has an arguable start. Some claim the Egyptians began giving wedding rings; another claim states that wedding rings were not common until the 11th century. Whatever the time frame, wedding rings have become a symbol of commitment to marriage throughout many cultures.

Although a plain gold band continues to be the most popular type of wedding ring throughout the world, there are a few variations. In France and many French speaking countries, it is common for the wedding ring to consist of three interwoven rings symbolizing love, hope, and faith. These rings are commonly made of three different colors of gold; yellow, white, and rose gold. In Greece and Italy, it is common for men to receive a type of puzzle ring made of gold to wear as a wedding band. The idea here is that they must prove their commitment by solving the puzzle and prove their faithfulness by wearing the ring constantly so as not to dislodge the puzzle.

The world over, women’s wedding rings most commonly contain diamonds as a sign of indestructible love, however other gem stones have also had a stay. In medieval Europe, the ruby was commonly used because they were red, like a heart. Sapphires were also used to symbolize the heavens, from which love came. Posey rings became popular in France in the 17th century.

These rings were inscribed with poems and love verses either inside or outside to declare adoration. Engraved wedding bands remain a very popular choice today. Wedding rings containing aquamarine represent marital harmony, where as pearl engagement rings were considered bad luck because the shape of the pearl was similar to that of a tear. In Victorian England, snake rings complete with ruby eyes were popular wedding bands because the coil winding around the finger symbolized eternity.

In renaissance Italy, silver betrothal rings became popular. These were highly ornate rings that were usually engraved and filled with black enamel so the pattern would contrast with the metal. Later, when gold became the popular metal of choice, the Italian silver betrothal ring was given first to be followed by a duplicate ring made of gold given at the wedding itself. This is most likely how the idea of separate engagement and wedding rings came into play, a tradition that continues today.

Tradition states that wedding rings are to be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand (including the thumb) because it was thought that that particular finger contained a vein which leads directly to the heart. This is not traditional throughout the world however, as is the case in Norway and Russia where the wedding ring is to be worn on the same finger of the right hand. Wearing two rings, the engagement ring and the wedding ring, on the ring finger has become the norm in North America. The engagement ring in this case usually holds the diamond which is given as a symbol of love and a promise from the man to the woman to take care of her. In Sweden, the bride wears three rings after her wedding; an engagement ring, a wedding ring, and a ring for motherhood, a promise to bring forth a family.

Most Christian weddings include an exchange of rings with the exception of the Quakers who may or may not exchange rings during or after the ceremonial Meeting. Quakers do not consider the traditions of wedding rings to be as much of a necessity as do other denominations. Early on, the Protestant Puritans claimed that wedding rings were a pagan ritual and were not to be used. Further, they were enraged with the Catholic claim that Mary and Joseph wore wedding rings made from onyx or amethyst.

Most religions throughout the world now consider the exchange of wedding rings to be a powerful and romantic symbol in a marriage ceremony. As a matter of fact, Irish folklore indicates that it is bad luck to be wed without a gold ring, even to the extent of considering the marriage illegal without one. Whatever the stone or metal choice, the exchange of wedding rings symbolizes the same ideal the world over; unending love and commitment.

Tom B

I was fascinated while watching the Oscars recently by the diamond jewelry, such as the 40-carat diamond necklace from The House of Winston worn by Gwyneth Paltrow. Many of the glitterati were festooned with pieces on loan from various jewelers hoping to curry favor with the beautiful people and their fans, enormously expensive pieces that set the cameras on fire every time they caught the light.

I’ve never had the nerve to borrow anyone’s diamonds, but then again, the most formal event I attend these days is a basketball game. Even there, though, many in the stands (and some on the floor) glitter with diamond simulants.
Glitter, from diamonds and their simulants, I think, is a 20th century contribution to common man. In fact, the notion that the average person could even wear a diamond is recent. For thousands of years, the stone’s primary role was to provide a currency for commerce between rulers, a way of paying favor to military victors, and a method of bartering for fertile daughters. In the 13th century, for example, France’s King Louis IX restricted diamond jewelry to the aristocracy. The stone was worn only by men until 1477, when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgandy.

The word diamond derives from the Greek adamao, meaning, “I subdue”. Since the diamond is the world’s hardest known substance, it truly does subdue all others. Personally, I favor the Sanskrit name for diamond — ‘varja’, meaning thunderbolt. I like the idea of wearing a thunderbolt on my finger.

In the last hundred years, though, many simulants have been developed that allow any of us, regardless of income, to shine like a movie star.

The first commonly used diamond substitute was glass. Jewelers found that adding lead oxide to the glass made it shine more brightly. Adding foil to the back of these glass gems gave us the popular rhinestone. They didn’t match diamond’s fire or durability, but were cheap enough to use in profusion.

Then, late in the 19th century, the French learned to grow clear spinel and sapphire crystals. These could be faceted like diamonds, wore better than glass, and soon found their place as substitutes in better-quality jewelry. Neither, however, had nearly the light-refracting properties of diamond.

In the 20th century, more sophisticated substitutes were discovered. The most widely known is that star of cable television, the cubic zirconia. CZs are very inexpensive and wonderfully bright stones, used in profusion in faux- bling (the word gaudy no longer has any meaning). However, CZs are not very durable, especially in rings, and the least amount of dirt dulls them.

In the past ten years, an excellent diamond stimulant,the Moissanite, has come into common use. The gem, silicon carbide, was first discovered in the remnants of the meteor that formed Diablo Canyon in California. Over 100 years passed before man learned to grow the crystal commercially.

Moissanite has a number of advantages over other diamond simulants. It is very hard (92% that of diamond), clear, colorless, and approximates diamond’s sparkle. It is also a tenth the price.

So today there is glitter available at any price point, allowing us to indulge our urge to sparkle. That’s a good thing.
In fact, my wife recently asked me, why, if she could get almost as much sparkle from diamond substitutes as diamonds, we should buy a diamond? As I thought about her question, a scenario kept replaying in my head. I saw a young girl opening her mother’s jewelry box, picking up her mother’s engagement ring, or her grandmother’s. The thing aboutdiamonds is, as the hardest substance on earth, they are as near eternal as anything we can ever hold. In the movie playing in my head, I couldn’t envision the girl putting her mother’s ring on her finger and saying to herself, ‘this was my Mom’s Moissanite.”

A diamond is many things; currency, love, glamour, bling. But other stones can stand in for a diamond in those roles. To hold precious memories, though, a diamond is truly matchless.
So shine on, any way you wish. You deserve to sparkle.

June is here – the start of summer, Father’s day, and graduations – giving us another opportunity to honor people with gifts.  People can choose from a number of options, like ties or new socks for dads and nice pens or maybe brand new cars for graduates.  While these ideas make great gifts, think about giving something that makes people feel extra special.  I suggest jewelry, such as diamond pendants and mens gold chains.

I remember back when I graduated many years ago, jewelry was definitely not on mind…I was scared that I have to work a real job but excited too.  I was finally done taking stupid exams, writing papers, and can start earning money.  And my parents were going to throw me a big party, which meant getting lots of money!  The party was so cool, and I did get lots of money.  I thought money was going to be the best present, but it turned out that I treasured my grandma’s gift the most.  She gave me a simple chain necklace, nothing too flashy.  I never really wore real jewelry before, not too many guys I knew did.  Yet, for some reason, when I tried it on, I felt like an adult, like I was finally stepping out of my life as a student and into a real working man.  Because of this experience, I now give jewelry as presents for special occasions and suggest it to other people.

When buying jewelry, I take time in choosing which one to buy because people have different styles and the price is pretty high.  First, I think about the gift recipients’ fashion styles – flashy, romantic, clean J-Crew type, simple, etc.  Then I think about what types of jewelry they wear, or if they even wear jewelry at all.  I look at all the trends, and then I ask my wife’s opinion.  She generally makes the final decision!

For example, my grandfather loves gold.  Any piece of jewelry that he bought for my grandmother was gold.  He had a gold rope-shaped necklace, which matched his gold bracelet, passed down to him from his father.  Ten years ago, the lock broke, and the bracelet fell off unbeknownst to him, devastating him.  Later, I found a mens gold bracelet shaped like a rope and gave it to him for Father’s Day.  He was elated!  I knew what type of jewelry he liked and got it for him.

Another example, when my niece graduated last year with a Masters in Counseling, I wanted to get her a beautiful piece of jewelry, as well as money, to honor her career choice.  Being a girly-girl who liked wearing white gold bracelets, I didn’t want to just pick any type of jewelry, so my wife suggested diamond charms to go with her bracelets.  I ended up giving her an angel diamond charm with a huge smile its face to brighten up her days.  To this day, my niece swears that it uplifts her day, especially when her clients’ issues start wearing her down.

Overall, jewelry makes a perfect gift to fathers, graduates, and just about anyone.  Just consider their style and accessory-usage when choosing that thoughtful jewelry piece.  That gift will be something that they will treasure for a long time.

Tom B

The modern American celebration of Mother’s Day reaches its 100th anniversary this year on Sunday, May 11th. Its history, however, can be traced back over 2,000 years. The Greeks held a celebration for Cybele, the Earth Mother, “The Mother of Gods”, each year near the vernal equinox. Virtually all cultures included in their pantheon a figure representing the power of the birth giver.

The holiday in this country originated through the efforts of Julia Ward Howe after the Civil War to establish a day on which women could combine their voices in protest of war, the Mother’s Day for Peace. The holiday as a day strictly to honor our nation’s mothers began in Grafton, WV in 1908. It caught on quickly, probably because it was so deserved, and in 1914, President Wilson officially recognized it as a national holiday.
Gifts of appreciation extended on Mother’s Day have traditionally included flowers, jewelry and/or a dinner out. In fact, the holiday is the single largest dining-out occasion in the U.S. each year.

Jewelry gifts for Mother’s Day traditionally commemorate her children. Especially popular in this fashion is the mother’s ring, a ring set with birthstones representing each child. Unfortunately, such mother’s rings have a couple of shortcomings. Some birthstones such as blue topaz and opal wear more quickly than rubies and sapphires. The color of these gems is often not complimentary when set close together, either. These problems can be offset by a wise choice of ring design, though. Some gold designs, such as those emulating ribbons or flowers, provide recessed areas in which these more fragile stones can find shelter.

Setting the stones in a pendant, perhaps a nugget made from family gold, solves the wear problem nicely. An intricate design can also help disguise the color clashes, as well. Women with one or two children often choose jewelry with their children’s initials. Script letters in particular make attractive pendants. A signet ring engraved with the children’s initials also makes a lovely and very durable gift.

Mothers of abundant families often enjoy charm bracelets with which to remember their offspring. A good strong-linked charm bracelet can also provide space for charms registering grandchildren and special accomplishments. Most women don’t choose to wear these daily, but keep them nearby whenever they need a memory fix.

Lockets are also popular Mother’s Day gifts, allowing her to share the visages of her loved ones with her friends. Make sure, though, to use an appealing photo– no Alfalfa hair, punk night out, or spinach on the teeth!
Those with unlimited budgets have even more options. How about a hand-carved cameo? One can set you back a few thousand dollars. An engraved or enameled family crest ring (you do have a family crest, don’t you? Me neither) is not a small investment, either.

This Mother’s Day, I’m sure mom would appreciate a little bauble from her children, and jewelry is always a good choice. It won’t substitute though, for what she really wants – remind her that you love her, for crying out loud. And set aside some time to spend with the one that spent so much of her life making yours possible.

Kim G

So, you are ready to propose - Congratulations! You have moved to an important phase, buying a diamond engagement ring! This is one of the most important jewelry purchases you will ever have to make, symbolizing your promise to love her forever. Cheers to a long and successful marriage!

Since this is what she has been dreaming about since she was a little girl (no pressure), we have compiled a list of what to look for when looking for THE ideal ring.

First, create a budget. It is a common belief that your ring should cost about two months salary, so this might be where you should start.

Next, figure out the shape of the diamond. There are round, princess-cut diamonds, emerald, marquise, pear, and oval diamonds. The most popular diamond shapes are round and princess due to their high brilliance.

Then, you have to find out the type of metal and ring setting. The most popular choices are 18k or 14k gold in either yellow gold or white gold, and platinum jewelry settings. You can find out which metal for will suit her most by paying attention to what she has in her jewelry box. If your girlfriend wears mostly 14k yellow gold, she’d be pleased with a 14k yellow gold engagement ring. Or, if she likes white gold, you can step up and buy her a platinum engagement ring! If her jewelry box is loaded with antique jewelry, then get her an antique diamond engagement ring.

The ring setting is how the precious stones are held in place. There are a few different types available, such as bezel, prong, chevron, and invisible. Look at the different ring types. If she is an active person, a bezel ring setting would be good because the diamond would be protected. Compare and see the different ring settings and and find rings you think she would like.

Next, the most important part of the process begins- choosing the diamond. Go back to your budget and remember it. This is where you can save or lose the most money.

When choosing loose diamonds or a diamond ring, there are four things to remember, the Four C’s- Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat.

Carat measures the size of diamonds. Carat prices rise exponentially; a one-carat diamond ring is worth much more than a ring set with two or three diamonds that totals one carat. A good start is a one-carat stone. When choosing the diamond size for your ring, think about your budget and the look of the diamond you are going for.

Clarity is basically, the clear-ness of the diamond. The more clear a diamond, the more rare and expensive the ring will be. A good clarity to start at is SI2. SI2 means the stone is slightly included. There are inclusions that can be seen with a 10x magnification or very minor inclusions seen with the naked eye. However, how many people do you see walking around with magnifying glasses? An SI2 is a good value because you can’t really tell the difference between a VS2 to a SI2 with the naked eye.

The most important thing about the color of white diamonds is to have none. The most rare white diamonds used in engagement rings are those that are free of any color. Look for diamonds with a G-H grade because they are near colorless, and you’ll get the best value.

Cut is the thing that makes or breaks diamonds. According to the AGSL guidelines, a diamond with a 0 to 4 grading will have a good cut. If the diamond is cut wrong and is too shallow or deep, light will be lost and it will look too dark. You want to find the most brilliant diamond for your engagement ring that you can get for your budget.

If you are having trouble looking for a diamond engagement ring, recruit some help. Ask her best friend (one who could keep a secret) to help you find out what engagement ring she’d like. Her best friend will most likely have insights on the shape, ring setting and carat size of her ideal engagement ring.

Also, educate yourself. Compare prices by comparing the price per carat of the diamonds. Go to many stores and ask around. Do not buy the first ring you see, but compare and see the many choices and prices. Try to get the best value for you money while getting her something that will melt her heart.

Again, congratulations and good luck with your marriage! May all your dreams come true.

Sheri L

Whether you’re buying jewelry for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone else, make sure you do it the right way by avoiding these 5 common mistakes:

1. Dealing with inexperienced vendors:

You should always buy jewelry from professional jewelers with decades of experience in the jewelry business. Why? Think about it. Do you really want to be merely sold jewelry, or do you want to purchase quality jewelry from people who know what they’re doing?

Jewelry experts know the standards, follow the regulations and understand what quality is. They back up what they sell. Experienced jewelry experts are proud of the knowledgeable service they can provide to their customers and they want to help educate you. They have a career in jewelry and a well-established jewelry business and understand that purchasing fine jewelry is not the same thing as shopping for a toaster. Jewelry is an intimate purchase and jewelry often lasts several lifetimes as it’s often passed through generations. Why trust something that important to just a salesperson?

2. Skimping on quality:

Expert jewelers are experts on quality. You should be informed of exactly what jewelry you’re buying in terms of its value for the money you’re spending. Jewelry experts should be forthcoming about all of the details about their jewelry. They should provide all the information possible so that you can be sure you’re getting a quality piece of jewelry at the best price available.

Jewelry experts interested in selling only quality jewelry want to communicate with their customers. They truly care about the kind of jewelry they sell and not about making a sale just for the sake of making a sale. Look for quality jewelers with decades of experience behind them to answer all your questions about exactly what you’re buying. If they seem to be withholding information about the jewelry they’re selling, look elsewhere!

3. Settling for a limited selection:

Don’t settle for a limited selection of jewelry. The best jewelers have the largest selections of jewelry for you to choose from. They understand that their customers are not only interested in purchasing quality pieces of jewelry for themselves, but also want to buy pieces for their loved ones for gifts on special occasions. When you find a knowledgeable, trustworthy jeweler, you’re going to want to keep buying from that jeweler, so a large product line that keeps expanding is important.

Career jewelers stay on top of trends and demands in the marketplace. They give you a wide choice so that you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for. You don’t want jewelry you just like, but jewelry that you just love – the perfect accent for that special outfit or the perfect gift for someone you love. You need a large selection of quality jewelry options with jewelers who care about helping you find what you want.

4. Ignoring the importance of your convenience:

The last thing you need or want when buying jewelry is to be rushed or pressured. That’s why many people prefer shopping for jewelry online in the comfort of their home or office. This way, you don’t feel pressured from sales people or rushed near closing time at the mall. Today’s computer technology allows for clear, close up photographs so you know just what you’ll be getting. No need to try and point to items in a display case or to try to wait patiently to get a sales clerk, often with limited knowledge about the pieces he or she is selling anyway, to help you.

Be sure that the jewelry website you choose to buy jewelry from is backed by knowledgeable career jewelers with many years of experience. You should be able to find all the information you need on the site and should be able to ask any additional questions you’d like before you buy.

5. Paying retail instead of wholesale:

Ecommerce and online shopping are not only popular for reasons of convenience, but for value and lower prices too. Big box retail jewelry stores like you to think that they’re still the only option, but smart consumers know better. Why pay more than you need to for quality jewelry? Look for a reputable online jeweler that’s committed to finding you the best price possible.

A reputable, experienced jeweler wants you to receive the best value possible. The best value possible when you’re buying jewelry is getting quality, service, selection and price. You shouldn’t settle for anything less than that. Look for wholesale prices and discounts and specials. Look for a career jeweler that wants to please you by providing ultimate quality at ultimate prices. It’s that simple. Fine jewelry is a lasting remembrance, unlike flowers or candy. You really don’t have to spend a fortune to get quality jewelry you love.

Tom B

As my wife reminds me, there is no such thing as a bad piece of jewelry. But, just as some people were not meant to wear lime-green stretch tights, some jewelry may not match your lifestyle. Picking pieces that fit the way you live will guarantee your new bling won’t spend most of its life buried in your jewelry box.  For example- some people love to wear flat herringbone chains to bed. Granted, you may look fetching when a certain someone wakes you during the night for a little snuggling, but the next morning you may find the chain is a mangled mess around your neck. The sad truth is a flat chain that has been twisted is very difficult to return to its original shape. So if you intend to make a flat chain part of your nightwear, steer clear of the paper-thin variety. Invest in a thicker chain, or one specially constructed to avoid kinking. That way, it will look as good in the morning as it did when your head hit the pillow. 

While we’re talking flat chain, here’s another piece of advice; flat chains and sliding pendants don’t play well together. If you looked at your chain under the microscope, you might be surprised how its edge resembles the teeth of a saw. And sawing is just what it does to the bail of your pendant. Every time you move, the pendant bail will rub against your chain, carving away a little more metal. For pendants, a rope or box chain will extend the life of the bail. If you really want to wear a stone with your flat chain, consider having one soldered in place. One last suggestion about chains; match the length to your wardrobe and your features. Nothing diminishes the impact of a chain more than having it tangle in your décolleté. If you favor scoop-neck tops, consider an 18″ chain that will lie nicely above the hem. If you favor turtlenecks, a 20″ would fall neatly below. With a plunging neckline, a 24″ chain will have plenty of room to drape attractively. 

Are you shopping for a gemstone ring? Again, you’ll be happier if you match your selection to your lifestyle. For example, if you are an avid golfer, you are aware of the stress golf puts on a ring. Sun, sunscreen, sweat, and swinging are all hazardous to delicate gems such as the opal. For a great sports ring, consider the bulletproof end of the gemstone spectrum– diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and tourmaline all wear exceptionally well. An additional caution: if you wear a ring on your glove hand, be especially careful when removing the glove that your ring doesn’t come along with it. Somewhere in the golfing world one of my wedding rings jumped ship.  Also, choose the proper the stone mounting for your lifestyle. A four-prong setting is marvelous for opening your stone to light from all directions, thereby maximizing the sparkle. But it does have the potential to snag, so if you do a lot of gardening or other hands-on work, think about a bezel or pavé setting, where the stone is securely held around its entire periphery. Another great choice for a bulletproof sport/hobby ring is a simple gold signet ring. As my wife again points out, a well-stocked jewelry chest holds not just a variety of pieces to suit each outfit, but pieces appropriate to various activities. The next time you shop, buy in accordance with your life style, and you’ll enjoy your purchase to the max.