Many people do not know what they are looking for when they set out to buy a piece of diamond jewelry, especially if it is their first time buying an engagement ring or a present for a loved one. It can be an overwhelming and intimidating process, going into retailers, looking at all of the different, delicate, expensive pieces. You've probably braced yourself to pay more than you want to, but you would like to avoid paying too much. The first thing is to remember not to buy a diamond simply because it looks like it costs much less than the other pieces in the store.
Just because it's a diamond doesn't mean it's valuable. In fact, much of the diamond's value simply comes from the demand and mystique associated with it. There are several extremely low-quality pieces of diamond jewelry that are advertised for twenty bucks and worth less than five. Similarly, just because something is advertised as "on sale," doesn't mean that it's the best price or the best diamond piece out there. Best value diamonds have an essential jewelry combination of quality and price, both of which should have equal influence in your decision.
If the person you are buying the jewelry for has absolutely fallen in love with a piece that you and your family most certainly cannot afford, be firm. As the salesperson if there are any other pieces like it or research online, but don't spend money you don't have and can't get over a piece of jewelry. Be an intelligent shopper. There are hundreds of millions of beautiful pieces of diamond jewelry in the world, the one expensive one that appeals most at the time is neither the best nor the only on out there. You can keep it in mind as something to save up for, but practice discretion.
Just because the store has a certificate for a certain loose diamond or piece of jewelry doesn't necessarily mean that it is high quality. Many official reports on a gemstone are written in such a way that only professional gemologists and dedicated gem collectors can understand what they mean. The certificate being presented to you can say that the diamond is the poorest quality that a diamond can be, or it can say that it is a beautiful example to diamonds everywhere. You wouldn't know though.
If you are trying to buy a piece of jewelry made with a non conflict diamond, keep in mind that while the diamond certificate is an extremely good indication as to the cleanliness, it is possible to bypass and forge such documents. The certificate is as much of a guarantee as you can get, but shipments of blood diamonds sometime slip into the shipments of non conflict diamonds. In addition, while the 4 C's (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight) are widely known and highly marketed, they are only a fraction of the variables that go into consideration when a diamond is being rated.
Do not have the 4 C's be the deciding factor in your diamond purchase. When you are looking at the cut of the diamond, keep in mind that it should not be too shallow or too deep. The perfect diamond will be able to reflect all of the light that it is exposed to. Diamonds with a heavier carat weight are more expensive than those with a lighter weight, but you do not want to buy a diamond that is too low quality. GIA diamond rings and other diamond jewelry are generally a safe bet, but you should be sure that you understand the certification.
Clearer diamonds are also more expensive, since they are the most attractive and light travels through them better than a slightly cloudier diamond. Color is determined on a letter scale. Diamonds rated between D and F are considered to be colorless, between G and J is close to colorless, but not quite. Diamonds that are between K and N have slightly yellowish hues. T and Z are light yellow. This is because yellow is the most common color found in diamonds. Many diamonds that appear to be colorless actually have a slight yellow tint. "Fancy" colors, which are not slightly yellow, can include vivid yellows, blues, and pinks.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Diamond-Buying-Tips&id=2439531
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
An Engagement Ring Buying Guide For the Groom
Buying an engagement ring as a surprise can really add to the impact when popping the question. However, there is a little more to the perfect engagement ring than a quick visit to the local jewelry store. Read on for an engagement ring buying guide for the groom to be.
Set A Budget.
One of the most important aspects of buying an engagement ring would have to be figuring out what you can either afford, or what you are comfortable spending. As a rough guide some say 2 months salary, but this can fluctuate wildly depending on personal circumstances. Look in a few jewelry stores and check out the various engagement rings you can buy in your price range. You will quickly see that the size and quality of a stone, along with the metal of the band and setting, are a couple of the factors that can make or break your budget.
Compromises may have to be made. Your girlfriend may well prefer a larger diamond engagement ring of a lesser cut or clarity. Alternatively she may prefer a perfect stone of a smaller size.
Learn About Engagement Rings.
There is not much point wandering into a jewelry store and asking for an engagement ring. You will be astonished at all the choices that need to be made from price, metals, stones, and setting styles, to mention just a few. Sit down at the computer and have a little look before you hit a store. See what you like and what you think would suit your girlfriend's style and taste.
Find Her Ring Size.
It is more romantic if you are planning on surprising her, with presenting her with an engagement ring that will fit on her finger. Raid her jewelry box for a ring that she wears on her right hand finger for an estimate of her finger size. Never mind if it doesn't fit perfectly, you can generally re-size.
Absolutely No Re-Gifting.
OK. You may have your ex-wife's or ex-fiancee's engagement ring burning a hole in your closet. However, if you know what is good for you and you plan on living happily ever after, you will under no circumstances re-use that old ring. For those cynics out there, remember the fuss about Mariah Carey's engagement ring when someone suggested that Nick Cannon had re-used his ex-fiancee's ring?
Please note that it is acceptable to use your Granny's engagement ring diamonds, or any other family heirloom, just not jewelry from your own previous romances.
Buying the perfect engagement ring will take some time and research. Engagement rings are designed to last a lifetime. A few months of sleuthing and research is worth an eternity of happy wear.
http://ezinearticles.com/?An-Engagement-Ring-Buying-Guide-For-the-Groom&id=2287150
Set A Budget.
One of the most important aspects of buying an engagement ring would have to be figuring out what you can either afford, or what you are comfortable spending. As a rough guide some say 2 months salary, but this can fluctuate wildly depending on personal circumstances. Look in a few jewelry stores and check out the various engagement rings you can buy in your price range. You will quickly see that the size and quality of a stone, along with the metal of the band and setting, are a couple of the factors that can make or break your budget.
Compromises may have to be made. Your girlfriend may well prefer a larger diamond engagement ring of a lesser cut or clarity. Alternatively she may prefer a perfect stone of a smaller size.
Learn About Engagement Rings.
There is not much point wandering into a jewelry store and asking for an engagement ring. You will be astonished at all the choices that need to be made from price, metals, stones, and setting styles, to mention just a few. Sit down at the computer and have a little look before you hit a store. See what you like and what you think would suit your girlfriend's style and taste.
Find Her Ring Size.
It is more romantic if you are planning on surprising her, with presenting her with an engagement ring that will fit on her finger. Raid her jewelry box for a ring that she wears on her right hand finger for an estimate of her finger size. Never mind if it doesn't fit perfectly, you can generally re-size.
Absolutely No Re-Gifting.
OK. You may have your ex-wife's or ex-fiancee's engagement ring burning a hole in your closet. However, if you know what is good for you and you plan on living happily ever after, you will under no circumstances re-use that old ring. For those cynics out there, remember the fuss about Mariah Carey's engagement ring when someone suggested that Nick Cannon had re-used his ex-fiancee's ring?
Please note that it is acceptable to use your Granny's engagement ring diamonds, or any other family heirloom, just not jewelry from your own previous romances.
Buying the perfect engagement ring will take some time and research. Engagement rings are designed to last a lifetime. A few months of sleuthing and research is worth an eternity of happy wear.
http://ezinearticles.com/?An-Engagement-Ring-Buying-Guide-For-the-Groom&id=2287150
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Get Body Piercing of Your Choice!
Various parts of the body can be pierced and given a funky look. Ears, tongue, eyebrows, naval, nose, labret, are some of the parts of the body that can be pierced. There are various body piercing stores that do piercing on various parts of the body. It is advisable to get piercing done from experts. Going to sundry body piercing stores can be harmful and unhealthy.
These types of piercings are available in various designs and forms. Depending on your personal choice and preference, you can get piercing done. Tongue rings, bars & jewellery shops have hundreds of tongue studs. You can choose from fascinating designs. Get belly bars in impeccable designs.
There are various body piercing stores that house piercing for numerous parts of the body. You must give due thought to the store you choose. A store with multitudes of designs and forms is the best. There are hundreds of tongue bar styles in stock that you can choose from any of the stores. Not just that, you can also get belly bars & navel rings in beautiful designs, and acrylic ear expanders too. You can also get body jewellery to suit all types, from extra fancy highly jewelled dangly belly button bars to ear stretching jewellery, not forgetting lots of studs for eyebrow piercings, and of course tongue jewellery in all shapes, colours & styles.
You can also choose from a vast range of jewellery for tongue piercing. Also find plain and jewelled barbells in steel and titanium in tongue studs, retainers and tongue bar to improve the look of your tongue stud. Tongue piercing bars, barbells and accessories are available in different materials like 9 ct 14ct and 18 carat gold, titanium and surgical steel. Tongue bars give a funky look to you and make a fashion statement. Many youngsters find it sexy. You can also make a fashion statement with cheap belly bars.
These bars will give a new look to your personality. Choose from a range of bars -cheap body piercing jewellery, belly bars, navel bars, cheap dangly belly bars, belly button rings, eyebrow bars, cheap navel bars, tongue bars, tongue jewellery, flesh tunnels, ear expanders, body jewellery and so on. If you are looking for cheap belly bars, you can look online. You can easily find out the process of bars and choose the one that suits your needs most.
If you are looking for cheap belly rings, you can get them online. There are numerous body piercing stores that do body piercing at a lower rate. It will suit the budget of everyone. Body piercing is affordable now. Make a style statement with any of the body piercing jewellery.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Get-Body-Piercing-of-Your-Choice!&id=2192639
These types of piercings are available in various designs and forms. Depending on your personal choice and preference, you can get piercing done. Tongue rings, bars & jewellery shops have hundreds of tongue studs. You can choose from fascinating designs. Get belly bars in impeccable designs.
There are various body piercing stores that house piercing for numerous parts of the body. You must give due thought to the store you choose. A store with multitudes of designs and forms is the best. There are hundreds of tongue bar styles in stock that you can choose from any of the stores. Not just that, you can also get belly bars & navel rings in beautiful designs, and acrylic ear expanders too. You can also get body jewellery to suit all types, from extra fancy highly jewelled dangly belly button bars to ear stretching jewellery, not forgetting lots of studs for eyebrow piercings, and of course tongue jewellery in all shapes, colours & styles.
You can also choose from a vast range of jewellery for tongue piercing. Also find plain and jewelled barbells in steel and titanium in tongue studs, retainers and tongue bar to improve the look of your tongue stud. Tongue piercing bars, barbells and accessories are available in different materials like 9 ct 14ct and 18 carat gold, titanium and surgical steel. Tongue bars give a funky look to you and make a fashion statement. Many youngsters find it sexy. You can also make a fashion statement with cheap belly bars.
These bars will give a new look to your personality. Choose from a range of bars -cheap body piercing jewellery, belly bars, navel bars, cheap dangly belly bars, belly button rings, eyebrow bars, cheap navel bars, tongue bars, tongue jewellery, flesh tunnels, ear expanders, body jewellery and so on. If you are looking for cheap belly bars, you can look online. You can easily find out the process of bars and choose the one that suits your needs most.
If you are looking for cheap belly rings, you can get them online. There are numerous body piercing stores that do body piercing at a lower rate. It will suit the budget of everyone. Body piercing is affordable now. Make a style statement with any of the body piercing jewellery.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Get-Body-Piercing-of-Your-Choice!&id=2192639
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Why Diamonds Are So Special
There is much more to a diamond than just a pretty and expensive rock used to make pretty and expensive jewelry. They are made out of carbon; in fact they are the second most stable form of carbon, after graphite. Diamonds are ideal for jewelry because they are difficult to scratch; they are the hardest naturally occurring mineral known to man.
A diamond can only be created when carbon molecules are put under high pressure in a high temperature area (although the temperature is comparatively cool, considering where the location is). There are only two places on the entire Earth that meet these conditions: the lithospheric mantle (which is located below stable continental plates), and at the site of a meteor collision.
The diamonds found in impact craters are very small, and are called microdiamonds or nanodiamonds. These diamonds would probably not qualify as GIA diamond rings, due to their size. These tiny diamonds are able to form because a collision from space debris usually results in extreme pressure and temperatures.
Diamonds and graphite alike are known as Allotropes of carbon. An allotrope is a substance created by a certain behavior of a certain chemical element, meaning that the atoms are bonded differently than normal. This is sort of like an isotope, which is an atom of a chemical element that has a different number of neutrons.
These stones may be very rare on earth, but on other planets where conditions are more extreme, they may be quite common. On Neptune, for example, the atmospheric pressure is such that molecules of carbon are forced into the correct formation to make a diamond. It is theorized that there may be small diamond crystals suspended in the atmosphere itself. This atmosphere would be a dream for someone searching for best value diamonds or a cheap engagement ring!
On Earth, diamonds are brought closer to the surface via volcanic activity, but there are some diamonds on Earth that are thought to have been brought here by asteroid impacts. These are not formed from the impacts themselves. Diamonds in space are formed from supernovas and in white dwarf stars, which have cores of crystallized carbon and oxygen. One such stone has been located floating about in space; it has been confirmed as a diamond, and it is 2500 miles wide.
Different colors in diamonds are caused by certain impurities. For example, the most common colors found are yellow and brown, which is caused by nitrogen. A green color is caused by irradiation, while pink and red (as well as some brown) is caused by physical deformation (also known as plastic deformation). Black diamonds are considered 'carbonado' diamonds; the origin of which is as yet unknown. There are several hypotheses as to how they formed; however as of 2008 none of these were accepted. These are found in South America and Africa but are typically not non conflict diamonds unless they have passed the Kimberley Process Certification.
These stones, when properly cut, exhibit a beautiful sparkling display due to their many facets. Just like with a prism, white light that hits a diamond is refracted, which separates it into the colors that make up the visible spectrum. This is why diamonds in jewelry glitter in many different colors, even though they seem to be clear.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Diamonds-Are-So-Special&id=2121521
A diamond can only be created when carbon molecules are put under high pressure in a high temperature area (although the temperature is comparatively cool, considering where the location is). There are only two places on the entire Earth that meet these conditions: the lithospheric mantle (which is located below stable continental plates), and at the site of a meteor collision.
The diamonds found in impact craters are very small, and are called microdiamonds or nanodiamonds. These diamonds would probably not qualify as GIA diamond rings, due to their size. These tiny diamonds are able to form because a collision from space debris usually results in extreme pressure and temperatures.
Diamonds and graphite alike are known as Allotropes of carbon. An allotrope is a substance created by a certain behavior of a certain chemical element, meaning that the atoms are bonded differently than normal. This is sort of like an isotope, which is an atom of a chemical element that has a different number of neutrons.
These stones may be very rare on earth, but on other planets where conditions are more extreme, they may be quite common. On Neptune, for example, the atmospheric pressure is such that molecules of carbon are forced into the correct formation to make a diamond. It is theorized that there may be small diamond crystals suspended in the atmosphere itself. This atmosphere would be a dream for someone searching for best value diamonds or a cheap engagement ring!
On Earth, diamonds are brought closer to the surface via volcanic activity, but there are some diamonds on Earth that are thought to have been brought here by asteroid impacts. These are not formed from the impacts themselves. Diamonds in space are formed from supernovas and in white dwarf stars, which have cores of crystallized carbon and oxygen. One such stone has been located floating about in space; it has been confirmed as a diamond, and it is 2500 miles wide.
Different colors in diamonds are caused by certain impurities. For example, the most common colors found are yellow and brown, which is caused by nitrogen. A green color is caused by irradiation, while pink and red (as well as some brown) is caused by physical deformation (also known as plastic deformation). Black diamonds are considered 'carbonado' diamonds; the origin of which is as yet unknown. There are several hypotheses as to how they formed; however as of 2008 none of these were accepted. These are found in South America and Africa but are typically not non conflict diamonds unless they have passed the Kimberley Process Certification.
These stones, when properly cut, exhibit a beautiful sparkling display due to their many facets. Just like with a prism, white light that hits a diamond is refracted, which separates it into the colors that make up the visible spectrum. This is why diamonds in jewelry glitter in many different colors, even though they seem to be clear.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Diamonds-Are-So-Special&id=2121521
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Hollywood gets lesson on diamond importance
Los Angeles--Diamonds flashed from all ends of the 81st Annual Academy Awards held on Sunday evening, but even before the red-carpet parade began, the precious stones were the highlight of a private pre-Oscar dinner hosted by actress Julianne Moore and Diamond Information Center (DIC) Director Sally Morrison.
The event was held on Saturday evening at the exclusive Chateau Marmont, with guests including the likes of actresses Camilla Belle, Debra Messing, Julia Ormond and Sharon Stone, along with fashion designers Tom Ford, Ozwald Boateng and Monique Lhuillier, among many others.
But the guest of honor for the evening was former Botswana President Festus Mogae, who addressed the crowd of celebrities and spoke about the importance of diamonds to the future of his country. According to the DIC, Botswana's growth and responsible use of its resources has made it a poster child for African development.
On display at the dinner was a collection of diamond designs, including a number of important international pieces and the never-before-seen "Shining Light Diamond Collection," which served as an example to guests of how diamonds create an enduring value and a sustainable source of economic diversification for producing countries.
"We felt it was important for Hollywood to understand that diamonds, while synonymous with Hollywood and glamour, are also a lifeline for people in the countries where they are mined, providing healthcare, infrastructure, education and employment," Morrison said in a media release. "By bringing President Mogae to the Oscars, he was able to deliver that message in person and to highlight the importance of diamonds to his country."
http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/diamonds/supply/e3ieda4f2f47125746d153ca02fb82232a7
The event was held on Saturday evening at the exclusive Chateau Marmont, with guests including the likes of actresses Camilla Belle, Debra Messing, Julia Ormond and Sharon Stone, along with fashion designers Tom Ford, Ozwald Boateng and Monique Lhuillier, among many others.
But the guest of honor for the evening was former Botswana President Festus Mogae, who addressed the crowd of celebrities and spoke about the importance of diamonds to the future of his country. According to the DIC, Botswana's growth and responsible use of its resources has made it a poster child for African development.
On display at the dinner was a collection of diamond designs, including a number of important international pieces and the never-before-seen "Shining Light Diamond Collection," which served as an example to guests of how diamonds create an enduring value and a sustainable source of economic diversification for producing countries.
"We felt it was important for Hollywood to understand that diamonds, while synonymous with Hollywood and glamour, are also a lifeline for people in the countries where they are mined, providing healthcare, infrastructure, education and employment," Morrison said in a media release. "By bringing President Mogae to the Oscars, he was able to deliver that message in person and to highlight the importance of diamonds to his country."
http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/diamonds/supply/e3ieda4f2f47125746d153ca02fb82232a7
Monday, February 2, 2009
Quality of jewelry can vary greatly
When it comes to romantic gestures, fine jewelry can speak volumes.
But before giving a loved one jewelry for Valentine's Day, there are steps you can take to obtain a quality piece of merchandise sold by a reputable seller.
Fine jewelry, made from precious metals such as gold or silver and set with either precious or semi-precious stones, is not the most common Valentine's Day gift but it is one of the more expensive gifts.
A survey conducted in January by TNS Retail Forward found that only 3.5 percent of shoppers interviewed planned to buy fine jewelry as a gift this Valentine's Day with the average spending amount being $220.
"Two hundred dollars for a piece of jewelry is not cheap," said
Maire Loughran, jewelry feature writer at www.101suite.com, which provides information on hundreds of topics.
All the more reason to check a retailer's return policy, whether the seller be an online or brick-and-mortar business, in case a ring or bracelet may not fit or the recipient does not like the jewelry, experts say. Check whether any warranty policies apply to the purchase.
"You want to know about the return policy before the purchase," said Nancy Stacy, a Walnut Creek-based jewelry appraiser with top-level credentials in three professional appraisal organizations, including the American Society of Appraisers, where she is a master gemologist appraiser. "Are they
willing to give you a cash refund? Most stores don't want to but at least be sure they will give you in-store merchandise credit. Any reputable jeweler should be willing to do that."
Shopping at a brick-and-mortar jeweler can be done at the last minute but that may not be possible with an online retailer since their delivery policies vary, said Loughran. So to ensure timely delivery from an online retailer, try to place the order as soon as possible. Reputable online sellers include www.overstock.com, www.sundancecatalog.com and www.bluenile.com, she said.
Consumers can get competitive prices for jewelry sold on various Web sites, then bring a list of prices when they go into a brick-and-mortar store, said Stacy. "That is a good bargaining tool," she said.
Go in with a budget when shopping at a brick-and-mortar retailer, regardless of what type of jewelry you are considering.
"Buy what you can afford in the brick-and-mortar shop. Go in there with a budget and be firm," Loughran said. "They are always going to try to up sell you, whether it's a jewelry store or a jewelry counter at a department store."
Stay away from larger brick-and-mortar retailers such as department stores and mall-type stores that focus on having big sales, Stacy said. Look for a store that has a good reputation, is a small chain or family-owned, and has been established for a long period of time, she said.
"I would recommend stores that don't advertise on the basis of cut-rate prices. That kind of store generally charges more in the first place so they can give a big discount," she said. "I would try to deal with stores where you can talk to the owner. Generally, with huge chain stores and mall-type stores, you are working with people that are hired by the hour and don't have the authority to do anything."
So what kind of jewelry is popular for Valentine's Day?
Earrings and pendant necklaces are big sellers, said Cherl Spitz, who with her husband, Gary, is co-owner of Spitz Jewelers in Walnut Creek and Oakland.
"It is a fairly late and impulsive buy," she said. "What we try to do is have stuff on hand that can be wrapped up and out the door. People don't plan for it."
That's why retailers expect Valentine's Day shopping to really start happening on the Friday before Valentine's Day, which this year falls on a Saturday (Feb. 14).
Semiprecious stones such as garnet, kunzite, pink tourmaline or amethyst are popular when it comes to colors.
"All those are in the red, pink and purple colors family that would be a hue for Valentine's Day," said Loughran. "You can never go wrong with a heart-shaped locket. Hearts are always appreciated, especially on Valentine's Day."
Go with a type of jewelry that the recipient likes and can use.
"If you are buying pierced earrings, make sure the person has pierced earrings," Loughran said.
If you buy a precious stone, which include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and opals, get a certificate of authenticity.
"You want to see the certification that goes behind the stone, especially with diamonds," she said.
Before buying jewelry, consumers can educate themselves by going to industry Web sites such www.americangemsociety.org (American Gem Society) and www.jic.org (Jewelry Information Center).
Stacy shared some tips for how to evaluate the quality of jewelry, once it has been located in a store.
"One of the most important things you can do is turn it over and look at the back and see if it is well made by how the back is finished. If the back is as beautiful as the front, you're looking at a fine piece," she said.
Check out the chain carefully if considering a necklace.
"Slip it under your fingers and hold the chain and run it through your fingers with a slight curve in the chain so you can feel any bad links. You want to bend it a little bit so you know if the chain is flexible for the whole length. If it is not a well-made chain, you are going to feel a catch and it will be uncomfortable to wear,'' Stacy said.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_11583891
But before giving a loved one jewelry for Valentine's Day, there are steps you can take to obtain a quality piece of merchandise sold by a reputable seller.
Fine jewelry, made from precious metals such as gold or silver and set with either precious or semi-precious stones, is not the most common Valentine's Day gift but it is one of the more expensive gifts.
A survey conducted in January by TNS Retail Forward found that only 3.5 percent of shoppers interviewed planned to buy fine jewelry as a gift this Valentine's Day with the average spending amount being $220.
"Two hundred dollars for a piece of jewelry is not cheap," said
Maire Loughran, jewelry feature writer at www.101suite.com, which provides information on hundreds of topics.
All the more reason to check a retailer's return policy, whether the seller be an online or brick-and-mortar business, in case a ring or bracelet may not fit or the recipient does not like the jewelry, experts say. Check whether any warranty policies apply to the purchase.
"You want to know about the return policy before the purchase," said Nancy Stacy, a Walnut Creek-based jewelry appraiser with top-level credentials in three professional appraisal organizations, including the American Society of Appraisers, where she is a master gemologist appraiser. "Are they
willing to give you a cash refund? Most stores don't want to but at least be sure they will give you in-store merchandise credit. Any reputable jeweler should be willing to do that."
Shopping at a brick-and-mortar jeweler can be done at the last minute but that may not be possible with an online retailer since their delivery policies vary, said Loughran. So to ensure timely delivery from an online retailer, try to place the order as soon as possible. Reputable online sellers include www.overstock.com, www.sundancecatalog.com and www.bluenile.com, she said.
Consumers can get competitive prices for jewelry sold on various Web sites, then bring a list of prices when they go into a brick-and-mortar store, said Stacy. "That is a good bargaining tool," she said.
Go in with a budget when shopping at a brick-and-mortar retailer, regardless of what type of jewelry you are considering.
"Buy what you can afford in the brick-and-mortar shop. Go in there with a budget and be firm," Loughran said. "They are always going to try to up sell you, whether it's a jewelry store or a jewelry counter at a department store."
Stay away from larger brick-and-mortar retailers such as department stores and mall-type stores that focus on having big sales, Stacy said. Look for a store that has a good reputation, is a small chain or family-owned, and has been established for a long period of time, she said.
"I would recommend stores that don't advertise on the basis of cut-rate prices. That kind of store generally charges more in the first place so they can give a big discount," she said. "I would try to deal with stores where you can talk to the owner. Generally, with huge chain stores and mall-type stores, you are working with people that are hired by the hour and don't have the authority to do anything."
So what kind of jewelry is popular for Valentine's Day?
Earrings and pendant necklaces are big sellers, said Cherl Spitz, who with her husband, Gary, is co-owner of Spitz Jewelers in Walnut Creek and Oakland.
"It is a fairly late and impulsive buy," she said. "What we try to do is have stuff on hand that can be wrapped up and out the door. People don't plan for it."
That's why retailers expect Valentine's Day shopping to really start happening on the Friday before Valentine's Day, which this year falls on a Saturday (Feb. 14).
Semiprecious stones such as garnet, kunzite, pink tourmaline or amethyst are popular when it comes to colors.
"All those are in the red, pink and purple colors family that would be a hue for Valentine's Day," said Loughran. "You can never go wrong with a heart-shaped locket. Hearts are always appreciated, especially on Valentine's Day."
Go with a type of jewelry that the recipient likes and can use.
"If you are buying pierced earrings, make sure the person has pierced earrings," Loughran said.
If you buy a precious stone, which include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and opals, get a certificate of authenticity.
"You want to see the certification that goes behind the stone, especially with diamonds," she said.
Before buying jewelry, consumers can educate themselves by going to industry Web sites such www.americangemsociety.org (American Gem Society) and www.jic.org (Jewelry Information Center).
Stacy shared some tips for how to evaluate the quality of jewelry, once it has been located in a store.
"One of the most important things you can do is turn it over and look at the back and see if it is well made by how the back is finished. If the back is as beautiful as the front, you're looking at a fine piece," she said.
Check out the chain carefully if considering a necklace.
"Slip it under your fingers and hold the chain and run it through your fingers with a slight curve in the chain so you can feel any bad links. You want to bend it a little bit so you know if the chain is flexible for the whole length. If it is not a well-made chain, you are going to feel a catch and it will be uncomfortable to wear,'' Stacy said.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_11583891
Saturday, January 24, 2009
First lady hits inaugural parties in diamond-studded jewelry
For a first lady, Michelle Obama is a savvy shopper, even wearing gloves by J.Crew to daytime inauguration ceremonies.
But at night, the gloves came off. And for a moment, so did the idea that she dresses just like the rest of us.
Obama dripped with 77.6 carats worth of diamonds as she party-hopped the inaugural balls.
The carat count included her earrings, a ring and bangle bracelets, all by LA designer Loree Rodkin. Obama did not wear a necklace with her one-shoulder gown.
The jewelry was on loan from Obama's favorite Chicago boutique, Ikram, said Marla Bell, spokeswoman for Loree Rodkin. The jewelry, along with her dress, will be donated to the Smithsonian.
The shoulder-sweeping drop earrings were 60.34 carats alone. Her 12.83-carat ring was such a showstopper that she didn't wear her wedding ring. A stack of thin bangle bracelets weighed in at 4.43 carats.
Bell wouldn't say how much the jewelry is worth.
Curious about costs, we called Moody Blues boutique in Scottsdale, which carries Loree Rodkin jewelry. There, a chain necklace with a cross pendant covered in an estimated 3 carats of diamonds is $21,000, says Catie Cerutti, store manager.
We'd hate to draw any cost-per-carat conclusions based on that, but . . . oh, who are we kidding. Our math shows that Obama could have been wearing $543,200 worth of diamonds.
If the cross necklace out of your budget, Moody Blues has a pair of "really small" fleur de lis earrings by Loree Rodkin for $750, Cerutti says.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/01/22/20090122diamonds0122.html
But at night, the gloves came off. And for a moment, so did the idea that she dresses just like the rest of us.
Obama dripped with 77.6 carats worth of diamonds as she party-hopped the inaugural balls.
The carat count included her earrings, a ring and bangle bracelets, all by LA designer Loree Rodkin. Obama did not wear a necklace with her one-shoulder gown.
The jewelry was on loan from Obama's favorite Chicago boutique, Ikram, said Marla Bell, spokeswoman for Loree Rodkin. The jewelry, along with her dress, will be donated to the Smithsonian.
The shoulder-sweeping drop earrings were 60.34 carats alone. Her 12.83-carat ring was such a showstopper that she didn't wear her wedding ring. A stack of thin bangle bracelets weighed in at 4.43 carats.
Bell wouldn't say how much the jewelry is worth.
Curious about costs, we called Moody Blues boutique in Scottsdale, which carries Loree Rodkin jewelry. There, a chain necklace with a cross pendant covered in an estimated 3 carats of diamonds is $21,000, says Catie Cerutti, store manager.
We'd hate to draw any cost-per-carat conclusions based on that, but . . . oh, who are we kidding. Our math shows that Obama could have been wearing $543,200 worth of diamonds.
If the cross necklace out of your budget, Moody Blues has a pair of "really small" fleur de lis earrings by Loree Rodkin for $750, Cerutti says.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/01/22/20090122diamonds0122.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)