Jewelry
Buying jewelry can be a fun
and gratifying experience. However, there are many factors to consider
before purchasing a beautiful, new piece of jewelry for yourself or
someone you love. The type (bracelet, earrings, necklace, etc.) and
style (classic or conservative) are certainly important considerations,
along with other factors, like the other pieces the recipient may
already own. Below you will find a simple guide that outlines with areas for you
to consider, to help make purchasing jewelry the fun process it should
be.
STEP 1. Consider Jewelry Type
The first thing to consider is the type of jewelry that will be
appropriate. For example , should it be a bracelet, a ring, a necklace,
or earrings? Consider the pieces of jewelry that you or the intended
recipient currently own. What other pieces will complement the existing
collection? If there are already many rings in the collection, why not
consider a pair of earrings?
Often, the best way to build and
complement a jewelry collection is to create ensembles. What pieces are
missing from your ensemble or the collection of the intended recipient?
Consider, also, the pieces of jewelry that you see the person always
changing. Does the person often change the bracelet that they wear?
Consider choosing another style of bracelet for that person. It's
always a good idea to buy jewelry that the person will wear often.
STEP 2. Consider the Type of Metal
The next thing you should consider is the type of metal the jewelry is
made of. Will it be yellow gold, white gold or platinum? Will it be
14-Karat gold or 18-Karat gold? Although white metals, such as white
gold and platinum have become very popular lately, yellow gold still
accounts for a substantial portion of gold jewelry sales. Being
observant of the person's existing jewelry collection can help you
determine the appropriate metal color. If a person is wearing a yellow
gold necklace, they may not enjoy a white gold bracelet unless that
person likes the contrast. The best way to buy jewelry for you or as a
gift for someone else is to consider the purchase as part of a program.
For example, if a person has no white gold jewelry but you feel the
person will enjoy white gold, use the many occasions that come up
during the year to build the ensemble. Maybe buy a white gold bracelet
for a birthday, white gold necklace for Christmas, and a white gold
ring for Valentine's Day. Whether you're buying for yourself or
someone else, this is a great way to really enjoy the gifts you give
and receive, rather than selecting random items with no theme.
STEP 3. Consider the Finish
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If the jewelry piece you're considering will have no stones, you may
want to consider what kind of finish the particular piece will have.
Will it have a high polish, satin finish or diamond-cut finish? (high
polish is shiny; satin is muted/matte; diamond-cut glitters.) The
personality of the intended recipient should help you determine which
finish will be the best. Generally speaking, high polish and satin
finishes are considered a bit more conservative than diamond-cut
finishes that are more sparkling.
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STEP 4. Will the Piece Have Gems?
If you're thinking about a piece of jewelry with stones, there is a
simple rule of thumb—there is no stone more popular than a diamond.
If you’re not looking for a diamond piece, consider the classic
gemstones, such as emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, which are the most
popular. Exotic stones like tanzanite and tourmaline are extremely
popular today. Another gem consideration is their birthstone. Every
month has a gemstone associated with it. Even diamonds, emeralds,
rubies and sapphires have the months of April, May, July and September,
respectively, associated with them. Also consider the other gemstone
jewelry that the person may have. If they have a ruby bracelet, perhaps
a ruby ring would be appropriate. If the person has a sapphire pendant,
a pair of sapphire earrings would be another great idea. Of course,
don’t forget pearls. Pearls are a popular gift for brides to wear on
their wedding day, as well as for girls to receive on their sixteenth
birthday. Not only beautiful, but extremely versatile, these natural
wonders can be worn to a gala event or to a backyard barbecue.
STEP 5. Go Shopping!
Now that you have a better idea of the considerations that go into
choosing the right jewelry, it’s time for the fun part--shopping!
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