Men who buy jewelry for women need to know these 10 things (and more)
I have found that the reason I have had so little success buying jewelry for my wife in the last 16 years is that there is so much I don’t know about jewelry and how to buy it. This is a short list that scratches the surface of what I recently learned in the book “Your Guide to Your Jewelry.”
1. Buy as much as you want, but never buy without it. This is rule # 1! If the occasion is important and the expected price is high, always take it with you to make the final purchase. If you want to surprise her, give her a gift certificate for her favorite jewelry in the amount your research deems appropriate. If you don’t, like my wife, she won’t use it or return it. Right guys?
2. There are only three times when jewelry is the best (and perhaps the only) option to give to that special someone. They are Valentine’s Day, his birthday, and Christmas. These are also the three times we need guidance to make sure that we buy the right thing, that we do not overspend or underpend, and that we do not express the wrong sentiment.
3. Learn about precious metals. All precious and semi-precious stones are set in precious metal settings. It is very important to know not only what metals are, but how they are classified in terms of their value. The four precious metals used in jewelry are sterling silver, gold, platinum, and titanium.
4. Choosing a jeweler who has a reputation for honesty is very important when buying a serious piece of jewelry at a jewelry store. How do you know? Well, ask others who have shopped there, ask the jeweler what kind of documentation of authenticity and credentials (like cut, clarity, etc.) they provide, make sure the store’s reputation is long-lasting and strong in the community, and get a report about it from the Better Business Bureau.
5. What techniques were used in making the jewelry? Jewelry making techniques have a great effect on its beauty and durability. Things to consider are how many tips are holding the stone in place, clearance under the stone (s) for easy access during cleaning, the condition of the solder joints, and much more.
6. Guarantees and guarantees. Getting these promises in writing is your guarantee that an item will last a long time and will be replaced if lost.
7. What to give to whom. Women of different ages like different things. They wear jewelry according to their ages. Don’t buy a toe ring for Grandma (unless you’ve seen yours wear them, of course).
8. Consider custom jewelry for that special woman in your life. Customizing it makes it more special because it is just for her.
9. Shop on the Internet. The Internet has revolutionized all types of shopping. Save the time and expense of driving from store to store and increasing the choice of places to shop helps you find the best deal.
10. Take the time to learn the terms used in the industry. What difference does the karat quality of gold make? What do the quality marks in platinum mean? Gemstones can be measured by weight, size, or both; What difference does it make? What are the four criteria on which the value of a diamond is based? Much to learn.
It would be nice to have a guide to study before and to wear when men shopping for women’s jewelry. I think I found it in “Your Guide to Your Jewelry”.