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Thinking about buying jewelry as a gift?
For most us it can be trickly. In fact, just narrowing down the
possibilities to one can be a chore. How can you make it
easier?
Good jewelers suggest you first consider the individual. And
their personality. Do they have a big personality, or are they
on the quiet side? Are they a casual or more dressy person?
Consider the Person:
Are they someone who gets dressed for work? Do they work
in an office where the air and surroundings are clean. Or a
in a factory, with equipment, serve food, work outdoors, for
example.
Are they a casual person, a stay-at-home mom? Someone who
isn't a fan of jewelry, but occasionally wears something in-
teresting? Someone who travels frequently? Or likes
big, unusual jewelry?
From what you've seen them wear, do they prefer gold, silver,
semi-precious stones?
These things are easy to notice and bear in mind. Or, ask
friends and family members for help.
Here's 3 important things to consider, aside from their
jewelry personality:
1. How often will they wear the jewelry? For example
some people wear diamond bracelets and earrings daily.
Others wear jewelry infrequently. Such as on special
occasions.
2. What type of job do they have, work do they do? While
jewelry is meant to last, and worn often, some types
aren't. Especially jewelry with fine, thin links, straps. Ear-
rings with tiny, unique findings or stones. Jewelry with
stones which rise high and may catch on other fabrics.
These types can easily break if worn often in conditions
which can, for example, create a pull on the jewelry to
cause serious wear and tear. Or irreparable damage.
3. Will they have time and opportunity to clean the jewelry
if necessary. Jewelers recommend a good, regular cleaning
of gold, silver and diamonds. It helps keep up the original
luster. Plus help keep the jewelry in good condition.
Tips for Buying Diamonds
First, every diamond is unique and different. Incorporating
a complex group of factors. Which determine the rarity of
each stone. In fact, each diamond is as unique as the
person who owns or wears it. And just as diamonds reflect
the color of the light it bears, they should also reflect the
personality of the person who wears it.
Second, your knowledge of the person you're buying for
is expressed in your selection of a diamond. In fact, it's
a statement either about yourself. Or the person you're
buying for. And your relationship with them. That re-
lationship statement is repeated each and every time
that diamond is worn.
For example:
* Will you choose a large diamond which stands alone?
* A medium sized one surrounded by a cache of smaller
diamonds?
* A small diamond?
* An antique-looking one?
* One which sits in a lavish or simple setting?
Then combine personality, along with the statement
about your relationship.
For example:
While your relationship may be excellent, and you'd like
to purchase a larger diamond in a unique setting, the
individual's personality may be such that a medium
sized diamond in a simpler setting may be best.
You may decide to reset the diamonds in a ring handed
down through your family. Knowing your special someone
appreciates and understands the importance of such
a gift.
Can't afford a larger single diamond? Find a ring with a
series of diamonds, equal in size. Which comfortably
bend around the top of the ring. Depending on the
diamond size, this type can often be a bigger sparkler
than a single diamond.
Considering Precious Gemstones
Despite diamonds great popularity, colored gemstones have
always been among the most popular, and worn types of
jewelry. These stunning gems, with their startling colors
each have their own personality. And personal tastes
in color frequently dictate which type a person likes most.
In fact, long before diamonds were found worthy of making
into jewelry, centuries ago people revered colored gemstones.
Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds among the most prized. Of all
gemstones these are the only ones considered precious.
For example, the crown and sceptre most used by the Queen
of England - and those of kings and queens of several other
countries - include a variety of these revered gemstones as
their foundation.
Precious gemstones of good size and quality are so rare today
that a natural, unenhanced, strongly colored stone can be worth -
as much per carat or more - than a diamond of comparable
quality.
Given the extreme cost and rarity of such stones, over the
years jewelers developed ways of enhancing the appearance
of both precious and semi-precious stones. So for hundreds
of years it has been common practice to heat them to bring
out their best color. This is viewed simply as extending
what nature started. Since it is the heat and pressure within
the earth which gives gemstones their vibrant color.
Price and quality are two of the reasons why companies are
creating look-alike rubies, emeralds and sapphires today. Be
aware of that when purchasing what look like precious gems.
Be sure the gemstone you're purchasing is really what it says
on the sales tag. Not sure, have it checked. Ask about the
quality and uniqueness of the stone or stones. It's vibrancy
of color should be equal to that of a diamond.
Semi-Precious Gemstones:
A semi-precious gemstone includes any other type. Other than
Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald. The value of these semi-
precious stones can vary depending on the availablity of
the mineral. Some of these include -
* Opal
* Onyx
* Jade
* Tiger Eye
However, such gemstones as Natural Black Opal, which are
very hard to come by, are more valuable than almost all
other semi-precious stones.
Semi-precious stones are usually more plentiful than precious.
Which makes it easier to find large, well-colored, very
clean stones appropriate for a variety of jewelry. Such as
bracelets, pins, necklaces, earrings in hundreds of unique
designs. Even artwork. Since they're so easy to find, they
cost considerably less than precious gemstones.
Caring for Gemstones:
Keeping gemstone jewelry clean is important to it's beauty
and sparkle. As well as the life of the gemstone. And cleaning
them can be as easy as placing the piece in a small bowl of
warm, soapy water for several minutes. Then using a soft, non-
metallic brush to remove any grime.
If you choose to use a jewelry cleaner, make sure it's non-
abrasive. Never use harsh chemical cleaners.
Also, be aware that some gemstones may have been treated
or enhanced by heating, oiling, irradiation or diffusion. These
types of stones don't require special care when cleaning. But
diffused stones could be come lighter - or duller - if scrubbed
too hard.
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