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Jewelry - The Ultimate Romantic Gift
One of the most romantic and long lasting gifts you can present to someone you love is a well-chosen piece of jewelry. Throughout history gemstones, gold and silver have been prized as precious commodities, and worn as adornments by those who could afford them.
We're lucky enough to live in a time when most of us own one or two pieces of quality jewelry and cost is no longer the issue that it was in previous centuries.
We interviewed our local jeweler, Tom Higgins, to discover what items are popular with his clients. This is what he told us.
Gold Versus Silver
The age-old debate of gold versus silver continues, although Tom pointed out that his younger customers tend towards buying silver jewelry because of the lower cost. When they get established in their careers many make the switch to gold.
This, of course, doesn't account for individual taste. Many people prefer the lighter, more vibrant effect of silver jewelry, while others won't settle for anything but gold. Some people associate gold with ostentation, while others view it as a status symbol.
It's the first preference you need to determine when buying jewelry for another person. If you make the wrong choice, the recipient may thank you and then tuck your gift at the back of a drawer, never to be seen again.
White gold jewelry is the perfect compromise, combining the luminescent quality of silver with the higher value of gold.
What Women Buy For Men
The number one purchase women make for the men in their lives is a watch, followed by rings, bracelets and chain necklaces. Men's earrings have become more popular in the past decade.
Women buy cufflinks and tie clips as wedding gifts, often in a set. They also buy quality calculators, alarm clocks, wall clocks, key rings and photo frames for special occasions.
What Men Buy For Women
Men buy women rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings, with gold hoop earrings remaining one of the top choices.
Men also love buying gift boxes and Faberge style eggs for their lovers.
Despite the cliché in Hollywood movies where men get down on bended knee and whip out a boxed engagement ring as they propose to their girlfriends, most couples prefer to shop for a bridal ring set together. Women like to choose their own engagement and wedding rings. Some couples buy matching commitment rings as well.
Gemstones
Gemstones set in rings, necklaces, bracelets or earrings are always popular, especially if the gemstone is either a personal favorite or a birthstone or zodiac stone. Jewelry is also a popular gift for wedding anniversaries.
What Women Buy For Themselves
Tom has seen a trend in recent years for women whose children are now teenagers and earning part-time money after school. They love to treat themselves to a piece of jewelry. As one woman put it:
"I'm forty years old and I've worked all my married life to give my kids everything they could possibly need. Now that they're earning their own money I've suddenly got more discretionary income. And I've decided that it's time to do something for me.
Last week I went shopping and bought myself a diamond ring that I've always wanted. And I thought to myself – I've earned it!"
Good for her.
What Teens Buy
Teenage girls still love buying charm bracelets. Friends and love one then give them charms for special occasions. Identification bracelets are popular for twenty-first birthday celebrations.
Choosing a gift
Because jewelry is often a high-ticket item, it's important to choose wisely if you're buying for someone else. So if you're not sure what he or she would absolutely love, we suggest the following scenarios:
- Ask the person in casual conversation about his or her preferences
- Sneak a look in their jewelry box or wherever they keep their best jewelry
- Take note of what kind of jewelry they wear, especially the pieces they wear most often
- Check with the person's closest friends or family members
- Make sure you can return or exchange the gift if it doesn't suit.
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See our excellent selection of jewelry including zodiac and letter shapes pendants
ICE.com
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Browse our site for cubic zirconia jewelry, including rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and men's jewelry
Cz Platinum
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For more information on jewelry, including lists of anniversary stones, birth stones and zodiac stones, click here.
Recommended Jewelry Sites
Here are some excellent jewelry stores we're found online:
USA
- Allé Jewelry
Discount jewelry store offering gold, platinum, pearls, gem stones and diamonds
- Heavenly Treasures
Offers unique designer jewelry & exceptional value - guaranteed
- Gemisphere
Suppliers of therapeutic gem stones and information on healing
- ICE.com
Excellent selection of jewelry including zodiac and letter-shaped pendants
Europe/UK
- Jewellery.tv
Featuring top designers John Rocha Jewellery, Saul Anthony, Concepts, Fred Bennett, Bentelli, D for Diamond and more
- Jazz It Up Jewelry
Offers 5,000 items of silver, gold and body jewellery ranging from simple to designer styles. Also features a range of glass gifts
Australia
- Gilletts Jewellers
Specializes in men's and ladies' unique colored titanium, plus a wide range of wedding rings, precious gems and pearl pendants
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How To Choose The Perfect Gift
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Tell us about the times when everything went to plan, and about the situations where it all turned to mud.
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