Jewelry - The Ultimate Romantic
GiftOne 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
Heavenly
Treasures
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For more information on jewelry, including lists of anniversary
stones, birth stones and zodiac stones, visit our
jewelry articles page.
Recommended Jewelry Sites
Here are some excellent jewelry stores we're found online.
Please click on the following affiliate links:
- USA
- 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
- Pierced Body
Jewelry Shop
Offers an extensive range of navel rings, tongue rings,
eyebrow jewelry, toe rings, pendants and chokers
- Europe/UK
- Jazz it up
Jewellery
Offers 5,000 items of silver, gold and body jewellery
ranging from simple to designer styles. Also features a
range of glass gifts.
- Find
Jewellery + Find Watches
Offers an extensive range of genuine jewelry with modern
designs to add to that sparkle
- Australia
-
Just Jewellery
Provides over 2500 products of stunning and fashionable designs jewelry that are as unique as you are
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