Saturday, February 28, 2009

Jewelry Shopping 101: Emergency Guide for Guys

By Art Barron

For a lot of guys, jewelry shopping ranks a bit lower on the torture scale than, say, the medieval rack. Questions concerning preference, quality and quantity are but some of the mind-busters that plague the minds of guys during these times. And no matter whom you ask, there seems to be no straight answer!

Don't worry. There's no shame in getting a bit confused. In fact, majority of men find jewelry shopping a bit of a challenge.

Your pre-Valentine jewelry excursion need not be a disaster. Here are some signposts to point you in the right direction:

Do your homework, and find out her preferences:

Just because it's expensive, and within the latest fashion trend, doesn't mean she will wear it. Some women like small and subtle accessories; other go for the loud, huge and flamboyant. Some women like things formal and classy; others a bit experimental and playful. And then there are preferences for particular materials. There are gold lovers, silver lovers and copper lovers. There are women with long-standing love affairs with certain stones.

How would you know what she likes? Don't depend merely on the shop owner because he certainly doesn't know your girlfriend! Begin by noticing what she likes to wear every so often. Take a peek inside her jewelry box. Take a photo of her in full get up, and show the sales person. You can even ask her best friend for advice. If you can, go with her when she shops and try to notice which jewels she is mostly drawn to.

Selecting a design. With hearts or not?

Before the material, quality and size of the jewelry, there is something that will catch the eye of your girl, and that is the design of the piece. Since it's Valentines, hearts is always a good design, and providing that it's not too loud or tacky, it can be a great design, no matter what else the jewelry has.

But note that you are not obliged to choose a heart shaped jewelry just because it's Valentines Day. Also, some women are not keen on wearing anything with hearts in them. If your girl is like that, scrap the idea. Valentine jewelry gifting rules are flexible; you don't have to stay with the motif.

You can pick something that is practical, one she can wear regularly to work like a reliable pair of silver earrings. You can go for something that symbolizes her personality like a violin pendant if she plays the instrument. You can choose a design that tells a story about the relationship you two have, like journey pendants with engraved initials. There are many possible options available.

Canvass.

It's not a must to buy jewelry on the first store that you enter. By checking out other stores, you have better chances to discover great items that suit her tastes and also your wallet. It's wise to start shopping early as it gives you the freedom to choose.

Don't limit yourself to the typical stall in the mall. Find a vintage shop, browse online or look for those small family-based businesses that make custom jewelry setting an art form. If you're on a budget, check out the local pawnshop. You can also check if family heirlooms can be resized or modernized.

Take note that wherever you may have bought your jewelry, get an authenticity certificate. This proves that you spent your hard earned cash on the real thing.

If all else fails, let it to those who know:

If jewelry shopping has already left you perplexed, this one's for you: leave her to choose the jewelry she likes. Making her pick out what she likes is still as romantic.

Now if you're worried that your girl might choose something more than what you've bargained for, you can befriend the salesperson in advance. You can tell him your price range and arrange a selection for your girl to view in private. It's really romantic for you to choose it together. - 17944

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