Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Dear Leslie,
when I look at jewelry online its sometimes hard to tell if I’m going to like it as much on me as I do in the photo, and so despite the convienience and savings, I’m a little nervous to buy anything that way.
Rebecca in Cedar Hill, TN

Fortunetly, Rebecca, Ice.com has got you covered. Their official policy states;

We want you to be absolutely satisfied with your jewelry. Wear it. Enjoy it. Show it off. If within 30 days after receipt of your purchase you’re not completely satisfied, return it for a full refund of the purchase price or replace it – no questions asked.

When buying for yourself or others, this convenient policy makes it practically risk free.

You just can’t beat that.

Pearls can keep their luster for centuries if they are handled with the proper care. They never go out of style, and can become a beautiful piece to hand down through the generations.

Pearls are more fragile than other gems, so be sure to handle them carefully to keep them in their best condition. Also, avoid storing them with your other jewelry as they can get scratched that way. Instead, keep them in a separate section of your jewelry box or in a bag made of non-abrasive cloth.

Clean them with a soft damp cloth, and avoid having chemicals, perfume, lotion, or hairsprays come in contact with your pearls.

And remember to get them restrung on silk thread on a regular basis, about every year or two. Both to keep the pearls looking fresh as well as to prevent a broken string.

Dear Leslie,
My wife and I are going to a upscale event for New Years Eve and I want to get her something that will make her feel like the most beautiful woman in the room. What do you suggest?
Joseph in Montreal

Three words: Let her sparkle.

Holidays are no time to play down the glamor element. What I suggest is a necklace, highlighting the collarbone, and/or drop earrings, which elegantly highlights the contours of the neck. You have many options, depending on the size of your budget. Here’s a few:

If you are looking to really go all out you simply must consider this absolutely breathtaking 18kt White Gold 4ct Diamond Necklace. I can’t think of any woman who wouldn’t feel like the belle of the ball wearing that. It’s quite simply the top of the line, and one of the most glamorous pieces around.

Pair that necklace with these Diamond Chandelier Earings or these simpler pear shaped earrings for a completely ravishing look.

If that’s a bit out of your price range, but you still want to splurge, look at this dazzling Diamond Square Pendant Necklace, perhaps matched with Diamond Stud Earrings.

For a more modestly priced option, look at this modern Diamond Pendant or this variation on the theme. Both are sure to be noticed.

If a pair of earrings is what your looking for, see these distinctive, geometrical Diamond Dangle Earrings or these fabulous White Gold Diamond & Onyx ones.

Dear Leslie,
I understand that karat for diamons is a measure of weight, but what does karat mean when refering to gold?
Suzanne, Port Chester, NY

In gold, ‘karat,’ refers to the amount of actual gold used in the jewelry. Before you get upset that your ring isn’t pure gold, know that it may be for very good reason. Gold is a very soft metal, and in its pure form it is impractical for daily wear. It will simply get bruised, scratched and dented far too easily. So other metals are added to it to make it more durable (and lower the cost).

Mixing gold with other metals also allows for changes in color. Palladium or nickel is added to create white gold. Adding copper produces a rose or pink tint, while silver gives gold a greenish hue.

The breakdown of karats is as follows:

• 24K gold is pure gold.
• 18K gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 75% gold.
• 14K gold contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 58.3% gold.
• 12K gold contains 12 parts gold and 12 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 50% gold.
• 10K gold contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 41.7% gold.

Leslie, help!
I totally dropped the ball, is it still possible to order something in time for Christmas?
Bill in Paris, Texas

Well Bill, you’ve got precious little time left, but you can still make it! If you order from Ice.com before 10am EST on December 23 and choose FedEx Premium, your package will arrive in time for Christmas. For more information, refer to the customer service page. Just don’t waste anymore time!

Dear Leslie,
I need a gift for my sister. A bracelet or earrings maybe. Something with color. Any suggestions?
Jamie in Ft. Worth

Colored gems add a new element or drama to any peice of jewelry.

If you love the festive red glow of rubies like I do, you must look at this Ruby and Diamond Bracelet

Or these Gold Ruby Hoop Earrings. Both items are perfect for the holiday season.

For something more dramatic, see these distinctive Blue Topaz and Diamond Earrings Wearing drop earrings such as these with your hair up sets off the neck in a graceful and sexy way, perfect for a night out.

Whatever you choose, be sure to take your sisters taste and lifestyle into account.

Dear Leslie,
It’s time to get my wife something of value. She particularly likes diamonds (who doesn’t?), prefers silver or white gold and would want something classy and modern. Can you recommend something appropriate?
Steve in West Hartford, CT

First of all Steve, I want to congratulate you on knowing the kind of style your wife likes. The value of paying attention cannot be under appreciated. It is the extra ingredient that makes the gift infinitely more precious.

Here’s a few suggestions;

Take a look at this sleek, very modern White Gold Diamond Necklace It is elegant and can be worn night or day, or both.

Also see this classic but contemporary White Gold Tennis Bracelet

If she might want something a little more youthful, try this dazzling Pink Sapphire & Diamond Necklace

And remember, if she doesn’t already have them, you can never go wrong with a pair of Diamond Stud Earrings

Dear Leslie,
I won’t be able to make it home for the holidays this year, but I want to send my mother a beautiful package. Is there a way to order jewelry that would arrive already wraped and beautiful?
Janice in San Fransisco.

In fact, Janice, there is. Ice.com understands the need for the total asctetic expereince in gift giving. Anything purchased from them is individually gift wraped and will arrive in ice.com’s signature jewelry box, tied with a perfect light blue satin ribbon.

In addition you have the option of including a personal message in their special gift card.

Best of all, this service is totally free!

Deal Leslie,
My husband is allergic to most metals, even gold, what can I get him?
Sally in Austin

Titanium. It is the best metal for sensitive skin, as it requires no other alloys to harden. Even the most sensitive skin will be alright with Titanium. It is also stronger and harder than other metals and never tarnishes or rusts. Look at these stunning Titanium watches, they might just be the perfect gift for your husband.

Dear Leslie,
My Diamonds just weren’t shining the way they did years ago, so I had them professionally cleaned, but is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening again?
Lori, Long Beach, CA

The thrill of diamonds is in the way they shine. A typical brilliant-cut diamond has 58 facets– that translates to alot of places where dirt can stick! While even the oil from our hands over time creates a film that diminishes a diamonds brilliance.

However, there are some common sense solutions that will help: take your rings off when applying lotion and wait several minutes before putting them back on. You would also be wise to take them off when doing dishes and before showering, as soap scum can also stick to them. Aviod wearing your diamonds while gardening or doing other ‘dirt work, and never let them come in contact with chlorine bleach.

Dear Leslie,
I want to get my long time girlfriend a nice piece of jewelry for the Holidays, but unfortunetly, I don’t have much to spend. Do you have anything that might suit my budget?
–Matthew in Toronto

Have no fear, your options are still plentiful. Ice.com helps you shop according to your budget, offering sections for gifts under $100 or $200.

In addition, you can choose to pay in installments, making it even easier on your pocketbook.

For instance, look at this elegant Tahitian Pearl Pendant for $95 or just 4 payments of $23.75.

Or this Sterling Silver Black Stingray Cuff Bracelet for just $75.

Perhaps this Baroque Cultured Pearl necklace, always a classic, on sale for just $60

Also, browse through Ice.com’s Seasonal Clearance Section.
You might just find something spectacular.

While most people think of Topaz as yellow, pure Topaz is actually colorless, and it is minor changes of the elements within the stone result in different colors.

Blue Topaz is the Birthstone for the month of December, (as well as the 4th wedding anniversary), and it is absolutely stunning.

‘Topaz’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘tapas’ meaning fire, or, alternatively, a Greek word meaning ‘to shine’. The Ancient Egyptians used it to guard against harm, the Greeks believed it increased strength, and in 15th century Rome, topaz was used to detect poisons, calm anger, and break spells.

The most famous topaz is a giant specimen set in the Portuguese Crown, the Braganza. There is also a beautiful topaz set in the Green Vault in Dresden, one of the world’s important gem collections.

It is said that a gift of Blue Topaz is symbolic of love, friendship and fidelity.