Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Dear Leslie
Is it appropriate to get my secretary a valentines day gift? What do you suggest that won’t look like a come on?
Christopher in New Brunswick

Christopher, generally I believe that it is perfectly acceptable to give your secretary a gift on any holiday, including Valentines Day. It’s not what you give so much as how that assures the platonic nature of the gift.

Here are some ideas you might find useful. Look at these elegant and subtle Diamond Drop Earrings. She’ll love putting them on when she goes out after work.

Also see this Multi-Colored Pearl Necklace, a really interesting and less romantic variation on a classsic pearl necklace. If she has a slightly off-beat side to her, she’s sure to love it.

Dear Leslie,
How do I find a nice Valentines Day gift without spending too much money?
Paul in Chicago

Without knowing any specifics of what you’re looking for, I would suggest that you cruise over to Ice.com. They keep budget shoppers in mind and have special sections for Valentine’s Day gifts under $75 and $100. Browse around. And if you find something you love that is a little out of your budget, just remember — you can always pay in installments.

Dear Leslie,
What kind of Jewelry can I get my girlfriend for valentines that isn’t going to be interpreted as getting too serious?
Brad in Sacramento

I find non-gemstone bracelets to be a great gift for these situations. They are affectionate, but nonthreatening.

Tag Jewelry is about the in-est thing you can wear right now, so she might like this Heart Tag Bracelet.

for a variation on that theme, look at this Heart Envelope Locket Bracelet, with a second heart hidden inside the first.

You might also like this fun Pink Leather Bracelet or this Heart and Key bracelet. Both are decidedly romantic and perfect for Valentines Day, but still casual enough to not send the wrong message.

Jan 20- Feb 18 marks the astrological days of Aquarius. Symbolized by the water bearer, those born under this sign tend to be quick minded, artistic and socially progressive. They are brilliant innovators with a charitable, giving hearts.

In terms of style, Aquarius’s often set their own standard of beauty and gravitate towards a natural look, but also love the occasional standout accessory.

If your looking for something for an upcoming birthday, look at this White Gold Diamond Aquarius Pendant, the perfect thing for getting just a little personal.

Dear Leslie,
My sister’s birthday is coming up. Because it’s just after the holidays, she always feels that people are too shopped-out to put in the effort to find her something unique. I would love to dispel that myth and get her a nice unique piece of jewelry, but the truth is, I am a little exhausted, can you help?
Carly in Tucson, Arizona

Carly, I hope I can be of assistance. A couple things come to mind that I’ve been eying myself. One is this 3 Strand Multicolored Freshwater Pearl Necklace with Gemstones. This is a piece that can’t help but get noticed. The varying colors and off-round pearls add to its inherent artistic flair.

Another thing to look at is this Sterling Silver Artisan Cuff Bracelet. I just love the design, a throw back to original Taxco jewelry.

If earrings are what you’re looking for, I found two different Sterling Silver Mother of Pearl versions, and I can’t decide which one I love more. There are these with a distictive curved geometric pattern, and these with a stunning sun Mosaic.

Dear Leslie,
How do I determine my ring size?
Julia in St. Petersberg, FL

Ring size can be tricky, and it can change somewhat over the course of our lives. Its never a bad idea toget an accurate size before making a major ring purchase.

The best way is to visit a jeweler and have them size you. If that option is difficult or unavailable, there is actually a free online ring sizer that you can can download and print out, to determine it that way.

Read the instructions and get the sizer here.

Dear Leslie,
Does ‘pure gold’ and ’solid gold’ mean the same thing?
Kara in Aubrey, TX

This is an important question to know in order to be a smart jewelry shopper.
The answer is no, it is not the same as all

When a piece of jewelry is referred to as being “pure gold” it means that it is 24k gold and not mixed with any other metals such as nickle or copper.

“Solid gold” can refer to an item that is a minimum of 10k (mixed with other metals) all the way through (ie not simply gold plated). It can be a bit confusing, but it is a very good distinction to keep in mind.

Dear Leslie,
I know my fiance would like a wedding band with a little character, that is, not just the simple, one color bands that I see around. Can you recommend something with a little more…oomph?
Curtis in New Orleans

One of my favorite wedding bands around is this Tri Color 14K Gold one. Made with interlocking bands of white, yellow, and pink gold It is unique while still be subtle and comfortable enough to wear every day.

If you are interested, there is also a matching men’s version.

Also look at this Yellow and White Gold one, with almost a medieval feel, or this more modern option with alternating bands of white and yellow gold.

And congratulations on your wedding!

Dear Leslie,
I want to get my girlfriend a necklace with a bit of a personal touch, but i’m not sure what. Have any ideas?
Peter in Milwaukee

Often times, the most personal of gifts are when you simply take the time to notice the style and taste of the person in question.

Nonetheless, it’s always nice to receive something a little unique to you. So, why don’t you think about an initial pendant, or one with her zodiac sign?

As another option, you could get something to engrave and think of your own personal message.

Dear Leslie,
I want to get my husband a nice watch at a good price for his birthday. I’m not sure how to desribe what I want exactly, but I’ll know it when I see it. However I just don’t have the time to run all over town looking in different stores. Is it possible to just browse through a large collection online?
Natalie in Lexington, NC

It is possible, Natalie. Go to this page where you can shop for brand name watches at better prices than you’ll find in the stores. On the left hand side, you can search by brand, gender or price, or any combination the three. With any luck you’ll find the perfect thing.

Happy Hunting!

The name “garnet” is derived from the Latin “granatum” meaning pomegranate, and it’s not hard to see why.

Few other gemstones have such an inherent drama to them, or look so delicious.

These wonderfully red gemstones have been known and prized for millenia. Legend has it that Noah used a lantern from Garnet in order to safely steer his Ark through the darkness of the night.

Greek mythology has the goddess of sunshine, Persephone, using garnets to guarantee her safe passage out of the underworld.

In part because of these stories, the garnet was long seen as the protective gem of journeyers. In our day, they go wonderfully when wearing earth tones.

A gift of Red Garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one’s safe travel and speedy homecoming.