Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Dear Leslie,
I am getting married this winter, but I have never been the kind to wear rings, I have always found them to get uncomfortable after a while. However, as a wedding ring is such a symbol of marriage, I would feel strange not wearing one. Any suggestions?
Anne Marie in Toronto

First of all, know that after a while, most rings naturally become more comfortable as your hand gets used to wearing it. That said, you may wish to get a wedding ring in gold or white gold, as opposed to platinum. As a softer metal, gold will more naturally adjust its shape to that of your finger, helping make it more comfortable.

Additionally, Ice.com has a whole line of Comfort Fit Wedding Bands. Not only are they exceptionally comfortable, they are stylish and modern as well.

If worst comes to worst and you find that wearing the ring on your finger is just too uncomfortable, then you can always wear it on a chain around your neck instead.

Dear Leslie,
For the few years my wife and I have been married, we haven’t gone out much like we did in our dating days. I’m planning an evening out with drinks and dancing and want to get my wife new jewelry for the circumstance, but I’m unsure what would be most appropriate and modern. Can you help me out?
Jordan in Chicago

Jordan, there is one piece of jewelry essential for a night out dancing – earrings. Women most often were something that exposes their neck and collar bone and a pair of drop earrings serves to enhance the feminine lines and graceful contours of that part of her body. Furthermore, drop earrings will move with her as she dances the night away with you.

Here are some earrings that are fun enough for a night out while being mature enough for someone no longer in their teens.

These retro-inspired 14 karat white gold and Tahitian pearl earrings have great movement and a funky, frivolous feel.

I also love these white and pink gold oval hoop earrings. The diamonds, two tone gold and flattering shape make sure they are a gift she’ll love hitting the town in.

Scorpio is the eighth Sign of the Zodiac, and you shouldn’t take that lightly. You shouldn’t take Scorpios lightly, either. Those born under this Sign are dead serious in their mission to learn about others. There’s no fluff or chatter for Scorpios, either: these folks will zero in on the essential questions, gleaning the secrets that lie within. Scorpios concern themselves with beginnings and endings, and are unafraid of either; they also travel in a world which is black and white and has little use for gray. The curiosity of Scorpios is immeasurable, which may be why they are such adept investigators. These folks love to probe and know how to get to the bottom of things. The fact that they have a keen sense of intuition certainly helps.

Dear Leslie,
up until now, I haven’t been much of an online shopper. I see how much time it saves and time is something we all need more of! However, sometimes it’s hard to tell how something is really going to look on me, and that’s mostly why I’ve been hesitant so far. Can you tell me anything to qualm my fears?
Molly in Urbana, IL

Molly, have no fear. Ice.com has a great return policy. Get it, wear it, show it off. If it’s not what you wanted, or you decide that you just don’t like it, return it in original condition with the receipt for a full refund, no questions asked!

Just be sure not to get it engraved or altered before you decide and you’ll be just fine.

See the Ice.com Customer Service page for more details, and enjoy shopping with more freedom.

Dear Leslie,
In shopping for jewelry, I realize there’s a lot of terms I’m a little unsure about. With regard to diamonds and gems, for instance, could you please explain the difference between prong, channel and bezel settings?
Laura in Conway, SC

Laura, that’s an excellent question. Understanding terminology is one of the best ways to be a smart jewelry shopper.

Prong settings are the most popular gemstone settings, particularly on solitaire engagement rings like the one pictured above to the right.

The prong setting works by placing the diamond or other gem into three or more metal prongs which come together at the bottom to form a basket-like base. The ends of the prongs are bent over the gem slightly, holding it securely in place. Visible prong ends are usually rounded, but can also be formed into ovals or other shapes.

Channel settings are achieved when diamonds or other gems are placed into a metal channel. They become a continuous row of diamonds, as no metal is used as a separation between them. Channel settings are very popular for engagement and wedding bands like the beautiful one to the left.

In bezel settings, a metal rim encircles all or part of the gemstone to hold it in place. It is a very secure setting that has the additional benefit of being able to cover up chips in your existing gems and diamonds. In the Citrine and Diamond example to the right you can see what a partial bezel setting looks like.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, this year more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 of them will die from it, leaving behind husbands, children, sisters, brothers and parents. The hopeful news is that more and more deaths are being prevented because of early detection.

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there is much that each of us can do. The main battle is getting women to go get mammograms on a regular basis. You can help increase awareness by doing something as simple as sending a yahoo greeting.

One fashionable and charitable way to show our support for women battling breast cancer and encourage women to seek preventative care is by wearing one of these specially designed pink topaz charms. For each purchase, Ice.com will donate $2 and $3, respectively to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

This October go get yourself a mammogram, and encourage the other women in your life to do the same. Even if you are only in your twenties, it is not too early. This is a fight that can be won.