Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Dear Leslie,
What does a woman get the man she loves for Valentines day? I was thinking of cufflinks, but is that appropriate?
Beccy in St. Louis

Of course cufflinks are appropriate, assuming he has the shirts to support them. They are classy, practicle and add a distictive sense of style to his buisness wardrobe.

These 14K Gold Round Onyx Cufflinks are a fantastic example. Well crafted and distictive, these will go best with black suits. A stunning gift for just $150.

For something a little more modern, try these Sterling Silver and Faux Lapis Lazuli Cufflinks. These will obviously go best with blue or grey shirts, as well as look lovely with white ones. These beauties are just $50

Also check out these super-slick Sterling Silver Rectangular Etched Cufflinks, which go with just about everything! Crisp and modern, these are $55.

To continue browsing dozens more options, just click here.

Dear Leslie,
I’ve been noticing a lot of chunkly bangle bracelets in style magazine and on celebrities lately. However, I generally see them on younger women. I’m already in my fourties, Do you think it’s more or a younger woman thing, or can I pull it off?
Charlotte in Newport Beach

In short – you can absolutely pull it off! While 20-something faces may dominate fashion magazine photos, they don’t have a monopoly on good trends.

As a general rule, as women get older, more is acceptable in the realm of jewelry, not less.

The bangle bracelet you see above to the right is a great basic bangle, stylish enough to go with just about everything. It goes for just $75. Also check out its curvy cousin which sells for $50.

For something with a little more pizazz, check out this Intertwined Bangle, a great and fun accessory to have in your jewelry wardrobe.

Dear Leslie,
Valentines day is coming up, and it’s my first valentines day in a serious relationship. I know my girlfriend is expecting something, but I’m really lost as to what is an appropriate gift to get. Can you help?
Chad in Denver

Chad, I have the perfect way to find something she’ll love. Think of it as Valentines Day Shopping for Dummies. Go to Ice.com’s Gift Guide for Men.

There you will find great options based on a number of criteria. Look for gifts accord to her fashion sense, you budget, or the length and seriousness of your relationship.

You can also look at some top selling items to get inspiration and see what kinds of things usually go over well, time and again.

Aquarius is the eleventh Sign of the Zodiac, and Aquarians are the perfect representatives for the Age of Aquarius. Those born under this Sign have the social conscience needed to carry us into the new millennium. These folks are humanitarian, philanthropic and interested in making the world a better place. Aquarians are visionaries, progressive souls who love to spend time thinking about how things can be better. They are also quick to engage others in this process, which is why they have so many friends and acquaintances. Making the world a better place is a collaborative effort for Aquarians.

One of these Zodiac themed necklaces can make the perfect gift for the Aqarian in you life. It comes in both the Serenity and Enchantment collections.

Dear Leslie,
My secretary is unfortunately leaving me soon to teach English in the Far East. I’d like to get her a nice going away present, but I’m always weary of things like jewelry and perfume, because I worry they could be taken the wrong way. First of all, would that be appropriate and second of all, do you have any ideas?
Charles in East Brunswick.

Charles, you should know Jewelry never need be seen as an inappropriate gift, the trick is in what you give and the way you give it. Pick out something moderately priced, depending on your income, something suitable for day time wear, and give it with professionalism and you’ll be just fine.

Since your secretary is going to the Far East, how about this lovely 5 1/4 Carat Jade 14K Gold Pendant w/Chain. Jade, long treasured in China as the Royal Gem, is beautifully highlighted by a wistful yellow gold setting.

Versicle enough for daily wear, this pendant will serve as a perfectly appropriate gift to send her off with, and will remain a memento long after she returns.

Dear Leslie,
My first anniversary is coming up, but I’m really at a loss as to what to get my wife. She has dropped the hint that she’s wanting jewelry, but I don’t even know where to start. Can you point me in a good direction?
Dave in Toronto

I’m feeling that the best thing you can get is a stunning pair of diamond stud earrings. They are an essential part of every woman’s jewelry collection and yet always magical enough to take her breath away.

I would recommend getting 1/3 carat or higher, depending on your budget. 1/3 carat is nicely priced at $295 while remaining both respectable and modest enough for every day wear. But of course, no woman will complain if they are bigger.

See the ice.com Diamond Stud Collection to find your perfect pair.

Garnet received its name from the Latin word for pomegranate, grana-tum, because its crystals reminded early scientists of pomegranate seeds. The most popular garnet color is deep red, but garnets may occur in almost every natural color except blue.

The garnet is an especially fitting birthstone for the first month of the new year, as it was historically believed to promote peace and end war. Garnets have also been thought to help cure disease, protect travelers from harm, and even slow bleeding.

The dramatic hue of red garnet always catches my eye. I find It goes stunningly well with earth tones and always leaves me feeling a bit like royalty.

The 2 carat red garnet earrings shown above are a fabulous way to show off this stunning gemstone. They are an absolute steal for only $60.

You should also see this dramatic 12 5/8 Carat Garnet 14K Gold Bracelet. Another beautiful way to showcase red garnet, and an incredible deal – more than twelve carats for only $225.

Also see this page for more great deals on a great birthstone.