Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Sometimes I feel like I’m not seeing many rubies these days, and I think that’s a shame. The ruby is one of the most beautiful gemstones, and its deep red hues set the perfect mood for romance and passion.

The ruby is a very rare gemstone, and as such a lot of the rubies you may find in jewelry today are made through an artificial method of mixing chromium into aluminum oxide know was the Verneuil process. These rubies are actually 100% perfect, and in the mineral sense at least are true rubies, but natural rubies still demand a much higher price. Rubies are naturally red but are often heated before being made into jewelry in order to maximixe their hue.

Rubies are found in the greatest abundance in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Madagascar and Kenya.

Dear Leslie,
It’s my ten year anniversary soon, and I wanted to buy my wife something special. I was thinking diamonds, but I’m (unfortunately!) not a rich man. What’s a nice piece of diamond jewelry I can get for my wife and still be able to eat for the next year?Thanks,
Josh in San Bernardino

Josh, if you’re looking for simple, eternally elegant and affordable diamond jewelry, look no further than a set of timeless diamond studs. They go great with just about every outfit, they never go out of style or out of season, and most importantly, you can always impress with diamonds.

This classic pair of 1/4 carat diamond Princess Cut 14K white gold Solitaire Earrings will add an unmistakeable air of style and class no matter where your wife takes them. And for the very, very affordable $125, you can probably also swing a nice dinner during which to present them to her.

And if yellow gold is more to your (or to your wife’s) style, you can get very similar earrings, for the same low price, in yellow gold, with these
1/4 Carat Diamond 14K gold stud earrings.

Happy anniversary!

As May turns to June, the time has come to write a post dedicated to pearls, the June birthstone. Pearls, which are formed when oysters cover objects with nacre – also known as mother-of-pearl – to form the beautiful, luminescent stones, have been enchanting humans for centuries.

Long associated with weddings, another June tradition, pearls are still popular with brides. The ancient Greeks believed that wearing pearls to a wedding promoted marital bliss and prevented young brides from crying. Weddings in the 14th and 15th century were literally pearl affairs, with everyone from the bride to the guests, even the male guests, adorned with this precious stone.

The stunning diamond and cultured pearl ring pictured above highlights the pearl’s beauty, and at $295 makes an excellent gift for a June birthday.

This strand of elegant freshwater pearls (shown to the left) makes a beautiful addition to any ensemble, and would look lovely worn over a bride or bridesmaid’s dress.

Dear Leslie,
I hope to propose to my girlfriend this summer and would love to surprise her with a ring but I’m scared that I’ll mess up and get the wrong size. How can I find out her ring size in advance?
Brett in Chicago

The best way to ensure that you are getting the proper ring size for an engagement ring is to bring one of her other rings with you to the jeweler. That way, the jeweler can learn her exact size and fit the ring accordingly. If you know where your girlfriend keeps her jewelry and can find a ring to “steal” for the day, this is the way to go.

Unfortunately, many women never remove their rings, or are sure to notice if a piece of jewelry is missing, even if it is only for a few hours. If this is the case, I suggest trying to nab her ring for a few minutes, long enough to trace its size on a piece of paper you can later bring to the jeweler. Another good trick is trying one of her rings on yourself. This method is good, because you can do it right in front of her eyes, pretending you are just joking around. Be sure to take note of how far down you can push it on your finger, as this information will be critical to the jeweler who has to size the engagement ring.

If your girlfriend does not wear a ring, or own one, finding her ring size will prove to be much more difficult. You can try asking one of her friends to find out her ring size for you, or you may have to bite the bullet and ask her yourself, though of course this will be a major clue as to your future plans.

Once you have her ring size down, be sure you know her style before you purchase the ring. Look at her other jewelry and get a feel for what she likes – does she go for elaborate, flashy pieces or does she prefer smaller, understated jewelry. If she wears thin chains and small stones, it wouldn’t be right to get her a huge diamond. On the other hand, if she likes large jewelry, you can’t get her a tiny ring.

After buying the ring, be sure to store it safely until you give it to her, as diamonds can get scratched or harmed if rubbed against other hard substances. If you take good care of it, wrapping it in soft cloth or keeping it in the box it came in, it will be in perfect condition when the time comes to pop the question.

Dear Leslie,
I am looking for office-appropriate jewelry to wear to work. My company does not have a strict dress code policy, but most of us wear suits and I am looking for ways to accessorize without being too flashy.
Cynthia in Cleveland

There are many ways to accessorize a business ensemble while remaining within office norms. Simple earrings, dressy watches and wisely-chosen necklaces can dress up a business suit without making you look like you’re headed for the red carpet when the workday ends.

These days, there are a number of watches designed more like jewelry than time pieces, making them one of the top accessory choices for the well dressed woman. This Julie Leah sterling silver and crystal watch, with a black leather band, is both practical and stylish, making it the perfect choice for office wear.

When choosing earrings to wear to work, dangling earrings are usually fine, but they should be kept on the simple side, no shoulder sweepers or gemstone laden pairs. The pair of elegant gold hourglass earrings pictured at top-right look good with most business suits and are flattering to most face types.

Necklaces can add a bit more pizzazz to a workplace ensemble, dressing up the neckline of the standard business suit, or adding some class to a more casual outfit. I’d like to highlight the gorgeous multi-strand faux pearl necklace, shown at left, one of my personal favorites. It lies close to the neck, making it a good choice for open-necked suits or close-fitting tops.

Rings, of course, are also a good way to dress up office clothes, and my only advice would be to match them to your other jewelry and stay away from baubles, which are fine for after hours but look unprofessional at work.

A reader recently asked about picking the perfect necklace for a dress. The reader was especially concerned with selecting a necklace that matched the neckline of the dress. This post the the second part in a series exploring the necklace options that work with a variety of necklines. Be sure to check out my previous post about how to select a necklace for a strapless dress.

Today I’d like to focus on the very popular sweetheart neckline. A sweetheart neckline is a neckline that begins 2 inches inside the shoulder line and is shaped like a heart. A sweetheart necklace may or may not be strapless. However, the same rule for strapless dresses applies to sweetheart gowns – pick a necklace shorter than 18 inches. Since the sweetheart neckline dips in the middle of the chest, you are able to wear necklaces that echo this design detail. Glamorous pendants are a wonderful choice for the sweetheart neckline. You just have to make sure that the chain is less than 18 inches so that the jewelry doesn’t compete with the dress.

This 1/3 carat diamond necklace in white gold has a lovely rosette design. The delicate filigree work on this necklace gives it a sense of timeless romance. It is a perfect choice for a wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline. At just $450, it is also easy on the budget!

Another great pick for a sweetheart neckline is this cultured freshwater pearl necklace with diamonds in 14K white gold. The pearls are luxurious and are accented with a white gold heart studded with diamonds. At 16.5 inches this is a perfect length for both sweetheart and strapless necklines for just $95!

Finally, this blue sapphire and diamond 14K white gold necklace will look lovely with any dress with a sweetheart neckline. At just 17 inches, it will accent the curves or your dress very well. I particularly like the geometric shapes in the chain. This gives the necklace a contemporary and airy feeling.

Dear Leslie,
My graduating class has chosen a class ring that is made with onyx, a black stone. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a stone like that before and was wondering where it came from.
Tali in Albany

Onyx, a quartz stone with a malleable texture, has been a popular gemstone since the days of the ancient Greeks. Its dark color makes it the perfect foil for reds, whites, silvers and golds, highlighting their shine and sparkle while maintaining its own elegant appearance.

The name onyx comes from the Greek word onux which means fingernail, and legend has it that onyx stones are the goddess Venus’ fingernails, which were cut by Cupid and scattered across the earth, where they turned into stone.

Although to the unprofessional eye, onyx is a dark black color, this marble-like stone really has layers of color against its black background, making it an ideal gemstone, as its subtle coloring catches the light, and the eyes of beholders. In truth, some onyx is not black at all, but is dyed through a staining of the chalcedony quartz stone.

In addition to serving as the central stone in class rings, onyx is also popular in cufflinks, men’s rings and pendants. This lovely onyx pendant, made with briolette, diamonds and white gold highlights the other gemstones’ sparkle and maintains its own mysterious appeal. While onyx’s dark color makes it one of the top choices for men’s jewelry, as this pendant illustrates, onyx has plenty of appeal in women’s jewelry as well.

Black will always be the new black when it comes to onyx gemstones.

Dear Leslie,
My step-son is graduating college this month. I know that watches are a traditional graduation gift and was wondering if there were any makes or styles that are particularly popular.Cindy in Rochester

It’s true. Watches do make for a popular graduation present, perhaps because now that the graduates are entering the “real world” we want to make sure they get places on time, no more sleeping through a class or two or monitoring time by the line at the lunch counter.

That said, there are a number of popular styles and designs to choose from. My personal recommendations are this Croton two-tone watch with a leather strap – it’s classy but not too flashy, perfect for everyday wear – or this Croton watch in stainless steel, pictured to the left, a perfect addition to the well-dressed man’s wardrobe.

Another great choice is this elegant Michael Renee men’s slimline steel case with a silver dial, pictured – with its case – to the right. Water resistant to 30 feet and designed with Swiss movement, this is the perfect watch for a man who’s constantly on the go.

Congratulations to all the graduates. May time always be on your side.

On May 22nd, the Zodiac sign will change once again, this time to Gemini. Gemini, known as the sign of the twins, rules from May 22nd – June 21st and is said to govern communications and intellectual matters. Gemini have been characterized as lively and youthful, adapting easily to new situations. Gemini are intelligent and good conversationalists, making them popular at parties.

The fact that Gemini is symbolized by twins means that Gemini are likely to have a double nature; to be versatile but nervous, to love parties, but to often be found standing to the side, analyzing the situation. Gemini’s colors are yellow and light blue, or mixed colors, which Gemini associate with their multi-faceted personalities.

When choosing jewelry for a Gemini, I recommend bracelets with blue or yellow gemstones, such as this lovely sterling silver bracelet dotted with blue chalcedony gemstones . Arms and hands are amongst the body parts most associated with Gemini and thus bracelets make a good choice when choosing a Gemini gift. This sterling silver blue resin bangle is sure to bring a smile to the face of any Gemini with its light catching color and trendy design.

For Gemini’s with a lot of pride in their sign, I recommend the Gemini sign pendant with matching chain. The pendant comes in both diamond and white gold versions and is sure to elicit a matching sparkle in your Gemini’s eyes.

‘Til next month then….

Dear Leslie,
I love to shop online, but I am worried that I might select necklaces that don’t work with my outfits. Can you give me some pointers on how to match a necklace to the neckline of a dress?
Gail in San Diego

Even if you are wearing a stunning necklace, if it’s not well matched to the neckline of your dress it may never look quite right. In the next several posts, I’ll give you some examples of necklaces that would be very well suited to a variety of necklines.

Remember too that many online stores offer generous return policies. For example, ice.com offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If within 30 days after receipt of your purchase you’re not completely satisfied, you can return it for a full refund of the purchase price or replace it – no questions asked.

Today I’d like to focus on the basic strapless neckline – straight across the chest. This is very versatile neckline. The only thing you have to remember is to be sure to keep your necklace under 18 inches so that you don’t clutter the neckline. That’s it! The style of the necklace is up to you. Chokers, princess length, y-drops and pendants will all work well. Just coordinate them with the fabric and feel of your dress – and remember 18 inches or less.

This stunning pink sappire and diamond necklace is a beautiful example of a necklace that would work perfectly with a strapless neckline. The curves of the necklace are graceful and feminine. Right now it’s on sale – you can save $400!

This 17 inch 14K yellow gold necklace with a wave design is an elegant piece that will complement a strapless neckline. This necklace is subtle but festive. The swags of gold remind me of theater curtains making it a wonderful choice for a night out on the town.

Finally, this 1/8 carat diamond pendant in 14K white gold is very popular in Hollywood at the moment. I’ve seen this look on the stars of Desperate Housewives and it’s been featured in fashion magazines. The pendant comes with a 17 inch white gold chain which makes it perfect for a strapless top. For just $135 it’s a stylish way to add sparkle to any outfit.

Dear Leslie,
What’s the deal with black pearls? Why are they black when most pearls are white or gray? Are they just dyed or is it a natural process?
Thanks,
Joel in Ventura

Black pearls are indeed a natural phenomenon, but until recently were so incredibly rare that only the super-wealthy could afford any sort of black pearl jewelry. In nature, black pearls are made only by the South Pacific oyster Pinctada Margaritifera, and only a minute fraction of the pearls produced by this oyster turn out to have the sought-after black pearl pigmentation.

However, as with all pearls, people have figured out a way to cultivate black pearls, which has transformed them from a status symbol of the extreme upper classes of society to a much more affordable, if still beautiful and classy, jewelry indulgence – that give a mysterious, sexy twist to the standard pearl necklace or pearl earrings.

Dear Leslie,
I’ve been shopping for a gold ring as a gift, and honestly, I’m not quite sure what exactly a karat means when it comes to gold. I know the higher the number the better, but what exactly do karats signify?
Appreciate it,
Satish in Woodsmere

That’s a great question, and you’re certainly not the only one who has it – lots of people I come into contact with don’t entirely understand the terms used everyday in the jewelry world.

Carat or karat (usually karat for gold) has multiple meanings – for gemstones, it is a measure of mass, but for gold (and also platinum), it is a measure of purity. One karat is 1/24 of the purity of a gold item – so 24 karats means completely pure 100% gold (or as close to completely pure as you can get in nature). Because pure gold is very delicate and easily scratched, it’s somewhat rare in standard jewelry, but you can always find examples like this 4 Carat Ruby and Diamond 24K Gold on Silver Heart Bracelet.

Of course, the gold you’ll most often run into in jewelry shopping is 14K, which is 58.3% gold with other metals mixed in to form an alloy. 14K has all the shine of gold, as evidenced by this stunning 1/5 Carat Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring, but stands up much better to rough treatment than pure 24K gold.

So just remember: karat means purity. If you ever want to know exactly how much gold your item of jewelry contains, just take the number in front of the karat sign and divide by 24. Easy!

Dear Leslie,
My fiance and I are getting married in June and we want to get something for the groomsmen. Do you have any suggestions for something that would be appropriate?
Thanks,
Sarah in Greenville

A small gift for the groomsmen in your wedding party is very good idea and it is also customary. You’re smart to be thinking of these details in advance. The gift is really a “thank you” for their involvement. Being in a bridal party can sometimes be time-consuming and expensive, so a gift is a great way to show your appreciation. A good time to exchange gifts is at the rehearsal dinner or lunch because it is the last time that you and your fiance will be together with all of the wedding party attendants. I think this classy sterling silver and black leather key ring for $80 would make a great gift for the groomsmen. The key ring also comes in blue and brown. The groomsmen will think of you every time they use it.

A sturdy and masculine black leather braid accents this sterling silver keychain. A sleek polished fob is ready for personalization. I particuarly like this idea for the groomsmen. Personalizing the gift with their initials is a nice touch. They’ll appreciate the time and thought you took selecting a special gift for them. At just $55, this keychain will help you keep your wedding within budget!

My final recommendation is this elegant sterling silver and cats eye key ring. The teardrop shaped fob is stylish and modern and the cats eye adds a striking touch. This key ring is another great choice as a gift for the groomsmen in your wedding party.

Now that I think of it, Father’s Day is in June as well. All of these key rings would also make a wonderful Father’s Day gift too. With a few easy clicks, there’s no need for another necktie this year!

It’s Saturday, and everyone knows what that means: this is your last day to buy something thoughtful for your mother before Mother’s Day dawns tomorrow.

In case you haven’t been inspired yet by all the recent posts to honor Mother’s Day with a nice piece of jewelry, today’s your last chance – but what a chance it is, because Ice.com’s Mother’s Day sale continues unabated, still with free shipping on any jewelry order over $150. Ice.com has helpfully prepared a Mother’s Day shopping page for every budget, with gifts under $75, gifts under $100, gifts under $200 and gifts under $500.

My favorite gift under $75 has to be these adorable
pink freshwater pearl cultured 14 K gold earrings, the steal of the season at $60.

From the under $100 category, mom will definitely fall in love with this modern and unique
5/8 carat Iolite and Diamond 14K Gold heart ring, only $95.

And if you can go above $100 without breaking the bank, the under $200 category contains a stunning 1/2 Carat Tanzanite and Diamond 14K White Gold Floral Pendant with included chain that’s sure to make you child of the year in mom’s eyes for only $125.

And for the Mother’s Day shopper who’s not afraid to splurge a little, show your love with an exquisite 1/2 Carat Yellow Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Open Heart Pendant with chain for $350. Nothing says love like a heart, after all, and the yellow diamonds make this a rare piece.

Remember, any order over $150 allows you take advantage of free shipping. It might not arrive in time for Mother’s Day at this late juncture, but all you have to do is show your mom what you bought her before it arrives.

Happy Mother’s Day!

It’s time for Just Ask Leslie’s monthly zodiac jewelry feature. The zodiac sign for most of the month of May is Taurus. Taurus’ mythology and characteristics are as follows:

The sign Taurus is symbolized by the Bull.
Your sign’s element is Earth. Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus.
You are practical, peace loving, stubborn, slow and deliberate. Taurus has a natural interest in money, and you like the finer things in life. You will walk away from an argument. Taurus is tenacious, artistic, musical, and has a “feeling” for things. Taurus is emotional, determined, stable, and persistent. Taurus has a love for beauty and harmony. You like to prove your worth.

Well, if you as a Taurus truly do have a love for beauty and harmony, or you know a Taurus who does, surely you can appreciate this 14K white gold diamond Taurus pendant with included chain for only 85 dollars.

And if you want to indulge your interest in money and the finer things in life, why not splurge a little on this diamond-encrusted white gold version of the Taurus symbol at 150 dollars?

Let your Taurus pride show.

A few days ago I shared with you some beautiful yellow gold necklaces that would make wonderful Mother’s Day gifts. But as I mentioned in that post, some women prefer white gold. So, guys, check out the kind of jewelry your wife normally wears and let that be your guide. If you’re still confused, you can always call your mother-in-law!

This white gold braided omega necklace will make a perfect Mother’s Day suprise! The way that the light reflects off of the diamond cut facets in this $450 necklace really makes it sparkle.

Any woman would appreciate this 14K white and yellow gold 16 inch reversible omega necklace. One side of the necklace is beautiful white gold and the flip side is warm yellow gold. This versatile piece will complement just about any other jewelry. At just $395, this necklace gives twice the value with its two distinct sides.

For a woman that has a little more bold sense of style, this 14K white gold Tiffany style necklace with thick, oblong links is a wonderful choice. For just $595, this necklace gives a sense of stlye and class which makes it perfect for a boardroom or the ballroom. The romantic 14K white gold heart as a feminine touch to this beautiful necklace.

I must have been a little psychic with my last post on emerald, the birthstone for the month of May, because I just noticed that Ice.com is having a special month of May sale on emeralds! Ice tells us that emeralds are “a symbol of fertility, rebirth and springtime.” With that in mind, here are a few more emerald facts:

- Emerald is a colored variety of beryl
- Emerald is the most valuable gemstone by weight
- Emperor Nero was a noted emerald fan
- The massive 858 carat Gachala Emerald can be seen at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington

So now that you’re fortified with emerald knowledge, do yourself a favor and check out Ice.com’s May Emerald Sale, full of exquisite emerald jewelry priced specially for spring.

April showers are over and the May flowers are already blooming in my garden, so it’s time to officially ring in the arrival of May (even if I am a little late) with a post dedicated to May’s birthstone, emerald.

Folklore states that emerald protects against evil spirits and ensures chastity. Whether that’s true or not, we can all agree that emerald is without a doubt one of the loveliest gems with which to grace your jewelry, from bracelets to necklaces to rings and everything in between.

With that in mind, here’s a stunning 3/4 emerald and diamond 14K white gold ring, which is colorful enough to be noticed but remains eminently tasteful, and would look amazing with any green or yellow clothes – it’s very much a piece of night on the town jewelry, and very affordable at 175 dollars.

And for a perfect accessory to a ring like that, why not unique 1 1/6 carat emerald and diamond 14K white gold pendant with a vertical row of three stars? Not only does it complement any other emerald jewelry you may have, it’s elegant and simple enough to be worn at almost any time.

Dear Leslie,
Mother’s Day is coming up and I am not sure what to get my wife. We have three children and she’s a terrific mother. I’d like to get her something special that she’ll really be able to use a lot so she’ll remember how much I appreciate her. Do you have any suggestions?
Elliot in Grand Rapids

If your wife is a star in the Mom Olympics, you should give her the top prize. Give her the gold! Of course, you need to look at the kind of jewelry your wife typically wears. Notice if she wears more yellow gold or white gold (or silver). That will be your first clue in selecting the right gift. Then think about your wife’s style. Is she more flamboyant or subtle? Consider these two questions as you look at these great examples of yellow gold necklaces that would be perfect for Mother’s Day. I’ll share about white gold in an upcoming post.

This classy and elegant 14K yellow gold triple row Venetian style necklace is a great way to show mom how much you care. The rows of gold create a subtle mesh effect that is perfect with a t-shirt or suit. Plus the lobster clasp with keep it securely fastened while mom is doing all of those things that keeps her (and the family) running!

A great choice for mom to wear everyday is this sleek and gorgeous 14K yellow gold round spring omega necklace. This classic chain really is a must have for every wardrobe. At just $135, it’s great for a budget!

For a mother with sense of style that is more bold, this 14K yellow gold rolo necklace is a good pick. There is so much gold in this necklace. It has a rich and luxurious look. The smooth, round links add a softness to this necklace that is feminine and refined.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, but you still have time for online shopping! A classic gift for mothers is a charm. Charms are a beautiful way for husbands and children to honor mothers for all that they do. This cute 14K gold boy charm featuring a bezel set sapphire is perfect for Mother’s Day. At just $75, it can be part of a weekend of special treats for mom!

To represent the girls in mom’s life, this pink sapphire girl charm in 14K is precious. This charm coordinates with the boy charm and will look great on the same chain.

Be sure to take note of the kind of jewelry that the mom in your life tends to wear. If she prefers white gold or silver, you should consider this 14K white gold boy pendant with chain. This adorable charm features 17 sparkling diamonds! There is also a matching girl pendant available. Of course these charms represent just a fraction of how precious the bond is between mother and child. But a gift of a beautiful charm on Mother’s Day will help mom remember how much you love and care for her throughout the year