Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Dear Leslie,
Platinum jewelry is expensive! Why is that – what makes platinum so special?
Anne in Ohio

Platinum is rare and has long been considered a treasure by discerning individuals. Platinum is found in very few places around the world and there’s not much of it either. This exquisite metal is 30 times rarer than gold. In fact, it is estimated that if all the platinum in the world were poured into one Olympic swimming pool it would be scarcely deep enough to cover your ankles. Gold would fill more than three pools of that size. Platinum’s rarity makes it exclusive and distinctive – a celebration of your individuality.

Platinum’s density and weight make it very durable. Platinum holds precious stones securely and doesn’t wear away. Because it is generally 95% pure (18 karat gold is 75% pure), platinum jewelry does not fade or tarnish. Platinum jewelry is ideal for those with sensitive skin because its purity makes it hypoallergenic.

This gorgeous diamond and platinum engagement ring represents beautifully the versatility of platinum. This classic design reflects couple’s enduring love and investment in each other. This ring will become a family heirloom that generations will appreciate.

Day or night, these platinum and cultured pearl earrings will bring refined elegance to any outfit. They are sophisticated and dramatic with large pearls gracing the end of the curved ear wire. Now’s the time for you to have an authentic piece of platinum jewelry! These earrings are on sale for just $195!

Jewelry for men is also crafted from platinum. Men are especially rough on jewelry and need a metal that can stand up to their tough treatment. Platinum is just the thing! This mens 5mm platinum wedding band is masculine and is a classic design that will last a lifetime.

Dear Leslie,
I really like the look of topaz – especially blue topaz. I have several pieces of topaz jewelry and was wondering if you could tell me more about it. How should I be taking care of my topaz jewelry? Thanks!
Bridgett in Athens, GA

Topaz, the birthstone for November, has been a beloved gem for centuries. The Romans associated topaz, because of its bright sparkle, with Jupiter, the god of the Sun. Even further back, ancient Egyptians believed that topaz was made from the golden glow of the Sun god Ra. Wearing topaz is said to dispel all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight as well! The ancient Greeks believed that topaz had the power to make its wearer invisible in times of emergency and increase strength. Its mystical curative powers were though to change with the phases of the moon!

Brazil and Sri Lanka is where you can find brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red and pink topaz. Pink topaz is also found in Russia and Pakistan. There is also blue topaz, which has a pale to medium blue color created by irradiation.

Topaz is a very tough gemstone but should be protected from hard knocks. A single blow in the right place can split a topaz, a trait it shares with a diamond.

A perfect example of the beauty and elegance of topaz is reflected in this incredible London blue topaz, sky blue topaz and diamond pendant in 14 white gold. The two cool tones of blue topaz coordinate beautifully and make a perfect piece for the office or evening wear.

The glamorous and flirty side of topaz is shown in this dramatic pink and white topaz sterling silver ring. This ring is on sale right now for just $45! It is an amazing deal on this stunning ring featuring the luscious rose hue of pink topaz.

All those magical qualities I mentioned above are definitely represented in this beautiful mystic topaz and diamond 14K gold bracelet. A special enhancing treatment helps create the unique red, green, violet, and blue flashes that shine from the mystic topaz. The oval mystic topaz and accented with 16 diamonds and set in beautiful 10K yellow gold.

The golden brown luster of tiger’s eye has been catching our eye for centuries. It has a changeable silky luster as light is reflected within the exotic bands of this gemstone. Many legends of tiger’s eye say that this gem is beneficial for health and spiritual well being. Many consider this stone to be a psychic protector, great for business, and an aid for achieving clarity. Tiger’s Eye is the Planetary stone for Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) and is the accepted gem for the ninth wedding anniversary. That makes this 14K gold over sterling silver tiger’s eye and cultured freshwater pearl necklace perfect for the office or a special gift. It would be beautiful with a cream or white blouse and brown slacks – a very versatile look!

These 14K gold over sterling silver tiger’s eye and cultured freshwater pearl earring are the perfect matching earrings for the necklace. They are sexy and fun! They’re definitely a must for a tiger’s eye lover!

This luminous, casual and super fashionable sterling silver tiger’s eye necklace is on sale for just $32! The polished round beads of tiger’s eye gracefully twist in this double strand design. …and it’s just $32!

Even though Keira Knightley pulled it off at the Oscars, a necklace isn’t generally a good idea with an asymmetric neckline. This is because the symmetry of a necklace by virture of the way it hangs from your neck may clash with the neckline of the gown. Of course this doesn’t mean that you can’t wear other beautiful accessories. You can really sparkle with beautiful earrings, a ring, and a bracelet!

One of my favorite gems is the blue sapphire. It is the birthstone for September and the designated gift for the 5th wedding anniversary! The deep rich blue is romantic and luxurious. Blue sapphire jewelry will make a wonderful complement to a dress with an asymmetric neckline.

Nothing could be more glamorous than these exqusite blue sapphire and diamond earrings in white gold. The blue and white of the sapphires and diamonds is a classic combination. These earrings really are fabulous pieces of jewelry making.

This beautiful matching baguette sapphire and diamond ring in 14K white gold also features the deep azure beauty of the sapphire. This cocktail or right hand ring is a fabulous way to add sparkle to any outfit.

This last piece is a must have for someone on a budget. This incredible cabochon sapphire and rose cut diamond bracelet in sterling silver is on sale right now for just $56! What a bargain! This bracelet is extremely versatile and if you love the beauty of blue sapphires you’ll find yourself wearing it all of the time. The classic design is a perfect combination of sapphires, diamond and sterling silver!

Picking the right necklace for a dress or gown can be a complicated ordeal. For the past several weeks, I’ve featured a variety of necklines and some examples of necklaces that would make beautiful accessories for those dresses. Today I’d like to share with you some fabulous pieces that will make the most of a portrait or off the shoulder neckline. Like the strapless neckline, many necklace styles will work with the portrait neckline. Just remember to either choose a necklace 18 inches long or shorter or a necklace that extends far past the neckline of the dress. You don’t want the necklace to be too close to the neckline of the dress.

A wonderful choice for a portrait or off the shoulder neckline is this gorgeous sterling silver necklace with rose quartz, peridot, citrine, and green adventurine. This necklace will look especially good with dresses in spring and summer colors. I love the way the stones continue all the way around this necklace wrapping your neck in color. The variety of stones makes this necklace a very versatile piece.

Another fabulous option is this stunning diamond and blue sapphire 14K white gold oval pendant. The interesting shape of this pendant combined with the dazzling gems really make it a wonderful piece. I’ve recently seen similar pendants in some of my favorite television programs. It’s very stylish right now – but not too trendy. It’s a piece you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.

A portrait or off the shoulder neckline is truly glamorous and classic. This two tone gold byzantine necklace will be a wonderful accessory to this style of gown. Currently on sale for just $416.50, this dramatic piece will become a jewelry wardrobe favorite. It reminds me of the fashions of Chanel and Versace and will add class and elegance to any outfit.

Dear Leslie,
I have a basic pair of pearl earrings that I have had forever. I would like to find some accessories other than a classic pearl necklace that I can wear with them. Do you have any recommendations?
Sarah in Arizona

A basic pair of pearl earrings is a jewelry wardrobe staple – you have to have a pair! Sometimes it is hard to find fresh, new ways of wearing our favorite old pieces. This cultured freshwater pearl and diamond 14K white gold pendant is a perfect choice to update those earrings! This pendant recalls the elegance and grace of a previous era but has a contemporary feeling that makes it perfect for today. The 17 inch chain makes it a perfect length for a variety of necklines. The cutout design keeps this piece light and fun while making a dramatic statement.

If you are really adventurous, you might want to try this out-of-this-world black diamond and cultured freshwater pearl 14K white gold ring. Just imagine your “little black dress” with your pearl earrings and this ring for a Friday night out. It makes a very unique statement for the right person.

Begin to think out of the box with your pearl accessories. There are lots of options out there if you’re willing to be a little daring and creative!

A dress with a halter top neckline features straps that wrap around the back of the neck leaving the shoulders and arms bare. The straps generally rise from the chest to the neck creating an upside down V – like this /\. A halter top neck line is great if you are tall and have broad shoulders. If you have narrow shoulders or a very large chest, you should avoid a halter top neckline.

Here’s the secret about the halter top neckline – don’t wear a necklace! I know, I can’t believe I said it either! Seriously, the way that the halter top rises close to your neck always makes necklaces seem crowded. Let your dress and your chest be the star of the outfit. The accessories that you can wear with a halter top neckline include fabulous dangly earrings, glamorous rings and bracelets!

One way to keep your look clean and classy is to use similar stones and colors in your accessories. One of my favorite gems is tanzanite. These tanzanite and diamond drop earrings in 14K white gold will work beautifully with a halter top neckline. At just $150, these earrings will extend the line created by the halter top and give the illusion of length and a long sexy neck.

The center marquise cut tanzanite gem in this tanzanite and diamond 14K white gold ring helps this ring match perfectly with the earrings above. Featuring a variety of stone cuts, the ring and earrings together won’t look like a contrived set but rather thoughtfully coordinated.

To complete your ensemble with a halter top neckline, a beautiful bracelet will do the trick. This elegant tanzanite and sterling silver bracelet is just $95 and features 38 tanzanite gems. This bracelet is a versatile piece that will dazzle with an evening gown or with more casual attire.

Dear Leslie,My parents are approaching their fiftieth wedding anniversary, and I wanted to commemorate the occasion by buying my mother something nice. Any suggestions in the jewelry department?

First of all, Katy, congratulations to your parents. To see a couple reach fifty years together is inspiring for everyone, married or not.

Now, on to the jewelry. Of course, the 50th wedding anniversary is the Golden Anniversary, so something simple and golden would make the best gift for your mother. I would personally recommend a nice bracelet, like this intricate 14K Gold bracelet for 350 dollars.

And this bracelet made of intertwining 14K yellow and white gold is not only lovely and unique, but a representation of a long-lasting love and a successful marriage, the two different golds coming together to make something beautiful – and it costs only 227 dollars.

Here’s to hoping it’s a great anniversary for your parents.

Dear Leslie,I have a citrine ring that my husband recently bought me for an anniversary gift and I wanted to know the best way to care for it and keep it clean.

Lucky you – citrine is one of my personal favorite gemstones. It’s not very common, so wearing citrine jewelry automatically makes you stand out from the crowd a bit, and who can help but love that cheerful yellow hue? It positively glows in the sunlight.

Anyway, onto your question. Citrine can be cleaned pretty much like any other gemstone. Like all jewelry (except maybe for diamonds), try to make sure your citrine isn’t subjected to sharp blows or scratches. For cleaning, just use suds (and dry well afterwards) or use a standard jewelry cleaner. And try to not to sunbathe in citrine – it can become faded with extended exposure to sun.

Hope this answered your question!

Dear Leslie,What’s the best way to clean white gold jewelry? Is there any difference in cleaning white gold and cleaning normal yellow gold?

Unlike yellow gold, white gold is plated in rhodium. Therefore, it’s good to have your white gold jewelry replated every once in awhile (you should be able to do this at any good jewelry store in your area).

Between replatings, it can be cleaned like any other gold: just use suds to clean off any grime then restore it to its polish with a clean, dry cloth. Easy!

Dear Leslie,I notice you link to Ice.com for jewelry examples. Is there an advantage to shopping online as opposed to in a physical store? It’s hard to shop without being able to try jewelry on sometimes.

Dear Rachel,

You’re smart to ask. The reason I support online retailers like Ice.com is that buying jewelry online from a large jewelry website is almost like buying it wholesale.

You see, a major online retailer moves enough product that it can afford to keep prices lower and still make a profit. Your local jeweler is a smaller business and as such jewelry you buy in a store in a mall or shopping center will be significantly marked up, much more than the markup on a large online store. That’s how the business works.

Of course, you’re also right about not be able to try before you buy, but that’s what free return-and-exchange policies are for, right?

Dear Leslie,
My only daughter is getting married on June 20th, and in keeping with a family tradition, I would like to buy her a special piece of jewelry to wear with her wedding dress. Her dress is ivory-colored, strapless and well-fitted, no puffy skirt or frills, and I was wondering what sort of jewelry would go well with this style?
Barbara in Savannah

Slim-fitting, “simpler” wedding dresses are often the easiest to accessorize since the jewelry does not need to compete with the dress for attention. There are lots of options when choosing jewelry for a bride, but it is always good to keep in mind the bride’s personal style so that she will feel comfortable wearing your gift.

Earrings are often the best choice when choosing a gift for a bride, as many brides choose to style their hair in a manner that highlights the face, making earrings more noticeable. Pearls and diamonds are both popular styles, and this pair of stunning diamond and pearl drop earrings makes it easy to understand why. The combination of pearl and diamonds (encased in white gold) captures the bride’s elegance and highlights her beauty and by pairing pearls and diamonds, these earrings are guaranteed to match almost any dress or other jewelry which the bride may choose to wear.

You mentioned that your daughter’s dress is ivory colored, an increasingly popular color choice. Although it is possible to wear most white pearls with ivory, you may want to consider this magnificent pair of golden south sea pearls, depending on the exact shade of the dress. These earrings are good for deep ivory or cream dresses, as they will complement rather than contrast the dress shade.

It is harder for me to recommend necklaces without knowing the exact neckline of the dress, but I would like to highlight one of my personal favorites, this amazing diamond and pearl chandelier necklace, pictured to the right. The chandelier style pendant lies close to the neck, highlighting the collar bone and illuminating both face and dress.

If you would like to peruse other necklace options yourself, there are plenty of styles to choose from in Ice.com’s special bridal gifts section.