Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

There is no better gift for a June bride than a 1 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Journey Pendant. The Journey Collection features diamonds that graduate from smaller to larger representing the way love grows over time. This oval pendant features 14K white gold and 24 sparkling diamonds for just $995. This pendant will look great with a wedding gown and then throughout the year.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a May or June bride, look no further. This 2 3/4 Carat Sapphire and Diamond 10K White Gold Bracelet is the perfect gift for the spring or summer bride. This regal and glamorous bracelet features deep blue sapphires and sparkling diamonds that are just exquisite. The brilliant stones of the piece are set in lustrous white gold and dazzle with eye-catching movement. The perfect accessory for an elegant affair and a memorable gift for any bride.

Dear Leslie,
I love the look of diamond earrings but I am having a hard time finding options in my budget. Can you help me find something substantial that fits my budget?

Sarah in AZ

By using a combination of smaller, less expensive (but not less exquisite) stones, the designer of these earrings is able to really pack a punch with their design. These 1/2 Carat Princess Cut Diamond 14K White Gold Earrings feature eighteen sparkling princess-cut diamonds that are invisibly set on glistening white gold settings. So many diamonds! Grouped together they make for a dramatic look and from afar the diamonds appear to be just one large stone. This is a great way to get more impact on a budget.

Yes, it is possible to give Mom an elegant and memorable jewelry gift this Mother’s Day for under $100! In my searches, I found many high quality pieces that would make perfect Mother’s Day gifts. In particular, these 14K White and Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Earrings for just $85 will make this Mother’s Day a special one. Two tones of precious metal are beautifully combined in these romantic, versatile earrings. Due to the two tones of gold, these earrings can be matched with yellow gold, white gold, platinum and silver jewelry! The stylized heart designs are exquisitely crafted from warm yellow and cool white golds and accented with twinkling diamonds. These precious earrings feature traditional post backs.

Starting in May (just in time for Mother’s Day!) the US government will be issuing the first checks of the “Economic Stimulus Package”. The checks are distributed based on your social security number. Click on over to the IRS website to learn more. Many Americans will receive around $600 to spend any way they like. If there’s a piece of jewelry you’ve had your eye on, this is a perfect time to get it.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing with you some great investments you can make for your jewelry wardrobe with your economic stimulus windfall. You know, diamonds are forever! This 1/3 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Ring by Dalumi is just $495 and would make a dramatic statement with any outfit. Geometric and elegant, this contemporary ring beautifully combines the fire of diamonds with the cool gleam of white gold. Glamorous diamonds sparkle amid a gracefully swooping cutout ring design. It’s a perfect right hand look.

Love is a journey you take that grows and changes over time. Whether the love between husband and wife, that bond shared just by sisters, or the love of a mother and daughter - all of these relationships grow and change. You can celebrate that change with the Journey Collection of jewelry.

One of my favorite pieces from the collection is this exquisite 1 carat diamond 14K white gold pendant and chain. The diamonds in the Journey Collection pieces graduate, from smaller to larger. Each diamond represents something special along life’s path. Celebrate the love that you share with this timeless work of art.

The birthstone for April is the diamond. The diamond is by far the most popular and desired gemstone in the world. It is regarded as the ultimate symbol of love and fidelity. Because diamond jewelry is so common, I am bringing you a selection of my favorite diamond pieces that I’ve seen in the past few months. These designs are fresh and new like the spring days of April but promise to be enduring keepsakes.

This 1/3 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Ring By Dalumi is amazing! For just $495, this designer ring beautifully combines the icy fire of diamonds with the cool gleam of white gold. Glamorous diamonds sparkle amid a gracefully swooping cutout ring design. It makes a perfect right hand or cocktail ring look.

At just $175, you can’t beat the value of this 1/10 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Heart Pendant and Chain. This exquisitely crafted pendant shimmers with the gleam of gorgeous white gold. Lustrous white gold is beautifully wrought in a graceful stylized heart design, accented with dazzling diamonds, and is suspended from a delicate white gold chain.

For all of the yellow gold lovers out there, this 3 Carat Diamond 14K Gold Bracelet is a perfect birthday gift! The smooth soft swirls of 14k yellow gold embrace each and every sparkling diamond in this lovely and traditional tennis bracelet. Total diamond weight is 3.00 carats. It’s an extraordinary value on sale at just $899 - marked down from $1,295!

Dear Leslie,

Lindsey in San Francisco

Dear Lindsey,

Diamonds can appear in many colors - pink, purple, yellow, brown, blue and even black! The colors result from chemical impurities: clear diamonds are pure carbon, but in some cases other chemicals take the place of some carbon atoms and change how the diamond reflects light. There are also several chemical processes that can add color to diamonds. Generally, in the past, clear diamonds were the most prized, but jewelers today are more and more realizing the use of some of the other beautiful colors diamonds can occur in. For example, here’s a beautiful blue and white diamond ring. I absolutely love this look. Two matches rows of blue and white diamonds really sparkle in this unusual white gold setting. Add some color to your diamond collection for only $295.

Dear Leslie,

Sandra, Nashville

For men, jewelry that is modern and sleek is always in style. You’ll want to consider tough metals and less intricate designs because if your husband is like mine, he won’t take off his ring before his hands get dirty. That means that he’ll appreciate a ring that is easy to clean.

This 1/6 carat diamond ring in 14K white gold is a perfect ring for any man. Simple and unique, this men’s ring features three brilliant white diamonds. It’s crafted from gleaming 14k white gold - timeless in nature, yet contemporary in design. It’s a sleek, comfort-fit ring he’ll treasure forever.

Dear Leslie,

Jamie, Fort Worth

You’re so right! So much of the jewelry I see in the mall is just mass manufactured and isn’t very unique. Finding a creative piece is easy if you have big bucks to spend. It’s sounds like you’re like a lot of women. You’re looking for something special on a shoestring! Don’t lose hope! The internet is the best place to look for bargains and specialty items.

For example take this lovely 7/8 carat pink sapphire, diamond and cultured pearl pendant in 14K white gold by the designer Michiko. This unique piece has a bargain basement price of just $195. It features pink sapphires that lend delicate color to this glamorous pendant. You’ll be hard pressed to find an item this unique at the mall for this low price!

Dear Leslie,

Tim in Charleston, SC

A “just because” gift is a wonderful way to show anyone how much you love them. We’ve probably come to expect gifts at the holidays and at birthday time. A “just because” gift can be really meaningful because it’s unexpected and genuinely comes from the heart.

These 1/4 carat diamond 14K white gold earrings are sweet and at just $125 are the perfect price for an “anytime” gift. These earrings feature six round brilliant diamonds beautifully set in a delicate white gold flower motif. It’s a lovely look because the dazzling diamonds and cool white gold go so well together. These are bound to become an instant favorite!

Ok, gals! This is it - the best deal of the summer! You know those jewelry stores that always put the ugly stuff on sale? I hate that too! Not here! Check out this 1/4 carat diamond circle pendant in 14K white gold for just $140! It was originally priced at $225 - that’s a big savings! Of course, you already know that the circle pendant is the new “must have” jewelry item. There’s no better time to get in on this jewelry trend than with this great sale! If you’re really smart, you but a couple of these for Christmas gifts now while they’re on sale. I am sure your mother, sister, or even your mother-in-law would appreciate such a fine gift at holiday time!

For all of you out there searching for the perfect gift - stop now and go for the gold! Nothing beats this 14K yellow gold and diamond ring. It has a bold and powerful geometric design that is stunning. It’s not too over the top which makes it budget friendly and also perfect for every occasion. It’s just $150 and would make a great “just because” gift. If I had to pick a night out to dinner or this ring - I’d go for the jewelry every time!

Do you have a June wedding coming up? Haven’t been able to decide on the perfect wedding band? It’s tough, I know! I’ve helped hundreds of couples find the perfect wedding band. One that I am particularly enamored with right now is this 1/2 carat diamond and 14K white and pink gold band. At just $695, this ring is a steal! This ring features contrasting tones of precious metal and sparkling diamonds to create a beautiful effect. It reminds me of classic jewelry from the Roman and Byzantine empires. It’s a timeless design that will be perfect for demonstrating your enduring love every day.

This Mother’s Day do more for mom than just take her out to lunch or dinner. Buy her something really special that shows how much you care. It’s not really about the money you spend, but rather the thought and care you put behind it. Giving a gift that mom can wear and use every day will be appreciated.

A great set of earrings that she can wear with any outfit is this pair of 1/2 carat diamond earrings in 14K white gold. These striking earrings feature an eye-catching classic design studded with dazzling diamonds. Beautifully crafted in 14K white gold, they will definitely fit any look.

Plus you can still enjoy free FedEx shipping on your order. It’s even guaranteed to be delivered by Mother’s Day!

If you really want to make mom’s day this year, you have to get her these lovely 1/2 carat princess cut diamond earrings in 18K white gold. At $895, these earrings are a timeless classic. They’re always appropriate and gorgeous with any outfit. These sparkling earrings feature a pair of dazzling square princess-cut diamonds, beautifully prong set in gleaming white gold.

This Mother’s Day, you can get the special woman in your life something extraordinary - this 1 carat blue and white diamond bracelet in 10K white gold! Now, you’re asking, “Leslie, whate are blue diamonds?!” Well, blue diamonds occur naturally - like the famous Hope Diamond. Since they are so rare, they are very expensive. However, now there are special processes that can change yellow diamonds’ color to blue. These are real diamonds, they’ve just been exposed to very low levels of radiation to change their color. They’re also perfectly safe to wear. Colored diamonds are very trendy right now.

This bracelet is perfect for every season. Matched with a red top, it’s perfect for patriotic 4th of July gatherings. In the winter, the icy diamonds add sparkle and shine to dark days and nights. The blue and white combination is just classic and will surely become a fast favorite!

One of the great things about ordering jewelry online is that many sites have excellent return policies. For example, Ice.com on their website states:

We want you to be absolutely satisfied with your jewelry. Wear it. Enjoy it. Show it off. If within 30 days after receipt of your purchase you’re not completely satisfied, return it for a full refund of the purchase price or replace it - no questions asked. However all products should be returned in the original state they were received. Products which have been modified by another 3rd party jeweler or abused will not be accepted for refunds.

Please note that our bridal and engagement rings come with an IGI Appraisal Certificate, which must be returned in order to process a full refund. If the certificate is not returned with the bridal or engagement ring, the refund amount will be reduced by $50.00 to cover the cost of the certificate.

All Free Gifts with purchase must be returned with products which are to be refunded. Refunds are not granted to products which are not returned with the free gift.

To return, exchange or replace your purchase, please follow these simple steps:

US CUSTOMERS

1. Please read the information on the back of your original shipping document and enclose it with your purchase (in the original packaging if possible), or if you do not have your original shipping document, please print and complete the return purchase form. If you are unable to print this form, please provide us with your name, address, phone number and order number on a separate piece of paper.
2. Call customer service at 1-800-539-3580 to obtain a return authorization number and a UPS return label. You will receive this label via e-mail.
3. Pack items to be returned and include your shipping document (or return purchase form).
4. Make arrangements with UPS to have your package delivered (either drop it off at a UPS location or arrange with them to have it picked up).

I appreciate you turning to me for advice on your returns and exchanges, but I can’t help you other than to point you to the Ice.com customer service page. There you can find all the information you need to make your online shopping experience perfect.

Speaking of perfect, any Valentine would love to get the beautiful 1/4 carat diamond pendant in 14K white gold pictured above. The graduated sizes of diamonds increase in size as you move across the piece. This creates drama and represents the increasing depth and beauty of love over time. It’s a perfect piece for Valentine’s Day for just $275!

Dear Leslie,
My boyfriend is sweet but he’s not that great at buying gifts for me. This past Christmas was kind of a disaster and I ended up returning a lot of the gifts he bought. I think that it hurts his feelings a little even though I try to do it without him knowing about it. With Valentine’s Day coming up in a month, how do I give him hints about things I want without just coming out and telling him?
Nancy in Oregon

Even though this is more of a relationship question than a jewelry question, I’ll try my hand at it! It sounds to me like you’ve got a great boyfriend. The reason his feelings are hurt when you return the gifts he got for you is because he actually put thought behind those purchases. If it wasn’t from the heart, then he wouldn’t have cared. You’ve just got to direct him to the things you really want. Let me let you in on a secret, men are not mind readers any more than we are. Moreover, they generally don’t pick up on the hints that you think that you’re giving. So if you’re trying to let him know what you want without coming right out and telling him, then you’re taking a risk you might end up with something you don’t want or need. Here’s a solution: make a date with him and for part of the date you both get online and look at things you like. Shop around at ice.com and give him some options to choose from with various prices. You can do the same thing for him over at an electronics website! Take turns. Do it from a place of fun and love and it’ll be a lot of fun!

If you haven’t already got you mind set on something for Valentine’s Day, you should check out this beautiful 1/4 carat diamond heart pendant in 14K yellow gold. This pendant is a classic and is the perfect thing to wear everyday. And guys, a gift like this is perfect for any lady! Plus it’s got a low price tag at just $195!

There’s no reason why your pocket book should be hurting after all of you holiday shopping. There are great deals to be had for the special people in your life that are very budget friendly. Take for example these beautiful 1/4 carat diamond 14K white gold earrings. These dazzling beauties are perfect for just about anyone on your shopping list. The floral-themed design is elegant and feminine. Priced at just $125 these earrings will be able to go under your Christmas tree guilt free!