A Woman's Guide to Investing in Fundamental Jewelry Pieces - Part 1

Gone With the Wind, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Casablanca, The King and I are a few of the most cherished and beloved classic movies of all time.

The classics, whether they are movies or books, have a universal commonality—they stand the test of time and live on from generation to generation, just like a classic piece of jewelry.

Jewelry trends, like the change of seasons, come and go; however, the eight classic fundamentals are signature pieces that are the most functional, practical, have stood the test of time, can be handed down from generation to generation, will complete and compliment all outfits, but most importantly do not have to be updated or replaced—they are the true and timeless classics.

Pearl and diamond stud earrings can be worn every day and will compliment everything in your wardrobe because they are both neutral color gems—whether you wear them to work, with your favorite pair of jeans or even hit the dance floor with them they will look elegant and classy. It does not matter what size they are, even the smallest diamond will stand out as long as you purchase a quality pair.

One of our customers, Gemma purchased her first pair of diamond stud earrings. In the work force for only a year and with a limited budget, quality not size was a priority for her. She purchased a 5 pt. VVS1 diamond stud pair of earrings. When she wears them, they have so much sparkle because they are a quality stone. This is why size should not be a priority since quality makes up for that.

Diamond and pearl earrings are also the building blocks for add-ons in the future. With pearl earrings, you can eventually acquire a pearl necklace, bracelet and ring. With a diamond solitaire pair of earrings, you can add a small solitaire diamond pendant, or if you like to play tennis, a matching tennis bracelet - tennis anyone :)

Baya
www.artisanjewelshop.com
www.eternalfinejewels.rubylane.com
jewelbox57@live.com

Classic Earrings Every Woman Should Own

Jewelry trends, like the change of seasons, come and go; however, a classic pair of earrings are like signature pieces that are the most functional, practical and have stood the stood the test of time. They will complete and compliment all outfits, but most importantly do not have to be updated or replaced.

Pearl and diamond stud earrings can be worn every day and will compliment everything in your wardrobe because they are both neutral color gems--whether you wear them to work, with your favorite pair of jeans or even hit the dance floor with them, they will look elegant and classy. It does not matter what size they are, even the smallest diamond will stand out as long as you purchase a quality pair.

One of our customers, Gemma purchased her first pair of diamond stud earrings. In the work force for only a year and with a limited budget, quality not size was a priority for her. She purchased a 5 point VVS1 diamond stud pair of earrings. When she wears them, they have so much sparkle because they are a quality stone. This is why size should not be a priority since quality makes up for that.

Diamond and pearl earrings are also the building blocks for add-ons in the future. With pearl earrings, you can eventually acquire a pearl necklace, bracelet and ring. With a diamond solitaire pair of earrings, you can add a small solitaire diamond pendant or if you like to play tennis, a matching tennis bracelet.

Hoop earrings are the all time earrings--from babies, flamenco dancers, to tribesman in Africa--they have universal appeal. While the round hoop is among the most popular, they come in a variety of other geometric shapes and are available in a variety of sizes and widths. You can also accessorize hoops by adding charms to them. Hoop earrings will compliment everything in your wardrobe.

Another one of our customers wears her hoop earrings 24-7 because of their versatility. "Whether I have on my jeans, or am in Court, my hoops are multi functional and project a different look with whatever I wear".

So if you do not have one of these pair of earrings, the next time someone asks you what you would like for your birthday, you know what to ask for :)

Pearl and Diamond Jewellery Are Building Blocks for Future Purchases

I recall when my parents had their retail jewellery store and parents, grandparents and godparents would come in to purchase dainty little pearl stud earrings. As a small child, I could not appreciate the significance of such a purchase for a little girl or young woman.

I do remember some of the conversations for the reasons that people purchased pearl earrings; "My daughter is turning 16, and this is her first pearl jewellery", "Our granddaughter was born in June, and pearl is her birthstone", another customer, who enjoyed purchasing fine jewellery for his wife and daughters, put it simply, and I never forgot his reasoning..."When I buy pearl jewellery for the women in my life, I am buying a piece that they will keep forever and I can buy complimenting pieces for them".

Pearl and diamond jewellery are classic pieces that can be worn everyday, with every outfit, every occasion, everyday, 24-7. They are timeless and stand the test of time from generation to generation.

They are neutral colored pieces of gems and can be mixed with other gem jewellery. They are the building blocks for future pieces, i.e. pearl earring = pearl ring, pearl strand, pearl ring, pearl brooch, pearl pendant.

One key factor to remember is that quality of gem is more important than size. An example would be the choice between purchasing a 5 pt. fine quality diamond versus a 10pt. poor quality diamond. If you invest in a high quality smaller diamond, I promise you that the stone will sparkle and will be noticed from a distance, versus a larger one that has no life (brilliance).

Rather wait, and save your money, and when the time is right, invest in a quality piece that you will treasure for a lifetime.

THE EIGHT CLASSIC AND TIMELESS JEWELS IN A WOMAN’S JEWELERY COLLECTION

Bangle or link bracelets give a very polished look to long or short sleeve attire. A bangle bracelet is a very sophisticated piece of jewelry, while a link bracelet is sportier.

I recently had a conversation with someone who told me that she received her first gold I.D. bracelet when she was a young child. When she was a teenager, she received another one. She wore her bracelet every day; it was like her second skin. Many years passed and eventually she invested in a substantially heavier I.D. bracelet. Today, she is in her mid 50’s and that bracelet does not come off her wrist.

A ring for every finger, why not, we have 10 fingers. Joking aside, I’ll settle for one classic beauty! That might be a gemstone ring, perhaps a birthstone ring, or you may choose a ring that makes a statement and is bold and flashy. A pearl or diamond ring might appeal to someone who likes a neutral color gem.

A non gemstone ring, such as a solid gold ring, could include stackable bands for simplicity and versatility, a family crest or initial ring or an abstract design. I often see ladies wearing their wedding band/engagement ring on their left hand and a family crest or signet ring on their on their pinky finger on their right hand.

Part 4 - Conclusion - Tomorrow

A Simple Way to Add A New Look to Your Fine Gold/Silver Chains

If you have a link or flat chain, it most likely has a jump ring or lobster hook closure, which rests on the back of your neck or sometimes, because of movement, slides forward.

A simple way to update your chain and give it a more elegant look is to replace the closures with a clasp. You typically see decorative clasps on fine pearls and other fine beads, however, if you have a chain that you wear it a lot, why not update the closure by replace it with a clasp. It will definitely give your chain, whether gold or silver, a new look and increase its value.

You would be able to wear the clasp in the front, positioning it to the side or to the center for a diverse look.

A thought, if you have an odd pair of stud earrings or if a gentlemen member of your family has a tie pin that he doesn't wear, you could have a jeweler make the base for your clasp and have one of these pieces as the decorative top.

Hiding Jewelry Within Your Home - Part 3

Many people invest in actual safes—keep in mind that a small safe that can hide in a closet is portable and can easily be carried away. A larger safe is very heavy, and while it can’t be carried away, they are harder to hide and take up a lot of space.

I personally favor safes that have a drilled space in a floor—a.k.a. floor safes. They are not portable, they are hidden and you can cover them. Ideally, they are located in basements because they can be drilled through concrete. These safes are smaller than your average wall or full standing safe, but they cannot be carried away, they are out of visual sight and therefore, concealed from a potential thief.

Many people have home alarm systems and while there are no guarantees that your home would not be burglarized, it could deter from a potential home invasion since signs are posted on windows or doors. However, if a burglar broke into a home, he would only have 2-3 minutes to find the valuables before the police would show up. If they would come across a safe, they wouldn’t have the time to open it, nor the time to ransack a home to find jewelry, if they are hidden out of sight.

Outside your home, a safety deposit box is the next securest place for your jewelry. Your financial institution will have an area for safety deposit boxes. You can keep all your jewelry as well as certificates together and bring home a few pieces every month and interchange them as you wish.

Your safety and security are #1. By taking some precautions, you can minimize the risk of being a target. Be sure that your pieces have updated appraisals which reflect the current market value of your piece(s). Having adequate coverage on your most valuable pieces will guarantee that if a jewelry item is lost or stolen, you can have it replaced or be financially indemnified. Safekeeping your jewelry wisely within your home will minimize the risk of any potential theft.