Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Tips for Men on Buying Jewelery for Women

By Blue Lily

The fact is that we're guys and guys don't always know exactly what women want for jewelry. The good news is that thousands of guys figure it out and survive the jewelry purchasing ordeal daily. To get it right, you'll need to plan ahead. You can't wait until the day before.

Choices - There are enough jewelry choices to make your hair stand on end. They include rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and categories within categories of each. Then there is yellow gold (how many karats?), white gold, two tone, platinum, silver. What about gems? Make a note - when considering gems, real is always better than fake. A small authentic gem is always preferable to a large fake one. Don't believe me? Ask a woman.

What does she want? If this gift will be a surprise, then you certainly can't ask her. Why not ask her sister or her mother or her friends? Women do talk to each other about jewelry so tap into the network. They may have the information you need or they may know where you can find it. If it's a secret operation, be sure to tell the ladies involved.

What size should you buy? Your options are limited here. First, ask her family & friends. If that doesn't work, measure any rings, necklaces, and in her jewelry box. As a last resort, sneak one or more of the pieces into a jewelry store so they can size it for you. Make notes for later on.

To determine how much to spend, consider the occasion from her point of view. The more meaningful the occasion to her, the more you can spend. That means every anniversary is important! Her first Mother's Day is very important, although you really don't need to go crazy. How about a charm bracelet or a ring with the baby's birthstone? You do have the birthstone list, right?

To begin, jump online. Learn the basics of jewelry. Learn about metals and gems. Understand how to determine the quality of jewelry. Be aware of prices. You're out to make an important, thoughtful purchase. Find a number of retailers nearby. Do your homework.

Shopping doesn't come naturally to many guys. We often avoid it. There's a saying: women shop, men buy. But you'll have to do at a little shopping this time to find the right gift. If you've done your homework, you'll be fine. Visit several jewelry stores and compare value and quality, not just price. Buy from an established company.

How should you present the gift? Will it be in a romantic setting? How about as an unexpected surprise? You want her to remember it for a long time, so be original. - 15995

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