Jewelry on 47th street

By Jayne O’Donnell, USA TODAY

Considering a last-minute jewelry gift? Here are some tips from gemologist Debra Dolphin, customer care director at jeweler www.BlueNile.com.

• Take cues from the contents of a woman’s jewelry box. Note whether she tends to favor yellow gold or a white metal such as silver or platinum.

If her style is traditional, consider diamond stud earrings or a pearl necklace. If it’s more fashion-forward, consider chandelier earrings or cocktail rings.

• Avoid 10-karat or 24-karat gold.

Pure 24-karat gold is too soft for everyday wear, and 10-karat gold doesn’t have enough gold content to be acceptable for fine jewelry.

• Don’t bow to high-pressure salespeople. A little bit of research can save you hundreds of dollars, especially on diamonds.

• Make sure the retailer has a good return policy. Some jewelers allow returns for only 24 hours; others may not accept returns.

• Consider sterling silver jewelry or freshwater pearls to save money. Gemstone and some diamond pendants may also be more affordable. Diamond stud earrings and eternity rings are a classic choice for a bit more money.

• Save about 50-75% if you opt for black diamond. Look for black diamonds with a consistent exterior and no visible blemishes.

Jayne O’Donnell covers smart shopping for USA TODAY. Her Confident Consumer column appears Wednesdays. E-mail her at: jodonnell@usatoday.com. Follow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jayneodonnell. 

The good news is there has never been such a bountiful variety of cultured pearls on the market as there is today. One can choose from pearls of just about every size, shape and color, and there are attractive and high-quality pearls available in just about every price range. There are Chinese freshwater cultured pearls in a stunning array of body colors and bright overtones never seen in the traditional round Akoya pearl strands. Small, attractive baroque fresh water cultured pearls can be found for under $10 a strand at the major wholesale trade shows. Even South Sea and Tahitian cultured pearls, the largest, rarest and most expensive of them all, are relatively affordable just now as increased supply has softened wholesale prices on these items.
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We have scoured the world and have brought to you the 6 very best tips about bridal and wedding jewelry you can’t afford the time or hassle to miss.

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Rubies are the red members of the corundum family of minerals. Corundum of any other color–blue, pink, yellow, and many others–is called sapphire.

Natural ruby shades vary from light to dark red and rubies often have undertones, such a a purplish cast. The variations add to the charm and individuality of each gemstone.

If you were born in July, ruby is your special birthstone, but ruby jewelry is a universal favorite. We associate the color red with the universal feelings of love and passion, so it’s no wonder that ruby jewelry has always been in demand.
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Jewelry.com shares our most important jewelry gift giving tips – from purchasing that dazzling diamond engagement ring to giving mom that perfect pearl strand. You’ll never wonder how (and when) to buy fine jewelry again.

You can’t wait to slip that engagement ring on her finger. You know mom will burst into tears at the sight of sapphires. Your friends will drool when you show off that right hand ring. There is no reason fine jewelry shopping should be anything but fun, informational and ultimately satisfying. But research shows consumers find buying fine jewelry one of the least enjoyable shopping experiences. Jewelry.com is on a mission to change that.
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