Now why would I post an article on Divorced Girl Smiling to help men pick out jewelry for their significant others? To upset and depress single or divorced women? No way! It’s only a matter of time till some guy is jewelry shopping for you! My Love Essentially column, “The Rules of Love and Jewelry,” published today in Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press was written to inspire the countless men who I know are readers, in hopes they might make their girl SMILE!
The Rules of Love and Jewelry by Jackie Pilossoph
When I asked my friend Claudia Bongiovanni why she thinks women love jewelry so much, the veteran jeweler, gemologist and owner of Glenview’s Raphael Jewelers replied jokingly, “That’s like asking why women love shoes or purses.”
Bongiovanni’s serious answer was, “Jewelry is a significant gift. It’s something a woman knows she will have forever, and it signifies a long-term commitment on a man’s part.”
In my opinion, most men are clueless when it comes to jewelry (no offense). So, if a man goes into a jewelry store to buy his wife or girlfriend a gift, he usually relies on what the salesperson tells him “she will love,” or “what’s really popular right now.”
I asked Bongiovanni if there were some good guidelines or “rules” to jewelry buying, in hopes to provide readers with tips on what items to focus on for certain occasions, what gems and pieces are significant at certain times, and of course, price. These rules aren’t set in stone (no pun intended) but they just might come in handy.
Engagement and wedding rings
• Diamonds really are a girl’s best friend when she is getting engaged. The trend right now: round brilliance and/or cushion-cut diamond settings.
• Guys, the stone should be set in white gold or platinum. Gold is NOT IN. Don’t let the jeweler talk you into it.
• Wedding bands: if the engagement ring has a more complex setting, stick with a simple band, either plain or lined with diamonds.
Anniversaries
• According to Bongiovanni, significant anniversaries where jewelry might be a appropriate include: one year, 5 year, 10 year, 20 year and 25 year. I say if you’re fortunate to make it past 25, every year should be jewelry year!
• Whether in a ring, bracelet, necklace or earrings, yellow diamonds are a popular choice for anniversary gifts because they symbolize renewal, hope, prosperity and joy.
• A big anniversary is a good opportunity to upgrade an original engagement ring, with either a new setting that includes other stones, or by purchasing a new ring and using the old stone as a pendant for a diamond necklace.
Mom gifts
A woman goes through a pregnancy for nine months. She then pushes out the baby, which in and of itself isn’t very fun, in my opinion. Upon realizing she then has several pounds to lose (in my case, 50), she must then spend the first 8 weeks of the baby’s life waking up several times during the night to feed and change him or her. I would say she deserves a nice piece of jewelry, wouldn’t you?
Bongiovanni recommends… Click here to read the rest of the article, published today in Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press. Also includes ideas for significant birthdays, congratulations, thank you or just for the heck of it gifts.
