Buying Jewelry: Tips for Guys from One of Your Own

Jewelry.com posted a great article written by a frustrated fella who vents about his fears when buying jewelry. Sounds like he knows a thing or two as well. Enjoy guys...and get those Valentine's Day plans in gear!

A Guy Tells it Like it is

What really strikes fear into men's hearts is trying to buy a gift for a spouse or a girlfriend. What does she like? What does she need? What's her size? Will this gift really knock her out?

Left to our own devices, we men too often come home with "safe" gifts - flowers, chocolates, fashion, items for the house - that require little or no knowledge of what she really desires.

#1: Not asking for help
It's no secret that we hate asking for directions. Most men would rather drive around in circles for hours rather than stop and ask someone how to get somewhere. It's hard to tell if this is some biological imperative imprinted into our genes, or a behavioral thing impressed upon us almost from the time of birth. Maybe a combination of both. But the fact remains that, if you're a guy, you're supposed to be in charge: a leader, a navigator, an expert at map reading, with an innate sense of direction. Woe to the traitor that breaks this code.

Well let's face it... This "predisposition" can be very dangerous when trying to buy a jewelry gift for a girlfriend, daughter or wife. It is necessary to seek help in these cases. The first thing you need to do is help yourself by doing some research... Pay attention to the jewelry she wears now. Pay attention to the clothes she wears most often, and make sure you pick jewelry that matches and complements them. Finally, go snooping in her jewelry box, and look at what's in there that she has but doesn't wear. Look for items that are missing a piece - does she have a ring and necklace in a particular gemstone, but no earrings to match?

#2: Not educating yourself
Buying a gift for a loved one can be a daunting experience. And buying jewelry as a gift is even scary at times. Jewelry is probably the most intimidating gift a man could purchase. Many of us don't know the first thing about the "4Cs," much less all the different stones and types of metal available. And we definitely cringe at the thought of facing a salesperson without being prepared.

So, before hitting the store to come home completely discouraged, do your homework in our "Education" section. Learn as much as you can about jewelry - metals, precious, semi-precious or lab-created gems, pearls, prices, retailers in your area, etc. Information on jewelry will make walking into a store a comfortable experience. And the results will be rewarding; your purchases will be intelligent and very personal. It will be easy to dazzle a loved one with your knowledge, which will again show how much thought you put into this.

#3: Not pre-shopping
It's a known fact that men hate to shop. Take us to a car dealership, the local Sharper Image store or Best Buy, and chances are we'll cruise along like kids in a candy store. But watch a guy in a supermarket wandering up and down the aisles looking for olives, or some hapless, dazed soul trying to find his way around a mall or department store. You get the idea! The problem is that there is no substitute for pre-shopping.

Once you've figured out what "she" would like, done your homework and learned all you ever wanted to know about jewelry; it is necessary to see what's out there and who has the best selection for your needs. One big reason we built Jewelry.com is so you can browse through a wide assortment from many reputable retailers at your leisure, in the comfort of your own home (in your bathrobe, unshaven if you like!). Since you will have done your homework before pre-shopping, you'll realize that it's much easier when you know white gold from platinum and tanzanite from garnets!

#4: Not choosing the right retailer
Regardless of where dad bought mom's engagement ring, a larger jeweler is often the best bet. They buy in volume, and so get better pricing. They have multiple locations, so even if you move, change jobs, etc., it's no problem. They have a solid, clear return/refund policy. They have a complete quality control policy. Finally, they are established companies that are going to be there to serve you for the long haul..

#5: Not buying jewelry because it's "too expensive"
Jewelry is the gift a man can never go wrong with. After all, it's beautiful, valuable, romantic, lasting, versatile (the same piece can be appropriate for many different outfits and occasions), and the ultimate symbol of love.

One of the biggest mistakes is to think that you need to be Rockefeller to buy fine jewelry. Actually there is a wide variety of fine jewelry for $100-$200. That's not to say you shouldn't spend more for that "special something." It's just that as an educated consumer, you can decide what to get. You'll know the different karatages of gold can have as much of an impact on price as the carat weight of a gemstone. You'll know there are beautiful and very popular semi-precious stones that will please just as much as precious stones, and cost a lot less.

Flowers Aren't Forever... If you follow these simple rules, your gift-giving experience will be greatly rewarding. It is a pleasure to see a loved one's face light up when receiving that little box. It's even better to see her face light up again 10 years from now when she remembers the trouble you went to (sure, let her believe it was a hassle...) to get that special something. After all, great things come in small packages.

Loree Rodkin - Michelle Obama’s Jewelry Guru

We all know by now that Jason Wu is the designer of Michelle Obama’s elegant Inaugural gown. He’s been interviewed by every news outlet, and will surely get a huge boost when his line debuts at Fashion Week next month. But what about the jewelry?

I’ve confirmed that - yet again - Michelle Obama chose designer to the stars, Loree Rodkin, for her diamond statement last night. The shoulder-length danglers are Rodkin’s white gold and triple rose-cut diamond earrings with garland diamond briolette drops.

In total, Rodkin was selected for four key Obama moments; Election Night, The Inaugural Concert, Kids Inaugural Concert on The Disney Channel and the Inaugural Ball. All pieces worn to The Inaugural Ball will become part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum.

So who is this diamond diva that has a virtual ice monopoly on the First Lady? Rodkin is an American designer who attracts a clientele that is strong, hard-working, feminine, independent, fearless and outspoken, according to a press release. She bedecked funky Oscar-winning writer, Diablo Cody, for the Oscars, as an example.

Mrs. Obama was introduced to the jewelry brand through Chicago's premier luxury boutique Ikram, where she has been a longstanding client.

"It's a privilege to be a part of history. Today the country has new hope," Loree Rodkin gushed. "The First Lady is a symbol of hope, courage and great style. I am honored that she has chosen my jewelry. Words cannot describe the emotions I feel that Michelle Obama has allowed me to be a part of this glorious moment."

"For three years I have ended all of my emails with, 'CHANGE is the only constant', it's fitting my designs are now associated with First Lady, Michelle Obama."

If you want a little Rodkin of your own, her collection is available nationwide at Neiman Marcus and at specialty stores in Hong Kong, France, Italy, Russia, London, Greece, Switzerland, St. Barts and free standing Loree Rodkin boutiques in Japan.

For additional store locations visit Loree Rodkin online at www.loreerodkin.com.

Wu! There It Is! - Michelle Obama’s Gown Choice Revealed

The question on everyone’s minds tonight is not how President Obama is going to solve the economic crisis or end the war(s) on foreign soil, or even spend his first day in office. Nope. It’s: What on earth is Michelle Obama going to wear to the 587 Inaugural Balls she has to attend tonight? And in jewelry hound circles: How much bling does she dare wear in these troubled times?

The answers are all here, my friends, (to channel our old pal, John McCain). The Divine Mrs. O chose a ‘safe’, white, off-one-shoulder gown by 26-year-old designer, Jason Wu. According to Wu’s website, the Taipei native moved to Vancouver when Wu was 9, where he began learning how to sew. He enrolled in the prestigious Parsons School of Design years later and interned with Narciso Rodriguez, who designed our First Lady’s Election Night frock and her camel suit for the 'We Are One' concert on Sunday.

Celebrity stylist, Robert Verdi, already weighed in on the choice on CNN earlier, lamenting that Obama played it a bit safe. And he rightly pointed out that Nancy Reagan wore a similar silhouette 'lo those many years ago. "Been there done that", doesn't really feel like an appropriate criticism today, though, Robert - especially when our first lady has arm tone that would make the likes of Madonna jealous.

No word yet on who designed the bling – and whether or not the baubles are on loan or are now permanent fixtures in the White House – but it’s clear Obama isn’t holding back on the shimmer factor tonight. A thick diamond cuff added sparkle to her wrist, and shoulder-length diamond drop earrings dangled in the light as she and our President ‘danced’ to a serenade from the ubiquitous Beyonce.

The song, At Last, sums up the day better than I ever could.

Holy Toledo! Michelle Obama Sparkles in Diamonds and Gold

Like a beaming ray of sunshine, Michelle Obama officially began her own era as a style icon at this morning’s historic Inauguration ceremony. Appearing in a stunning gold sheath dress from Cuban-born designer, Isabel Toledo, Mrs. Obama made a glittering statement that was both conservative and fashion forward.

Her diamond-brooched neckline was the only sparkle to be found at the traditionally buttoned-up affair, and while many might interpret the choice as a bit much for such a serious occasion, I say: Shine on, First Lady, shine on!

"What's so powerful about Michelle Obama is we all see ourselves in her. She's a modern woman who is fashionable and even flamboyant in her style and she is still taken seriously," gushed red carpet stylist, Mary Alice Stephenson .

"She's wearing that dress today for all of us. We're all wearing that dress with her. The dress is elegant, appropriate and has the individual style stamp of Michelle Obama and is timely for a woman in her 40s — and she wears embellishment during the day. Hallelujah!"

Hallelujah indeed! Two icey diamond studs finished the look in addition to olive gloves by (drumroll….) none other than J Crew! And the adorable Obama daughters appeared in J Crew coats in periwinkle and pink.

Quel surprise!

And for those of you who want your own version of the inauguration frock, a spring version of the dress - which will retail for around $1,500 - will hit Barney's in March. Will the dress be a hit or a big miss for the masses? Did you like our First Lady's colorful choice today, or do you prefer the grey librarian look of Laura Bush? (rhetorical question...sorry). Weigh in!

I’ll be keeping a close eye on ball gown and bling buzz tonight, so stay tuned. In the meantime, I think I’ll glow in what poet, Elizabeth Alexander, so beautifully described as today’s ‘sharp sparkle’.

Indeed.

Michelle Obama's Borrowed Bling

All eyes are going to be on the Obamas tomorrow, and in honor of the monumental occasion, I’ve taken a vow against ‘snarky" until after the Inauguration. Of course, there’s nothing like a good honest recounting of the fashion facts, right?

We’ve been waiting for months to see what the Divine Mrs. O will grace us with during the monumental festivities, and so far…well…so good.

Narcisco Rodriguez seems to be the belle of the ball in the fashion designer race to become the next “Oscar de la Renta” to the nation’s First Lady.

Mrs. O was bedecked in a camel and black N-Ro skirt and coat at the “We Are One” concert” on Sunday, and she accented the ensemble with something borrowed - namely a $17,000 pair of diamond earrings from designer, Loree Rodkin.

Both designers dressed the First Lady-Elect on Election Night, but will they win the golden Inaugural Ball ticket? Stay tuned….

In the meantime, waste time before you stream the Inauguration ceremony at work tomorrow taking the New York Times First Lady Fashion Quiz. I got 12 out of 15 - not too shabby for a jewelry hound, I suppose. I'm a little rusty on my Mamie Eisenhower trivia..

What score did you get?

J-Lo's Roving Ring

Jennifer Lopez has been spotted on the red carpet recently without her wedding ring, which in normal circles means there’s trouble in paradise. It was MIA for both the premiere of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button AND last weekend’s Golden Globes.

Her explanation to In Touch Weekly?

"Every time I'm not wearing my ring, people think I'm getting divorced."

"That's crazy! It just didn't go with the dress."

Yeah. Right.

While most women take their rings off from time to time, say, if there is a floor to scour or a violent game of tennis on the calendar, I have rarely heard the excuse that “my 8.5 carat Neil Lane shocker doesn’t go with my evening gown.” Especially if the dress is that abhorrent jewelry-clashing color….gold! Or that hard to accessorize hue, white, as The New York Daily News points out.

A mutual pal of the married couple of four years told US Weekly, "They both didn't wear their rings on purpose. Nothing Jennifer does is without purpose."

Which begs the question: Is the twosome toying with us to drum up publicity? Let’s face it. Their creative collaborations haven’t resulted in the critical success J-Lo's solo offerings enjoyed. And they just renewed their vows in October and birthed twins – two signs of a healthy relationship in normal circles.

Whatever the reason, Mami, wedding rings, no matter who you are, are not to be worn as a fashion accessory. They are the permanent reminder that you’re hitched, off the market, with ball and chain, however you want to put it, and taking them off because they don’t go with a ball gown is kindof spitting in the face of the whole operation if you ask me.

What do you guys think? Am I being too closed minded about this issue? Is it OK to take your rings off from time to time if they don’t go with an outfit? Or if you’re pissed at your B-list husband for ruining your career?

Weigh in!

Bikini Bottom Bling

SpongeBob SquarePants is turning 10 this year (feeling old now?), and to celebrate he’s getting a blingy makeover from hip-hop and fashion impresario, Russell Simmons.



Isn’t that what every sea-dwelling sponge lives for?

Simmons Jewelry is collaborating with Nickelodeon/Viacom Consumer Products on a SpongeBob SqaurePants jewelry and watch line that will hit stores in time for fall. In the meantime, a signature SpongeBob pendant is being auctioned off for Simmons’ Diamond Empowerment Fund and is making its glittering debut at the Sundance Film Festival this week, where they are staging the first-ever SpongeBob live cast reading.

One lucky kid will get to wear a whopping 12 carat diamond-encrusted SpongeBob around their little neck if the ‘rents pony up. The design is an abstract interpretation of Mr. SquarePants and includes white diamonds as well as color enhanced yellow, red and blue diamonds set in 18KT yellow and white gold.

“We are always looking for innovative ideas to develop fine jewelry and the Nickelodeon partnership to license SpongeBob is the perfect addition to the Simmons Jewelry Co. family," said Russell Simmons, who will be on-hand to announce the partnership at Sundance.

The entire retail collection will feature a variety of designs using enamel, gold, silver, and diamonds. Prices will range from $150 to $75,000 clams.

Getting “Happy Squared” never looked this good.