Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Valentines Day Jewelry Shopping 101: Survival Guide for Guys

By Art Barron

If you're like most men, Valentine jewelry shopping for your girl can be a frustrating experience. What does she like? Where can you get it? How do you know that what you're buying is the right one? There are so many questions to ponder and there seems to be no straight answers!

There's no need to worry. It is not a shame to perplexed. To make you feel better, most men do find it challenging to shop for jewelry.

Shopping for jewelry need not be a Titanic in your life. Here are some things to consider to help you along:

Do some recon first; figure out what she likes.

Expensive and trendy doesn't always equal a bull's eye. Depending on the woman, there are some who like it small and discrete, and some who want it loud and fabulous. There are also those who like it formal and classy, and those who like it playful and experimental. Even the material can be preferred, such as gold, silver, copper, bronze, and pewter. And, oops, the stones! Don't forget the precious stones.

How would you know what she likes? Don't depend merely on the shop owner because he certainly doesn't know your girlfriend! Begin by noticing what she likes to wear every so often. Take a peek inside her jewelry box. Take a photo of her in full get up, and show the sales person. You can even ask her best friend for advice. If you can, go with her when she shops and try to notice which jewels she is mostly drawn to.

Selecting a design. With hearts or not?

Hearts are common this time of the year and they are always a good choice. They fit the occasion and they can be worn across seasons. A heart also symbolizes the feeling that goes with the gift. By choosing heart-shaped jewelry, you are sending your message of affection loud and clear.

Please do remember that you can choose not to buy heart-shaped jewels on Valentines Day. And, there are also some women who are not interested in wearing jewels with hearts on them. If you find that your girl is one of them, look for something else. There's plenty of flexibility when it comes to Valentines Day jewelry gifts. There's no obligation to stay with the concept.

You can pick something that is practical, one she can wear regularly to work like a reliable pair of silver earrings. You can go for something that symbolizes her personality like a violin pendant if she plays the instrument. You can choose a design that tells a story about the relationship you two have, like journey pendants with engraved initials. There are many possible options available.

Look around

A common mistake for many guys is to pop into the nearest store and grab the nearest item at hand. DON'T DO THIS. The more stores you visit, the better chance you'll have at finding and picking the best gift there is out there. Always do it ahead of time, at least you'll have both options and schedule on your side.

Be limitless and don't just settle for shops in the malls. Go and search for antique shops, shop online, or look for family-owned establishments that create custom-made jewelry settings and art forms. While being on a budget, you can easily check out pawnshops as well. Try checking for family heirlooms to be resized or remodeled, as well.

Wherever you buy, make sure that your jewelry has a certification of authenticity. This will help ensure that what you are spending your hard-earned cash on is the real deal.

If all else fails, let it to those who know:

If jewelry shopping has already left you perplexed, this one's for you: leave her to choose the jewelry she likes. Making her pick out what she likes is still as romantic.

Here's a tip: Befriend the jeweler or shop owner before hand, and let him know your price range. That way, he can arrange a private viewing of the jewels that fit that range for you and your lady. And if you think about it, you, your girl, and a nice, quiet, cool room filled with sparkling jewelry and other baubles does seem romantic, don't you think? - 15683

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