Gift Ideas for Her

The pressure is on to get the perfect gift for her, especially if you are in a new relationship or a long term one. I was doing my own research and was amazed at some of the suggestions (Coffee or hot chocolate samplers, socks, alarm clock, a map, a mug, stuffed animal). NONE of the suggestions above are okay UNLESSS she has asked for them or put them on her list. Let's face it, Christmas/ Hanukkah is the start of the busy and let's not forget PRESSURE season for gift giving for her. There is Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day and then the Wedding Season begins, not to mention she may have a birthday between Christmas and Easter.

I worked in retail for over 15 years, 10 years in fine jewelry and it never fails the women come back the day after Christmas or shortly thereafter, COMPLAINING about the gifts they received. If I received some the gifts that were recommended or that I saw over the years I would be complaining too!! I am as PARTICULAR as they come, which for GREAT FOR YOUR SAKE!!!! I want to provide some suggestions to help take the pressure off and ENSURE that your gift(s) are appreciated and not tossed in a drawer or that you are talked about to her girlfriends and family!!

Will She Like My Gift?
DON’T rely just on the opinion of the salesperson that is assisting you. OF COURSE everything looks great, especially if she/he makes commission. Take along her sister, mom or friend if that isn’t possible ask a woman in the store that doesn’t work there. Say to her: “Excuse, I would like your opinion and please be honest I want to get the RIGHT gift, one she will LOVE.” DON’T say anything else, DON’T be offended and allow the woman to give her opinion and ask questions. If you find pictures of she has of jewelry take those along, you may find the store and the jewelry or something similar.

Jewelry
When buying jewelry bigger isn’t always better. If you are going to buy any type of diamond jewelry don’t choose the bigger diamond that is cloudy and white over the smaller diamond that has fire and ice when the light hits. If you can see carbon spots (little black dots) without a lope or microscope – PASS (How to Buy A Diamond ). If it is gold or sterling silver, look for the stamp (10 k, 14 k or 585, 18k or 750, Sterling or 925). Ask if it is vermeil, gold overlay, gold or solid gold. Ask if there are any skin allergies, some women can only wear gold or sterling silver. Some women are not jewelry lovers, so buying a BIG piece of jewelry may not go over well so consider a more conservative or every day piece of jewelry. ALL fine jewelry should come with an appraisal or replacement value certificate for insurance purposes (Appraisal Blog).

Jewelry Set ($700 to $3,000)
Consider a jewelry set, either a necklace and bracelet or bracelet and earrings. A jewelry set is a great idea because you can buy 2 gifts at the same time and present them for Christmas and Valentine’s Day for example. Your selection of a jewelry set will show that you thought about what gift to give and that you had a plan. A jewelry set will save you time and may save you money as well.

Tennis Bracelet or Bangle ($999 to $10,000)
If you buy her a tennis bracelet, and have between $400 and $800 consider a tennis bracelet that has gold links and diamonds and not just all diamonds. The diamonds will appear bigger because there are less and the quality of the diamonds will be better. If the tennis bracelet is over 4 carats consider buying from a jeweler or private seller because the color and clarity will be better, as will the price.

Diamond Earrings ($399 to $6,000)
If you by her diamond solitaire (single stone) earrings look at all the pairs in the same size. Then select the 2 diamonds that look the most alike. Make sure that if diamond is cloudy, white or carbon spots – PASS. You may also want to look at the carat weight below and above the earrings you are considering.

Earrings ($75 to $900)
Do you know if her ears are pierced? Don’t buy clip on earrings unless you have seen her wear them. If she always wears earrings that are hang down her neck don’t purchase other type of earrings. If she is very conservative don’t buyer earrings with a lot of colors or designs.

Bracelet ($75 to $900)
The standard size of most bracelets is 7”. What size is she small, medium, large or extra large? The majority of women can fit a 7” bracelet. If she is large or extra large ask for bracelet instead of 7” bracelet (8” aren’t as common, but some stores specialize in 8”). It is better to get a bracelet that is too large than one that is too small. Don’t consider a charm bracelet unless she already has one or asked for a charm bracelet.

Necklace (25 to $400)
The standard size of most necklaces is 16” to 18”. What size is she small, medium, large or extra large? The majority of women can fit a 16” to 18” necklace. If you select a necklace that has a pendant, select a smaller chain to offset the pedant. Consider a “diamond cut” style necklace, especially with diamond pendants because it adds extra “sparkle” to the set. Necklaces should not be too long so you can see the necklace if she has on a blouse or v neck.

Rings ($200 to $900)
DO NOT buy a ring for her unless you are already engaged or married! It can send the wrong message if your relationship is not that serious. Worse yet, you could buy her ring that has a diamond or diamonds and she thinks it's an engagement ring - BAD IDEA!! If you are still set on getting her a ring and you aren't married or engaged, select either a gold, sterling silver or ring with her birthstone (if it is Diamond -April pass BAD IDEA!!)

Bath Sets or Gift Baskets($30 to $200)
If she loves to take bubble baths consider a basket with different types of bath products like bath salts, bubble bath, foaming bubbles and lotion. Most sets come with soap and lotion. Select a scent you like or write down the name of her scent or bring the bottle with you. Other suggestions include bath pillow with cloth, bathtub caddy or sponges. (Victoria Secret, Bath & Body Works, Walmart and Costco)

Candles ($30 to $200)
Most women love candles, especially when taking a bath. You can select candles with candle holders or loose candles. If you select loose candles without holders, don’t forget to buy candle holders, plates or some other container for the candles. If you buy a lot of candles limit the scent to just 2 or 3 or you can just select 1 scent and she can select more is she likes.

Perfume ($50 to $400)
Perfume is ROMANTIC and TRICKY. Only buy perfume for her if you know or her scent or if she has told you the name of the perfume. The tricky part is that some perfumes are very expensive and DON'T buy perfume online UNLESS you have smelled it before in person. Do you know if she wears eau de parfum or eau de toilette? Eau de toilette is more common than eau de parfum and less expensive. If you want to be romantic and select a scent, smell the perfume after it is sprayed, in 5 minutes, 10 minutes and if you have time, 20 minutes. Perfume smells different once it is sprayed than minutes later. Do you know if the perfume is all year round or only for cold or hot weather? For example, Fendi perfume is best in temperatures 30° or below.

These gift ideas for her are timeless. Keep these suggestions close so you will hear her and others rave about the gift you gave her. If you still need help finding the perfect gift please email us at info@pinkdiamondgallery.com.

If she asks if you had help, it’s okay to tell her you did because you wanted her to LOVE your gift!!

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Copyright© 2009 by Pink Diamond Gallery. All rights reserved. This may not be duplicated without the permission of the owner.

I Gave Up Expensive Hand Bags (Purses) In My 20s

My first major hand bag (purse) purchase was in 1994 when I graduated from the University of Virginia. I bought myself a Coach (the stewardess) hand bag (purse) with brass feet and adjustable strap. I carried that for a number of years and then realized it was like carrying a piece of luggage everywhere I went. Then I stopped carrying a hand bag (purse) for about two years.

In 1998, I did it again, I paid almost $400 for a hand bag (purse), well if you want to call it a hand bag (purse). Now I was at the other extreme, it didn't fit more than a few things like my id, lipstick, mascara and if I was lucky a compact. The small Louis Vuitton with the monogram canvas was the hand bag (purse) a lot of women wanted to carry.

I decided I would create my own fashion trend and carry a Louis Vuitton no one else was carrying. I went into Louis Vuitton at Tysons Corner in McLean, Virginia and asked to see the hand bag (purse) that was all the “craze.” Then I asked to see the available colors. Just like that I knew I had found my hand bag (purse), it was a black epi leather with only one Louis Vuitton logo. Not only did it look different, but it was also shaped different.

I carried that hand bag (purse) to night clubs in Washington, DC, Miami, New York City, even on vacation to Aruba, Curaçao and to Grand Bahama Island. When I carried my hand bag (purse) I always felt uptight secretly hoping no one would burn it by accident with a cigarette or spill alcohol on it.

After a few years, out of necessity, I opted for less expensive, more practical hand bags (purses), sometimes only carrying a wallet. I still prefer to carry Coach. Years ago, I was truly blessed when my Grandmother gave me a vintage hand bag (purse). I still carry it from time to time.

Over the years, when I wore jewelry, I ALWAYS wore it with passion. I can’t say the same about my hand bags (purses). I always received compliments on my bracelet, necklace or earrings. I can’t say I that I EVER got a compliment on a hand bag (purse).

Ah, now that I am in my mid 30s I opt for a piece of jewelry any time over any expensive or inexpensive hand bags (purses), shoes, or clothes. What ever your passion, wear it and wear it well!!! That’s why I gave up expensive handbags in my 20s.

Visit us at Pink Diamond Gallery for all our products!

Copyright© 2009 by Pink Diamond Gallery. All rights reserved. This may not be duplicated without the permission of the owner.

My Passion – Jewelry

I am PASSIONATE and have LOVED jewelry ever since I was a little girl. Since the age of 5, I dressed up for Halloween and costume parties as a Gypsy. My Mother did my make-up and of course I got to wear as much jewelry as I wanted. I had at least 5 bracelets on each arm, numerous necklaces and my earrings were usually big and long, all the way down to my shoulders.

I could never get enough of playing dress up. However my idea of dressing up wasn’t to put on a lot of clothes and wear high heals, instead I wanted to put on A LOT of jewelry – and I mean lots!! When I visited my Grandmother in Oregon for the summers, I would beg her to let me play with her jewelry. My Grandmother would smile and sometimes laugh as I paraded around the house wearing her brooches, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

I passed on my love of jewelry to my Mother, starting when I was 9 years old. That's when I begged my Father to take me to the store to buy a Mother’s Day Gift, where I picked out a jade bunny pendant. As I got older, I bought her sapphire and diamond earrings and other jewelry with her birthstone, peridot.

During my teenage years I became mesmerized when I would see older women with large and sometimes gaudy pieces of jewelry. I would fantasize about the day I too would wear those big pieces. I went through a phase where I had smaller pieces, but that didn’t last very long. I realized that the reason older women MAY wear large jewelry was so they can see it!

For over 15 years I was fortunate enough to work with jewelry at Best Products, Zales, Kay Jewelers, Mervis Diamond Importers and Bloomingdale’s Tyson’s Corner and White Flint. I would have never imagined that someone would pay me to talk about my passion. I understand what Oprah means when she says, “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”

Now that I no longer work in Retail I have since founded Pink Diamond Gallery and also get my fix by going to the International Gem and Jewelry Show, walking by store windows anticipating a special surprise every time! I don’t think my passion and love for jewelry will ever fade – actually I grow fonder every time I see a new piece. I just have to remember that I can’t buy everything, after all what would I have to look forward to tomorrow?

Visit us at Pink Diamond Gallery for all our products!

Copyright© 2009 by Pink Diamond Gallery. All rights reserved. This may not be duplicated without the permission of the owner.

Discounts on Diamonds - ends July 31, 2009

In the Washingtonian Magazine for July 2009, “The Best of” Issue on page 111, Discounts On Diamonds. I immediately got excited and want to share this with you!

Now through July 31, 2009, readers can take up to 20% off a special selection of “Washingtonian” items at Mervis Diamond Importers, that include rings, necklaces, earrings and so much more! You might get lucky and meet Ronnie Mervis or his brother Zed Mervis! Not sure if have to make an appointment to come in, so call (800) HER LOVE or (800) 437 – 5683. Mervis Diamond Importers has 4 locations:

Tysons Corner, VA
DC
Chevy Chase, MD
Rockville, MD

Copyright© 2009 by Pink Diamond Gallery. All rights reserved. This may not be duplicated without the written permission of the owner.

Love Jewelry? International Gem & Jewelry Show July 3rd to July 5th (Timonium, MD)

Do you love jewelry? You are in for a treat at the International Gem & Jewelry Show at the Timonium Fairgrounds in Maryland, Friday, July 3, 2009 to Sunday, July 5, 2009.

There are Exhibitors from around the world, with the largest selection of jewelry all in one place. You won’t need to travel the country looking for the jewelry you love, because chances are you will find it here! You may want to spend a few hours to take in all items.

There is on-site sizing and repairs, as well as, on-site jewelry cleaning. You may be in luck and find a Jeweler for Vendor who is in the Washington, DC Metro Area. All the more reason it is worth your time to go if you are still trying to find the perfect wedding band or engagement ring!

I get so excited going to the International Gem and Jewelry show because there are just so many beautiful pieces that words can't describe it all! The selection of jewelry, includes fine jewelry, sterling silver, costume and vintage jewelry. If you love vintage jewelry you will see some of the most AMAZING pieces of jewelry dating back to as early as the early 1900s! Don't take my word for it, go and see for yourself!!

The hours for the show are as follows:
Friday, July 3, 2009 12 pm to 6pm
Saturday, July 4, 2009 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, July 5, 2009 11 am to 5 pm

• There are no strollers or photography permitted.
• For more information about tickets you may call (301) 294-1640. Check for possible coupons for discounted admission.
• Admission: $8.00 - ask how to obtain a return admission ticket for the next day.
  

Visit us at Pink Diamond Gallery for all our products!

Copyright© 2009 by Pink Diamond Gallery. All rights reserved. This may not be duplicated without the permission of the owner.