What Every Girl Needs: Jewelry Box Basics

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, male masses will likely flock to jewelry stores in search of gifts to dazzle and delight. However, many will become stuck once it’s time to decide what article of jewelry best fits their loved one’s style.

For those who might be stumped once the jewelry counter is in sight, Jerry Ehrenwald, president of the consumer-focused NYC-based International Gemological Institute (IGI) and a graduate gemologist with 40 years of industry experience, sheds some light on the best baubles for her jewelry box.

“You can’t go wrong with the classics,” said Ehrenwald. “There are several key articles of jewelry that every woman should have in her collection and giving these ensures gift-giving success, time and time again.”

With this in mind, Ehrenwald offers the following suggestions:

• Pearl Earrings and/or Necklace – Pearls are about as classic as jewelry gets. With their luminescent coloring, pearls can be worn with almost every color.


• Right Hand Ring – Add glitz to her everyday ensemble. Ehrenwald advises looking for something with a colorful center stone such as garnet or aquamarine.


• Diamond Studs – A sophisticated selection, diamond studs will shine, no matter the occasion.


• Engagement Ring – Maybe you’re ready to let your Valentine know that she’s “the one?” Make sure to match the style of the engagement ring to her overall taste. If she loves antiques, consider a period design such as an Edwardian or Art Deco style ring. If she’s a trendsetter, try a contemporary ring with a fancy color diamond. If she’s a traditional gal, a diamond solitaire may be your best bet.

Ehrenwald also offers the following tips to help you navigate through the jewelry buying process:

• When shopping for colored gemstones, color saturation and tone are the most important factors. Vivid/bright colors with medium tone are most sought after.


• When shopping for diamonds, remember that each one has distinct characteristics, so make sure to learn the 4 Cs—color, clarity, cut quality, carat weight—so you can ultimately make a knowledgeable purchase decision. You can find helpful information on the 4 Cs at www.igiworldwide.com.

• Ask for an independent grading report from an accredited, long-standing gemological institute, such as IGI, which will give you the opportunity to compare one gemstone’s quality and value to that of another. In addition to providing an unbiased assessment of the diamond’s 4 Cs, the report should also disclose if the stone is synthetic or has undergone any treatments or processes.

IGI provides objective and accurate grading, identification and appraisal reports for gemstones and fine jewelry. IGI does not buy or sell diamonds, gemstones or fine jewelry; it is an unbiased and neutral organization, consisting of graduate gemologists and accredited gem and jewelry appraisers. IGI’s mission is to provide retailers and consumers with accurate and reliable product information.
Source: businesswire