The following manual is a description of features to be taken into account in your purchase of a gemstone.
Color is the most important factor in the purchase of stones. The color’s tone and saturation are essential in determining a stone’s value. Stones that are bright and vivid in color with a medium tone are rare and in popular demand. Gemstones that are pale in color or very dark in color are generally less popular and, thus, less expensive. Also, stones bearing a brown or gray tint are considered to be less precious.
A gemstone’s value can also be assessed by its clarity. Its worth is contingent on the cloudiness of the jewel and the presence of inclusions. Inclusions – a solid, liquid or gas contained within a rock – is a natural part of a gemstone’s growth and are considered to be the “fingerprint” of the stone. Gemstones with this characteristic are not always considered flawed, as some stones are recognized for their inclusions alone – such as star sapphire and opal. Rutilated quartz, with which Rachel often works, is filled with inclusions, and it is this attribute that gives this type of quartz its unique beauty. Inclusions can also denote a stone’s value. Take the emerald – its three-phase inclusion is a sign that it is a Columbian emerald, which designates it as a stone of high value. But because darker stones can disguise inclusions, the issue of clarity has the most impact on pastel-colored stones.
Gems are measured and sold in carat weight, which places one carat at one-fifth of a gram. The matter of weight comes into the equation when evaluating a stone’s worth since gems of the same size and dimension might weigh more or less than the other due to the density – which affects the clarity – of the stones. For example, a ruby and a tourmaline stone might have the same measurements in length and width, yet the density of these different stones varies, which affects the carat weight. Certain gems – emerald, ruby and sapphire, to name a few – are rare in larger carat weight. On the other hand, stones such as amethyst, citrine and blue topaz are readily available in larger sizes.
The “cut” refers to the shape and quality for which a stone is cut. Gemstones are brought to life by the skilled gem cutter, which is why the cut of the rock is of the utmost importance. These experts, trained to evaluate the rough stone, decides which cut brings the most light and beauty to the stone. The most common variations are inclusive to the round brilliant, oval, cabochon and emerald cut. The end result should be balanced, symmetrical, and brilliant to the eye. This is so the stone maintains its beauty in all directions at every tilt so that it radiates from any angle.
Keep in mind that most people purchase jewelry with the intention of keeping it forever. This guide is to help you, the customer, know how to purchase beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces of high quality that are made to last.
The key to jewelry selection is to trust your instincts. When you are drawn to a certain piece there is a strong possibility that you can wear it well. Similarly, if you have the slightest hesitance in buying a piece, then it is not the one for you.
Obviously, you want something that is going to last, so make sure the stones are genuine and of good quality. One way to determine the authenticity is to closely examine the stones to see that they have a natural look and are not plastic or synthetic. The quality of the gems can be evaluated by the clarity and glow. Take your color into account. Do you look good in blue tones and brightly colored stones, such as turquoise and lapis; or are you better complimented by subtle hints of color, like the stones in the quartz family?
Gold is a very flattering metal. It gives the wearer a nice, warm skin tone and tends to bring out beautiful features. Many people classify themselves as either a “gold person” or a “silver person” and rarely switch it up. Challenge yourself – experiment with gold if you are more of a silver or platinum person, or try silver if you usually wear gold. But with a variety of metals out there, you need not opt for either silver or gold. Have an open mind and branch out by trying other materials [such as…]. Purchase metals that look nice on your skin tone and that you naturally gravitate toward.
Several details need to be attended to when shopping for your partner – especially when you are buying jewelry, which your lover is likely to keep forever.
If she is like most women, she has probably helped you out with your style. Or tried to help you, anyway. So the least you could do is a bit of homework to figure her out and find a piece that is sure to be special to her.
Take her taste into account before making the purchase and be sure you know her likes and what her style is. How does she dress? Where does she shop? Is she more conservative, or is she bold? Would she appreciate a classic diamond piece, or something fresh and edgy, like black stones? The answers to these questions and more will guide you to an item that is certain to compliment her.
If her style has a more classic feel, look for a clean-looking diamond piece with a simple silver chain. The La Vie Necklace, from the Rachel Burklund Collection, is the perfect timeless accessory. For an edgier girl with a more contemporary look, we suggest the Figure Necklace or the Liquid Twig Pendant for something very avant-garde.
It might take you a few tries to get it right, but the more research you do guarantees a quicker and less painful search for the perfect piece. Remember: being on the receiving end of bad jewelry is no fun, either.
Don’t let this psyche you out, though. Jewelry is an easier gift to give than clothing because it is more likely to fit the person for whom it is intended without them having to try it on and spoil the surprise. Rings can be a bit tricky, since you must know her size. A simple solution to this is to look at the size of a ring she already owns and wears, or just ask her sister or friend if they know her ring size.
Although the best way to get the correct size is by borrowing her favorite piece and measuring it, here are some general measurements for purchasing jewelry in the event that this ideal isn’t feasible:
• When shopping for a petite woman, look for necklaces that are 14” in length; bracelets should be 6”.
• If she’s around 5’6” and proportionate in weight, go for a 16” necklace and a 6½” bracelet.
• If she is 6 feet or taller, she would be best complimented by a necklace of 18”; bracelets should be at least 7½” in length.
When taking her style into account, don’t just copy her by purchasing mimics of pieces she already owns. Switch it up a little: if she likes earrings of a simple sort, find her a small dangle with a stunning stone. If she likes dramatic pieces and wears accessories often, search for something that is totally unique to her, like asymmetric earrings or a necklace that drapes slightly off-center.
Now, think “high-end,” grab your notes, and get out there!