Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but pearls, emeralds and rubies aren’t too shabby either. Gemstones are beautiful and sparkly and make you feel rich, but they don’t come cheap. If you’re going to splurge, you want to do it right. How do you know you’ve chosen the best ones? We’ve got 7 tips on picking the right gems for you.
1. Bone Up on Basics
Before buying anything, do a little research. Gems are classified as either ‘precious’ or ‘semi-precious.’ Precious gems are diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Semi-precious means everything else: pearls, jade, etc. For gems you plan to wear every day, the ability to take some knocks should be a consideration, especially in the case of rings and bracelets. Rubies, sapphires and diamonds all rate 7 or higher on the Mohs scale of hardness, as do many semi-precious gems including amethyst, topaz and rose quartz. When buying quality gems, always be sure to get a certificate of authenticity. If you’re shopping online, be sure to work only with reputable vendors such as The Pearl Source.
2. Determine Your Needs
Everyday jewelry will be different than a piece for a special occasion. Being clear on what your gems will be used for will help you decide what suits you best. A high-profile ring may be stunning, but if you intend to wear it regularly and you work with your hands, a lower profile and extra prongs may be more practical.
3. Set Your Budget
Social media is full of eye-poppingly expensive bling. But even if your budget is modest, you can still find plenty of attractive options. Pearl studs or a semi-precious stone pendant can often be had for under $100. For precious stones, there are some lovely options for under $500, although the stones will likely not be very big. For large, quality, precious gems, expect to pay in the thousands, and beware of anyone trying to sell you a big precious stone for less than that. While precious gems will generally run more than semi-precious, it isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Refer to the 4 Cs of buying diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat.
4. Select Your Color Scheme
If your goal is to own a gem you can wear more or less every day, you’ll want to pick something neutral, such as pearls or diamonds. If the jewel is for a special event, it may be preferable to have it match the outfit. But what if you want your jewels for every day and you still want color? Inventory your wardrobe to see which hue will match the maximum number of items.
5. Identify Your Skin Tone
There’s another color you need to consider why buying gems: your own. Check the inside of your wrist. Bluish veins usually mean a cool skin tone while greenish veins often mean a warm tone. Red or blonde hair is usually associated with warm skin, while darker skin tends to be cooler. Blue, pink, purple and red gems look best with cool skin, as do white and pink pearls. Peach, green, and yellow coordinate nicely with warm tones, in addition to pearls with a gold or ivory base.
6. Face Your Face
Your face shape is another consideration when purchasing gems. Drop earrings look great with a heart-shaped face. For an oblong face, consider round earrings. Elongated ovals or rectangles help to lengthen a square or round face and chokers look stunning on a long neck.
7. Confront Your Style
Are you the first to hop on a trend or do you prefer more classic styles? Minimalist or maximizer? Does heirloom jewelry make you swoon, or does it remind you of grandma? Knowing your personal preferences is an absolute must before investing in gems. If you’re all about the latest fashion, costume jewelry may be the way to go. No point in spending a bundle on something you’ll only wear a few times. But if a pearl strand is your idea of the ultimate in sophistication, go ahead and treat yourself. Certain pieces, like a diamond tennis bracelet, a gemstone pendant and pearls never go out of style and will make a great addition to your collection.
Armed with these tips, you can confidently go forth and invest in just the right gem for you!
