Jewelry Buying Tips

Make sure that you know what you are buying.

1. Is your jewelry a real gemstone or synthetic?
   Reputable jewelers will normally say this in the product description or when asked. Some jewelers do not know, but can find out from their suppliers. Don’t be afraid to ask about the differences in gemstone quality; a jeweler will be happy to provide these details.
2. Is your jewelry color-enhanced or dyed?
   Many gems & minerals are color-enhanced today; these pieces are equally attractive and often a lower price. However, be careful, as some dyes will fade over time, especially when exposed to sunlight and/or chemicals including natural body oils and perfumes.
3. What grade of gem or gemstone is it? How does that compare to a piece that may cost slightly more?
   With precious gemstones it is often worth “buying up one level of quality” as these usually have and retain higher value over time.
4. What gold karat does your loved-one normally wear? 10K, 18K, 24K, etc?
   Know this before making a purchase.
5. What are the weak points in the design—can it break or tear?
   Ask the jeweler if you have any concerns about this, or request a jeweler’s loupe to have a closer look. Bracelets worn frequently will have more wear and tear than earrings or necklaces under normal wear conditions.
6. How do you clean the jewelry?
   Do not use abrasives and chemicals on pearl and opals as they may be permanently damaged!
7. Are there any cracks or fractures in the crystal or mineral that could cause it to break if dropped?
   Some lower quality gemstones will crumble along natural cracks (for example turquoise that has not been stabilized). Lower quality pearls with a thin nacre (skin) will often peel or split. Many gemstones will crack or chip if dropped or knocked—even very hard stones like diamonds and sapphires; these are often designed in protective settings.
8. What is the Return or Exchange Policy if she/he does not like the piece?
   Please see our Return Policy.

Buying Tips For Men

1. Consider her favorite colors and her skintone/ coloring when selecting a style.
2. Does she prefer gemstones, pearls, gold or silver? Does she have a favorite stone such as sapphire (blue), aquamarine (green), or amethyst (purple)?
3. Does she prefer to wear light, delicate pieces or a heavier, chunkier look?
4. Does she prefer classic styles, casual styles or fun designs?
5. Find out her favorite colors and which colors she likes to wear most.
6. You could ask us to keep a list of her favorite items (a wish list); the final selection would be your choice & would be a nice surprise for her!
7. Need help with an idea? Contact candice@cjfundesigns.com with a brief description of your spouse, partner, family or friend and generally what you’d like to buy her. We have great ideas to help you!
8. Ask her directly (if she cannot decide—don’t give up—she may be expecting you to know what she likes and will be really happy to know that you took a little extra time to think of her!
9. Ask someone in her circle of family or friends to help, but do so discreetly! Sometimes women do not mind friends helping, and others do not care for a design chosen by another woman.
10. Many women welcome their loved ones asking what types of jewelry they like—it can be a fun experience to share together!
11. Ask her for several choices and then keep your selection a surprise.
12. If it is within your budget, select a set or two types of design that you think would look great on her and give her a double surprise! We always offer discounts for multiple purchases.

Need help? Buying jewelry is often a very personal decision; we are here to help you if you get stuck for an idea or need to narrow down the choices! We have helped many men select great designs for their special lady!

Buying Tips For Women

1. Does he hate shopping?
   Some men love to shop, but many do not. Help make it easier by letting him feel part of the process without needing to stand around for hours while we “choose stuff”. I try to choose stores that have a place for him to sit, or even a TV as it can be boring waiting for someone to try on different items! Mine loves to stroll around the local Apple computer store or Sharper Image while I’m busy; at 30 minute intervals we check back with each other—eventually we meet up for lunch or coffee—it’s great to be together part of the time and more fun for both of us to enjoy our own shopping. No whining and guilt-free. Also, try not to make it an “expedition”—more than two or three hours can be very tiring!
2. About 1 in 7 men are color-blind and this can make it very challenging to “match” pieces; we can help with this—it does not mean your man does not want to buy something special for you! Remember, it takes years of play and testing for women to mix & match designs in clothing & jewelry; most men have very little experience with mixing & matching these complex design elements!
3. With elderly parents try stopping every hour for a coffee, tea or soda—everyone will feel refreshed!
4. Personally, I believe in letting men know what I like without “all the fuss”—in my case it is really tough to choose jewelry for a geologist! So I help my friends & loved ones along in this process by saying what I like.
   
   For example:
   “I really love silver bracelets!”
   “Purple is definitely my favorite color.”
   “I love this jewelry. What do you think?”
   “I saw a great bracelet recently but I’m waiting for a special occasion to buy it! Would you like to know where I saw it?”
   “You said you would like to buy me something special for my birthday, would you like me to say what I’d like?”
5. If this does not work—why not buy your own jewelry, wrap it up in a new sweater or lingerie and give it to him as a present! He will get the message and will enjoy you wearing it anyway! You both win… and it’s fun!