Men in Pearls
I have been saying it for years – men look great in pearls. I do admit to preferring black pearls on men but if you have been paying attention, it is white pearls that the male trend setters are wearing. And why not?
Women traditionally wear pearls for their weddings because they symbolize purity (and match their white wedding dresses) - how quaint. But for men, they have historically symbolized wealth and power. Today, that power is the ability to wear whatever you want.
While watching the Voice this season, Bodie caught my eye with his classic strand of white pearls, worn over his neck tattoo.
He inspired me do a google search of 'men in pearls' which was exceedingly fruitful. Here are some different ways to be masculine in pearls.
Pharell Williams with a layered look
Joe Pederson on the field
Everything old is new again. To read more about the history of men in pearls, click here. https://www.karipearls.com/pearls-on-men.html
Click here to shop for your man
https://www.sonoranskyjewelry.com/collections/modern-pearls]]>
How To Start Shopping For A Diamond Engagement Ring
So, it's time. Time to start looking for that special ring. But where to begin?
First, let's get pronouns out of the way. I have been selling engagement rings for many years and know that it is not only men who buy them for women, but for the sake of this article I will use he/she just to simply things.
There are many ways to approach choosing just the right ring and it depends on the two people involved. In some cases, the one who will be wearing the ring wants to choose it. She will either send pictures to her fiance-to be or will tell friends exactly what she wants. The couple might even go shopping together. In other cases, the purchaser of the ring wants it to be a surprise. And sometimes, the ring will be an heirloom that is either worn as is or redesigned into something more contemporary.
Let's face it, this can be a minefield. I have seen guys come into our store with a picture of a ring that he can't possibly afford and I help him find something similar but within budget. It is important to remember that the ring is a gift and not a transaction.
So, to begin, determine your budget. Only you know how much you want to spend or can spend. It is very common to have no idea what an engagement ring will cost and often someone will just come into the jewelry store with nothing in mind, to just see what is out there and what it might cost. Or they might say they want a one carat diamond only to realize they had no idea how expensive a ring like that could be. Hey, you have to start somewhere! Doing this can really help you focus on reality.
When helping someone choose a diamond engagement ring, the first question I usually ask is whether he has anything particular in mind. If not, I ask whether she wears white or yellow metal. Then I ask a few questions about her style. The decisions you will have to make after metal are the shape of the diamond, the size of the diamond and the style of the ring. So many times a ring will just speak to someone – it will stand out from all the others in the showcase. And that is the one.
There are so many options it can be daunting or confusing. My advice is to take your time, don't rush. Feel free to shop around but pay attention to the quality of the diamonds and the quality of the ring, because something that seems like a bargain may not be. If you are not familiar with the value factors of diamonds, do just a little research online. Large chain jewelry stores are a go-to for so many people but don't forget the local independent jeweler who just might make you a better deal. You can also negotiate with an independent jeweler and that is ok to do. Finally, I would say that the experience should be joyful! Buy your ring from someone you like dealing with and trust, someone you have built a relationship with. Because you will soon be buying a wedding ring!
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Five years ago I made my first trip to the world famous Tucson gem shows. I was a freshly minted GIA graduate gemologist and was excited to be in Tucson. Traveling from Worcester, Massachusetts, just exiting the airport in Arizona was a treat in itself - sun, warmth and saguaros!
Being the type to research the hell out of everything, I did my homework before my trip to decide which shows I wanted to visit. Even having done that, I experienced a bit of sensory overload. I had a wonderful trip and went back to Worcester wanting to move to Arizona. Several years ago my husband and I did just that!
Now I go to the shows twice a year - the giant winter ones in January - February and the more limited ones in September. I work as a gemologist for a local jewelry store and attend the shows as a professional buyer, not just a hobbyist. Even though a couple of days of shopping with a mission can be exhausting, I still love it. I love seeing what is out there and getting inspiration. I buy what I need and also usually a treat or two for fun.
If you are traveling to Tucson for the shows, read up on strategies for shopping. First, attend to your comfort - bring good shoes for lots of walking and gravel, removable layers (chilly in the am and warm in the afternoons), a hat, sunglasses, water and snacks. If you are looking for finished jewelry, JOGS is a must. If you want finished gems there are lots of options. I like the Holidome shows, the convention center and the Pueblo shows.
I return to the 'motel shows' every year for fun. These are the small shows that are set up along the highway that runs through Tucson the in old roadside motels. There are a couple of vendors there that have unique gems I look for, altho since Covid some of them have not been able to make it. But mostly it is a fun place to look at giant geodes, funky stuff from overseas, the giant pearl tent and Indian food from a food truck.
Across the highway is the huge 22nd St show, which is getting bigger every year. This is a fun place to go with non jewelry or gem people because you can see dinosaur skeletons, carved gem balls, perserved butterflies and tie died clothing, in addition to lots of beads and supplies. I never leave empty handed.
Two more interesting shows are the Miner's Show, where you can talk to people who actually mined the gems they are selling and the American Indian Exposition where you can find beautifully done jewelry, crafts and turquoise direct from artisans.
Which ever shows you choose, you will not be disappointed! Get out there, talk to people, buy some stuff and eat some great Mexican food!
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To begin with, pearls are the birthstone for June. Having been a seller of jewelry for years, I have often heard someone say they do not like to wear pearls. I think this is because they think of pearls as old fashioned and demure - their grandmother's jewelry. This is why I created the 21st Century Pearl Collection - pearls for the modern woman and man. When you see how contemporary pearls can look, you just might change your mind!
Pearls are also the traditional gemstone to wear for your wedding. Pearls signify wisdom and give the feeling of purity. And it goes without saying that creamy, lustrous pearls look fabulous with a wedding dress. That being said, women these days do not always want the traditional look. The 21st Century Pearl Collection has super modern designs that will go with any unconventional bridal outfit or give an edge to a classic one.
June is also the month of graduation. What can make a woman look more professional, polished and put together than pearls?
It is time to rethink your jewelry wardrobe!
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