Gold vs. Silver: USA Beats USSR in Hockey circa 1976

There are all sorts of rivalries that will never be settled. Trust me, I’m a Boston Red Sox AND a Dallas Cowboys fan. I know that there are certain questions never to be answered. Right up with there is the argument of gold versus silver. Each precious metal has good points. It all comes down to preference.

There really is no competition. If you were to ask a professional jeweler, odds are they would tell you that gold is the winner, but only because the value of gold is so much higher than silver these days.  The other advantage that gold has is the fact that it is basically unique. There are other precious metals that affordable fine jewelry is made out of that is similar to silver in appearance but not in value.

The advantage of silver, however, is just that...silver will maintain a value that has been proven while other new “substitute” materials may not be able to. Plus, silver has more of a range in what kind of precious gem stones it can work with. Gold is limited to certain stones while silver is a much more welcoming metal. In the end, who wins the gold versus silver debate is really left up to who buys the jewelry.

How to Impress Your Better Half

Rodney Dangerfield was right. I get no respect, no respect. I assume this is a problem you have too; too often we get used to doing stuff for our loved ones, to the point where we forget that they can do stuff for themselves. So how to impress your better half? Well, this is a jewelry blog, so let’s talk shiny rocks.

·     Memorize the Moh’s Scale of Mineral Hardness Brains are always sexy, at least in my book. You can probably get away with just the values for the more impressive rocks. Just remember, it’s a logarithmic scale, so a mineral with a hardness of 10 (diamonds) is ten times harder than 9 (corundum, which sapphires and rubies are both variants of). Also, you get to whip out the word logarithm.

·      Observe Your Better Half in the Wild Learn again what he or she likes in jewelry. It’s always nice to be reminded that your beloved is still infatuated enough with you to remember the little details.

There! Two ways to show off a bit in front of that most treasured person, the apple in your eye. Next time you ask yourself how to impress your better half, remember: look smart and be sensitive. You convinced them to love you, the important part is keeping up the charade, right? Right.

Ten Tips...Before Buying Diamonds

If you're buying a diamond, it's easy to get lost in the madness. To cut through the madness, here are ten tips before buying diamonds. They could all be “DO YOUR RESEARCH,” but we threw in a few freebies.

·         Do Your Research This simple bullet points covers several rather important topics, but it boils down to know what you're looking for. Don't be overwhelmed.

·         Consider Synthetic Lab-grown, cultured, synthetic, these are all terms for diamonds made by humans. They're cheaper and more ethical.

·         Don't Round Up Jewelers often charge a premium for the solitaire diamonds that have even carat. You won't notice the difference between 1.8 and 2. I promise

·         Try a Smaller Stone Trends these days are to upgrade at important anniversaries, anyway. Find a pretty rock and buy that

·         Buy a Loose Diamond Buy your solitaire and have it set. This could save a brick of cash.

·         Engrave Your Ring Have it micro engraved so it's easier to recover from theft.

·         Get Certified Diamonds Better sources mean better diamonds.

·         Re cut an Antique Re cutting an antique into a more flattering modern shape means keeping an heirloom and keeping your cash.

·         Choose Metals Wisely Platinum costs more, but is more durable and is thought to be more flattering for gems.

·         Buy Online Online retailers can save you a pretty penny and often have great perks.

There you go, ten tips before buying diamonds. Shop safe!