Some gems of a deal...

If you are buying jewelry for the holidays there are some things to remember.  Don't be dazzled by the first bright and shiny thing you see, remember there are some pitfalls to buying the perfect piece.  Most folks know about cut color clarity and carat when it comes to diamonds, but for a quick refresher you can check out the great information at Gem Sutra.  The cut, clarity and carat weight also apply to other gems as well; so if you know the basics it will help you a lot when you are out looking.  Its important to know you setting information too, for example the difference between gold fill, gold layering and gold plating is gold fill is made up of 1/20th 14kt gold to equal 3% actual gold in a gold filled piece. A layer of 14kt gold is put over brass by heat and pressure bonding. Gold filled has an actual layer of gold, while gold plated merely has a microscopic film. Gold vermeil by FTC standards has a 100 millionths of an inch layer of 14kt gold over sterling silver. Gold also can be made into many many colors ranging from gold, silver, and rose as well as the surprising colors of purple, green or blue depending on which metals are mixed with the gold, for example 18kt rose gold is made up of 75% gold, 5% silver and 20% copper.  Finally,  Platinum which is the most pure metal of the precious metals. The highest grade of platinum jewelry is .950 or 95.0% pure. If you are looking at platinum that feels light or is surprisingly low in cost ask the grade.  As a general rule, a setting in .950 Platinum will cost about 7 times more than the same piece done in 14kt yellow gold.

There are 2000 identified minerals, and of that group 100 are considered to be gemstones so here are some things that can help you find just the right one for the holidays:

A Ring Size Comparison Chart if you are looking at rings can help you find the right size no matter where you purchase the item.

Birthstones:

January - Garnet
February - Amethyst
March - Aquamarine
April - Diamond
May - Emerald
June - Alexandrite or Pearl
July - Ruby
August - Peridot
September - Blue Sapphire
October - Tourmaline (pink)
November - Citrine or Topaz (golden)
December - Zircon or Tourmaline (blue)

If you find something you think looks great but need more information there is a wealth of it at GemInfo.com, everything from Buying tips and care to the history of specific stones.

Now that you are armed with good information here are some wonderful sales going on right now. 

Zales is offering a $50.00 off $300.00 coupon when you sign up for their email offers, they also have a 60% off sale running with an additional 10% off until 12/12/2010, they also have free shipping on any order over $149.00.

Kay Jeweler's is having a sale on select items right now, they also offer to buy your old gold for cash.

ICE.com is having a sale of 25% off site wide with coupon code IBLHY through 12/31/2010, they also have a Christmas wish-list sweepstakes to enter to try to win over $15,000 in giveaways.  Remember when you are there to check the deal of the day as well.

JC Penny is offering $50.00 off your fine jewelry purchase of $250 or more if you use coupon code SANTAGEM at checkout, if you use coupon code FALALA you can get free shipping on orders over $69.00.  If you are planning on going into a local JC Penny then be sure to print your coupon for $10.00 off any $50.00, this coupon is good until 1/10/2011.

Helzberg normally doesn't have sales but they are offering free shipping on orders over 149.00.  I was able to find a coupon code of 32182 that says it will give you $10.00 off your order but its not a reliable code so it may or may not work for you.


Jared is having their customer appreciation event this weekend both on line and in the stores, for every $500.00 you spend you will get $100.00 in holiday rewards that you can spend immediately, each reward certificate is good on purchases over $300.00 and won't expire until January 29, 2011.  This weekend you can also get a free set of four Waterford glasses with any purchase over $300.00.

Blue Nile has a coupon code available HOLIDAY40 that will get you 10% off you order as well as free shipping until December 24, 2010.  Every day until Christmas they have an exclusive offer of the day, be sure to take a peek.  While you are there be sure to enter their drawing to win a Blue Nile Signature Diamond.

And the best for last, because really, what woman doesn't want a beautiful blue box under the tree!?!?  Tiffany and Co. is offering complimentary free shipping on all orders until December 23, 2010, and guys, don't be afraid to check out Tiffany's, you can find some truly great items for $100.00 or less.

Have a great weekend everyone!

C.Q.