Before you purchase platinum jewelery, study up on the best ways to buy

By Celebrity Stylist, Michael O’Connor

By early adulthood everyone should realize the realities of retail. According to Wikipedia: “Retail consists of the sale of goods or merchandise from a fixed location,…for direct consumption by the purchaser.” Retail stores are “for-profit” businesses that purchase products at one price, then, sell them to the consumer at a higher price that yields them a profit. This involves adding a markup amount (or percentage) to the retailer’s cost.”  By the nature of retail, each store carries an inventory of products that is in their best interest to sell to consumers in order to make profit and remain in business. This became resoundingly clear to me on a recent shopping trip when I attempted to buy jewelry as a gift for my sister.

Left - Simon G: Platinum and diamond band by Simon G. Jewelry, $1,870, Right - Whiteflash: Platinum and diamond heart pendant by Whiteflash.com, $710

When marking a special occasion with jewelry, it’s only natural to want to buy “the best”. Nobody approaches this quest wishing to buy “what’s adequate”. I wanted a quality piece to reflect the importance of our relationship, something that could be worn for a lifetime and something precious that provided long-term value.  I did homework on sites like PreciousPlatinum.com and decided on platinum and diamond stud earrings. It was only when I went to my local jewelry store to purchase them that I learned when shopping for platinum there are many myths and misconceptions.

First, I found that if the jewelry store didn’t carry platinum in his inventory he was very anxious that I didn’t go elsewhere to get it. The sales associate made a number of claims to justify platinum’s absence, such as, “Platinum is too expensive” and “it’s too soft”.  Having done research, I was able to reply that I had already seen platinum pieces from approximately $1,000. I asked the sales associate why most of the world’s most important gems were set into platinum. Gems like that wouldn’t be put into soft settings that didn’t hold them securely forever. The associate told me that because white gold was plated with rhodium that the diamond would sparkle just the same as platinum. Again, I knew that white gold was in fact, yellow gold, made to look white my mixing the natural yellow metal with whiter ones to disguise the color. It is then plated with rhodium in order to make it look whiter. So he was partially right, except for the fact that he wasn’t telling me that over time and regular wear, the rhodium would wear off, exposing the less white color underneath. I told him that I knew that platinum was a naturally white metal that didn’t need to be plated – ever- in order to enhance its whiteness. It was then that the associate tried to reason with me. He asked, “Why get platinum when you can get the same look with gold?” My answer was simple and direct. “Because I want this gift to be worn and cherished for a lifetime, something she can wear everyday and only the best is good enough.” The question really is, why wouldn’t I want platinum?

Stuller: Platinum and diamond stud earrings by Stuller, $810

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platinum guild international is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Which engagement rings will be hot in 2011?

By Jewelry & Style Expert, Michael O’Connor

In pushing the fashion envelope forward, clothing designers sometimes help us look back and remember fun times and gentler eras.  Such is the case with this season fashion runways, which provided us with a retro revisiting of the classic elegance of the 50’s and early 60’s as well as the swinging spirited side of the late 60’s and 70’s.  And while fashion designers have set the directional frame, bridal jewelry designers are also taking notice, and creating fresh interpretations of these trends. Here’s a look at the top 3 engagement ring trends for this coming year:

1- Inspired by the hit television show Mad Men, classic dressing and classic engagement ring styles are back! Remember the timelessness of celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. Think the sophisticated elegance of a polished platinum setting with a solitaire diamond, or a vintage-inspired style with filigree.

Investing in classic styles is not only a wise choice from a wear-ability standpoint, since they will never go out of fashion, but the investment in a platinum engagement ring means that the ring you purchase today will last for a lifetime and ready to hand down to future generations.

L - Platinum engagement ring from Kirk Kara showcasing the floral motif R - Platinum engagement ring from CliQ Jewelry showcasing a classic diamond solitaire

2- Additionally, we’re seeing more colorful fabrics with exaggerated movement and ruffle detailing. This will translate into engagement ring designs by incorporating colored gemstones such as citrine, sapphire, and ruby, set into platinum. Since platinum is a naturally white metal, it will maximize the brilliance of all colored gemstones.

3- This year we’ll also see engagement rings with a variety of floral motifs inspired by the 70’s. Whether this design surrounds the center diamond, or it’s part of the band, much of this intricate detailing can only be accomplished in platinum.

When it comes to today’s consumer, value is one of the most motivating factors in deciding to purchase fine jewelry according to a recent study by W magazine. Today’s platinum jewelry designers are providing the versatility of design in pieces that are classic, colorful, and design oriented to work with any era, while platinum itself is providing the long term value that allows you to enjoy your favored pieces daily and still hand them down to future generations.

L - Platinum engagement ring from Art Carved showcasing a vintage inspired design R - Platinum and blue sapphire engagement ring from Beladora.com

For more information on engagement ring styles to fit your budget, visit www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery.

What are your thoughts on 2011′s hot engagement ring styles? Tell us what you like (and don’t like) in the comments section below.

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platinum guild international is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

mythbusters happens to be one of our favorite tv shows. whiteflash.com happens to be one of favorite experts in the wedding industry. put them together and you’ve got a top-notch breakdown of five myths all grooms should be aware of when shopping for a diamond engagement ring. the only downside is we don’t get to blow anything up.

Myth: Engagement ring shopping has to be one of the most stressful, frightening shopping experience in a guy’s life. Fact: With a little information and guidance, you can pick out the perfect engagement ring without going gray. You can, in fact, be confident in your choice and know that you are buying a ring she will wear with pride for years and years.

The best way to approach buying a diamond ring is to think of it like buying a new car. When you are thinking about buying a new car, you don’t just watch a couple dramatic commercials and then swipe your credit card. You read up on fuel efficiency, performance and handling, fuel efficiency, and then weigh your options carefully, so you know you are buying the model that is right for you and your lifestyle. Personal taste plays an important role, of course, but information is key.

Let’s debunk some of those myths that are making engagement ring shopping such a daunting prospect.

Myth: The engagement ring has to be a surprise.
Although the chick flicks would have us believe that the girl is shocked when the guy whips out that little velvet box, chances are, if you are thinking about marriage, she is too, and you’ve probably even discussed it. She knows what’s coming.

Although tradition would tell you to ask her best friend for help choosing the engagement ring, you should probably do that only if you’re pretty confident in your engagement ring choosing abilities or if you know she loves surprises. These days, more couples than ever are going engagement ring shopping together, which allows the girl to finally get to have an opinion about the one piece of jewelry she will probably wear more than any other. And remember, you can always present a non-surprise engagement ring with a creative proposal that will take her by surprise.

Myth: You have to be a gemologist to know how to pick a good diamond.
It might not be as gripping as Car and Driver, but the educational section of a jewelry website that specializes in engagement rings will tell you everything you need to know about diamonds and engagement rings.

Frequent some online forums where educated consumers will be discussing everything from fluorescence to crown angles. (Don’t worry if you don’t know what those are quite yet.) Focus on the Four C’s—Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat. Try to pick up some of the important vocabulary words so you’ll be able to make an informed choice when it comes time to buy the loose diamond, and remember that it all comes down to personal preference.

L - Whiteflash Double Halo with Amphora Setting. R - The Katie Engagement Ring

Myth: Women are mysterious creatures, and their choices in jewelry and clothes will never be understood by men.
Especially if you are planning on surprising her with the engagement ring, it is now time to start paying attention to your girlfriend’s taste in everything from jewelry to makeup. Consider her lifestyle—a preschool teacher who works with her hands will probably want a ring with a low profile that won’t get caught on anything, while an interior decorator known for her sleek design concepts will probably be looking for something with modern flair. There are literally thousands of engagement ring settings available, so in order to choose the engagement rings of her dreams, put yourself in your girlfriend’s impractical high-heeled shoes for a few minutes. Would she appreciate the glittery look of a halo setting, or maybe the alternative elegance of a sapphire center stone?

Myth: Engagement rings have to cost exactly two month’s salary.
Once you see all the stunning engagement rings available, it’s pretty easy to let your imagination take hold and start bookmarking engagement rings that cost more than your house. In order to make a responsible purchase, you will want to think about budget very carefully. Yes, a diamond engagement ring is an investment, both literally and symbolically, but at the same time, you aren’t doing your fiancée any favors if you spend money you don’t have on her engagement ring. The two months salary rule is quoted often, but it isn’t set in stone—you have to decide what makes sense for you.

Think long term—reputable jewelry houses like Whiteflash often offer a lifetime upgrade policy—which means that you can trade in your current diamond for a bigger or better one and only pay the difference forever. Also, keep in mind that no two engagement rings are exactly the same—the same dollar amount is going to amount to slightly different characteristics in two different stones. When in doubt, opt for quality (i.e. cut) over quantity, or carat size.

Myth: You are in this alone.
When it comes down to it, you aren’t just going to go online and click “purchase” like an engagement ring was some 2 AM Ebay impulse buy. Before you buy an engagement ring, a qualified sales representative should review all your options with you, making sure you know exactly what you’re getting. (Anyone who guarantees eternal domestic bliss is suspect.) While some customers prefer brick-and-mortar stores for their “human element”, the fact is that online shopping can be a more practical option for many guys. But don’t let shopping online mean you wander alone through virtual aisles of merchandise—the best online boutiques offer friendly and attentive customer service that would put a mall-counter sales clerk to shame.

L - Platinum Cathedral Platinum Engagement Ring. R - 5th Avenue Engagement Ring

Brides, which of the Whiteflash.com rings featured in this post is your favorite? Grooms, did you encounter any of these myths during your engagement ring shopping experience? Let us know by posting a comment below.

No, this is not a marquee for a strip club.

“It’s like Kelley Blue Book, except for diamonds.”

This is how Max’s Diamond Price Guide was described to me when I first heard about it last week.  I have to admit, it’s pretty ingenious. Most guys, including myself pre-engagement, have no idea how to budget for an diamond ring. And why would we? We’re talking about a group of consumers whose collective jewelry buying experience revolves around those coin operated vending machines at the grocery store.

Max’s Price Guides, LLC is an independent resource meaning they’re not trying to sell you anything. They’re simply aiming to provide relevant, timely and acurate pricing that will enhance the shopping experience. What’s not to love? The team at Max’s has over 25 years of real-world diamond valuation experience. Here are just a few of the tools that they offer:

Avoid the diamond crapshoot. This isn't a grocery store. This is one of the most important purchases you'll ever make.

Pricing information that is updated weekly – Diamond prices often change based on a number of factors within the market. The weekly pricing information on Max is produced using a proprietary system that evaluates vast amounts of actual market prices and relevant, worldwide economic data. In addition to pricing data, they offer research tools, feature articles, news reports, and diamond education resources.

RealMarket Value Search Tool – A tool you’ll us to make sure the price is right. Max’s editors verify and update prices weekly to give you useful, relevant market pricing information. Enter a diamond Shape, Carat Weight, Color Grade, Clarity Grade, and Cut Grade and get a free RealMarket Value report for the diamond. Available values include Suggested Retail Price – In Store, Suggested Retail Price – Internet, Private Party Transaction Price, and the Sell to Jeweler Price. Values are updated weekly.

The “What Diamond Can I Afford?” Tool – This tool helps you figure out the best carat, color, clarity, and cut available in your budget. Through the Max’s Diamond Price Guide site, you can produce a report in minutes that will be your guide to selecting the right diamond within your spending budget.

Find a Local Jeweler – Search for an approved local jeweler in your area using Google Maps. Simple and EASY

Currency Converter – Diamond retails prices are often quoted in local currency. This powerful currency conversion tool calculates prices in a foreign currency.

To connect further with Max’s Diamond Price Guide, check them out on Twitter and Facebook. And tell them TMR sent you!

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disclosure: max’s diamond price guide is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Purchasing a diamond is a big step and finding the right one can be pretty intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be. Before you make your purchase of a lifetime, make sure to ask the following 5 questions to your jeweler.

1. May I see a selection of diamonds to compare?
It’s important to see an assortment of diamonds that fall within your price range. Because buying a diamond is such a big investment, make sure you’ve explored your options before making a decision.

2. Can you tell me how the diamond grades against the 4Cs?
Nearly 50 years ago, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created the now world-famous 4Cs of diamonds: Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight.
Diamond Color: Measures how close a diamond is to being colorless. The more colorless a diamond, the more brilliant it appears under light.
Diamond Cut: The cut of a diamond impacts its brightness and how much it sparkles when exposed to light.
Diamond Clarity: Diamonds can contain tiny imperfections that naturally occur during its formation. Clarity is graded by how visible these markings are at 10x magnification.
Diamond Carat weight: The most obvious characteristic of the diamond, carat weight is relative to the size of the gem. While size is important, the perfect diamond is one that satisfies your requirements for Color, Clarity and Cut as well.

Your jeweler should have no problem explaining the 4Cs to you in more detail. In fact, to determine what Cs you find most important, you may want to ask your jeweler to show you diamonds that provide the best example of a certain characteristic, such as a colorless stone.

3. May I have a grading report for this diamond?
Insist that your diamond comes with a grading report from an independent, accredited gemological laboratory, such as GIA.  Their reports are highly regarded and are one of the most widely used reports in the world. An independently generated report will ensure your diamond’s value, quality, and authenticity. GIA also offers a Diamond Dossier®, containing the same information found on the traditional grading report, but in a more compact format, and available for stones of up to 2.00 carats.

4. How can I protect my investment?
Keep your purchase secure by having your diamond appraised or insured. Appraisers and insurers rely on diamond grading and identification reports to evaluate the quality and value of your diamond. Your professional jewelry can you provide you more information on diamond appraisal and insurance.

5. How can I take care of the diamond?
Diamonds are durable, but they aren’t indestructible. Talk to your jeweler about care and cleaning tips to keep your diamond strong and beautiful for years to come.

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To learn more about buying a diamond, visit www.gia4cs.gia.edu.