How to buy a Jewelry gift ring

Jewelry makes a wonderful gift for almost any occasion. However, picking the right jewelry item for another person can have some challenges. So I thought I'd write a few guides to help you out. This will be the first guide with some tips on buying rings as a gift.

Rings are very popular gifts. Whether it's an engagement ring, promise ring or just an everyday ring, it's a fun gift to give and receive. The tricky part about buying a ring as a gift is that you need to know the other person's ring size.

So here are some tips you might find helpful:

Measure the size. If you have access to their jewelry, you can pick up a ring they have and take it to a jewelry store to measure its size. Note that each finger has a different size (even the same finger at each hand doesn't always match) so you need to measure a ring that fits the exact finger you are planning to buy a ring for.

Ask someone who might know. A best friend, mom, sister. Anyone who might know the ring size and can help you out.

Buy an open ring. This is a solution I often offer customers that don't know the ring size they need. An open ring simply adjusts to the finger so you don't need to know the exact size. I have changed several of my designs to an open version so they can be used as gifts.

Re-size later. Go for a popular size and plan to re-size it later. This is the least desired option because it means you are giving a gift that might not fit and will need to be repaired immediately after receiving it. But sometimes it's the only option.

 After you sort out the ring size issue all that's left is to choose a ring that fits the style, occasion and likes of the person for whom its intended. I'll be writing more about these issues in the coming guides so be sure to stop by again.

Hope you found this post helpful. Please feel free to add any comments or questions you might have in the comments area below.

If you know someone who might benefit from this, please share this post (click the share button on the right side)

Back to black

Today is one year since the death of Amy Whinehouse and I was listening to "back to black" on the radio and got a bit inspired to do a small tribute. I had a few items I had allready photographed that were waiting for me to list them in my store, so inspired by the song, I listed a few black jewelry designs today.

I find black to be very practical and versatile color. You can wear a black pair of earrings or bangle with basically every outfit and every color. You can wear it for a casual look or for a more dramatic evening look. You simply can't go wrong with black don't you think?

Sterling silver and Onyx bangle bracelet

Sterling silver and black Agate earrings

Meet my new jewelry model

Photographing jewelry is a difficult task. I often take dozens of pictures until I get the results I want. Over the years I've developed my tricks and accessories to help me get the best results. However, sometimes you just can't express the beauty of a jewelry design unless you see it on a real person.


I have been asking my beautiful sister for some time now to model for me and she finally said yes! It's amazing how different it makes some items look. I just hope everyone can stay focused on the jewelry designs and not on the pretty model :-)
 
Here are some "before and after" pictures. What do you think represents my jewelry better? Let me know in the comments below.
 

Geometric jewelry

Circle ring - geometric jewelry collection



TRiangle neckalce - geometric jewelry collection

  

Squarering - geometric jewelry collection

As far as I can remember, I wasn't a big fan of geometry classes. But when I entered geometry into my jewelry designs, it started to be fun. It all began with my circle ring, one of my most popular designs. It got me thinking, "why only circles? Why not try some squares and triangles in my designs!". So I did and I like it!

So even though there are many more geometric jewelry designs that are still in my studio waiting to be completed, I thought I'd share what I made so far.

Do you like geometric jewelry? Write your favorite shapes in the comments below and I might turn your suggestion into a new design.

Feel free to share this post with your friends.

Gold filled bracelet - one design with various color options

I've written before about making the same design in several colors so that people have several options to choose from. So I've decided to take my own advice and made this 14k gold filled bracelet in 4 different colors. I love how by a simple change of color they get a different character.
What's your favorite?

  

The advantages of buying handmade

One of the great things about buying handmade products is that you are buying from a real person that cares! Unlike factories where you are just another buyer, the small business owner will go the extra mile to make you happy. I know I do this for my buyers. That's because I really want them to be happy with the jewelry they buy from me.

A few weeks ago I had a buyer that wanted to give my infinity ring as a gift to someone. Unfortunately she was unable to get the ring size. Problem. So I suggested that I make a change in the ring and make it open and adjustable. Since I make the ring myself from scratch, it was no problem for me to alter it a little. This way she could give it as a gift without the need to know the exact ring size. She was happy and I was happy too that I could offer a solution.

How to store your jewelry - earrings stand



OutStanding Stands



I've been discovering wonderful things on pinterest. One of these things are cool and clever ways to store your jewelry. The ideas I found are both practical and creative, a winning combination in my book. This is the first post, and more will follow as I discover more storage ideas. Feel free to follow me on pinterest.

So this is a simple kitchen grater that was painted and turned into an earrings stand. Isn't it cool and beautiful? I just love it. What do you think?

If you have cool ways to store your jewelry, write or send me pictures and I'd be happy to share and write about it.