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.

Gold initial necklace, personalised pendant, 14k gold filled

I started listing new items after a long brake. This is the first of many more personalized jewelry to come.

Gold initial necklace. A small gold disc personalised by stamping your desired initials on it. The disc is made of 14k gold filled and hangs on a delicate 14k goldfilled chain.

You can order this pendant is silver as well if you prefer.

So how do you feel about personalized jewelry? What would you like to see in my store? I'm working on the collection so now is your chance to influence how this line will look.

Symbols of love to make your valentine gift perfect

Now that the holiday season is behind us, we are on our way to the next special occasion on the calendar - Valentines day!
So how do you find the perfect gift that will express the way you feel? Jewelry has always been a great idea for a gift but to make it even more perfect, you want to get a jewelry item that has a symbolic meaning, that conveys a message from you to the person receiving it.

To do this you have 2 ways to go. Choose something that carries a special meaning to the person you love. If she loves a specific color, shape etc, pick something accordingly. This will say that you know her, know what she likes and  that you pay attention. What more could a women want?

The second way is to choose a jewelry item with a symbolic message of love and commitment.
There are all kinds of symbols that have become popular forms of expressing feelings:

Hearts
The most common and popular form of expressing love and emotions is through a heart shape. The message of this symbol is very simple - "I give you my heart" or "you have my heart in your hand".

Heart ring

Infinity symbol
When you give someone a jewelry piece decorated with an infinity symbol you want to express your endless love and say to them that you will always be there for them. Now that is a nice message to give or receive isn't it?



Infinity bracelet

 Circle
Circles are also considered to be symbols of infinity and love, simply because they have no beginning and no end. They symbolize a unity, a becoming of one. Another perfect message for loved ones.



Gold circle necklace


Roses and flowers
Flowers are always a wonderful gift to get the women you love. And they are also wonderful as inspiration for jewelry items. The best part about roses in jewelry pieces is that they stay forever.

Rose stud earrings

Bows and ribbons
These are actually symbols of gifts but when they are used to inspire a jewelry design, they can also express your love and your wish to give to the one you love.



Gold bow necklace

I know some people don't like celebrating valentine for various reasons but I personally like having a day to stop our everyday running and express our feelings to those we love. (Read more in my last year's post about Valentine). Remember, the gifts are only the way to express your feelings, not the main event. So don't forget to say and show that you care, with or without gifts.