Fine Jewelry For Smart People
I personally like huge plastic and glass jewelry, and I don't think I've ever spent more than $20 on a pair of earrings. In fact, my favorite earrings -- the ones I wear every day -- are plastic ones I got for $2.99 at H&M in Paris a few years ago, and fixed with a needlenose pliers (removing the windy bits around the findings so they wouldn't look cheap). The ones I wear on my book cover I bought for $9.99 (they've might've been $5) at DNA on Rose in Venice, and similarly went to work on with my little pliers.
But, I still look at other people's real jewelry, especially the antique kind. I admired the antique-looking ring of a close female friend -- a woman I really respect as a smart, savvy person -- and she told me, "The stone is fake. The setting is 14 carat gold." And I thought she -- and her husband -- were even smarter and cooler than I already thought.
The gem industry is such a racket. You spend thousands on a rock somebody dug out of the ground? When you could have a fake rock that sparkles just fine? I was reminded of this when somebody bought "lab-created" ruby earrings in a 14k gold setting through my Amazon links (and thank you -- much-appreciated). Turns out there's a whole store of this stuff on Amazon
A caution: If your wife is one of those who expects real, be rather careful about whether you get her fake and tell her about it. My friend and her husband are a team in ways not a lot of couples are, and are of a similar mind about how stupid it is to buy a real diamond when you can get a fake one and add an addition on your house with the money you saved.
(Of course, you can also buy 1,000 copies of my book, I SEE RUDE PEOPLE: One woman's battle to beat some manners into impolite society, and give them out as Christmas presents. I need to sell 15K more, and pretty pronto, so any buys will be much-appreciated!)
P.S. Only new copies (only $11.53 with Amazon's discount) count against my advance, or count as book sales.
Just shipped a copy (plus several other books) to my mother. That will be my xmas gift to her.
Hopefully she'll read it. ;-)
Jim P. at December 12, 2010 7:51 AM
Amy Alkon
https://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2010/12/fine-jewelry-fo.html#comment-1798143">comment from Jim P.Thank you, Jim P....really super of you!
Amy Alkon
at December 12, 2010 7:55 AM
This reminds me of the time my (now ex) husband gave me a big diamond ring for my birthday. It was a complete surprise, and given in front of many close friends. I was secretly horrified, as we had been experiencing some rather tight finances, and I also couldn't figure out how he paid for it, since we had a joint checking account.
Our friends gave him lots of positive feedback for being such a thoughtful and considerate husband. He drank it in, and seemed so pleased that I never did ask questions. After my divorce, I took it to be appraised, and it turned out to be a CZ in gold.
Takeaways:
1. Ex is a phony and an ass.
2. Diamonds look just like CZs.
At least he didn't spend much, so I was able to enjoy tossing into the lake.
Robin in TN at December 12, 2010 9:49 AM
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