How can you tell if something is good? I want to buy my lady something nice, but no too fancy right now. Just a simple little ring or something, just because I want to. There's no special occasion, just that I love her is all. I don't want to buy her junk though.

Estate sales are a good place to start, you can sometimes get a good deal.

I'm not sure where there are any around here, but I will keep that in mind. TY

what's her taste? does she even like to wear jewelry? If so, what type? For instance I happen to prefer silver to gold. I prefer actual rocks, birthstones, unique looking type stuff over anything else. What kind of stuff have you seen her wear?

Captain bought me a topaz ring for our five months together. Nothing extravagant just my birthstone in a gold setting, he had asked what kind of shaped stones do I like and if I liked the citrine color, things like that...

If someone is selling it off a folding table on the side of the road.....my advice is "NO, don't buy that one!!"

I know her taste and how much she likes to wear, but I mean how can you tell the quality of a piece of jewelry?

I've heard topaz is pretty popular now.

it depends on what you're trying to buy...? Are you looking at gold, diamonds, etc?

Me normally i don't wear jewelery not even ear rings ya i know lol But my ex of 10yrs did buy me a nice ring that i still have that also has my birthstone on it. Of course its topaz color too but the gold topaz i think there more then one color for topaz then again i could be wrong there lol

I love the gold color of topaz, but it also comes in a light blue color too that is nice...

If the item claims to be gold, make sure it has a KT stamp on it and remember the higher the carat (18 or 20kt) the softer the gold and more wear it will show. If it is silver and has a "925" stamped on it, that means it is sterling silver (silver mixed with small amount of other metal to slow tarnishing)

Yeah. :P

I don't really have anything in mind yet, just thinking and kinda looking. If something catches my eye, I may buy it, but I want it to be a good buy.

most reputable jewelers will guarantee the quality of their items. You can always purchase something on the condition of getting it evaluated by another jeweler if you are unsure about what is being sold to you. They should also let you inspect your own gems in their lil scope thing.
I would stay away from anything "plated" gold plated, silver plated, etc. I would also stay away from any of the stands in the malls, that have cases of jewelry. Typically not quality stuff and they overcharge.
I would go shopping, shop a few stores, talk to the employees, and go to the next store and talk to them, see if their stories match up.

I think there's different colors of all gems and metals, not sure though. lol

TY,

I'm smart enough to stay away from the plated junk. lol I used to do plating, I understand what it means and all.

Yes. As the clarity goes up, so does the quality and of course, the price. I love gemstones lol

me too, I want to start a gem stone and precious metal collection.

I collect stones and rocks, have since I have very little. There are actual groups you can join of people that do this.

Do some research Dude.

Don't be OBVIOUS but...comment on any rings, earrings, jewelry...your girl is actually wearing....She got a story for each item...I got no reason to lie. From there, you can pull details of what she does or does not like.

(I am just assuming that you are speaking in reference to the woman you mentioned proposing to) If she wears jewelry...just comment on how nice it looks on her..she WILL give you the low down.

Listen to what she says cause schitt like that actually means something to her.

Some women don't require jewelry....my best friend had her wedding band tattooed on. My actual real life love doesn't like jewelry. (I dont either)

But, I understand wanting to give someone something that actually means something.

I gave my woman all of my actual irreplacable photos from my childhood as a gift to let her know that I am serious. Not on the internet...old polaroids in an envelope.

May sound ghetto and it probably is.....it was the right thing to give my lover. She knew that I was willing to put the most cherished, irreplacable memories I have into her hands.

Giving up money is nice to give that woman something memorable....but, it ain't your only option.

Think with your soul.....I bet my penis your woman will love it more if it is an actual piece of who you are. Any prick can cough up a ring or necklace.

I agree Krupa, 100%.

That photo idea is more precious than the most expensive and fancy piece of jewelry, and I'm sure she cherishes them more than anything that could ever be bought.

my son's girlfriend works in a jewelry store let me know if you feel it's worth coming all the way to Dayton for

My other suggestion is a jewelry store in Yellow Springs Ohio called Ohio Silver - you can't go wrong - beautiful handmade jewelry - mostly semi precious stones like turquoise, opal , onyx, jade & amethyst, pearl

metals like copper and pewter (as well as gold & silver)