Is it better  to invest in jewelry or art pieces?
94622
I think size matters in this case; the smaller the better.  You can store your jewellery in a safety deposit box when you travel, but it's hard to keep your art pieces secure.  Also, gems just keep appreciating in value, whereas art is harder to predict.  Go for the sure thing: jewellery.
697437
Try to see if Sotheby's has an interest for a piece of the revenue. They will give you estimates on what they think it might get at an auction.
1007608
How much do you want to spend?\n\nReal gold (99%) is very yellow in color and too soft for normal jewelry (it's soft somewhat like lead).  If you saw real 99% gold you'd never forget it - it is really quite yellow and nothing else looks like it.\n\nFor jewelry, you wouldn't even want real gold, and the things that are added (silver, nickel, etc.) to make it harder always add a 'silver' luster to it (they HAVE to if you think about it - they are silver in color).  Adding copper would shift it to the 'red' side, but it doesn't really make it like the original pure yellow color.\n\nFor gold bullion, you're talking about real money, so if there is any question as to its purity, you can take it to a precision laboratory and they can give you a report on exactly what is in it.  Cost is about $100 for 12 elements, and they will report how much silver, nickel, etc. down to parts per million if you want.\n\nI'd say for jewelry (unless you're going to spend a LOT of money), it isn't worth buying jewelry with a high gold content (partly for the reason you mention).  High gold content jewelry wears out easily and its value is always in question so is impractical (its too expensive to wear).  Buy Krugerands if you want an investment.\n\nBut if you've got money to burn, there is nothing like a real gold necklace or bracelet:  it is heavy, yellow, and feels great on your skin!  But unless you're Donald Trump, it's a waste (I don't think even he would wear pure gold).  The only reason to do it:  because YOU like it.\n\nDensity measurements would confirm solid gold, but they are a little tricky to perform and the accuracy isn't as high as the analytical measurements.\n\nThere is one test you can easily perform: ever heard of the acid test?  You can dunk the jewelry in acid, and if it starts foaming and dissolving, it's not pure gold - but then again, jewelry should not BE pure gold.
1176283
I know this is tacky, but buddy, the only way not to lose out on the big bucks is to keep it for the next one. Then, just buy a different setting next time so it's not the same ring. You have to look at it for what it is - a rock. A thing. A possession. A cold material item. It does not represent anything anymore. It's just something you own. That's worth a lot of money. You'd be silly to throw that money away. Just don't tell a soul. Not your mom. Not your ex. Not your buddies. No one. This is your secret. And don't you feel bad for a minute, because it does not mean you won't love the next person any less. It just means you're smart with money. Do you think I go out and buy all new lingerie every time I get a new boyfriend? Sheets? Do you think I buy a new bed? Hell no. It's not realistic. It's too expensive. Use the diamond for the next setting. It's actually kind of beautiful and poetic. You gave your heart/diamond away once. It was returned to you, and you'll always be affected by that. But that doesn't mean you won't give your heart/diamond away again, and when you do, it won't be of any less value because you've loved once before.
798069
22-24k vary ..best.\n\n14k mostly jewelry..\nlot from mexico ect...\n\nno set price there...on 14 gram gold....\nw gold  y gold...
754686
Sell the earrings, it should make you more money and Christmas is coming up, great gifts. Make a bunch and sell them, you'll have some money. Candy is cheap, or sell both together. Why not?
440465
Neither.\n\nA ring is a material object.\n\nRomance is overrated and a two week vacation...can you and/or he afford the time off of work?  Do you have children?  Do you have a maid?  \n\nI would rather just a have a nice evening out.  Or family time watching a movie or sitting around playing a board game.  In the end, it's quality that counts, not quantity or carats.
516489
no because over time it starts to look ugly, i don't own silver jewelry...just not worth it!!... personally platnium is nice ;-)
1109566
Price doesn't matter.  You can find a beautiful ring for a reasonable price.  Just don't sacrifice quality.  My engagement ring is gorgeous and suits me to a tea, and my fiance only spent $2000 on it.  I know some women who's rings cost more.  I say just pick something out that says "her" all over, and you can't lose.  Or if you're really not sure - buy a single solitaire ring to use for the engagement, then go back with her and the two of you can pick something together.  Engraving?  I think it's nice, but not necessary.
100331
Depends on how long I have been in the relationship. If it is new-anywhere from real new to one year, I would feel more comfortable receiving flowers. After that, probably Jewlery, a necklace or earing. Now if it is true love.....Definitly a ring, say for a left hand :)
151911
I think you should have whatever you want. If a topaz has sentimental meaning for you, that's far more important than a diamond. Giving diamonds is a tradition someone else started; it's not your tradition. Too many people follow the herd and do what they think everyone else wants them to do. Good for you for wanting to do your own thing. What I think is classy  and beautiful is a woman with a wedding band and no engagement band at all, so you could consider that, and wear the topaz separately.
1019169
When my gf of just one year had her birthday, I went to ebay and bought a jewel from cambodia.   I got a blue zircon, (she likes blue zircon, and trust me, if you pay attention, the gf will drop the hints.....)\n\nShe took that blue Z and bought a ring and setting for it, (cause she knows gemology), and I have to say,  she did a really good job of making a ring out of it.\n\nSo, look for something unusual, something she likes, and something she can add her own style to.\n\nAND GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!!  (cause,dude???  that's not an easy thing to do!!!)\n\nsincerely:\ntom
337363
I think the whole tradition of rings should be done away with.  Is it really necessary to spend thousand of dollars on pieces of metal to show your commitment to each other.  Save the money and invest or buy something you actually need.  If you are going to stay with this old ritual I dont see any reason to try and update by sharing the cost so I guess I would say let the man buy both if you insist on tradion.  It is traditional after all.
791444
I think the answer will depend on what you mean by "popular." If by popular you mean the most carats of gemstones sold commercially, then I think we would be looking at a less expensive gemstone such as amethyst or citrine (normally super-heated amethyst) or topaz in one of its many enhanced-color options.\n\nIf by popular you mean valuable, then emeralds and rubies are the most valuable monetarily. In fact, an emerald or ruby of equal size and quality are normally more valuable than their diamond counterparts.
1154917
Earrings, from my experience
828551
You can actually try the clearance section at any jewelry store I got a $5000 for about $1500 at Gordon's. It was on clearance and on sale it was a great deal. Good Luck with your marriage.
619688
Oregon School of Arts and Crafts has an excellent program for jewelry design.\nwww.ocac.edu  is their website.\n\nPractice your own individuality and keep your eyes and mind open to other ideas.  Schooling is great unless you have a drive and business sense to make it on your own.