(ARA) – You probably have some important women to shop for this season – maybe a wife or daughter, your mom or sister. Need some ideas? Think jewelry.

The wide variety of gem colors, shapes and sizes could make finding the perfect jewelry gift a little intimidating. But even if you procrastinated and now are looking for a last-minute gift, a little background information on jewelry will make your search easier.

Shopping online could be the best way to find a beautiful piece of jewelry and have it delivered in time for your holiday. For assistance in finding quality jewelers, try these tips:

1. Look for professionally-taken photographs of the jewelry, showing you details about the gems, the gold or silver and even the clasps.

2. Use a jeweler who has received Better Business Bureau high scores and is a member of industry associations such as The Jewelers Vigilance Committee and The Cultured Pearls Association of America.

3. Ask for liberal return policies. A 90-day return policy with free shipping is a good example.

When looking for jewelry, some of the more popular gems to consider include:

* Amethyst – There are many legends about this deep purple gem. The birthstone for February, amethyst is quartz, found all around the world, and has created an aura of mystery because of how heat and light can change the color of the stone. These stones look great in rings, drop necklaces and earrings.

While amethyst is hard and resistant to damage caused by wear, sunlight and black lights can affect the color of the stone.

* A bit more expensive, but still beautiful, the emerald with its deep green color is said to bring good luck and well-being to a wearer. Good quality emeralds are rarer than amethysts because the gem is easily flawed. Because of the strong color, emeralds work well in rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings and mix well with other colors.

Emeralds require a little extra care when wearing. Cleaning solvents can remove the seal usually applied to the stone to protect the fine pores of the gem’s surface. Remove the jewelry before immersing in cleaning agents such as soapy water.

* Pearls are in a different category from the rest of the gem stones, partly because they come in so many different shapes and colors. Popular styles are freshwater pearls – ranging from pastel pinks and whites to a light purple color – and Akoya pearls – also known as the classic pearls, known for their perfect round shape and hint of a pink overtone to the color.

“Cultured pearls are the perfect gift,” says Fran Mastoloni, president of the Cultured Pearl Association of America. “Their versatility allows them to be worn with almost any outfit and they effortlessly transition from day to night adding instant fashion and elegance.”

Pearls make a fabulous jewelry gift. A classic white strand of pearls around the neck, a simple pair of pearl earrings or a stunning bracelet of baroque pearls can reflect the luxury and good taste of the women you’re shopping for.

“Pearls are affordable but elegant jewelry so you can show how much a woman means to you,” says Jeremy Shepherd, CEO of PearlParadise.com. “They are also very versatile, allowing you to match the skin tone of the woman you’re shopping for perfectly.”

PearlParadise.com offers discounts off the retail price for freshwater and Akoya pearls. You will be able to find a range of colors and shapes of pearls placed in thousands of different jewelry designs and settings.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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1. Pearl And Diamond Jewelry Can Make A Very Special Gift
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3. Cultured or Not: The Milky Luster of the Pearl

Why So Popular?

While emerald engagement rings might speak to some of the Emerald City and ruby slippers, in reality they have become quite popular as engagement rings, and for many reasons. First and foremost, they are simply something different. They have a unique quality, a different color, and a different look.  Yet, they are given and worn in the same manner as a traditional engagement ring. This might be something that you think of doing for your loved one because she enjoys something different, or because she simply wants a different look than everyone else.

There are several other reasons that emerald engagement ring are becoming more and more popular. First of all, they can usually be found for far less expensive than diamond rings. For couples on a budget, this works well, Also, there has been much talk and criticism about different diamond companies, and so getting an  emerald engagement ring might be a way to completely side step this issue. For couples that are environmentally minded or human rights minded, going with an emerald engagement ring might be a way for them to make sure that the ring they purchase for their loved one wasn’t mined in a way that is detrimental for others.

Heirloom Worthy

No matter the reasons, people have begun to consider a emerald engagement ring a ring, just a like a diamond, that can be kept forever and that can be cherished by the wearer, as well as passed down through the generations. If this is something that you are considered, see a jewelry store, which can provide you with even more information about buying your beloved an emerald engagement ring. Just like a diamond, you are going to want to be sure you are buying a quality ring and that you aren’t spending more than it is worth.

Related posts:

1. The New it Thing: Engagement Ring with Columbian Emerald
2. An Emerald Cut Engagement Ring for Sparkle
3. Is An Emerald Engagement Ring Right for Your Fiancée?