Five Reasons to Buy Your Jewelry in Person, Not Online

Can you even remember what life was like before the internet existed? There’s no doubt that the World Wide Web has brought a lot of convenience to our lives, and opened up new doors for people. You can now order groceries online, book appointments online, keep up with friends and family—and read blogs like this one!

But while the internet is great for some purposes, there are other areas in life where it still is best to do things the “old-fashioned” way, and shopping for jewelry is one of them. Here are five reasons why we think it’s a good idea to buy jewelry from a brick and mortar jewelry store in Sterling Heights, MI instead of online:

  • Get the full picture: There are some things in life that simply cannot be replicated in a photo—and jewelry is one of them! No matter how high-quality the camera, the sparkle of a diamond or exact shade of a ruby needs to be experienced in person. The only way to be fully certain you picked the right product is to buy it in person, at your local jewelry store in Sterling Heights, MI.
  • Know your jeweler: When you buy jewelry online, you are purchasing it from a nameless, faceless person. But when you buy from a favorite brick and mortar shop, you have the opportunity to get to know your jeweler. As she gets to know you and your tastes, she can recommend new pieces just for you, and maybe even set something aside when she knows you will like it.
  • Avoid scams and fakes: Imagine finally receiving your jewelry in the mail, only to realize it isn’t what it was supposed to be! No matter how savvy you make think you are, there is always a chance that the jewelry piece you are buying could be a scam or a fake. Even otherwise reputable ecommerce sites sometimes allow sketchy third-party vendors to sneak in through the cracks.
  • Create memories: When you tell your grandkids the story of buying your engagement ring, do you want the memory to just be clicking the button and waiting for it to arrive in the mail? Actually going to the jewelry shop and picking out a piece of jewelry creates a real memory that you can look back on fondly. There is something to be said for sentimentality!
  • Surprise yourself: Chances are you know what kind of jewelry you like—but shouldn’t you be open to trying new things? If you search for a specific gemstone or style online, you bypass all the other options, meaning you never get to discover new pieces that you just might fall in love with. Half the fun of going to a jewelry store is browsing, after all.

Looking to buy some jewelry for yourself or a loved one? If so, we hope you will visit Howard’s Fine Jewelry, your local jewelry store in Sterling Heights, MI. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you find the piece that is just right.

October Birthstones: Pink Tourmaline and Opal

If you or a loved one has an October birthday, then you probably already know that this month has two special birthstones: pink tourmaline and opal. While opal is much more well known than pink tourmaline, both of these stones have special properties and fascinating histories, making them the perfect gift for anyone with an October birthday—or anyone who appreciates beautiful jewelry!

From your go-to jewelry store, here are some interesting facts about October’s two birthstones, opal and pink tourmaline in Sterling Heights, MI.

Pink tourmaline

  • Name and origin: The name “tourmaline” comes from an ancient form of Sinhalese, the language spoken today in Sri Lanka. It should come as no surprise, then, that tourmaline can be found in its natural form in Sri Lanka, as well as the Middle East, Russia and parts of Africa. It can also be found in some coastal parts of the United States—California and Maine, specifically.
  • Color variety: While most gems only come in one or two basic shades, tourmaline can be found in a wide range of colors. This makes it a great birthstone, as you can choose a tourmaline piece that as a gift fits the recipient’s unique personality.
  • Ruby similarities: We mentioned that tourmaline comes in a wide range of colors. One of those colors—one of the most common for tourmaline, in fact—is a deep pink or red that resembles a ruby. In fact, there have been instances in history when famous designers and royalty have tried to pass off rubellite tourmaline as real rubies.
  • Ancient and modern uses: In ancient times, tourmaline was thought to bring insight and goodness to its wearers, and to warn users of impending danger. Today, African and Native American peoples still see this gem as a source of physical and emotional healing.

Opal

  • Formed by rain: How exactly opal forms still remains something of a scientific mystery. However, many believe that opal is formed by rainwater dripping in the crevices of a rock, creating a unique, beautifully colorful design.
  • Out of this world: Do you have a space enthusiast in your life? If so, opal jewelry might be for them, because this stone has been spotted on the planet Mars! It is one of only a few gems that have been found outside of this planet.
  • Ancient meaning: “Opal” is derived from the ancient Greek word “Opallios,” which means “ to see a change of color.” The Greeks thought opal came from the god Zeus’ tears of joy after winning a battle. Ancient Romans, meanwhile, considered opal to be a sign of good fortune.
  • Down Under: Ninety-five percent of the world’s opals today come from Australia. In fact, native Australian Aboriginals refer to opal as “God’s footprint.”

With two beautiful and fascinating birthstones to choose from, finding a jewelry gift for your loved one with an October birthday should be a piece of cake! If you are looking for quality opal and pink tourmaline jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI, please come by Howard’s Fine Jewelry, your locally owned jewelry store.