It’s no secret that men enjoy owning nice things. Like many women, a lot of men are serious about how they dress on a daily basis. Everything from ties and shoes to undergarments and wardrobe accessories are important to a majority of men, including wearing the perfect wristwatch. However, casual watch wearers and watch collectors alike have fallen into traps because they aren’t going into a purchase fully informed of things like style, price, trends and upkeep.

Whether you want to buy a new watch for yourself or as a gift for someone else, shopping while informed will lead you to the right one. Ready to find out what not to do? Here are some common mistakes people make when buying men’s watches in Sterling Heights, MI.

Mistake #1: Buying a watch because it’s the current trend

There are a number of different types and styles of watches on the market at any given time. Especially today, you have to be aware of the hi-tech trends sweeping the watch industry. These highly sought-after watches feature computer-like elements, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best kind of watch for you. Keep in mind that hi-tech trends like these come and go, but classic watch options will always be popular.

Mistake #2: Getting a watch a friend or family member likes

You might have the same watch style as someone close to you, but if you don’t, you are under no obligation to take their suggestions. You need to decide what to buy for yourself—choose a watch that flows with your clothes, shoes, hairstyle, personality, overall fashion sense, etc. That said, you should certainly consider the opinions of others, but ultimately the final decision is yours. After all, you’re going to be the one wearing the watch!

Mistake #3: Choosing a watch that’s visually “too much”

You want to avoid buying a watch that is too loud or distracting. It’s not only first time watch buyers that make this mistake—those who own multiple watches do it, too. When shopping for a watch, factor in your day-to-day routines, work and home environments and extracurricular activities. Your office or school may have a dress code. Find this out before buying an expensive watch. A situation like a job interview is another thing to keep in mind. Wearing a loud watch might turn the interviewer off, and how you dress—including the watch you wear on your wrist—can tell a potential boss a lot about you as a person.

Mistake #4: Selecting the wrong size watch

Look through a selection of great-looking watches and focus on their features and details. When choosing a watch, be sure to select one that is elegant, but more importantly one that is the right size for your wrist. Try on a few watches. Mess around with them. Ask the salesperson if the watch will still look right on you if links are added or removed.

Come to Howard’s Fine Jewelry for a selection of quality men’s watches in Sterling Heights, MI, or just call us anytime with your watch questions!


While there are two birthstones associated with the month of March—bloodstone and aquamarine—we want to take some time today to highlight the latter. Aquamarine gemstones sport a beautiful, clear blue color, typically an icy blue hue. How much do you really know about this birthstone? Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about aquamarine jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI to celebrate March:

  • Its name and what it’s used for: The name “aquamarine” comes from the Latin phrase “aqua marina,” which translates to “sea water.” This is the perfect title for a gemstone that has the color and clarity of the ocean. And if you follow astrology, then you know that some March babies are Pisces, as in water and fish. This gemstone has been used in decorative jewelry and protective amulets since as far back as 500 B.C., but has also been utilized for its supposed healing powers, especially its ability to soothe and calm a person’s nerves.
  • Its healing powers: In addition to the possibility that aquamarine can calm and soothe nerves, this gem is believed to work extremely well as a beneficial mediation tool. It is said that this beautiful gem stone can lead the meditator to his or her core spirituality. In ancient Roman times, it was thought that aquamarine stones could cure problems with the stomach, liver and throat, as well as reduce fluid retention. Folks in the Middle Ages used the gem to reduce anxiety and the toxicity of poisons.
  • It’s believed to have mystical powers: Wearing an aquamarine gemstone was thought to increase a person’s courage, happiness, wisdom and youthfulness, and was also used to protect against gossip. More modern-day beliefs treat aquamarine as a symbol of courage, faithfulness and friendship. Also, back in the day, sailors used the gem for protection and safety at sea. They believed it was a treasure from mermaids that could ward off illness and protect them from the devil.
  • Its color: Although typically pictured as a very blue gemstone, individual aquamarine gems actually range in color, from blue-green to sea-foam green to teal. The color depends on its hue, saturation and tone. Hue determines whether it will have a warm or cool shade, tone measures how light or dark the color is and saturation is the color quality, measuring whether it’s dull or bright and vivid.
  • Its properties: Aquamarine is a semi-precious gem from the beryl family, which includes morganite and emerald. These gemstones are graded using the same system for diamonds, judged by color, cut, clarity and carat weight. Aquamarine is also considered soft enough to be cut into a wide variety of styles and shapes.
  • It’s easy to clean: Because aquamarine is extremely durable, it does not require special care. Flawless aquamarine gemstone jewelry is safe to clean in ultrasonic cleaners, but you only need a soft brush and soapy water to care for it at home. Just rinse with water and wipe dry.

Visit Howard’s Fine Jewelry today to browse our selection of exquisite aquamarine jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI to celebrate the March birth of someone you care for!