Men’s Gift Ideas: More Cool Cufflinks

My recent search for cool cuff links (see post here) revealed some interesting designers.  I was pretty focused on finding something fun and affordable, but there are some other fantastic designs out there.  Cuff links are a great gift idea for guys, especially since they probably aren’t splurging on their own. 

If you are into the idea of black diamonds, here is an amazing pair from Robin Rotenier in white gold (also available in 18k yellow gold with Champagne diamonds):

Robin Rotenier White Gold and Black Diamond Cufflinks, $5900 Retail

Here is an equally gorgeous black diamond pair from David Yurman.  One caveat about these–I appreciate workmanship as much or more than the next person, but I have some issues for charging THAT much for STERLING SILVER and black diamonds.  There is a lot of work pave setting those tiny diamonds, and I’m sure the work is near-perfect, but still!:

David Yurman Black Diamond and Sterling Silver Cufflinks, $2150 Retail

If he is a little rock and roll, you could go for these, also from Rotenier (there are TONS of other designs, all fantastic):

Robin Rotenier Skull Cufflinks, Sterling Silver, $295 Retail

I also like these for something totally different, if he’s a watch collector, even better:

Antique Watch Movement Cufflinks in Sterling Frames by Cuffart.com, $155 Retail

Happy Shopping!

Wouldn’t it be great to shop at the Jewelry (Un)Store?

If someone I know needed jewelry, here is where I wish I could send them:

It’s a nice store, in a good location.  Not fancy–just comfortable and accessible.  A (non)salesperson greets you in a low-key way and allows you to look around unaccosted.  There are cases of jewelry displayed with TAGS VISIBLE, so you can see prices and details without having to ask for it.  There are easy-to-use computer kiosks where you can see additional items that aren’t physically displayed.  If you want to take a look at something and ask some questions, there are comfortable places to sit and talk with a (non)salesperson.  Maybe they offer you something to drink. 

The (non)salesperson is knowledgeable and friendly, without trying to stick something down your throat.  They tell you what their margins are, and shows you their items versus similar items online, so you know you are getting a good price.  They are absolutely no-pressure in their approach: they know they have great jewelry at great prices, and trust that if you are given honest, transparent information, you will make a great choice.

I wish I could say that a store like this exists.  If it does, I haven’t found it yet.  The Jewelry Industry in particular seems to cling to the old model of making purchasing information as opaque as possible, and they force you to interact with someone. 

Maybe in my spare time, I will open a store like this.