Author: TrueFacet

TrueFacet is an online marketplace for pre-owned fine jewelry and watches. Every item sold is verified by our in-house team of gemologists and watch experts to ensure its authenticity.

Holiday Gifts for Him

This holiday season, we’ve put together gift guides for the important people in your life. Show your significant other all the love and gratitude he deserves by gifting him one of the items on this curated list.

Bulgari BVLGARI BVLGARI Cufflinks
With all the formal dinner parties and charity dinners and other saturnalia that you’ll be dragging each other to this holiday season, you should both be dressed—and accessorized—to the nines. To that end, we recommend gifting your significant other with a pair of Bulgari BVLGARI BVLGARI Cufflinks. Their simple and distinguished design makes them the perfect choice to accompany their favorite three-piece or tux ensemble.

Rolex GMT-Master
No watch collection is complete without the signature Rolex, and if your S.O. is a newcomer to the watch collecting game, this would be a great first model. The Rolex GMT-Master is imbued with a colorful history tied to aviation and the collection’s many different iterations makes it a natural collector’s item. He would love the many bezel options there are, and if he’s a traveller, he’ll make great use of the dual timezone capability on this watch.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
A holiday present should be a significant one, and there are few luxury timepieces more significant than the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore. Its impressive size and remarkable craftsmanship set new standards in the watch industry when it was released, and it will certainly make its mark on your partner’s watch collection. He’ll love its bold, utilitarian design, its chronograph functionality, and its strapping steel make-up.

Vintage Omega Seamaster
To complement his Omega Speedmaster, you should gift him with a vintage Omega Seamaster. Its clean and classic look, black leather strap, and considerable history would make for an excellent conversation piece at formal affairs. Its sleek look would also make it versatile enough to be worn as an everyday watch. Either way, your S.O. would love this classic timepiece.

Bell & Ross Vintage
A vintage Bell & Ross watch would make a great piece to wear on weekends out with family or on vacations to warmer locales. Its clean design, PVD and stainless steel finish, and brown leather strap gives it a low-key, casual air without taking away its durability or attractiveness. If your S.O. embodies more of a laid-back vibe himself, he would really appreciate this simple yet significant timepiece.

Still need help finding the perfect gift? Our expert concierge team is here to help. Get in touch through our concierge page and find your loved one’s new favorite item!

Holiday Gifts for Every Budget

Holiday shopping is stressful for everybody, especially if you have a budget to stick to. We’ve made life a little easier for you and curated a selection of watches and pieces of jewelry that are perfect for every budget.

Under $500
These pieces are on the more affordable side, but their stunning designs and impeccable quality are just as impressive as those of more expensive pieces. We’ve chosen a classic, the David Yurman Cable Bracelet, which would make the perfect foundation piece for a growing jewelry collection. Ippolita’s Lollipop Pendant Necklace has a more modern, minimalist design about it and would add a subtle splash of color to a jewelry wardrobe. For men, we recommend the Michael Kors Windward Watch because of its ultra-functional chronograph capabilities and its sleek and versatile design.

Under $1,000
No respectable jewelry collection is complete without a piece from Tiffany’s, and these Paloma Tic Tac Toe Earrings exude a playful vibe that would round out a collection well. For perhaps a more serious gift, the impressive Exquisite Diamond Pendant Necklace from Effy is a beautiful and simple piece that puts a subtle geometric spin on the classic diamond necklace. A watch enthusiast would appreciate the Tag Heuer Formula 1, especially if they gravitate towards sports watches with racecar-inspired technology.

Under $2,000
These luxurious pieces are sure to sweeten up your holiday season: their lavish designs and high-quality precious metals will be impressing friends and loved ones for years to come. The Bulgari Tubogas Bracelet’s significant, structural design makes for a bold and provocative addition to a well-stocked jewelry collection. For a more subdued choice, the Chanel Matelasse Necklace offers a subtle shine that would elevate any ensemble. Finally, for the dedicated horologist, we suggest an Omega Speedmaster. This cornerstone model would be an important part of their watch collection thanks to its illustrious history, high functionality, and classic design.

Looking for gifts that are a little more luxurious? We have you covered. Take a look through our Ultimate Holiday Wish List here.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Her

This holiday season, we’ve put together gift guides for the important people in your life. Show your significant other all the love and gratitude she deserves by gifting her one of the items on this curated list.

Cartier Tank Francaise Watch
This is the perfect classy watch for a classy woman. The Cartier Tank Francaise, loved by the likes of celebrities like the late Princess Diana of Wales, is an elegant and structural timepiece that would elevate any ensemble. This watch could add a fancy-yet-functional element to a simple ensemble and could take your S.O. through a night out at an expensive restaurant and casual drinks at home afterward.


Tiffany & Co. Key Necklace
Let her know she has the key to your heart by giving her this beautiful key necklace from Tiffany & Co. She’d love the symbolic meaning behind it, plus its classic design would work perfectly with her wardrobe, especially if she’s a fan of minimalist pieces. This versatile necklace could adorn her neckline through a day at work and a formal dinner with parents.


An Hermes Bracelet
An Hermes bracelet is perfect for adding a sophisticated touch of color to any ensemble. Its subtle Art Deco details and its clean lines would also provide an element of structure for her wardrobe. This bracelet is excellent for a day spent with friends, whether they’re out on the town, or having a casual get-together at your place.


Bulgari B.Zero1 Ring
If your S.O. is addicted to heavy, structural pieces like moto jackets and combat boots, then the Bulgari B.Zero1 Ring is for her. Its hard lines and simple design would complement her powerful wardrobe. Bonus points if she likes history or architecture: this ring, as with all of Bulgari’s designs, is deeply rooted in Italian history and culture. With a design inspired by the Colosseum, the culturally-rich B.Zero1 ring would be the perfect accessory for a long day at a museum or a night at the opera.


Chanel CC Earrings
Considering the variety of designs that the Chanel CC earrings come in, you should be able to find the perfect pair that exactly suits your significant other’s personal style. Whether her aesthetic is more rocker chic, Insta-glam, classic minimalist, or some combination of the three, a good pair of Chanel CC logo earrings would make a great addition to her jewelry collection.

Still need help finding the perfect gift? Our expert concierge team is here to help. Get in touch through our concierge page and find your loved one’s new favorite item!

Holiday Gift Ideas for Dad

This holiday season, we’ve put together gift guides for the important people in your life. The following is a curated list of the pieces that we think your dad would love to get from you.

1. Omega Speedmaster Professional
If your dad has a bit of a geeky side, then he’d love this watch. The Omega Speedmaster is known as the Moonwatch because it was the first ever watch on the moon. Buzz Aldrin wore it when he traversed the surface of the moon during the Apollo 11 mission, and now it can feature prominently in your dad’s watch collection. He’d love this model’s incredibly high functionality, precision, and readability.

2. Rolex Explorer Watch
Every watch collector needs a Rolex, and we recommend this model specifically to wrap up with a bow and give to your dad. The Rolex Explorer has that distinctly Rolex look and craftsmanship quality, but it also exudes a sporty, casual vibe that would line up really well with your dad’s energy.

 

3. Cartier Santos Watch
The Cartier Santos is the perfect classic watch that can take your dad from a weekend at home to a productive workday to a fancy dinner at the drop of a hat. Its bold, solid design would complement your dad’s personality and his wardrobe with ease. Its versatility also adds an efficient element to your dad’s lifestyle.

 

4. Hublot Big Bang Watch
An extremely durable timepiece like the Hublot Big Bang is practically made for your dad. This watch would accompany him through vigorous roof-tiling sessions, close games of golf, and other stereotypically dad-like activities—all without a scuff or scratch. Its daring utilitarian look also perfectly complements the watch’s high functionality.

5. Tiffany & Co. Atlas Cufflinks
These spiffy cufflinks add a classy, elegant touch to that tried-and-true tux your dad wears to every special event. With their bold, no-nonsense design and their cool, unobtrusive air, the Atlas Cufflinks are versatile enough to suit any father’s formal wardrobe.

Still need help finding the perfect gift? Our expert concierge team is here to help. Get in touch through our concierge page and find your loved one’s new favorite item!

 

Holiday Gifts for Everyone on Your List

We took the stress out of holiday shopping and rounded up 33 jewelry and watch gift ideas for all the most important people in your life.

For The Mother Who Does It All…
It’s impossible to list all the ways your mom supports, helps, and guides you, but, suffice to say, she is extraordinary. Give her something from the heart this holiday season to express how much you appreciate her.


For the Father Who Deserves Your Thanks…
Your ever-patient dad helped you make sense of your taxes and health insurance forms, even though he always sighs, “You really should be doing this on your own…” Show your gratitude with one of these finds.


For the Wife Who is Launching Her Own Start-Up…
2018 is the year your ambitious and inspiring partner quits her corporate job and pursues her side gig full-time. Celebrate this personal milestone with a special gift.


For the Husband Who Leads the Cub Scout Troop…
Your husband is spreading his love of hiking and canoeing onto the next generation of Cub Scouts. Get him equipped for the next camping trip with one of these outdoors-friendly gifts.


For the Daughter Who Made the Dean’s List…
Your bright and brilliant daughter deserves something sentimental to commemorate her accomplishments.


For the Son Who Is Moving to a New City…
Your little guy accepted a job in the big city and needs a cool update to his go-to watch. He’ll love one of these hip pieces to suit his new address.


For the Boyfriend Who Found a New Hobby in Watch Collecting…
Support your beau in his latest passion project: collecting watches and learning about their intricate mechanics. These affordable watches are perfect for newfound collectors.


For the Girlfriend Building Out Her Work Wardrobe…
This year your S.O. earned that promotion and is settling into her big corner office. Gift her these elevated classics to match her new title and tailored wardrobe.


For the Best Friend Who Always Has Your Back…
Whether it’s a second opinion on that apartment or lending an ear over a boozy brunch, your pal is your closest confidant. Get them an extra special present this holiday season.


For the Cousin Who Just Had Baby #1…
Surprise your cousin and their growing family with a little something for their littlest one. Go the extra mile and have it engraved with the newborn’s name and birthdate.


For the Co-Worker Who Keeps You Sane at the Office…
Because that happy hour drink doesn’t seem enough to thank your cubicle buddy for all the times they stayed late to help you finish that presentation, treat them to a budget-friendly holiday gift.


For Yourself…
Treat yourself to a little something new this holiday season. You definitely deserve it after crossing everyone off your holiday shopping to-do list!

 

Did we miss someone on your holiday list? Contact one of our expert concierge associates at 1-800-690-3736 or support@truefacet.com and they will recommend a gift to surprise your loved ones, tailored to their style and needs.

 

Heirlooms for the Future: What Jewels to Buy with Longevity in Mind

One reason collectors invest in high-quality jewelry and watches is the expectation that they will ultimately pass on their engagement ring or fine watch to the next generation who will, in turn, appreciate the design and the personal value of the item. Here are our top four suggestions of heirloom-worthy pieces to wear now and share later.

A Premium Timepiece
Watches are a wonderful piece of a person’s person history that can easily be passed down from generation to generation. Brands like Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, and Jaeger-LeCoultre have outstanding longevity and are made in styles that can be considered both contemporary, for today’s wearer, and timeless, for tomorrow’s. Think about investing in at least one well-made Swiss and you are guaranteed to create lasting enjoyment for those who will wear it after you.

 

A Tennis Bracelet
A beautifully made, classically designed, high diamond quality tennis bracelet is the perfect item for an heirloom-in-the-making. A tennis bracelet—particularly one that is either prong-set or bezel-set, as they are both styles that are above being trendy—can be worn with jeans and a sweater or as an accessory to a full-length gown, making it not only a versatile item that any woman can own, but also one that’s worth passing down.

 

Diamond Stud Earrings
You can find a pair of diamond stud earrings in every woman’s wardrobe, and for good reason. Diamond stud earrings are the quintessential jewelry item that almost every woman owns, and often has owned them since she was young. No matter what carat weight you invest in, a pair of diamond studs can last forever, as long as you take care of them, have them cleaned and checked by a local jeweler regularly, and make sure that they have a safe pair of backs and posts so that they don’t get lost before you have the opportunity to pass them on.

 

A Beautifully Set Sapphire
This is a relatively broad suggestion, but it still covers a specific genre of jewelry: any item made with a good quality sapphire would make a splendid heirloom. Whether it’s a cocktail-style ring with a halo of diamonds or a bold pendant necklace that contains a stunning Ceylon in cornflower blue, a piece of sapphire jewelry is classic and sophisticated. This incredible piece would add the perfect amount of color and shine to someone’s jewelry wardrobe for generations to come.

Need help tracking down the perfect addition to your collection? Our team of expert concierge associates is here to help source specialty items or rare vintage finds. Call us at 1-800-690-3736 or email support@truefacet.com

 

How to Find a Jewelry Repairperson You Can Trust

Unfortunately, because of a few bad apples, jewelers and jewelry craftspeople tend to be looked at as unreliable and deceptive. The reality, however, is that only a minuscule percentage of jewelers have ever used their business to conduct illegal or unethical practices.

But if you’re looking to have a special piece of jewelry resized or repaired, you should still ensure you’re bringing said piece to someone who knows what they’re doing, has been in business for a while, and has a good reputation. Thankfully, there are a few avenues you can take to make sure that you’re, at the very least, not taking your heirloom or wedding ring to just anyone. Here are a few tips on how to do so.

Yelp Away!
One of the upsides to technology is that review sites popped up shortly after businesses started their own websites, which means sites like Yelp have been around for years. This is an ideal way for any consumer to check out any company—jewelry store, car repair, restaurant, and even medical facility—before giving them their business. There, you can find reviews from your peers, but fair warning, be sure you read several of both good reviews and bad reviews before making you decision to pony up your cash.

Image courtesy of Time Out

Look at the ‘Book
Does the jewelry repairperson or store you’re looking to take your items to have a Facebook page? If they do, this is good for several reasons. First, it means they’re likely not living in the Dark Ages. Second, as mentioned above, you can read their Facebook reviews. But, in addition to that, you can also see how frequently they update their page and if there are images of the shop that will be doing your work.

Use the BBB
One of the greatest tools for any consumer is the website for the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If the business in question has been given the BBB seal of approval, chances are, your jewelry is in good hands. You can also read any BBB associated reports on the business. However, not every business is listed, even if it’s reputable. If a business isn’t listed with the BBB, don’t dismiss it immediately, but do make sure that you do other thorough research before deciding to take your jewelry there.

Google Your Heart Out
While Yelp is a fantastic review website, it never hurts to run the company name or repairperson’s name through Google just to make sure you’re dealing with who the benchman says they are. Run their shop name or address through Google Images or Google Maps for a better look at it and check Google’s reviews as a second option after scouring other review sites.

Visit AmericanGemSociety.org
Some of the most reputable jewelers and shop owners in the United States are listed on the American Gem Society’s consumer-facing website. The ASG specifically chooses those that have reached the highest standards of ethics in the jewelry industry. This is a fantastic and free tool to use when shopping for a place to take your repairs, or even if you’re looking for a new jeweler to give your business to.

If you have any questions about jewelry or watch repairs, call our team of concierge associates at 1-800-690-3736 for expert advice and tips!

 

Main image courtesy of Frisco.

How to Care for Heirloom Jewelry: A Simple 3-Step Guide

Jewelry pieces that are passed down from generation to generation are some of the most significant and special items one can own in their life. Many times, it’s an item we only wear on special occasions, but often, it can be a token of a life well-lived that we’ve chosen to wear, day in and day out. It is important, however, to assure that whether it’s an item of jewelry that’s more used to the inside of its box than the outside world or a piece that has never left your person, your precious heirlooms are well taken care of treated with respect.

Here are a handful of ways to make sure you’re giving your own personal bit of history the love it deserves.

“Cleanliness is Next to Godliness”
Whether you’re currently wearing that rose-cut diamond ring that once belonged to your grandmother or you decided it was too precious to risk damaging because of its delicate design, you should always make sure that you’re doing all that you can to keep it clean.

Image courtesy of Gem Trove.

We suggest having it done professionally at least once per year if you don’t wear it often, but two to three times per year if wear it more regularly. However, if you can’t get to a local jewelry store to give it the steam treatment, you can still keep it shining by dipping a soft bristle toothbrush in a mixture of hot water and glass cleaner and giving it a good scrub.

Storage is Key
If you wear your heirlooms regularly, you should still take them off when sleeping, showering, or doing anything that would be rough on your hands (if the piece is a ring or a bracelet), so make sure you have something (a small dish will work) that you can place your jewelry item in so that it stays safe and that it doesn’t get lost.

For pieces not worn regularly, invest in a well-made jewelry box, or get a jewelry roll if you store your more expensive items in safety deposit boxes. These will keep your pieces separate so they don’t scratch each other and end up sustaining damage.

Be Sure to Insure
Another way to take care of the jewelry that was passed down to you is to have the items appraised and insured. Companies like Jeweler’s Mutual offer plans that cover damage and loss, so in case your precious jewelry is lost, stolen, or otherwise becomes the victim of some terrible accident, you’re at least able to get the pieces repaired or replaced at a relatively minimal cost to you.

The other thing that insurance does is reminds you to have your items professionally checked from time to time, which is critical to the longevity of a piece. You’d want to know if a prong is broken or a stone is loose so that you can have the jeweler repair it before getting the piece reappraised, if necessary.

These three simple steps can help make your important jewels last until the next generation gets to enjoy them.

 

 

Main image courtesy of Blue Maize.