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.

How to Wrap a Jewelry Box Better than Tiffany’s

Whether it’s a square bracelet box or a wide necklace box, here are our simple step-by-step instructions to expertly wrap up your jewelry or watch box with a ribbon, just like Tiffany & Co.!

1. To begin, find the longest side of your box. Using that side as your guide, drape the end of the ribbon over the side, across that longest side, and down the opposite side of your box. Measure five lengths of ribbon.

2. Take about a length and a half of ribbon (about 10 inches, depending on the size of your box) and drape it over the top of the box.

3. Wrap the long end of the ribbon around the box, placing the longer end atop the shorter length.

4. Place your finger over the middle of the box and ribbon to hold it in place. Then fold the long end down towards you.

5. Keeping your finger or thumb of the center of the ribbon to keep it in place, wrap the long end of the ribbon around the box vertically. Bring that length over the top of all of the ribbon.

6. Take the longer end tuck it under all the layers of ribbon by slipping it under the bottom right-hand side and bringing it up through the left-hand side. Pull both ends to tighten and straighten the ribbon as needed.

7. Now, to tie your bow, wrap the bottom right ribbon around your thumb to create a loop.

8. Then bring the right ribbon around the top, winding it counter clockwise around the loop.

9. To create the second loop of your bow, pull the right ribbon through the loop and the base of your left loop.

11. Pull the loops to tighten your bow.

12. Trim the ends of your ribbon. And voila! A picture-perfect ribbon!

For ideas on what to write in your holiday card, read our post here!

What is Her Dream Holiday Gift? [QUIZ]

Tally up your answers to these simple questions and match them up to the gift of your partner’s dreams!

1. What does she have for lunch every day?
A. Some kind of salad: it’s easy to prepare, easy to eat, and is easily customizable.
B. She has something new and different every day. Today, it’s a sushirrito. Tomorrow, it’s a Green Goddess bowl.
C. Clean eating is a passion of hers, so she’ll have a smoothie bowl or vegan sushi.
D. All avocado toast, all the time.
E. Pizza, cookies, and mac and cheese: all of Kurt Cobain’s favorite foods.

2. How would she spend a sunny Sunday afternoon?
A. Cleaning up around the house a bit so she has time to have a nice dinner out before the workweek starts.
B. Brunching hard and then flitting around town to meet up with all her other fabulous friends
C. Keeping it lowkey with a walk around the park with her dog and a quiet lunch at a cute bistro
D. Having a picnic, reading a novel outside, and whiling away her time under the sun.
E. Thumbing through vinyls at her favorite record shop

3. What kind of movies does she like to watch?
A. Film classics: she’s seen The Godfather, Pulp Fiction, and Psycho a million times.
B. Acclaimed indie films: she’s a veteran of the Tribeca Film Festival and is always the first to have seen a relatively-unknown Oscar nom.
C. Rom-coms: she likes the feel-good, mushy stuff
D. Disney movies: she loves the nostalgic feeling they give her, plus the music is always fun to sing along to.
E. Horror films: she loves the adrenaline rush that she gets after a good jump-scare

4. How does she feel about rain?
A. It’s not a problem at all: she can easily adapt to the gloomy weather to get work done.
B. She would rather die than have to go out in this nasty weather.
C. She loves the rain, but only when she can stay home and cuddle up with a book in bed.
D. Bring it on! Rain is fun to play in, anyway.
E. Who cares? It provides the perfect opportunity to find something cool to do indoors.

5. Which New York City neighborhood would she live in?
A. Midtown West, Manhattan: she loves the subtle Art Deco influences in the architecture of the buildings here, plus having almost every subway line so close to home and living near work is super convenient.
B. Chelsea, Manhattan: she loves her beautiful apartment in this high-fashion, high-excitement neighborhood
C. Boerum Hill, Brooklyn: she loves the comfortable, low-key vibe of this tight-knit neighborhood and the cute mom-and-pop shops scattered throughout it.
D. Lower East Side, Manhattan: she fits in perfectly with her super-creative neighbors and loves the eccentric bar and restaurant scene.
E. Williamsburg, Brooklyn: its fast-growing vintage scene, low-key food spots, and its bourgeoning bar scene fit her vibe perfectly.

6. Choose her go-to drink.
A. Gin martini: why mess with tradition?
B. Whatever artisanal cocktail the bartender can make
C. Water or cranberry juice: she doesn’t really drink alcohol
D. Piña colada: she loves the sweet fruitiness of it, plus it’s such a fun drink!
E. Jack and coke: delicious, available everywhere, and a classic rock concert drink

Answers

Mostly As: Classic

When your wardrobe is as versatile as the Classic woman’s is, dressing for any occasion is a piece of cake. You can take her anywhere and she will be dressed impeccably for it. Her selection is crisp and conservative: the pieces she chooses are timeless and elegant, and they never go out of style—think little black dresses, clean white button-ups, and finely-tailored trousers. You love her vintage sensibilities and the fact that her favorite ensemble would definitely not be out of place in Audrey Hepburn’s collection. For this woman, we’d recommend a piece from Tiffany & Co. The classic Return to Tiffany chain bracelet would make a great addition to her collection.

 

Mostly Bs: Glamorous
Every trend you’ve ever heard of was born at the hands of the Glamorous woman. When this tastemaker walks down the street, it’s not just her magnetic personality that makes heads turn: her outfits catch the eye with their extravagant details. She’s the ultimate trend-setter and her ability to always stay ahead of the curve blows you away. This woman’s closet is a wonderland of furs, asymmetrical cuts, and haute couture pieces, and to complement it, we suggest the classic Cartier Love Bracelet. This piece is simple and structural, but it also adds a touch of romance to her out-of-the-box wardrobe.

 

Mostly Cs: Sporty
The Sporty woman’s comfy-casual sense of style matches her fitness-and-clean-eating-oriented lifestyle to a tee. This woman lives in “athleisure” clothing and makes it work for any occasion, whether she’s going out for a morning run with you or going to brunch with her friends. Her wardrobe is full of leggings (perhaps of the Lululemon variety), cool-looking sneakers, and light, layer-friendly basics that go well under any kind of jacket—track or otherwise. She dresses up her ensembles with statement necklaces and elegant bracelets here and there, so pick up an equally significant timepiece to round out her collection. We recommend the Rolex Ladies’ Datejust to add the right amount of refinement to her wardrobe.

 

Mostly Ds: Bohemian
The Bohemian woman’s style borrows heavily from the flower power sensibilities of the 1970s: her wardrobe is full of colorful patterns and loose, flowy shirts and dresses. Her vibrant ensembles may be similar to the colorful, hippie-inspired attire worn at music festivals, but she pulls the everyday look off beautifully. You love how this woman’s love for color and whimsy is reflected in her bright personality, and the jewelry she wears should complement that. We recommend a David Yurman Cable bracelet for this flowerchild, but not just any Cable bracelet. Pick up the 10 mm Cable Renaissance bracelet; this heavy piece is outfitted with impressive-looking gemstones like peridot and citrine, whose colorful brilliance will spice up her vibrant collection.

 
 

Mostly Es: Rock ’n’ Roll
This woman is rock and roll, personified. Her bold, devil-may-care personality pairs well with her dark, edgy wardrobe. She’s not afraid to dye her hair crazy colors or add to her body art, so she likes pieces that speak for themselves and won’t clash with her hot pink hair or new tattoo, like boxy moto jackets or heavy-duty combat boots. Every day with her is an adventure, and you can show her how much you love that with the Bulgari B.Zero1 ring: its simple geometric design would look great with her heavy, structural ensembles.

10 Unique Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands for the Modern Bride

We rounded up 10 of favorite contemporary engagement rings and wedding bands with unique settings and colorful stones, perfect for the modern bride and groom.

Dancing in the Rain Gold 18KT Ring by Nanis, $840
Moonstone is an increasingly popular choice for contemporary engagement rings.
This ring by NANIS beautifully showcases the impressive center moonstone and, framed by complementary pave diamonds, creates a wonderfully romantic look.

 

Ipanema Gold 18K Ring by NANIS, $735
Non-traditional engagement rings do not get much more unique than this NANIS ring. A beautifully faceted piece of rutilated quartz sits in an elegant solitaire setting, capped with pavé diamonds.

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18K Rose Gold Hematite Yola Ring by Misahara, $7,500
This impressively-sized ring by Misahara features a cabochon hematite stone. This dark-colored gemstone has a gorgeous metallic sheen that gives it a mystic, cosmic aura.

18K Gold Wonderland Sapphire Flower Ring by Mimi So, $7,600
Mimi So’s whimsical setting is the ideal engagement ring for the bride-to-be who doesn’t take themselves too seriously.

Mosaic Collection 18K White Gold Diamonds Ring by ZYDO, $7,300
The elegant lines of this ZYDO ring make for a distinctly modern diamond engagement ring.

Open Scalloped Diamond Band by Dana Rebecca Designs, $1,485
We love how this ring by Dana Rebecca Designs is a nod to the traditional diamond wedding band but with an edgy twist: its unique scallop motif and open band design.

18K Gold Phoenix Feather Center Pave Diamond Ring by Mimi So, $4,300
Mimi So’s feather-shaped band evokes the romantic sentiment of a wedding band without looking like your typical band.

Thick Cutout Diamond Bar Band by Dana Rebecca Designs, $1,980
This wide geometric band by Dana Rebecca Designs is a smart option for brides who, instead of stacking their engagement and wedding bands, want to wear a ring on each hand.

18K Gold Wonderland Stackable Diamond Eternity Twig Ring by Mimi So, $2,600
In step with thin wedding bands that can sit below your engagement ring, Mimi So’s collection of delicate rings were designed to stack—but with a fresh take. In Mimi So fashion, this delicate and organic-shaped ring has a wooded texture to give it more dimension.

18K Rose Gold Black/Green Diamonds Unity Pure Ring by Misahara, $2,900
Opt for Misahara’s cool twist on the traditional diamond wedding band with rows of green and black diamonds.

15 New Watches for the Modern Collector

From low-key smartwatches to minimalist styles to refashioned Rolexes, we pick our fifteen favorite watch styles for modern collectors looking for something radically new.

Frederique Constant’s Smart Looking Smart Technology
The Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch looks like a classic wristwatch and includes cutting-edge smartwatch technology. Pair this handsome watch with your phone to track your daily steps, calories burned and total distance. Enjoy the perks of a modern smartwatch without compromising your style.

Les Artisans de Genève’s Reimagined Classics
Independent watchmaker Les Artisans de Genève puts a unique stamp on time-honored Rolex models with custom dials, refashioned bezels and updated bracelets. These artfully reimagined models are a cool conversation piece for any collector and Rolex fans will revel in testing their Rolex knowledge, spotting the subtle updates to these reimagined Submariners and Daytonas.

HYT’s Ancient Cutting-Edge Technology
HYT’s watches are veritable engineering marvels and will mesmerize new and veteran watch collectors. Loosely based upon the ancient water clock (or clepysdra), one of the earliest recorded timekeeping methods, HYT’s wristwatches use a proprietary mechanical movement that compresses a bellow and pushes a tinted liquid through a glass capillary to indicate the time. HYT’s novel approach to indicating time is like a progress bar for the hours passed in a day, perfectly suited for today’s tech-minded society.

Traser’s Watches for Adventure-Seekers
If you’re a collector who likes to wear your watches day-in, day-out, check out Traser’s collection of incredibly durable watches. Traser is the brand-of-choice emergency and rescue teams, police forces, and adventurous hikers and outdoor thrill-seekers who rely on Traser’s break-through illumination technology. Traser’s Trigalight technology allows the watch dial to remain illuminated without the aid of batteries or an external light source. These robust watches are best suited for modern watch collectors and wearers who need a watch that can keep up with them.

Modern Minimalist Styles
Contemporary tastes are gravitating towards sleeker and minimalist watch styles: classic dials, thin bezels and leather bands. Thanks to their premier craftsmanship, these beautifully pared down styles are built to last and perfectly on-trend without being too trendy.

15 Minimalist Jewelry Designs to Shop Now

Layer, stack, mix and match these minimalist jewelry styles and unique statement pieces to suit your inimitable style.

Rings to Stack

Dana Rebecca Designs’s minimalist and layer-friendly designs are perfect mixing and matching to cultivate your own unique look.

Updated Classic Earrings

A cooler spin on the classic hoop earring, this pair by Misahara is handset with diamonds and the delicate texture gives them a softer, more organic feel. Meanwhile, Nanis employs a centuries-old goldsmith technique to give its jewelry a matte finish. This finishing touch elevates these simple stud earrings into a veritable work of art.

Necklaces to Layer

Mimi So puts her signature whimsical stamp on pendant necklaces that make for playfully romantic additions to enjoy every day.

Statement-Making Bracelets to Wear Solo

The sleek Love Always bracelet by Phillips House boasts a modern design and its expertly crafted elliptical shape makes it an incredibly comfortable statement piece.

The Expression’s pencil motif makes for a cool conversation piece that can be easily incorporated into any ensemble.

The 7 Steps to Building Your Perfect Jewelry Collection

We’ve all read through (and perhaps shopped from) those checklists outlining the “wardrobe workhorses” you need in your closet: a white button up, black slacks, a crisp trench coat. While it is important to have those clothing basics covered, we cannot ignore the importance of adding jewelry to your outfit. Your jewelry choices add those doses of sparkle and polish that tie a look all together and signal that you put thought into your ensemble.

We break down, step-by-step, the pieces you should add to your wardrobe and jewelry collection, in order.

1. Stud Earrings 

This small addition to your jewelry collection will have a big impact on your outfit, adding a smart finishing touch that requires no real effort or thought.

Look for a pair that suits your personal style and affixes closely to the ear. We suggest shying away from long or chandelier earrings as your first or go-to pair; these sweeping styles can feel too dramatic for everyday wear.

 

2. An Everyday Watch 

Like the extra shine of earrings, a classic watch makes your outfit feel polished and pulled together—again, with minimal effort. We recommend a clean design with a metal bracelet which is a reliable everyday timepiece that feels professional in the office and not too stuffy for off-duty days.

To help you decide whether you should invest in a white or yellow gold, defer to your favorite handbag’s hardware. If your work tote has gold hardware, opt for a gold watch. If your satchel is covered in silver-brushed studs, go for silver. Really hard-pressed to pick? Go for a two-tone watch and problem solved. Steer clear of styles that have too-colorful dials that may compete with your outfit.

Regardless of which style you pick, ensure that it fits your wrist size correctly. For more on that, check out our handy guide to find the right case size for you.


3. A Delicate Pendant Necklace

Up next on your jewelry checklist: a pendant necklace with sentimental meaning. It is important to pepper your jewelry collection with pieces of personal significance so the collection remains uniquely yours.

Ideally, you want an unobtrusive chain necklace that you can put on and never have to take off. Consider a pendant with your birthstone, a loved one’s initials, or a small charm that recalls a warm memory.


4. A Statement Bracelet or Cuff

As your day-to-day collection comes together, it’s time to add in a few bold pieces to keep things interesting, starting with a statement bracelet or cuff.

We recommend sleek and architectural pieces that add dimension to your evening outfits or punch up your weekend t-shirt-and-jeans. Or, if you love stacking your bracelets, try a handful of bracelets and cuffs that pair well together and have different textures like a charm bracelet, a smooth enamel cuff and a thin chain bracelet.


5. Stack-Friendly Rings


To further personalize your jewelry wardrobe, add in a handful of mix-and-match rings. Look for rings with varying thickness that you can stack up or wear individually. Keep your collection interesting with rings in different metal types, colorful gemstones or pavé stones. The goal here is to have a healthy variety of styles that can throw together to complement (and not overwhelm) the other pieces of jewelry you’re wearing.


6. A Statement Necklace


Like your bold cuff or bracelet, you need a necklace that can spice up a crisp button up or silk blouse. Unlike your dainty pendant necklace which quietly supports an ensemble and style, this necklace should be the focal point of your outfit. You want a stand-out necklace that works with multiple outfits but not one you wear every day. Try a sleek lariat, a chunky chain collar or a long wrap-around necklace with stations.

 


7. Statement Evening Earrings


Now that your daytime jewelry collection is covered, you’re ready to branch out into evening styles. We recommend starting with chandelier or long earrings as they offer you the style flexibility to work with a variety of necklines and dress styles.

Once you have these core styles covered, do not feel beholden to them forever. Your style will inevitably evolve as your preferences chance. Take regular inventory of what you’re wearing—and what’s collecting dust—and start editing, updating and refreshing your collection accordingly. The joy of a jewelry collection is getting to actually wear it, so make sure your pieces are always a reflection of your unique style.

 

What is His Dream Holiday Gift? [QUIZ]

Tally up your answers to these simple questions and match your beau’s personal style to the holiday gift of his dreams.

What is your S.O.’s happy hour cocktail?
A. Whatever the mixologist bartender shakes up!
B. An Old Fashioned that he enjoys with a good read at the quiet local bar
C. A frosty beer at a sports bar flying his team’s colors
D. A whiskey neat, sipped in a swanky hotel bar
E. A gin and tonic, an easy drink to hold while working your way through the crowd at concert

It’s his turn to pick date night. Where do you go?
A. The opening of an art exhibit, followed by big bowls of ramen at a funky hole-in-the-wall spot
B. Actually, you stay in: cooking a hearty pasta dish and sipping red wine while watching a documentary on Netflix
C. The Knicks game—and you two look Kiss Cam ready sitting courtside in your matching orange and blue gear
D. A late dinner at the just-opened Spanish tapas bar
E. A warehouse party downtown where you two dance and groove to your favorite underground band

What is the most-worn item in your man’s wardrobe?
A. His minimalist watch
B. His navy wool peacoat
C. His Nike sneakers
D. His tailored-to-a-T suit and tie
E. His vintage Led Zeppelin tee

What does your guy always have in his bag?
A. The latest issue of Time Out
B. A well-worn copy of his favorite book
C. A water bottle
D. A running list of restaurants to try
E. His Beats headphones

Finally! Saturday! How does your guy unwind?
A. Catching a few flicks at an indie film festival
B. Idly reading the paper with a big pot of coffee
C. Jogging through the park or playing a game of touch football with his buddies
D. Testing his palate at a sommelier course
E. Sifting through vinyl at a record shop

 

MOSTLY As
Your hip guy is creative, open-minded, and loves to scope out new scenes. This is perhaps what you love most about him: his optimistic willingness to try anything, be it a performance art exhibit or a no-frills ramen noodle house. He is also full of surprises when it comes to unearthing some cool spots of his own. Present him with a Panerai Luminor. It’s a distinct and unconventional watch shape that he’ll love having as a conversation piece.

MOSTLY Bs
Your man is an old soul romantic. A bit of a homebody, he is quiet and incredibly thoughtful. He savors the little things in life, like getting lost a gripping novel or lazing about with the newspaper in bed. This holiday season, surprise him with a sentimental gift that isn’t too fancy, like a classic vintage watch. Watch collectors especially love well-worn watches and prize them as a piece of living history—and we’re sure your beau will similarly appreciate the watch’s legacy.

MOSTLY Cs
Your S.O. is a sports nut. Every Saturday, he laces up his sneakers and goes for a mind-clearing jog around the park. But he also loves the camaraderie of sports, cheering on his home team with his buddies and strategizing his fantasy football league. So while you could get him another sports jersey, why not get him a sporty watch instead? Look for a robust style with an easy-to-change rubber or NATO strap so, come game day, he can represent his team’s colors with pride and in style!

MOSTLY Ds
Your sophisticated partner works very hard at his corporate job so he can enjoy the finer things in life, namely travel and good food. He is a real globetrotter and loves to immerse himself in the cultures he visits—hence his impressive knowledge about Spanish wines and the many varieties of Italian olive oil. This smart dresser will love a pair of handsome cufflinks. They’re a practical addition to his sharp wardrobe but, because they’re from you, they will also be packed with lots of warm, personal meaning.

MOSTLY Es
Your night owl loves the music scene. He loves being front-row-and-center for his favorite band, and, when he can’t be at the show, he spins vinyl on his record player. Admittedly, he’s a bit of a music nerd, as evidenced by his near encyclopedic memory of his favorite bands, but isn’t that a part of his charm? Instead of getting him another set of headphones, get your audiophile the same watch as his favorite rock legend. For instance, Mick Jagger first wore a Seiko before switching to a TAG Heuer Carrera. Meanwhile, bandmate Keith Richards wears an IWC Portuguese Chronograph. Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones sports a Rolex GMT-Master.

How to Choose a Men’s Watch that Suits You

Whether you’re a thrill-seeking traveler or working your way up the corporate ladder, here are the Rolex, Panerai and Omega styles that suit your look and lifestyle.

The Graphic Designer
Artist types need a cool-looking watch with some added panache. So, whether you have a passion for art or work in a creative environment, you will love an unconventional watchcase shape like the Panerai Luminor 1950 10 Days GMT. This conversation piece will enhance your wardrobe of slim ties, straight-leg trousers, and monk-strap shoes. 

More Graphic Designer Watches

From left: Corum Admirals Ac1-45 Chronograph Mens 45Mm Watch; Shinola The Runwell S01000035 Stainless Steel Quartz 41mm Mens Watch; Hublot Big Bang Evolution 301.PX.1180.RX 44.5mm Watches

 

The Globetrotter
World travelers who are constantly jetsetting off to an exotic locale need a watch that can keep up with their adventures. Therefore, check out a resilient watch with travel-friendly complications like this Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Dualmatic. Equipped with a GMT hand to read a second time zone, this water-resistant and durable stainless steel case is your dream travel companion. 

More Globetrotter Watches

From left: Breitling Transocean GMT AB045112/BC67-134S Stainless Steel Automatic 43mm Mens Watch; Rolex Explorer II 16570 Black Mens Watch; Omega Speedmaster HB-SIA Co-Axial GMT Chronograph Ref. 321.90.44.52.01.001

 

The Athlete
Guys who are up with the dawn, sweating it out on the treadmill, should have a light-weight watch that wicks away sweat. Try a water-resistant chronograph for timing your laps or mile time like this Omega Speedmaster on a NATO strap. The fabric strap means you can easily rinse away any sweat while the clean dial and split-second stopwatch means you’ll never struggle to read the time of your personal best. 

More Athletic Watches

From left: Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 215.32.44.21.01.001 Stainless Steel Automatic 43.5mm Mens Watch; Tudor Fastrider 42010N-Rubber-Red Stainless Steel & Ceramic Automatic 42mm Men’s Watch; Rolex Submariner 16610 Stainless Steel / Nato Strap 40mm Mens Watch

 

The Executive
If your eyes are set on that corner office, dress the part and distinguish yourself from other working stiffs. A sleek and timeless watch like this Rolex Datejust is a smart finishing touch to your suit-and-tie uniform. This quietly impressive Rolex also has a thin watchcase to smoothly pass under your shirt cuff and avoid that unattractive sleeve bunching. 

More Executive Watches

From left: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26320ST.OO.1220ST.03 Stainless Steel Chronograph Mens 41mm Watch; Patek Philippe Calatrava 18K White Gold Watch On Leather Strap 5196G; Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Fluted Blue Index Dial Mens Watch