Issue Date: June 15, 2003
These jewelry sites are true gems
They say diamonds are a girl's best friend, but friendships don't always last. Why? I have thin fingers, so even rings that are measured to fit sometimes slide off. That could be thousands of dollars down the drain. Thankfully, not all jewelry costs an arm, a leg, a torso and a Swiss bank account, as a little Web reconnaissance demonstrates.
Mark Vadon founded BlueNile.com, the largest fine-jewelry e-tailer, after he suffered through the ordeal of choosing an engagement ring. Those who can't distinguish a carat from a carrot should head to "Education" to learn why platinum is a better diamond setting than gold. The 4-year-old site is so detailed, it even shows drawings of bracelet, necklace and watch clasps, with directions for opening them.
Shopping on the site is easy, too, with links such as "Build Your Own Engagement Ring" and searches by budget and material. Although Blue Nile has rings for gargantuan sums, hoi polloi will find 20 pages of search results for pieces costing less than $100.
For more eclectic styles, head to Kipukatrading.com, a bazaar full of exotic beads and other jewelry from Tibet, Thailand, India and Bali. Do-it-yourselfers will love the Thai etched silver and carved lapis Tibetan beads. Yogis should try not to lose their composure over the striking amulets, earrings, pendants and prayer boxes featuring Om symbols and Hindu deities like Ganesh and Kali.
Those interested in cheaper, more contemporary beads should browse Shipwreck.com, which offers a wide variety in bulk, plus stringing materials and books.
The next time some silver slides off my fingers, I'll just make a few taps on the keyboard to get new duds for my digits. But if platinum ever goes down the drain, I'll call the plumber.
-- Laura Shin
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