Gemstone earrings and rings are the pieces most women wear every day, so they deserve the most care when you choose them. The right pair of studs disappears into a busy day, while the right ring gets noticed in every photo. This guide covers the choices that matter, from settings and stones to fit and care, with examples from the Fe2 Crystals gallery in Phuket.
Earrings: studs, drops and everything in between
Studs sit on the earlobe and suit everyday wear, since they are light and rarely catch on hair or clothing. Drops and dangles move with you and suit evenings. Weight matters more than most people expect, because heavy earrings pull on the lobe after a few hours. Try a pair on and shake your head gently before you buy.
Fe2 jewelry includes earrings and ear studs from five designers in Thailand and Europe, in styles that run from delicate and refined to bold and chic.
Rings: setting and durability
A ring takes more knocks than any other piece. A bezel setting, where metal surrounds the stone, protects its edges for everyday wear. Claw or prong settings let in more light and show more of the stone, but they sit higher and catch more easily.
Stones differ in durability too. Sapphire and ruby are very hard-wearing, which is why they are classic ring stones. Amethyst and citrine wear well with normal care. Softer stones are happier as earrings or pendants, which knock against things less often.
The colors of sapphire and other stones
Many people think of sapphire as blue, but it also comes in pink, orange, white and green. Fe2 shows sapphires in pink, mandarin orange, white, blue and green, cut in diamond, oval, pear, baguette and cabochon shapes. Rubies, amethyst, citrine and black spinel add deep red, purple, golden yellow and black.
Blue topaz is popular, and the dark London Blue variety is especially striking. It is also worth asking about, because blue topaz is often treated to deepen its color. A good seller will tell you plainly what has been done.
Art deco earrings and rings
Art deco jewelry is known for geometric shapes, symmetry and contrasts of color, such as deep blue beside white or black beside bright. Today the look appears in rectangular and stepped outlines, baguette-cut stones set in rows and symmetrical drops. If you like the style, look for baguette and other geometric cuts, strong lines and a limited palette.
How to choose gemstone earrings and rings for every day
Pick one focal piece and let the other support it. A ring with a strong stone goes well with simple studs, and bold drops go well with a plain band. Think about your usual clothes and the metal you wear most. Silver suits cool tones and most outfits, and a dark stone such as black spinel works with almost everything.
If you are only visiting Phuket, jewelry is also the easiest keepsake to carry home. A pair of studs is a safe gift, while a ring needs a size, so bring one the person already wears to compare.
Silver and everyday care
Sterling silver darkens with time and wear, and a soft polishing cloth restores its shine. Take rings and earrings off before swimming, and put them on after applying perfume or sunscreen rather than before. Store them separately so stones and metal do not scratch each other.
Getting the size right
Have your finger measured rather than guessing. In Phuket’s heat fingers swell, so measure in the afternoon, and allow for the fact that a wide band fits more tightly than a narrow one. If a ring is a gift, compare it with one the person already wears.
Come and try them on
Photos cannot show how a stone looks on your hand or at your ear. Fe2 Crystals is at Porto de Phuket in Choeng Thale. Call or message us on WhatsApp at +66 81 838 8749.
Visit the gallery
Fe2 Crystal Gallery, Porto de Phuket, Baandon Pasak-Koktanod Road, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand.
Open every day from 11 am to 10 pm.
Phone and WhatsApp: +66 81 838 8749. Email: [email protected].