Don’t see what you’re looking for? I have a previous post on personalized jewelry that you can read here, with more ideas.

Note: Keep in mind that most personalized jewelry requires customization that takes some time. I have tried to note lead times when I could find them.

Vintage Elegance

Charm and Chain carries a line of amazing designs from Soixante Neuf. There is a look and feel to these pieces of a cherished heirloom that has been handed down.

This unique glass locket would make a beautiful gift. Clear glass can be engraved with initial(s), then the hinged case can be opened to store some treasure: photo, lock of hair (Victorian-style), maybe sand from a special vacation? I also love the long chain. Allow up to 3 weeks for delivery.

Glass locket from Soixante Neuf with 14kt vermeil setting and 32 inch chain, Retail $320.

This oval ring by Soixante Neuf is vintage in style, but modern in scale. Up to 3 initials can be carved into the top. Order by Dec 3rd, 2011 to guarantee delivery by December 23rd. Or you can always wrap a photo–it’s worth the wait.

Oval Monogram ring by Soixante Neuf in 14kt vermeil, Retail $295.

Modern Sensibility

There are some great emerging designers putting their own fresh spin on personalized jewelry. I especially like the direction of Dalla Nonna, a newly minted jewelry design team that approaches modern design with a dose of tradition. Since all their items are made by hand, allow 1-2 weeks for delivery. Gift notification can be sent immediately.

Little Letter pendant by Dalla Nonna, available in silver, yellow and rose gold on a 16 inch chain, Retail starting at $110.

I also really love their bracelets, featuring one or more of the little letters above. They would make a stylish gift for a girlfriend, and look great layered up with other bracelets. Allow 1-2 weeks for delivery.

A stack of Dalla Nonna little letters bracelets, available in a wide array of colors and silver, gold and rose gold letters, Retails starting at $98.

Truly customizable, the Dalla Nonna calendar necklace ™ is a unique way to mark (literally) a significant date. You can choose your month and day, metal, sapphire color to mark the date, and shiny or matte finish to make it your own. Allow 3-6 weeks to create this individual work of art (a gift notification can be sent immediately).

The Dalla Nonna calendar necklace in gold with a red sapphire on 18 inch chain, Retail $675.

Minimalist

If modern design is what you have in mind, consider this cigar band ring from Max & Chloe. At 3/4 of an inch wide, it could work for a man or woman. You can choose up to 3 initials to carve out of silver or 14kt gold. Allow 2-3 weeks to craft this to your specifications.

West Avenue Cigar Band ring in silver, Retail $210.

Also from Max&Chloe, here is a fresh take on the single initial idea. Allow up to 3 weeks for delivery.

West Avenue cut out initial necklace in sterling silver, Retail $98.

This bangle incorporates very clean, modern design with sentimental birthstones. The jewelry from Luna&Stella allows for quite a bit of customization, and is a favorite of new celebrity moms. You can start small and stack more gems over time with many of their designs.

Sterling Silver Crescent Moon Birthstone Charm Bangle Bracelet, Retail starting at $98.

I’m in love with these number rings by Lulu Frost. The number styles are inspired by the iconic room numbers at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. What a clever little way of referencing your special number! Allow up to 4 weeks for delivery, as all are made to order.

14kt yellow gold Number Ring by Lulu Frost CODE, Retail $440.

Feminine Mystique

For something unapologetically feminine, consider one of the designs below. I love the amazing negative-space cut outs, that are intricate without being fussy.

For the ultimate luxe expression, this pendant from Max&Chloe traces the delicate curves with pave diamonds in 14kt yellow, white or rose (sigh!) gold. Allow 2-4 weeks for each handmade creation.

14kt yellow gold Initial Monogram Necklace with Diamonds from MaxandChloe, Retail $2500.

If you love the idea of the above necklace, but prefer something a little less precious, this option from BaubleBar is a pretty amazing price point. The pendants are available in sterling silver or 14kt gold plating over sterling silver, and a Medium or Large size, pictured below. Each necklace is custom made to your specifications and takes about 4 weeks.

14kt plate over sterling silver Monogram Pendant, Large, by BaubleBar.com, Retail $115

There is something old-school sweet and charming about the full name spelled out in script. In addition to choosing silver or gold plated, you can really customize by choosing your length of chain. Allow 4 weeks to get your necklace.

14kt gold plate Nameplate Necklace by Bauble Bar, Retail $88.

Last, but not least: Guy Ideas

Finally, a decent accessory for men, that is subtly sentimental. He can literally wear his heart on his sleeve with these ingenious cufflinks by Luna&Stella. Made in clean, simple lines in sterling silver, you can unscrew the tops and put something significant inside. You can get birthstones in any combination from Luna&Stella, or provide your own photos or mementos. It’s like a locket for guys.

Sterling Silver Cufflinks from Luna and Stella, Retail starting at $150 for cufflinks, plus birthstones.

I also love these slightly geeky cufflinks from CuffArt.com. You can commemorate any significant location in latitude or longitude: where you met, your first place together, childhood memories, etc. Allow 2-3 weeks to custom make.

Latitude and Longitude Custom Engraved Cufflinks, $120 Retail

For more cufflink ideas for guys, you can check out a previous post here.

View this post on idazzle.com: Holiday Gift Ideas: Personalized Jewelry

Last night, it was fun to be on official gem watch as the stars arrived on the Red Carpet, and then tweet live with other jewelry enthusiasts about the best (ok, and worst) ensembles. While admiring Claire Dane’s gorgeous cuff bracelet, the effusive diamonds of Sofia Vergara, and the unexpected old Hollywood glamour of Tina Fey’s Lorraine Schwartz earrings, I also kept my eyes peeled for Martin’s work.

And he did not disappoint, no less than four stars were dressed graciously in his jewels: Julie Bowen wore a stunning pair of rose-cut rich brown diamond studs, and a grey slice of diamond in a setting that channeled Art Deco with black and white accent pave:

Julie Bowen in Champagne Diamond Stud Earrings with White Diamond Micropave

Julie Bowen wore 5.11ct Rustic Gray Sliced Diamond Ring in 18kt White Gold with 4 Round Brilliant Diamonds and Micropave

Also wearing colored diamonds in sculptural cuts was actress Kelly MacDonald, in these stunning drop earrings, and a couple of lovely rings with micropave:

Kelly MacDonald Wearing Martin Katz Drop Earrings

Oval Orange Diamonds in 18kt Rose Gold Earrings set with 2 Pear Shape Rustic Diamond and Square Rustic Diamond (totalling over 40cts of diamonds)

Actress Gabourey Sidibe looked radiant in gorgeous color, especially the dramatic Amethyst and Diamond pave earrings:

Gabourey Sidibe in Martin Katz Amethyst and Diamond Earrings

Oval Cabochon Amethyst Earrings, 24.96 ct, in 18kt White Gold, Microset with 422 White Diamonds and 357 Amethysts (My Fav!)

Also making a more subtle, but no less wonderful appearance, was a pair of sophisticated Black Spinel and Diamond Cufflinks on Colin Firth:

Colin Firth's Cufflinks, 18k White Gold Black Spinel Diamond Corner Cuff Links

Martin Katz is not new to the Red Carpet: for nearly two decades, his designs have been beautifully represented by a number of celebrities. Among his devoted following are Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Aniston, Cate Blanchette, Freida Pinto, and many more. Over the years he has dealt directly with people in his own home in Beverly Hills, or his exclusive showrooms in Beverly Hills and New York City. A select collection can also be viewed at Bergdorf Goodman.

idazzle Exclusive Interview with Martin Katz About 2011 Golden Globes Jewels

idazzle: You have been in the couture jewelry business long enough for your designs to go through some interesting transformations. Can you explain the inspiration and thought behind your current collection?
Martin Katz: Many of my current designs incorporate vivid colored gems in a spirited 1930’s contemporized look. I derive inspiration from Victorian jewelry, but use this concept in a simpler sense, which is embodied by my current collections. By surrounding large center stones with tiny multicolored stones such as green garnets, pink sapphires, amethysts and white diamonds, I am able to achieve this look.

Do you think that this collection and particularly the items worn, represent a larger theme for jewelry that we will see going forward?
MK: With the state of the current economy people have seemingly become more sensible, which has dictated a change in style. In terms of jewelry, pieces have become more colorful and suitable for every day wear. Obviously statement pieces will never retire, but it seems that they are taking a little break right now!

There seems to be an element of classic estate jewelry in some of your designs, suggesting old Hollywood glamour. How does vintage jewelry influence and inspire your current pieces?
MK: I began my career as a vintage jewelry dealer so my love for vintage pieces has always played an integral role in the design of my jewelry. I am always borrowing design concepts from the past to create my pieces for the present. Because of this, I like to say that my pieces have an old soul.

What kind of woman do you envision wearing your work? Do you have a specific muse?
MK: Women who wear my jewelry are typically self-confident and know what they like in design without being told. They are chic and stylish when they want to be, but do not feel compelled to always be perfectly coiffed. They admire art and have a deep appreciation for quality in all categories. My wife Kelly is my muse and is invaluable to me because she is a never-ending source of design ideas and insight as to what women want.

Martin Katz Opal and Diamond Ring with Amazing Pave

It seems as though you caught the jewelry bug early, with your fascination of how jewelry ornamentation affects people. Are you still captivated by that reaction? What else gives you motivation to keep creating?
MK: Having an artistic and “critical” eye is both my blessing and my curse. I am always observing how fashion and jewelry personify people. When it comes to the Red Carpet, it’s like a candy store of representation that all of us in the fashion world love to explore. Inspiration and motivation come from my wanting to create what others do not and finding a road less traveled when it comes to design direction. When the road fills with traffic again, I find it’s time to take a different route.

You have famously designed some non-jewelry ornaments, such as your 2007 wedding gown collaboration with Renee Strauss, and the 2008 Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra. What is your current focus in design right now, and does it go beyond jewelry?
MK: I am currently working on perfume bottles for a major fragrance group which will be announced sometime later this year.

I heard a rumor that you once walked the Red Carpet yourself ! Would you do it again?
MK: I once walked the Red Carpet alongside Sharon Stone, shortly after she starred in Basic Instinct. She proudly announced to the cameras that I was her jeweler, but in the early 1990’s the press wasn’t covering jewelry the way that they are today, or asking the questions they would today. If I were invited to walk the red carpet again, I would, but not by myself seeing as I’m not a celebrity!

Ha, I’m not so sure about that! Thank you so much Martin, for giving us your insight into jewelry trends and your inspiration right now!

About the Fabulous Jewelry of Martin Katz

Martin Katz’s first real experience with jewelry was selling sterling silver to other students in college, which grew into a larger fascination with the effect that jewelry had on people. His most recent designs are a mix of intricate micro-pave in colored gems arranged in randomly gorgeous, almost mathematical patterns, combined with luminous cabochon cut gemstones in spectral hues. Beyond the amazing gemstones, what is most impressive is the intricacy of the setting work and the way that the mechanics of the piece, like prongs and ring attachments, are transformed by setting skill into decorative pave. A signature collection that he is known for are his “Micro Bands“, where tiny gemstones of remarkably saturated color are set using a microscope, and can be collected and stacked. His other jewelry designs can be viewed at his website, www.martinkatz.com.

Martin Katz Cabochon Sapphire Ring with Pave Accent

View this post on idazzle.com: idazzle Exclusive: Martin Katz Jewelry at the 2011 Golden Globes

The Designer

Primary designer for Kara Ackerman Creations, Ltd, Kara has possessed a strong design sense from an early age, and combined that with a single-minded passion for jewelry to start her own design company. Since 1998, she has created a number of collections that incorporate precious materials like gold and gems with other interesting materials like wood and leather. She’s garnered some great press and a devoted following of celebrities such as Demi Moore, Zoe Saldana, and Christina Applegate.

A lovely stack of Judie bangles by Kara Ackerman, with gem selections in 24k over Sterling Silver, $200 Retail each

The Kara Ackerman Collections

The Kara Ackerman Collection consists of high-end jewelry incorporating faceted gemstones like French amethyst, citrines, colored diamonds and pearls in gold, silver and heavy-plated vermeil. These are the designs that put her on the map in fashion terms, and are collected by connoisseurs.

The GemGirls collection by Kara are personalized charms that can be collected, stacked and worn. Accented with gemstones, they are precious little gifts–or treats for yourself–and are very wearable as pendants or bracelets.

Kara doesn’t forget about men, and has a KSA Designs for Men collection of interesting cufflinks and moneyclips. It can be hard to find great jewelry and accessories for men, and she fills a niche with interesting designs and great craftsmanship.

Kara Ackerman 18kt Hammered Gold Earrings with Rose Cut Diamonds, $900 Retail

The Interview

idazzle: When did you start the Kara Ackerman Designs company?
Kara Ackerman: The official start date of Kara Ackerman Designs was on September 10th, 1998.

What did you do in your previous life?
Before I followed my passion, I worked for Sony Entertainment. I was a productions assistant working on music videos . It was a very special time in my life.

Kara Ackerman Brooke White Topaz Pave Cocktail Ring, $300 Retail

What was the catalyst for making the foray into jewelry design?
I have been designing jewelry as long as I can remember, it is in my blood. My earliest childhood recollections are of beading simple necklaces and playing with my mothers jewelry collection.

How would you describe your fashion/design philosophy in a word or phrase?
Wearable Art.

Kara Ackerman Gold Plated Aluminum Stacking Bangles, $65 for Set of 20

What kind of woman or person do you have in mind when you are creating new designs? Any specific muse?
My mother is my inspiration, her beauty and sense of style are best
described as classic. She has the poise and class of a Jacky O and the
intuitive fashion sense of a Audrey Hepburn. My mother is at the base of
everything I create.

What is the most interesting dilemma you have faced as an entrepreneur in the jewelry industry?
There is a constant pressure to keep up with the ever changing styles in the fashion industry. It is in the moments when things are in the greatest of flux, where I see the best opportunity to set the trend.

Pile 'o Judie Rings to Collect and Stack, Many Gemstones Available in 24k Vermeil, Around $100 Retail Each

What is the most inspiring/rewarding thing about coming to work as a jewelry designer each day?
My designs evolve from the world around me. Like an artist, I interpret what I see in a medium of silver, gold, precious stones, etc. There is an indescribable thrill in bringing those visions to life.

Thank you, Kara, for explaining your inspiration and designs! It will be fun to see what she’s working on for 2011, I’ve heard rumors about some interesting new developments! You can find Kara Ackerman’s designs in her own online boutique, and in a few select physical stores like OC Concept Store in NYC, Dovecote in CT, and Rocks by Rachel in Boca Raton, FL. Her designs can also be found at online retailer Max & Chloe. For information about any of the items featured in this article, or for more information about a custom-designed piece, contact Kara through her website here.

View this post on idazzle.com: Jewelry Designer Spotlight: An Interview with Kara Ackerman

Cheryl Lynn Aphrodite Necklace in 18kt Pink Gold and Black Diamonds, $3000 Retail

The Aphrodite Collection

Cheryl Lynn’s Aphrodite series was her first collection, and features sinuous lines intersecting in an open wire design. Some or all of the design, depending on the piece, is outlined in a precise line of sparkling diamonds, which gives emphasis to the delicacy of the curves and angles. My favorites in this collection are the station necklaces, which would look amazing layered up with other Cheryl Lynn pieces or something else from your own collection. The Aphrodite earrings are also lovely and quite distinctive, with the larger circle dangling and catching the light below the smaller round circle on the ear.

Cheryl Lynn Aphrodite Cuff Bracelet in 18kt Gold and Diamonds, $12,000 Retail

The Cheryl Lynn CL Collection

The Cheryl Lynn CL collection incorporates familiar shapes like circles, wavy lines, and open diamonds making a distinctive pattern across hoop earrings, rings, and–my favorite–cuff bracelets. The open shapes framed by rails of gold or diamonds create interesting negative space where skin almost becomes part of the design. I especially like the contrast of the white against yellow, or the black diamonds in the white background.

Cheryl Lynn CL Collection Ring in 18kt White Gold and Black Diamonds

The Hearts Collection

If you are a romantic looking for a fresh take on heart jewelry, you should check out Cheryl Lynn’s Hearts collection. These designs are clean and un-ruffled, but still express the sentiment with lots of style and energy. I especially like these heart rings that can stack and end up looking quite abstract.

Cheryl Lynn Double Heart Ring in 18kt Gold and Diamonds

The Interview

idazzle.com: How long were you working in jewelry before you launched your designs in 2007?
Cheryl Lynn: Making jewelry was always a hobby of mine. I’ve been beading since I was a child, but didn’t get into metals until shortly before I launched the company.

How did this evolve? Were you making jewelry for private clients and decided you had a collection?
Exactly!

Cheryl Lynn CL Collection Hoop Earrings in 18kt White Gold and Diamonds, $4000 Retail

We’re so glad you decided to change your career from TV producer to jewelry maker and designer! Did you have an epiphany at some point that made you decide to pursue jewelry full-time?
As much as I loved production it just wasn’t creative enough for me. I spend a lot of my down time beading and wirewraping and found myself happiest in those moments therefore decided to take it on full time.

Do you make the jewelry yourself at the bench? If not, where is it produced?
My jewelry is produced in New York. I used to make jewelry at the bench. I would start making things out of metal and get a basic design and then I would give that to a model maker to perfect. Now, I design everything on CAD and send the files to a casting company I use in New York, where my setter/finishers are as well.

My pieces are all manufactured in the US. Even my diamond dealers are based here. We feel we are able to achieve a higher level of quality in the US rather than off shore. Also, we get better and more accurate delivery times due to our control over the entire manufacturing process. This is something critical especially in the fine jewelry market.

Did you launch with just one collection, or all three of your distinct lines?
I launched Aphrodite Collection first.

Cheryl Lynn Aphrodite Cufflinks in 18kt White Gold, $1200 Retail

The circle motif in the CL collection is so familiar, yet you have re-interpreted this design. Would you call it your signature design?
Not really to be honest, I like to call the Aphrodite Collection my signature design because it was my first. However, basic shapes like the circles and hearts seem to be most popular, so these are more my classics.

Where did the inspiration for the Aphrodite Collection come from?
The Aphrodite Collection started with me taking wire and basically playing with it. I was creating shapes with it and soldering it in all different places. I knew I wanted to make a ring with borders on the top and bottom and a free form design in the middle, so I went with it and it was a success!

Cheryl Lynn Aphrodite Ring in 18kt White Gold and Diamonds, $2400 Retail

What made you want to re-interpret the heart motif?
A lot of people like hearts but don’t like them in jewelry because they find them very basic and boring. I just wanted to find a way to make them a little different so people will actually wear them.

Celebrities such as Zoe Saldana and Emma Roberts have been spotted wearing your designs. Is there a particular person you would love to see in your designs?
I am a huge Sandra Bullock supporter and fan. She has such classic, chic style.

Cheryl Lynn Stacking Wave Bands in 18kt Yellow, Pink, and White Gold

What’s in store for the future of Cheryl Lynn Jewelry?
Many more designs, staying true to my aesthetic but incorporating other interesting materials such as raw diamonds, wood and enamel. Watch this space!

Oh, we’ll definitely be watching! You can see the rest of her collection and contact her studio through her website. You can find Cheryl Lynn’s designs in person at a few retailers across the country such as Aspen Jewel Box and Nina at Fred Segal in Santa Monica, CA, and online at retailers Max&Chloe.

View this post on idazzle.com: Designer Spotlight: An Interview with Jewelry Designer Cheryl Lynn Greenspoon

I know, every gift list for men has cufflinks, but what else besides a watch and maybe a wedding ring are guys going to wear? And they can collect multiple pairs, which is a bonus for the stumped gift-giver. Of course, this means that they need to wear a french-cuff shirt, but there are enough relatively casual shirt designs out there that you could convince even the most reluctant guy to wear. Here are some favorite cufflinks:

Classic

For a more traditional guy, you can’t go wrong with simple sterling silver ovals that can be engraved from Blue Nile:

Oval Engravable Silver Cufflinks from Blue Nile, $75 Retail

Vintage:

I love these vintage watch movement cufflinks, available from Cuffart.com. They are a pretty reasonable price, and would appeal to “watch guys”, as well:

Vintage Watch Movement Cufflinks from Cuffart.com, $155 Retail

Geek/Tech

Come on now, who could resist cufflinks with a specific (and meaningful) latitude and longitude, as figured out on Google Maps? Cleverly done with vintage metal stamps, the type is charmingly offset:

Latitude and Longitude Custom Engraved Cufflinks, $115 Retail

General Awesomeness

Every time I time I look at these cufflinks from award-winning blogger and superstar jewelry designer Wendy Brandes, I laugh out loud. EVERY time. I especially admire her creative use of the rubies:

Mud Flap Jill Cufflinks by Wendy Brandes, $350 Retail

Wendy also does some very cool skulls, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Shiny

If you’re looking for an affordable option that still has some sparkle, this pair from Amazon.com is a great choice: nice style, great price, prime shipping:

Sterling Silver and Black Diamond Cufflinks, $50 Retail

I really like the shape of these John Hardy “Naga” cufflinks. They are a little spendy, but the combination of the pave-set black and blue sapphires makes for interesting sparkle. They have nice details, too: the sides and back are finished with engraving. They are available from independent jeweler J.R. Dunn, or visit John Hardy’s website to find a local jeweler near you:

John Hardy Sapphire Cufflinks, $1595 Retail

This is just a starting point–the good news is that there are a lot of cufflink designs out there from $30 to $3000; some of the designers and retailers above have many other great options. Let me know if you need a hook up with a great Local Jeweler, I can try to help you out!

View this post on idazzle.com: Great Gift Ideas for Men: Cufflinks

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!

View this post on idazzle.com: Men's Gift Ideas: More Cool Cufflinks

Where to begin…

Luckily, he maintains an Amazon.com wish list, so I had both an idea of what he liked, and a starting place for where to buy.  Perfect!  Even better, since this was a little last minute, I found a pair of cuff links that is part of their Amazon.com Collection.  Since I am an Amazon.com insider (see about me), I know that this is the collection that the Amazon.com retail team personally selects and then ships from an Amazon fulfillment center.  We are Amazon Prime members, so we get anything labeled prime (most of Amazon.com Collection is Prime) 2nd Day for free, or a flat $3.99 overnight shipping charge. 

Relatively easy to search/browse and check out for this item:

He has some cufflinks already, so I was looking for something a little different but not too crazy.  After reviewing the considerable choices, I selected this pair of sterling silver cuff links set with .25 ct tw of black diamonds.  They are simple squares with a matte/brushed finish (not too shiny), with 9 tiny black diamonds pave-set into a grid pattern in the center of the squares.  I reviewed the technical info (under “Product Specifications” just below the basic top-of-page information), clicked on the Zoom image to see the finish, then added them to my cart.  I went through the usual purchase process, selecting overnight shipping.  They do not offer gift-wrapping for this item, which is kind of a bummer if I were shipping as a gift to someone.  The purchase process was very painless, which is the usual for me for Amazon purchases.

Amazon.com Sterling and .25 ct twBlack Diamond Cufflinks

The packaging:

The package arrived exactly on time, and Amazon.com is good at communicating, confirming the order and when/how they shipped it.  It arrived in a regular Amazon.com box, which is a good thing, both for preserving the surprise (could just be a book or CD inside), and also for security if this were a valuable package (did you know that Amazon.com also sells loose diamonds and pre-set engagement rings?).  Inside the cardboard box was a square, blue presentation box, with a dark blue fabric drawstring pouch with divider.  Overall the packaging was good for a $75 purchase.  There was however, a lovely “made in China” sticker on the outside of the pouch (this applies to the pouch, not necessarily the jewelry item inside), and their own inventory tag/barcode on the bottom of the box.  If I were shipping a gift, I think that the packaging is a triple-con: no gift wrapping (only a gift message on the packing slip), not branded (granted, this is not Tiffany, but it’s still jewelry), and stickers not taken off.  If this were from even a modest physical jeweler, I would think that the sales associate would have taken care to remove any stickers and make sure the presentation was perfect. 

And the final product:

The cuff links themselves were quite nice, with a couple of caveats.  The design is great–simple, but with a little edge to it, perfect for a guy that has a definite style but is not too flashy.  The black diamonds have a subtle sparkle that plays off the matte-finish of the silver really well.  The diamonds are set evenly in straight rows with the metal beads of the prongs holding them in place securely.  The cuff links are, however, smaller overall than I envisioned.  This is one of the biggest problems with jewelry (and other products) on the Internet–SCALE.  To be fair, Amazon lists the dimensions under the product specs (11.5mm square), but I did not double check this on a ruler or something to visualize.  Wouldn’t it be great if Amazon and Blue Nile had a relative size widget on their detail page images for nearly every item that showed you size relative to an ear, hand, cuff, etc?  Turns out he thinks they are an OK size, but it’s borderline.  The other issue I had was with the finish.  In the photo, it’s pretty uniform, but in person, the brushing of the silver is a little random and wavy.  Granted, I am a finish freak.  This is my business, and as a jewelry buyer for retail stores, I have sent back a lot of items to the manufacturer that were not perfect.  My husband thought it was ok, and to most people I think it would be acceptable.  But I like for things to be above expectations, I love to be delighted.  Overall, these are handsome and a good value for $75.  Personally, I would have spent more for slightly larger, heavier, and better finishing. 

Bottom line: Amazon.com has a great selection and they make it so easy to order and get it fast, that these made the perfect choice for this occasion.  The cufflinks are nice, but a little on the small side for my expectations.

View this post on idazzle.com: Online Review: Amazon.com Cuff Links