The 411 on Metal Allergies

Got metal allergies? They’re old hat to people who’ve always had them. But if you’re new to this problem—it can start at any age—you may be wondering how to manage it: Will it eventually go away? Do you have to nix all your favorite jewelry? And, if so, is hypoallergenic metal the answer? The answers to these common questions are: maybe, probably not, and sometimes.

The Knee, the Hand, and the Diamond: Know What You’re Doing When You Propose

Planning to propose? Before you get down on one knee with a diamond ring and ask her for her hand, find out more about why you’re doing it that way. Once you see the meanings behind the traditions, you might even prefer to cherry-pick (or modify) which ones your bride would appreciate.

The Art (and Joy) of Designing Your Own Ring

Have you ever thought about designing your own ring? As a gift to someone you love, it shows a level of care and tribute unlike anything else. As a gift to yourself, it is imbued with personal meaning—memories of a loved one, for example, or milestones in your life. You don’t need to have an artistic soul or a gemology and metalwork background to undertake this process. A good jeweler will provide both. Your job is to sit down with that jeweler and give whatever inspiration and direction you can offer. The jeweler can flesh out concrete ideas from all manner of starting points, and bring your dream ring to life:

Shopping for Dad—and the Other Men in Your Life!

What’s the greatest gift anyone can give you? According to the late, legendary NCAA coach Jim Volvano, it’s the gift of believing in you—something his own father did for him. Do you have one of those dads, too? How have you thanked him for the “greatest gift”? One day is far from enough to fill such a tall order. That’s why we think of Father’s Day as an opportunity to simply pour in some extra gratitude. When you put some real thought into it, that “little extra” can go a long way.