Earrings are one of those fashion accessories that can have an instant impact on a woman's appearance. The right earrings can change a dull outfit into something very stunning. Because they are worn in close proximity to the face, earrings can light up a woman's complexion and bring attention to her eyes. Earrings can brighten up a dull outfit or add a finishing touch to an already stunning outfit. When dressing for that special occasion a woman never feels quite done until those earrings are in place. A pair of jeans and a blouse can look just fine, but add a pair of earrings and you could have fashion statement that will turn heads as you walk by.

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Earrings are an important part of every woman's wardrobe. There are many different styles of earrings, and there are literally thousands of designs to choose from. There is an earring style for every personality, and lifestyle. In earrings, precious stones such as diamonds and emeralds remain very popular. But even more popular today are costume jewelry earrings.

Today's woman will need several different styles of earrings to fit the diversity of her lifestyle. Listed below are three main categories or styles of earrings. A woman should have at least two or three pair of earrings in each category.

Fancy/Dress-This is that special or formal occasion like a wedding or elegant dinner where you will want to look glamorous. For this type of occasion diamond or other precious stones, small to medium in size are usually the most appropriate..

Dress/Casual-For work or for a business meeting where you want to look sharp but not flashy, a pair of sterling silver or gold, studs or small hoops will compliment most any business outfit.

Fashion/ Fun-This is where you can really express yourself with earrings. There really is no limit to size shape color or design. Small hoops, large hoops, charms, figural etc.This type of earring is the most fun to shop for. It is also very popular with young teens. This will probably make up the largest part of a woman's earring collection.

It can really be amazing to see what a pair of earrings can do for your look. Use your earrings to make a lasting impression. From the board room to the beach, earrings can help you make your fashion statement. So keep a good selection of earrings on hand to meet all the occasions in your life. And be sure to update styles when necessary. A woman can never have too many earrings.

Misspelled Name - Always confirm the spelling of names. Don't rely on your memory. So many names have different spellings. Example: Terry or Teri or Terrie and on and on it goes.

Wrong Date - This is the same as the number 1 mistake. Always get it in writing before we engrave it. Remember, engraving cannot be erased.

Engraving is like Printing - Wrong! Engraving, we are using diamonds to plow the surface, like a farmer plows his fields. Or we use lasers to burn off a layer of the surface of the engraving material. None of these engraving processes are we adding ink to the surface. Note: There are other engraving processes, but diamond drag and laser are the most common.

All metal surfaces can be engraved - The answer is no. A ruff metal surface is almost impossible to see the engraving. The roughness is competing with the engraving. Also, many metal surfaces, especially gifts, are plated. Most of the time plated surfaces will engrave OK. Once in a while they have bad plating. The bad plating is only uncovered when it is engraved. The bad spot, the plating peels up. This only happens about 5% of the time.

Assuming what you have cannot be engraved - We have all taken gifts to an award stores only for them to say, "It can not be engraved." They are implying that nobody can engrave it. In reality - They can't engrave it. Many times it can be engraved by another company. One great example is watches. The manufacture loves to put all sorts of markings on the back leaving almost no room for engraving. We get around this by engraving on an arc, many times around the edge.

Engraving is too expensive - Yes, it is too expensive - if you take it to a jewelry store. Most jewelry stores don't engrave. They send it out. The jewelry store and the engraver both need to make a profit. It is best to go to an engraver first. Save some money. Besides, all your concerns can be given directly to the engraver, not passed on through notes from the jeweler.

Lack of engraving choices - Most small awards and engraving places have limited capabilities. Do your research. Ask what the engraving choices are for your engraving job. Ask for testimonials from the engraver's customers. If they don't have any, continue your search for an engraver.

It takes forever to get something engraved - Yes, if you take it to a jewelry store. They have to send it out and the time goes by. Taking your engraving job directly to an engraver cuts out the shipping time between the jeweler and the engraver (both ways). Deal direct!

It can be buffed out and re-engraved - The answer is (yes and no). Solid metals like gold or silver can be buffed out and re-engraved. But most jewelry and gift items are plated. When it is buffed out, the plated surface is removed exposing the core metal. The piece is then ruined. Gold pieces that are solid gold will have a stamping 10kt, 14kt, etc. Silver will have stamped Sterling Silver. These items can be buffed out and re-engraved. Almost everything else can not be buffed out. Another trick to tell if it can be buffed out is the price of the item. If it is inexpensive - It is plated. If it is expensive it is more likely to be solid metal and can be shans jewelry buffed out and re-engraved.

The goal is to have a positive experience having your gift or award engraved. A little knowledge can increase your chances for success. Happy engraving!