Buying Guides

Learn what to look for before you buy. Plain-language guides that explain which features matter and which you can ignore.

Buying GuideFine jewelry rings

Size: get sized at a jeweler, in the afternoon, at normal temperature; many rings cannot be resized.

Updated 6. Nov 2026

Buying GuideFine jewelry earrings

Backs: screw backs or secure push backs reduce the risk of losing a stud.

Updated 6. Nov 2026

Buying GuideFine jewelry necklaces

Chain length: 40–45 cm sits at the collarbone; layering needs 5 cm steps.

Updated 6. Nov 2026

Buying GuideFine jewelry bracelets

Metal: 18k gold is the standard for fine jewelry; check if a piece is solid gold or gold plated over…

Updated 6. Nov 2026

Buying GuideGMT and pilot watches

GMT type: a “true” (flyer) GMT moves the local hour hand on its own, the most useful kind for travel.

Updated 6. Nov 2026

Buying GuideWomen’s luxury watches

Movement: quartz is accurate and low-maintenance for a watch you wear now and then; automatic suits daily wear.

Updated 6. Nov 2026

Buying GuideDress watches

Thickness: a true dress watch is under about 10 mm and slips under a shirt cuff.

Updated 6. Nov 2026

Buying GuideLuxury chronographs

Movement: integrated in-house chronograph movements are more refined than modular ones; check service intervals.

Updated 6. Nov 2026

Buying GuideLuxury dive watches

Size: 39 to 42 mm wears well on most wrists; check lug-to-lug length, which matters more than diameter.

Updated 6. Nov 2026

Buying GuideSilk ties and pocket squares

Width: 7.5 to 8.5 cm is classic and balanced with most lapels; skinny ties date quickly.

Updated 6. Nov 2026