by Claudia Endler

Okay, so your man is not Mr. Metrosexual. But he is Mr. Right. As much as it would be wonderful if all men could be observant or just “know” what you like, be realistic. If you keep him in the dark, is it really his fault that you now have an antique when you are a modern girl? Or that you got earrings for Valentine’s Day when you really wanted a watch?

Men like to surprise. Bless their hearts. Men do not want to be pressured. Neither do we. Men want to feel they have a choice. Ditto. And many men are not wired to observe style.

Here are some ways you can drop a few hints to let him know which jewels you really desire:

• When you come across something you like, tell your guy what you like about it. (”I really like yellow gold—it complements my skin tone.”)

• Get a card from the jewelry store where you saw something you liked, and write the style number on it.

• Make sure your man sees the card (try putting it on your desk or computer), or tell him you saw some really nice things there and this piece is one of them.

• You really like such and such piece, but anything from this designer would be great as they know my style … if he ever needs some direction on a gift sometime in the future.

• Find a jeweler/designer who will keep a wish list for you.

• Your favorite jeweler/designer can let your man know that if he needs gift ideas for your upcoming birthday, here are a few things that you’ve had your eye on.

• Tell a girlfriend what your style is and which pieces you really like. Sometimes men ask your girlfriends for help.

• It also helps if you give him options in different price ranges. Many guys shy away from jewelry store windows because of the price tags. Offering different options lets him decide what he can afford.

• When you are out and about shopping, stop at a window and point to what you like.

• Communicate your style i.e. classic, modern.

• You can suggest having something made for you or hint at designing something together.

• What you do not like is as important as what you do like.

I would suggest not dropping hints while he’s watching Monday Night Football or otherwise distracted. The communication channels may not be open in your favor.

May you all be bejeweled in your favorites soon!

Claudia Endler is a member of the Los Angeles Incubator and owner of Claudia Endler Designs.