Sapphires pass as diamonds in case of mistaken identity
DEAR ABBY: Last year I gave my new (at that time) girlfriend, “Alyssa,” a pair of earrings for her birthday. They were in a box from a department store marked “fine jewelry.” She loved them and became emotional in expressing her gratitude. I thought it was because it was the first piece of jewelry I had ever bought for her.
When she opened the box I explained that they were her birthstone – sapphires – but WHITE sapphires. In her excitement she must have missed that part.
The earrings are large – maybe one carat apiece. Yesterday I overheard my granddaughter ask Alyssa if they were real diamonds, and Alyssa told her yes!
I kept my mouth shut when she said it, but now I understand why she was so excited when she first saw them. She cherishes the earrings and has told me numerous times she will never take them off.
I want to make this right, but I’m afraid she’ll feel embarrassed because she must have told her girlfriends and family I gave her diamond earrings – which I didn’t. Abby, what do I do? – LOVING BOYFRIEND IN VIRGINIA
DEAR BOYFRIEND: You should straighten this out with your girlfriend, but do it privately. After that, let her disclose the fact that her diamond earrings are really sapphires at her discretion – or not.
DEAR ABBY: A very good friend of mine had a facelift. I’m out of the country, so I have only seen pictures of her. I don’t think it looks good at all. It looks fake and, in my opinion, has ruined her looks.
What should I say when I see her or when she asks me directly what I think of it? I hate to lie, but I don’t want to hurt her feelings. – HONEST FRIEND DearAbby iswrittenby AbigailVan Buren,also knownas Jeanne Phillips.
DEAR HONEST: Sometimes people can be “too” honest, so be diplomatic if you are asked directly. Tell her you always thought she was beautiful – inside and out – and thought she looked great before, but if she’s happy with the result, that’s what’s important.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.