The Weekend - Buying Jewelery (C0290)

Shop assistant: Good afternoon, sir, is there anything I can help you with today?
Mark: umm... yeah!I’m looking for a nice gift to give my girlfriend. Our fifth anniversary’s next Friday.
Shop assistant: Well, I would be happy to assist you in choosing the perfect gift for her. Is there anything particular that you have in mind?
Mark: No, not really... I'm completely at a loss.
Shop assistant: Well, you can give her a set of pearl earrings, or this beautiful heart-shaped pendant. What is her favorite gemstone?
Mark: That purple one. I’m sorry...I've never bought jewelery for anyone and I’m kind of nervous.
Shop assistant: Don’t worry, we specialize in providing our customers a relaxed, pressure-free shopping environment. That stone is an amethyst. We have a range of beautiful amethyst pieces. Take a look at this bracelet. It’s 18K rose-gold, studded with amethyst and blue topaz. It’s a great statement piece.
Mark: Oh...wow. That’s really pretty. Jess would love that. But... I was thinking of something a little more delicate, perhaps a necklace?
Shop assistant: We have this beautiful platinum pendant, or you could also get her a locket. You could also get her a timepiece---it's both glamorous yet functional. If you tell me a little more about your girlfriend, maybe I can help you find something for her.
Mark: Jess? Well, she’s very smart, and has a great sense of humor. She’s very feminine...
Shop assistant: Perhaps you could give her a ring?
Mark: Well...actually...I was thinking about asking Jess to marry me...I've just been so nervous.
Shop assistant: Well sir, I believe your fifth anniversary is a great time to propose!
Mark: Okay, I’ve decided. I’m going to pop the question!
Shop assistant: Fabulous! We should look at engagement rings then! Now that’s a whole other section.

Key Vocabulary

anniversary The date on which a romance began
have in mind to be thinking of something
heart-shaped something in the shape of a heart
pendant a piece of jewelry that hangs on a chain
gemstone a stone that can be used in jewelry
amethyst a clear purple or bluish-purple stone
bracelet a piece of jewelry worn on the wrist
18K contain 75% gold
blue topaz a blue precious stone
platinum a heavy, silver-colored metal
locket A small ornamental case
pop the question ask a big question (proposal)

Supplementary Vocabulary

bling-bling slang: a term used to describe shiny jewelry, usually with a lot of diamonds
carat a unit of weight in gemstones
flashy eye-catching, shiny and brilliant; ostentatious, attention-grabbing but not classy
show-stopper something that is so interesting as to figuratively "stop the show"
gold-digger someone who marries for money

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