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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