MEN always accuse women of being emotional fighters.

I beg to differ. I like logic and reason - mine especially.

Years ago, when a former beau said I had a spending problem, I merely pointed out how much savvier my investments were.

For unlike his vintage Porsche collection, which only saw light of day if it satisfied trivial exigencies such as good weather or suitable (and safe) parking spots, I could take my vintage clutches out anywhere and anytime.

Whether it was for a night out in town, an afternoon luncheon, or a church wedding, they were always perfect and complementary arm candy, and never failed to garner attention. Did that make them worth every cent? Absolutely.

I'm not the sort who believes in taking out the best china or the heirloom jewellery only for a special occasion.

Why women buy jewellery only to stash it in the vault escapes me. Now, unless you're over 80 and still have vivid memories of the war years, there is no reason for this hoarder's mentality.

If you're taking the investment mentality, there are gold bullion coins or bars you should be buying, not chunky yellow gold bracelets that are too hideous to see light of day. Their gold content, by the way, is different too.

It is far more progressive to think of wearing your gems as everyday bling, rather than special-occasion baubles.

There is a stylish way of doing so, versus a vulgar, nouveau riche way of showing them off.

Here's what to note:

1. Don't overload

Don't let them all come out to play at the same time. Overcrowding is best left to sardines in a tin.

Layering is wonderful if you have a natural eye for fashion, but if you have an excessive personality, you'll end up looking like tinsel on the Christmas tree.

2. One gem type

For example, an all-pearl theme, or only green stones. Less likely to mess up that way.

3. One area at a time

Focus attention to one area on your body. Bracelets or cuffs are all you need to dress up a Grecian column dress and show off lovely toned arms.

4. Size doesn't matter

What counts is brilliance.

A huge dull rock that sits on your finger is just deadweight. Give me a 5-table ring anytime - one that can be seen five tables away, and that's all you need.

5. Fake it with class

Mix exquisite costume pieces with real jewellery.

One of my favourite designers is Kenneth Jay Lane (available at On Pedder, #02-12P/Q, Ngee Ann City). Loved by Tinseltown's elite, his baubles look like a million bucks, but you can pick up a ring for $220 or a gem-encrusted bangle for $980.

Another place I love to go for faux jewellery is Quintessential (#02-01, Pacific Plaza). This multi-label store is a treasure trove of bags and trinkets and satisfies my lust for cocktail rings and bracelets that start at an affordable $89 to a couple of hundred bucks.

Again, the gems look so real, I've had, on more than one occasion, people coming up to me asking to look at my 'huge canary diamond'. The reality is that it's a huge hock of a citrine stone - gorgeous nevertheless - but if I could afford the real thing, I would have no reason to write.

6. Buy what you love

It seems obvious enough, but it escapes many. It's good to do research about what stones you're interested in, which jewellers to shop at etc. Don't shop for gems with mercenary detachment. You want to invest, go buy some government bonds or whatever that's stable now.

My advice with jewellery: Buy with your heart and you will wear it with soul.

7. Don't be trite

Just because it's real doesn't mean it has to be traditional in its design or setting.

More fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Gucci are coming up with their own fine jewellery collection, and they are modern, minimalist and timeless.

I can see career girls picking them up as play-play diamonds to mark a promotion, but just as easily see mothers passing them down to their daughters when they come of age.

8. Visit jewel fairs

Why? Because they bring together local and international jewellers, so you get to see a huge variety of gems, and pick up really good discounts (easily 20 to 30 per cent).

Just in time is the sixth annual Singapore JewelFest 2008, which runs from 24 Oct to 2 Nov at Ngee Ann City's Civic Plaza. This year will see a total of 32 jewellery brands taking part, and there will be up to a $100 million worth of gems on display.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Oct 5, 2008.