It's not often a person can feel glammed up because of their vibrator. Precious Metal Gems is a shiny, metallic gold color; its rotary top is covered with a large white crystal. My first reaction was to "ooh" and "ahh" over the appearance, but I was sad to turn the vibrator over and see a streak of paint missing on the back. (Not that anyone thought it was solid gold, but c'mon... help me maintain the illusion!) Even so, my man and I were excited to use the Gem. Three orgasms later, I think "precious" may have been an understatement.

Firm and plastic, the Gem is great for putting pressure on the clitoris because it doesn't have any give. The package says it's "ABS with a metallic cote." The texture of the shaft is sleek and smooth to the touch. The shaft is one piece with no seams, so there's nothing to trap moisture or catch on your skin. It's completely odorless. With a slightly-tapered tip that packs all of the vibe's power, it's ideal if you're looking to tease yourself (or your partner). The Gem has a turn dial for multiple speed variations, making it really easy to crank up the power spontaneously as you play.

Perhaps the Gem's greatest selling point, aside from the bling, is that it's waterproof. We used the Gem in the shower (okay, so it was more than once) and it continued to work without any issues. Even after being fully submerged, the inner mechanism stayed dry while I stayed wet.

Two AA batteries are all you need to get started. I found that the Gem didn't drain batteries and was super-simple to load even in the dark. The batteries do sit in a plastic shaft, so it's always a good idea to take them out between uses.

As far as noise level, I do feel like it's louder than it is strong. It can definitely be heard from outside the bedroom door. Nothing about this toy--from its appearance to its sound--is discrete. I wouldn't recommend it for dorm living or for travel if you're worried about others hearing your fun. That being said, it's cute enough to be presentable should it be discovered.

The vibrations were never overpowering or even close; I like a stronger vibrator in general but felt like this was more than capable of getting the job done. The Gem would be a great choice for a beginner or someone who's more sensitive. Users who prefer a stronger sensation might just use this one for foreplay.

Should you choose to use a lubricant with the Gem, the manufacturer suggests sticking to water-based lubes. You can wash the exterior with soap and water or use a mild toy cleaner. So far, neither water, KY, nor our cleaner has tarnished the gold veneer. Though this is not really a porous toy, always be safe and wash after uses or use a condom.

If you're looking to pamper yourself, the Gem would be the perfect companion to a bubble bath and a glass of champagne. A great purchase for anyone looking for a little glam, the Gem would also be a neat idea for roleplay or entertainment. They say diamonds are a girl's best friend; the Gem is a nice step in that direction for the girl who wants a little bit of sparkle in her sexlife!

This little gem keeps on shining! It's become my back-up vibrator and has yet to let me down. This vibe is easy on batteries, very simple to clean, and dependable for longer sessions of 20-30 minutes. What's not to like?