One thing I tell a "wife" when she calls is that I am an independent jewelry designer...I ask for her husbands name so I figure out who the guy is she is calling about. I pretend to look hi up. I may say that I get calls like this all the time and understand how it may look, but can reassure her that she should feel lucky that her husband is going to such an extent to pick her out a special gift. I explain that my designs take months to complete~thus covering any special date (i.e., anniversary, birthday, Christmas). I mention that I have done a consultation and maybe even talked to him various times the last few days,weeks, months, ect whatever seems appropriate  to the client she is referring to. I know my clients pretty well and have even known on wife's name so it went very well.....She got off the phone thinking that he was acting funny due to the fact he was planning a surprise for her. Of course, I then proceed to do a follow up with the client and advise him that the next special day with his wife he better present her with an impressive piece of jewelry!!