Jewelry Gift Guide
Sooner or later, you're going to have to buy someone a jewelry present. It might be for your mom, your daughter, your boyfriend or your fiancée, but it will happen.
Don't panic! We're here to help.
This gift guide is for general jewelry presents. If you're interested in learning about that one really important jewelry present, check out the guide to Engagement Rings.
Birthday Gifts
Unless this is a "milestone" birthday (30th, 50th, 18th, etc.), you can go easy on the jewelry. Have some fun --get your best friend a pair of martini earrings or your mom a brightly colored bangle. Here are some other fun ideas that make great birthday presents. For those big birthdays, however, consider something a little nicer -- maybe a strand of pearls or a diamond tennis bracelet.
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Glass Earrings  Glass is a fun, inexpensive way to dress up your lobes. Get a couple of pairs for your sister in colors that complement her usual wardrobe. |
Charms If your mom wears a charm bracelet, add to her collection -- perhaps with her favorite breed of dog. |
Best Friends Necklace Nothing could come between you and your best friend. Have a little fun with a pair of best friend necklaces, or just get two matching ones. |
Birthstone Jewelry Your little girl will feel more grown up with a pair of earrings or a necklace set with her birthstone. (You can tell her they're crystal when she's a little older.) |
Anniversary
Jewelry is a great present for any anniversary whether the traditional gift is paper or diamonds. Here are a few suggestions for the first five years -- after that many of the anniversaries are jewelry gifts anyway. Some of these incorporate both the "traditional" and the "modern" gift. For a complete list of the suggested anniversary gifts, please see Anniversary Gifts.
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First Anniversary Paper beads are a fun, colorful way to celebrate a year together. |
Second Anniversary Try some porcelain beads instead of fine china; put them on a cotton string and you've got both covered. |
Third Anniversary A leather bracelet with sparkling crystals? That covers traditional and modern gifts. You're all set! |
Fourth Anniversary It's hard to make jewelry work with appliances, so get the apple of your eye something fruity instead. |
Fifth Anniversary Wood and silver look great together and each is a lovely material for jewelry on its own. |
Valentine's Day
Romantic is the key here. Hearts, X's and O's, flowers, skull and crossbones -- if she'll think it's romantic, it's a good bet. Don't feel obligated to go with Valentine's imagery if you don't want to; anything gorgeous will certainly be appreciated. Keep in mind that the quality of the jewelry should be proportional to the length of your relationship, at least if you've been together for less than two years. In the first sixth months, don't spend more than about $50; sixth months to a year, $100; and more than a year, $100-$200. If your relationship is serious, you can roll a little higher.
Graduation
Many parents and other relatives consider high school or college graduation to be the time when their little girl is all grown up. Look for pieces that will convey a new sense of maturity while still reasonably suiting her youth. Let her take a little bit of college with her with a mascot or sorority necklace, or propel her into the professional world with a more mature set of pearl jewelry or a gorgeous new watch.
Mother's Day
When you were a little kid, a plastic lanyard necklace or a homemade macaroni-and-glitter bracelet was just the thing your mom wanted for Mother's Day. Now that you're a little older you should probably get her something nicer to say, "Thank you for putting up with me." Also make sure to call her, she'll like that too.
Tips for Choosing Jewelry
Jewelry pieces are certainly one of the best options of a gift for a woman. Jewelry has a magical effect upon almost every woman; a beautiful selection will demonstrate the importance of your relationship and your respect for her. However, it's not an easy task for most men to choose an appropriate jewelry gift. No need to panic or feverishly hunt through all the jewelry boutiques in your city;
Here are a few simple tips to help you make your decision.
Tip 1. Look and listen attentively.
It's sometimes enough to look attentively at what she already has in order to understand what kind of jewels she likes. This way you can define her individual style, her favorite gems and understand what kinds of jewelry pieces are lacking in her wardrobe. For example, if she frequently wears a pearl necklace, a pair of pearl earrings as a gift for her will certainly fit the bill. Casually show her an advertisement in a magazine or on a billboard and ask her opinion. Her answers will certainly help you in your search.
Tip 2. Take her individuality into account.
If she is a very romantic person, think hearts! You can get a heart-shaped pendant or a bracelet made of hearts. Some gemstones can be cut into hearts as well. If she prefers classic style or likes wearing business suits, choose a pair of small diamond earrings or an elegant gold chain. Don't feel too limited, however; jewelry in the shape of the sun, her favorite animal, or flowers will certainly bring a smile to her face. Look out for very "now" jewelry that might be out of style by next month; for example, pirate themes were hot in 2006 but don't expect them to return in 2007.
Tip 3. Ask her best friends.
Her sister, mother or friend will tell you about her preferences and help you find the right gift.
Tip 4. Practical gift-giving.
If you present a woman with a cute pedant, buy a chain she could wear it on. If you want to stash away an extra present for the next occasion, you can buy a jewellery item that is a part of a set. For example, if you present her with a bracelet, next time you can choose earrings of the same set.
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