The Gift of Jewelry - A Few Tips

Giving jewelry to people we care about is a sentimental and time-honored tradition - especially around the holidays.  If you do a bit of homework, you’ll be able to pick the perfect something for your friend or loved one that they’ll hold dear far into the future.

Quick Tips on Buying Jewelry as a Gift

• First, look at your recipient’s basic style.  Do they wear a lot of trendy jewelry or a few classic pieces?  Is their jewelry made with gold or silver (or copper) colored metals – or maybe a mix?  Do they wear long necklaces with pendants or short chains, or a layered combination?  By zeroing in on their style and preferences, you’ll have a good starting point for picking a piece they’ll adore.

• Do you know their ring size?  People are generally fond of rings, but not if they’re too tight or too loose!  If you don’t know the person’s size for sure, focus on another type of jewelry they like to wear.  Necklaces, earrings, and even bracelets are much more forgiving size-wise. If you’re set on giving them a ring, find some way to learn their ring size or make sure your gift is exchangeable or can be resized (this is NOT always possible, depending on the ring design).

• Where do you imagine them wearing your gift? Pieces that are worn to work, or out with friends, or to a black tie event won’t necessarily be the same. Observing when they wear which pieces will help you choose a gift they’ll love.

• Consider pieces that are symbolic or meaningful to the both of you. A common symbol in jewelry is a heart, which, as we all know, represents love for the recipient, but there are endless other symbols you can find in jewelry. For example, a pendant shaped like a compass could symbolize your hope for the person having clear direction and finding safe harbor wherever they might be. Maybe you’ll decide on a symbol that is more personal, like a necklace with blue stones as a reminder of the beach where you met; flower shaped earrings that evoke the feeling of a springtime vacation you enjoyed together; or a simple round bangle bracelet that represents a strong and steady friendship.

• Let your recipient know your gift was bought specifically with them in mind by choosing a piece that features their birthstone.  Below is a list of commonly recognized birthstones by month, but if you think your gift recipient might be interested in something a little different, check out the International Gem Society’s article on Alternative Birthstones by Dr. Gerald Wykoff GG CSM.

January - Garnet

February – Amethyst

March – Aquamarine, Bloodstone

April – Diamond

May – Emerald

June – Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone

July – Ruby

August – Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx

September - Sapphire

October – Opal, Tourmaline

November –Topaz, Citrine

December – Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon

• Lastly, you probably know the person pretty well if you’re giving them jewelry so go with your gut and choose a piece you really feel they’ll enjoy! And, always know the jewelry seller’s return/exchange policy before you buy, just in case it turns out your gut isn’t great at picking out jewelry. :)

• Oh, and, one more…
  Buying something for a loved one feels great, but buying something and giving back to those in need feels even better. Keep an eye out for jewelry makers and sellers who give part of their profits to community organizations that support a cause you and your loved one care about. It’s like giving two gifts in one! (BTW, K Norris Jewelry is committed to sharing a portion of each sale with local charities)