Jewelry Gift Guide
We all need a little gift from ourselves from time to time--this jewelry guide is for yourself or if you are planning on gifting jewelry to someone else. Enjoy.
Occasions
Jewelry is one of the most precious gifts used in different cultures to commemorate and celebrate special occasions--from birthdays to engagements. Historically the value of jewelry comes from i. its intrinsic value ii. a way to pass down cultural values and beliefs iii. to decorate during special occasions such as weddings where the event is a cultural affair.
As a designer, I can assure you, jewelry is always a sweet treat and one where the value remains untouched. Fine jewelry is one of the few things one can gift and lasts generations. Over time it only gets sweeter as it reminds us of the things we love and the people in our lives. It is one of the most precious investments.
Designs
Gift-giving is tricky--gifting jewelry does not have to be. Who does not like jewelry? Especially if gifted with a lot of love and thought.
Pay attention to the pieces someone wears or the pieces someone admires--more often than not you can easily find out by looking at their jewelry collection, the pieces they already wear or their style.
If the person you are gifting to only wears black and white and only gold jewelry with minimal decoration, it is safe to get them a simple well-fitted piece in gold. Or you could casually mention something in the lines of "would you wear this"--no need to elaborate on why you are asking. If they ask, try not to freak out.
Jewelry is an investment, do your research beforehand regarding materials and designs. Be aware of terminology which is hard to comprehend-- simple is better. Ask questions if you need to--any reputable brand or designer will be glad to help you. If not, move on.
Materials
Fine jewelry is made with high-quality materials and natural stones. Any reputable designer should have all relevant information regarding design and materials at hand. Again, ask more questions if needed.
Selecting a metal color, metal purity and stones is about personal taste--the options are endless. It is not a bad problem to have, but it can be overwhelming if it is your first time selecting materials and colors.
Usually, opting for something more classic is a safer bet. Gold, silver, diamonds and other natural gemstones do not go out of style and go with anything.
As a fine jewelry designer, I make it clear what the stone qualities are and the purity of the metal. It matters whether a diamond is natural or not or whether a natural stone is treated at any point to enhance its qualities. This information should always be disclosed to you, the client.
I wear gold bracelets and necklaces every day--regardless if I am wearing athletic gear or an evening gown. However, if you are looking for a statement piece--do not be afraid of colorful stones or louder designs.
Who knows, you might find your next favorite piece.
Pieces and Sizing
Traditionally gifting pieces such as rings are reserved for engagements, weddings and represent a commitment of any sort. Do not let this stop you from gifting a ring. Maybe do stay away from gifting a large diamond solitaire and get a second opinion beforehand. Nothing worse than someone being disappointed you were not proposing.
If you are gifting a ring as an engagement and do not have the exact ring size--opt for a bigger size and get it resized later if needed. A ring that fits too large is infinitely better than one that does not slide into your partner's finger in front of their friends, family and strangers.
Necklaces and earrings are the easiest to gift as you do not need to have an exact size. Usually, 15-18 inch necklaces are a good fit for ladies and 18-22 inches for gentlemen.
Bracelets, especially if a custom creation, should be made to fit a wrist perfectly. I emphasize this as we all come in different sizes. Being a petite woman all of my life means I value a well-fitted bracelet more than anything else. It makes someone seem more well put together.
Getting wrist sizes is trickier than necklaces but you can get creative with this. Invent a way to estimate wrist size. Or use a paper ruler or a tape measurer. The most common wrist size is 7 inches; if you get a value of 12 inches--rethink your strategy and double-check your measurement.
The process should be fun! Or at least exciting
The Gold Bee Designed and Created by Nelly