Getting ready for an important milestone? Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or another important life event like a graduation, jewellery makes a wonderful choice for a gift. Not only is it easy to personalise, but quality jewellery will almost always be treasured and adored.
Regardless of who you’re buying the jewellery for, you can make the gift as feminine, masculine, or neutral as you’d like to. And there’s something extra special about choosing jewellery that not only looks glamorous but naturally suits and enhances the beauty of the person wearing it. Here’s how.
How to choose the right jewellery: Four simple steps
Think about who it’s for
Jewellery is most meaningful as a gift when you’ve thought about the person who’ll soon be wearing it. Being sensitive to their style, tastes, and personal preferences could make the difference between your gift being worn every day or hidden away in a box.
You need to choose an item that they’ll genuinely love and want to wear. Style is a huge indicator of the type of jewellery they might get on with – are they boho and carefree or do they usually wear smart and elegant clothing? Minimalist pieces work wonderfully for those who dress for business, while colourful beads and huge pendants could suit a playful personality.
You should think about physical factors and sizing too. Plus, some individuals might be allergic to certain materials, so it’s worth checking that too.
Decide what you’d like your jewellery to say
Jewellery can make a style statement and it can also be incredibly meaningful when given as a gift. You should think about your budget before you spend a lot of money, but it’s also true that expensive jewellery demonstrates seriousness and commitment.
While a plain gold chain might be the perfect necklace for a tiny locket, choosing a diamond necklace could be an ultimate token of love and loyalty.
If you’d like to make a more personal message, considering something like the person’s birthstone could be a better call. There are plenty of ways to show that you care or hint to family connections through jewellery, especially if you take the time to learn a bit of history.
Understand the materials
If you’re new to buying jewellery or you’re set on leaving the right impression, it’s a good idea to understand the materials used in the trade. And with the industry being urged to adopt more sustainable practices, you should think about the environment in your choice too.
From colourful gems to precious metals, these materials come at a range of price points and quality grades – so it’s crucial to pay attention while you shop.
Precious metals include gold, platinum, silver, and other metals. The karat measurement describes how much pure gold is contained within a piece of gold jewellery, while sterling silver pieces will meet certain requirements for silver content.
Diamond pieces use a grading system to help you determine their value and quality. Make sure to research this thoroughly before buying diamond jewellery, especially if it’s not from an accredited dealer or trusted retailer.
Know that you get what you pay for
Lastly, it’s important to remember that the value of the jewellery should – and tends to – match the price. Look out for stamps and markings, lab reports, and appraisals. There are certain characteristics of quality jewellery, no matter the material or style, that should be guaranteed before you buy.
If you’re at all uncertain or dubious of a piece that seems to be priced low, always consult professional advice before committing to the purchase. And don’t forget to learn how to clean jewellery safely and carefully too.