How to Choose the Best Holiday Jewelry Gift
If you have a jewelry lover on your holiday list, it can be exciting — and maybe even a little daunting — to shop for their gift. Jewelry makes a wonderful present any time of year, but especially during the holiday season when you want to show your loved ones your gratitude, appreciation, and affection. A thoughtful jewelry gift can become something they wear every day or even an heirloom to pass down to future generations.
We know that time is of the essence when it comes to holiday shopping, and while we’re enthusiastic advocates for custom jewelry gifts, there are plenty of ready-made options that can show your thoughtfulness. We’ve helped thousands of people select the perfect jewelry gift for their loved ones, and it’s one of our favorite tasks.
Today, we’re sharing our best tips to help you narrow down the options. Plus, to give you a bit of inspiration, we’ll also go over some of the best holiday jewelry gifts on the market. Happy holidays, and happy shopping!
What to Consider Before Buying Jewelry as a Gift
Before choosing between earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces, consider who you’re buying for and the jewelry they already wear. Their current jewelry rotation can offer clues about their style preferences as well as the gaps in their collection (gaps that you could fill with a special gift). Here are a few things to consider.
Metal Type
While some people are happy to mix metals, others strongly prefer to match all of their jewelry. If you are buying a gift for Christmas or another holiday, consider their preferred metal. Take note of which material your loved one wears more often, and let that guide you.
Sense of Style
Think about the style of your loved one’s existing jewelry collection. Do they like minimalist pieces or more elaborate designs? If they wear a certain set of pieces every day, look at those to determine if they tend to have gemstones and decorative designs or are more streamlined in their appearance. Also, consider whether your loved one likes to layer multiple pieces at once or chooses to wear only one or two pieces each day.
Holiday Jewelry Gift Guide
Once you’ve determined a few stylistic parameters to guide your selection, the real fun of jewelry shopping begins. With the holidays only a few weeks away, it is likely too late for a custom jewelry gift. (In many cases, creating a custom design can take between nine and 11 weeks.) But don’t worry, there are plenty of other ready-made jewelry designs that make wonderful gifts.
Tennis Bracelets
The classic, glamorous look of a tennis bracelet will never go out of style. Plus, it sparkles so much that it’s the perfect accessory for a holiday outfit. It’s a popular and coveted jewelry design and, because of this, many jewelers keep tennis bracelets in their collections at all times. (Read: You likely won’t have to have it custom made.) And if your loved one already has a tennis bracelet, consider a tennis necklace to match.
Hoop Earrings
Every jewelry collection needs a stylish pair of hoop earrings, and this option will yield plenty of choices. Go for large, statement-making hoops or for smaller hoops that can be worn every day. Hoop earrings come in a variety of metals, too, so if your loved one has a pair in one metal but likes to mix and match, consider selecting a pair in a new metal to round out their collection.
Stud Earrings
A pair of stud earrings makes a wonderful holiday gift because a person can never have too many studs. This style of jewelry offers many design variations, and you’ll be able to find something that suits their style. Choose gemstone stud earrings for something glamorous, and perhaps even a little festive. (We love diamond stud earrings. But then again, who doesn’t?) Or, if you’d like to get your loved one a more subtle design, choose a pair of stud earrings made of a single metal.
Diamond Rings
If you read “diamond ring” and think of an engagement ring, then think again! There are many types of diamond rings — and they all make wonderful gifts, even if you’re not getting engaged. Consider a diamond band to add to your loved one’s existing ring stack. A mix of colored diamonds, like yellow and white, would stack nicely next to an engagement ring set in gold. Plus, who says diamond rings are reserved for the left ring finger? Consider a diamond ring to adorn your loved one’s other hand. (Keep in mind the four C’s and lab-grown vs. mined stones when diamond shopping.)
Pendant Necklaces
A unique pendant necklace makes a wonderful gift and is another jewelry style that you can find in a variety of styles and sizes. Perhaps you’ve identified that your loved one already has a beautiful set of sapphire earrings to wear for special occasions, but lacks a coordinating necklace to round out the set. A sapphire pendant necklace would make a wonderful gift. (Though, we’re sure a pendant necklace with any gemstone would be a hit.) You may also find initial pendants or special designs, like a cross or a flower, that suit your loved one’s style.
Cuff Links
The holidays bring plenty of occasions to dress up, and a new set of cuff links makes a wonderful holiday gift. Choose a quirky, fun design that adds a playful look to more formal attire, or go for something classic and timeless that can be just as functional for a holiday party as it would be at work.
Birthstone Jewelry
Many jewelers carry a range of birthstone jewelry designs that can easily be given as holiday gifts. This option might help you narrow down your selection to a single gemstone, and from there you can select between rings, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets. JPratt Designs can also design a range of custom birthstone jewelry that can be given as a holiday gift.
And here’s one other birthstone jewelry gift idea: It doesn’t have to be their birthstone! (Yes, you read that correctly.) Consider giving your loved one a jewelry gift with the birthstones of their children or with your own birthstone, if you’re their spouse. These mementos make sweet, sentimental gifts that they’ll enjoy for years to come.
Holiday Jewelry
It’s worth noting that many jewelers offer festive holiday jewelry designs. Whether you spring for red-and-green gemstone earrings for Christmas jewelry or choose a pendant with a Hanukkah theme, a special holiday-specific piece can bring great joy this time of year. Plus, they’ll get to return to it each year as they dress up for holiday events.
Find the Perfect Jewelry Gift at JPratt Designs
Ready to cross this gift off your list? Visit us in person at JPratt Designs or contact us to shop holiday jewelry gifts. Our expert jewelers can help you narrow down the decisions and select the perfect gift for your loved one.