A Few Things to Consider When Buying a Gift of Jewelry

A man contacted me with thoughtful enthusiasm about purchasing a gift of jewelry for his Sweetheart.  Later I received a second message in which he sounded nervous and concerned about his ability to choose something his Sweetheart would like.

I'd like to offer a few suggestions for anyone wanting to give a gift of jewelry.

1.  Style:  What style does your gift recipient wear?  Do you see traditional designs or more contemporary pieces? 

2.  Colors:  Note the colors your gift recipient usually wears.  Jewelry in similar colors or complementary colors might be a welcome gift. 

3. Earrings:  Notice if ears are pierced.  This will determine whether or not earrings for pierced ears will be appropriate.  Shepherd's Hook earwires are very popular.  They are easy to put on, but they can sometimes come off while being worn.  The lever-back earwires are more secure, but they can be a little challenging to put into the ear.  Notice or ask which style your gift recipient prefers.  If ears are not pierced, clip on (possibly lever-back which is a kind of clip on earring) or screw on earrings will be needed.

4. Size and scale:  Note or find out about what dress or shirt size your gift recipient wears.  Size is important.  The size of a person's frame determines to a large extent the scale of the jewelry that will be most pleasing on the person. 

5.  Bracelet length:  I have had petite women put a bracelet on and discover that it fits them well.  It is very pleasing to such a woman to wear a bracelet that isn't too loose on her arm.  A very petite woman will probably feel best wearing a bracelet that is about 6 1/2" to 7" long.  I wear a size 8 and I like my bracelets about 7 1/2" long.  On the other hand, if you are buying jewelry for a Plus Size woman, you will need to look for a bracelet that is about 8" to 9" or even 10" long.  It is not fun for a Plus Size woman to try to put on a bracelet that doesn't go all the way around her arm.

6.  Necklace length:  I'd suggest you consider either a choker length necklace or a long necklace.  The former fits nicely inside a blouse or above a vee or scoop neckline.  A long necklace is very nice to wear over a sweater or with a jewel-neck top.  The taller and/or heavier a person is, the longer they will want their long necklaces.  See if you can measure one that you have seen your gift recipient wear.  Then take a small tape measure with you when you shop.  I have written a guide explaining the ideal necklace length for anyone based on repeating the length of a person's visible face.  Look for it!

The standard necklace length for a man is about 17".  However, if the man is of a husky body build, he may well need a necklace of about 18". 

7.  Metal:  Observe whether your gift recipient  tends to wear silver or gold.  Notice too if you see other metals such as bronze or copper.   This will help you narrow down your choices when you shop.  Many young women like white metal (silver color, sterling silver,  platinum), but with many people of all ages gold or gold fill is ongoingly popular. 

Gold fill is a good choice if the expense of 14K or 18K gold is too costly for you.  The value of gold-filled is greater than gold-plated because gold-filled has an actual layer of karat gold, not just a microscopic film.  Gold fill info is from Rio Grande Gems and Findings Catalog, p 45.  I use a lot of gold-fill clasps, spacers, and crimp beads.

8.  Note the exchange policy of the business from whom you purchase jewelry and be aware that usually a business offers gift certificates--which allow you to give a gift and your gift recipient to make the selection.

9. When giving a gift of silver, it is a thoughtful touch to add a Silver Polishing Cloth to your package.  This makes giving jewelry a quick polish before wearing very easy and quick.

I hope this guide will help you with selecting jewelry gifts. 

Mary Lou Harris of marylouharrisdesigns