5 Tips for Buying Jewelry as a Gift

Black Friday is right around the corner, so you may be thinking about what to buy certain people for the holidays. Though many people think jewelry is too personal of a gift to pick out for someone else, I disagree. It’s definitely doable with some careful consideration to certain points. So here goes:

1. Think about the personal coloring and skin tone of your recipient. Do they have warm, golden skin and cool blue eyes? Then a mixed metal necklace might be just the ticket. A cool, creamy complexion with jet black hair may just adore some striking sterling silver earrings.

2. Think about the scale of the person’s physical features. This includes taking note of the size of their eyes, smile, and how tall they are. The most inherent jewelry for a person will be one that’s in harmony with their own scale. I guess the exception to this rule would be diamonds…they can never be too big, right?!

3. What’s the personal style or jewelry signature of the giftee? For people who know me, they know that they can’t go wrong with a piece with a bohemian luxe vibe: horns, tassels, buddahs, polki diamonds, etc. Someone who really thought about it would never think of giving me a necklace with a pink crystal bow on it — it just wouldn’t be me. Really think about the jewelry the person already wears, and try to picture if what you’re giving her would work seamlessly in her collection.

4. What’s their lifestyle like? A mom with babies or toddlers will love to look at those gorgeous dangling earrings, but really, when would she wear them? Just not practical. So think about what activities (sports, travel, work) the person is involved in and choose accordingly.

5. Finally, think about the “noise” factor and snagability. This piece of advice really goes for all jewelry purchases, not just when giving it as a gift. Certain pieces just make too darn much noise, like earrings that jingle every time you turn your head. Can we say annoying?! Even more so if one works in a quiet environment. Also, think about what would happen if the piece of jewelry rubs against a delicate knit or silk chiffon. Prongs that stick out, rough stones and the like may wreck havoc on the wardrobe.

So keep these tips in mind when heading to the mall on the November 25th. Bring those, patience and parking karma, and you’ll be all set to find the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.

The gift of jewelry!

8 thoughts on “5 Tips for Buying Jewelry as a Gift”

  1. I enjoyed this post. A checklist of what I should buy for others as well as a review for buying for myself. Thanks, Amy!!

  2. Nicely done! Jewelry is always a perfect gift. It doesn’t care that you’re up 5 lbs, have a blemish, or having a bad hair day. It’s always happy to shine, sparkle, finish your outfit, or just plain ol’ brighten your spirit. Thanks Amy! //(*_*)\\

  3. Good read. I’m planning on giving my sister jewelry as a gift for her birthday, and this is extremely helpful. I like that you mentioned thinking about the personal coloring and skin tone of my recipient. I would certainly like it to fit her look, and I think gold would look good on her. I’ll keep this in mind. Thanks for sharing!

  4. Amy, thank you so much for your tips for picking jewelry for a gift for someone else. My parent’s 25th anniversary is next week and my dad wants to give my mom some jewelry as a gift. I like how you recommend taking into consideration the jewelry that the person wears usually and base your purchase on that. I will be sure to pass these tips to my dad.

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