5 Tips to Getting the Gift You Really Want

Now that the holiday frenzy has subsided, I’ve been catching up with friends — lunching, taking a hike, or whatever suits us. There have been various conversations about what they received from their significant other for Christmas/Hanukkah. Many had received a pricey piece of jewelry, yet it wasn’t what they would have necessarily picked for themselves. Now trust me, they are all very appreciative, and they were so grateful that their partner went to the effort of picking something out for them. As the old saying goes, “It’s the thought that counts.” Right? Well…yes…but why can’t there be an even better solution: the thought combined with getting what you really want? It’s a win-win situation!

No one can read your mind, so I think it’s extremely helpful to tastefully give suggestions about what you might like. I’m not talking writing, “I want an Hermes wrap watch with an orange band” in red lipstick on his bathroom mirror. Instead, here are some ideas that will give him some direction, yet still give the gift-giver room for choosing the actual item. So here goes…

1. Create a Pinterest board

Personally, I have a Pinterest board entitled “My Jewelry Lust List” where I pin things I’ve seen that make my heart race. Trust me, if I were to receive anything from this board, I’d be doing a little happy dance!

my jewelry lust list
This is a public board, so it would be a very easy place for someone to see what I’m jonesing for without having to ask me for ideas.

2. Have a Style File

Not everyone is a lover of tech, so then go old-school. I have a decorative file folder which lives prominently on my desk, and it’s chock-full of things I covet (Yes, I’m a total sinner!), from jewelry to bags to shoes.

style file
It would be oh, so easy, for someone to peek into it and see what my heart’s desire was. It’s accessible, but not too” in-your-face.”

3. Create a wish list at your favorite store

Pretty much all my fave local stores have the option for someone to create a wish list from their merchandise. Even though I’m single, I still have wish lists going at different jewelry stores. I know you’ll be so *not* surprised, but I’m always popping in shops and trying things on. Of course, my credit card does have a limit, so I can’t buy everything I love. So instead, I pop it on the list. Here’s an Arik Kastan ring that’s currently on one of my lists.

arik kastan labradorite ring
When the day comes that I’ve got someone shopping for me, he’ll be sure to know which stores I love to frequent. Then, he can stop by at his leisure to check out my list, and see if any of the items are something he’d like to give me. Again, it gives him options without being pushy. Plus, there’s still an element of surprise for the recipient.

4. Contact the wardrobe consultant

I always know it’s December when I start getting messages from my clients’ husbands. I just love it! They know that their wife and I have a very close shopping relationship, and who better than me to give them some gift suggestions for their wives? I know everything in their closet, their jewelry box, what sizes work, and what’s on their needs/wants list. Even better, I can go purchase the item, wrap it, and deliver it to the house. How much easier can it get? So if you’re someone who works with an image consultant, be sure that your partner has their contact information!

5. Tell a friend

If you were a Sex in The City devotee like me, then you’ll remember the episode where Aidan proposes to Carrie. Though Carrie thought she knew the (bad) ring she’d be getting, Aidan had the smarts to enlist the help of one of her besties, Samantha, to help pick out the (fabulous) ring that she knew would knock her socks off. (Although it annoyed me that she wore it on a necklace instead of her finger. Commitment issues, anyone?!)

Aidan and Carrie
So think about the friends you have that your significant other may go to for gift advice. This friend may even be a family member, such as your sister-in-law or mom. Keep these people in the loop with what you’d like, so they have some ideas if asked.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and jewelry is certainly a popular gift on that day, so decide what strategy may work for you, and go for it. Perhaps you even have some other clever ideas? If so, please leave them in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you!

And finally, if you find yourself single on Valentine’s Day (hello, Amy), then don’t despair! I always use the money I would have spent on “him” to buy myself something sparkly. There’s absolutely NO reason that I should have no boyfriend and no jewels! I can take care of myself, thank you very much.

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!