Whether you’re buying for an auntie or uncle, son or daughter, or even your partner, jewellery Christmas presents are always well received. You can make them intensely personal with custom-made pieces or a special item they’ve already said they’re in love with.
And talking of love, jewellery gifts for Christmas are the perfect opportunity to tell someone how much you adore them with a truly beautiful gift that will be treasured for a lifetime.
In this article, we’ll examine why jewellery is such a great gift and the types of gift to consider. We’ll put together a checklist with things to think about when buying jewellery for Christmas and break it down into ideas based on different types of jewellery. Throughout, we’ll look at budget gift ideas as well as more expensive items.
Finally, we’ll give you some top tips on how to set a budget and figure out what the recipient would really like without giving the game away! So, let’s start by explaining why Christmas jewellery gifts are so universally loved.
There are very few people who don’t wear any jewellery at all. Even if it’s a simple wristwatch, a wedding ring or a St Christopher necklace, most people wear some form of jewellery. It’s far more than simply a ‘bit of bling’. Jewellery can have an intensely personal meaning to the individual, making a cheap ring or pair of earrings just as priceless to the wearer as a diamond-encrusted bauble. It’s that personal connection that makes jewellery such an excellent gift for Christmas.
Another reason that jewellery Christmas presents are so appreciated is that you can personalise many items through engraving or even having a piece custom-made from scratch. It can be worn every day (unless you get themed gifts such as Santa earrings), so it’s a gift that doesn’t get worn on Christmas Day and then stuck in a drawer for the rest of the year.
Jewellery starts from just a couple of pounds to eye-wateringly expensive pieces, so there’s something for every budget. That makes it possible for children to give a grandparent a special gift that won’t bite too deeply into their pocket money. Alternatively, you can push the boat out and buy a stunning diamond necklace as your partner’s main present. The choice is yours. You can even make your own!
Can you ever have ‘too much’ jewellery? The simple answer is no. Human beings have a real magpie instinct for anything shiny, so jewellery gifts are always appreciated. However, it’s vital to get a few things right to make sure you get the right gift. Let’s take a look at the Christmas gift checklist.
While gender is no longer the defining factor it used to be, it’s still worth considering, as is the age of the person you’re buying for. An older relative may prefer something a little more classic in design, whereas a younger recipient might prefer something bolder or brighter. A male recipient may prefer something more masculine in design than a young woman.
However, this isn’t always the case, and it’s always more important to think about the individual rather than make generalisations based on age or gender. Before you break out the credit card, let’s take a quick look at a few Christmas jewellery gift pointers that can help to narrow down the choices.
Your relationship with the recipient will greatly influence the rest of your decision-making process when it comes to buying Christmas gifts. For a family member, a lot more thought has to go into the process. But as your relationship with them becomes closer, you’ll have a better understanding of the kind of person they are and what they like.
For friends, it will depend on how long the friendship stretches back. If it’s a work colleague, an extravagant gift may be too much and convey the wrong message. But if you only spend a couple of pounds on a trinket for your mum, you may find yourself sitting on the rickety chair come Christmas Day dinner!
Jewellery gifts for Christmas can cost as much or as little as you want to pay. Our top tip: Once you’ve decided on the type of gift you want to buy, set a firm budget and stick to it. While it’s tempting to buy the first thing you see, take your time to get the best deal before making the final purchase. Don’t just look at online prices, too. A wander around a Christmas market or the high street may reveal some ‘real world’ bargains, as well as some more unusual or unique ideas.
Fancy or simple? Silver or gold? It’s now time to start delving a little deeper into what the recipient likes when it comes to jewellery. Some may like plain, simple pieces, while others love a bit of bling or bright colours. Try to notice the type of jewellery they already wear as this will give you some valuable clues as to what kind of Christmas jewellery gift would be most appreciated. If you’re unsure, ask people close to them for a few ideas (surreptitiously, of course).
A piece of jewellery that fits their lifestyle will be super appreciated. For example, someone who works with their hands may like the robustness of a tungsten ring that won’t scratch. Alternatively, rings made with modern materials such as silicone are incredibly lightweight, hypoallergenic, all-day comfortable, and waterproof.
If they don’t like rings, consider a top-of-the-range sports watch as a Christmas gift. Or a bracelet where each of their sporting achievements can be celebrated, such as a Notch bracelet that allows the wearer to add customised charms.
Jewellery isn’t just pieces of metal and pretty stones. Every piece, no matter how small, has a message. It can tell someone that you love them or that you’re best friends for life. It can be a token to remind them of you every time they look at it or a tie that connects you both, even if you’re on opposite sides of the globe. Think about the message you want to convey with your gift carefully.
Keepsake jewellery is made especially for the individual. This includes memorial jewellery that contains the hair or ashes of a loved one (including pets). Keepsake jewellery has become increasingly popular in recent years, and options range from inlay rings to pendants that have been laser etched with a copy of a person’s handwriting.
Keepsake jewellery is a piece someone will want to keep and wear for a lifetime. So it needs to be good quality and very personal, perhaps with a message engraved on it from you to the recipient.
It’s time to hit the shops. If you’re lucky, you’ve seen ‘just the piece’ that your recipient will adore. But the chances are that shopping around will not only allow you to find something within your budget but also open you up to a range of new possibilities and different ideas. Before you start shopping for that perfect Christmas jewellery gift idea, our top tip is to create a mood board of ideas. This can be images of jewellery from sites like Pinterest, or elements such as colour combinations, patterns, designs and even birthstones that could play a part in your final piece.
While it’s great to sit on your couch and browse a world of wonderful jewellery at your leisure, a Christmas jewellery gift is a very personal thing, and there’s nothing better than seeing a piece with your own eyes. Bear in mind that photos don’t always do a piece true justice, especially if you’re looking at gems such as opals, which can colour shift dramatically in the light.
It’s a tough one to remember, but just because you like a piece doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for your recipient. Always remember that you’re buying jewellery Christmas presents for someone else, not for yourself.
The choice of jewellery is vast – from tiny toe rings to statement necklaces. You’ve been through your jewellery buying checklist, so it’s time to narrow it down to the type of gift to buy.
From adorable and sparkly Christmas Santas to that all-time classic, diamond studs and earrings are always a popular gift. Choose hypoallergenic options such as stainless steel, silver or gold to avoid any adverse reactions.
Our top tip: the big trend right now is for ‘mismatched’ earrings, with a combination of one stud and one long dangle.
From a perfect Tiffany Heart to a bold, colourful or chunky statement piece inspired by mid-century design, necklaces can come in a million different combinations. A major trend right now is to layer necklaces, so look for chain lengths that are shorter or longer than the usual 16”-18”.
Rings are just as varied as necklaces, with diamond rings at the top of the scale. Inlay rings are hugely popular for both men and women now, or look for something a little more unusual, such as a spinner ring (great if your recipient is a real fidgeter!).
Our top tip: Make sure you buy the right size! Rings are measured mainly in UK sizes, identified by letters, and in US sizes, which are numerical.
Customisable bracelets, such as Pandora Bracelets, are a fabulous Christmas jewellery idea. Not only can the recipient build up their own collection of charms that are personal to them, but you can also buy charms to fit special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or even passing a car test!
Watches are back in fashion, and with so many different styles to choose from, you can find the perfect timepiece for almost anyone. There are thousands from which to choose, from slim and elegant dress watches for a special occasion to smartwatches that connect with your phone to fun novelty watches featuring Snoopy or Mickey Mouse. Check out our blogs on watches for men and women for more ideas.
Fashionable in the 1920s and ‘30s, jewellery sets are back in fashion today. Usually comprising a necklace, earrings and a bracelet, they’re a great Christmas gift for someone who loves that coordinated look. Gift sets can range in price from around £25 from online stores like Amazon to hundreds of pounds for a set featuring Mother of Pearl and 9ct gold.
Rule number one: Keep the receipt! There’s always a chance that despite all your careful thought, you get it wrong, and the recipient really doesn’t like it. Never be afraid to admit your mistake. It’s always better to ensure your recipient is happy rather than disappointed with their gift.
If you get a ring size wrong, you can exchange it for the correct size. Or, if it’s made from precious metal, a professional goldsmith may be able to resize it for you.
While losing a priceless family heirloom or a memorial piece that holds very special memories of a loved one is devastating, the loss can be cushioned financially by insuring your valuables with specialist jewellery insurance.
Since 1887, TH March has been trusted by thousands of customers to provide cover for their precious jewellery. We understand that jewellery isn’t just pretty pieces; it’s heartfelt, sentimental, and has a unique meaning for every individual.
Visit our jewellery insurance page to learn more about protecting your valuables financially. You can also apply for a free, no-obligation quote. Or contact us directly and speak to one of our friendly, knowledgeable advisors today.