Humans have been adorning themselves with jewelry for many thousands of years. The oldest piece of jewelry found to date is 25,000 years old!
There is even some evidence that Neanderthals, the hominids that walked the earth hundreds of thousands of years ago, strung eagle talons together as bracelets or a necklace.
Jewelry has been a popular gift for much of human history. Somehow, though, it can still feel impossible to pick out the perfect jewelry gifts for the right people.
Are you looking for the best pieces of jewelry to give to a loved one or a friend? Let’s take a look at the ten best jewelry gifts for mom, your wife, or anyone in your life.
1. Locket Necklace
Can you think of a more classic jewelry gift than a locket?
Lockets are appropriate for tons of different occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, christenings, and weddings. In the Victorian Age, lockets were frequently gifted at funerals.
You can find lockets in tons of different shapes and sizes. While lockets traditionally are used to hold the photograph of a loved one, there’s no reason to not get creative here.
A locket can carry anything you can fit inside it. You can gift a locket empty and allow the receiver to do whatever they please with it, or you can fill it yourself.
A note or a quote that you think they would appreciate is a nice touch. It can also be a place for the recipient to place goals they have. If they are absolutely obsessed with a pet of theirs, place a picture of them and their pet together!
Honestly, the sky is the limit when it comes to things you can put in a locket. It’s the ultimate personalizable jewelry gift.
2. Zodiac Jewelry
Is the recipient into astrology? Are you? If this is a special interest the two of you share together, that makes the gift all the better.
The twelve zodiac signs in astrology are understood to represent twelve characteristic modes of expression or basic personality types. Each of these twelve signs are assigned one of four elements: earth, fire, air, and water.
Search online and you’ll find tons of options for zodiac jewelry. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins, and earrings abound for your star-sign loving friend.
You can find necklaces with illustrations of their zodiac sign’s constellation. There are bracelets with engravings of the sign’s symbols. There are so many fun ways to wear your zodiac sign!
If you’re searching your brain for great bridesmaid jewelry gifts, this might be something to consider. It’s a way to get something personalized for everyone in your wedding party in a way that is practical and thoughtful.
3. Charm Bracelet
Humans have been wearing charms for probably longer than we know. In the past, people have worn charms as a form of talisman or amulet in order to ward off bad luck or evil spirits.
The first charm bracelets are thought to have been worn between 600 and 400 BC by Persians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Hittites. Charm bracelets became a trend among the European noble class in the 18th century due to Queen Victoria’s affinity for them.
The popularity of charm bracelets has ebbed and flowed over the 20th century, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t gift this awesome personalized piece of jewelry!
Whether it’s for your mom, your girlfriend, or your best friend, giving a charm bracelet is a great way to give a gift that feels personal and thoughtful. You can opt for a traditional dangly charm bracelet or one of the smoother Italian charm bracelets.
4. Initial Necklaces
Initial necklaces make great bridesmaid jewelry gifts, graduation jewelry gifts, or even a gift for someone you don’t know that well. It’s personal and thoughtful but also not overboard. You probably wouldn’t want to give a locket to a work collegue, for example.
There are so many different designs to choose from. There are necklaces with tiny initials and necklaces with enormous initials. Some of them are centered on the necklace and some of them are assymetrical.
5. Handmade Jewelry
Giving the gift of handmade jewelry can mean either making jewelry yourself or buying handmade jewelry for a loved one or friend. Either way, this option leaves you with unlimited potential.
There are so many talented jewelry makers out there with small shops online or in stores. The handcrafted nature of their pieces can make the gift seem more thoughful and personal. It also gives you an opportunity to really pick out something that you feel the recipient would really like in the case of buying a gift for someone you know really well.
If you’re looking for jewelry gifts for mom and she’s not much into diamonds, consider getting her something handmade. It’s a great opportunity to show her that you know just what she likes!
6. Fashion Rings
Are you buying a gift for someone that you know wears the same necklace, earrings, and bracelet every day? Or are you just looking to do something a little different?
Consider getting them a fashion ring! You’ll find tons of options online to choose from that are cool, interesting, and not terribly expensive. You can gift them gorgeous carbon fiber, wood, gem-studded, or silver rings.
7. Statement Necklace
Statement necklaces are so fun. If you know your gift recipient loves making bold fashion statements, then this might be the way to go.
These attention-grabbing, chunky, and unique necklaces are such an awesome gift. Sometimes we can get into the habit of giving safe gifts, but that can get a bit boring. This is a fun way to go out on a limb and gift someone something they never would have expected.
If you’re getting a gift for someone that loves fashion, art, or just being downright funky sometimes, shop around and find them the perfect statement necklace!
8. Personalized Jewelry
When you’re giving a gift to your mom, your best friend, or your spouse, you want it to be special. You could buy them something right out of the case, sure, but what if it was specially customized just for them? Wouldn’t it be cool to give them a truly one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry?
You can have a message inscribed on a bracelet or a necklace that’s important to both of you. You could even inscribe the geographic coordinates of the spot where something really special happened. Of course, you could also inscribe the date of your wedding, their birthday, or some other super special day they’ll never want to forget!
You could also get a small picture inscribed on a disk necklace. There are also birth-flower necklaces you can get that are quite beautiful.
Honestly, if you can think of an idea, it probably already exists! You can even buy necklaces that display the phase of the moon on a specific date.
9. Birthstone Jewelry
Another great way to gift a thoughtful gift is to give jewelry that display the person’s birthstone. Here are the different gemstones that correspond with each calendar month in America:
- January: garnet
- Februrary: amethyst
- March: bloodstone, aquamarine
- April: diamond
- May: emerald
- June: pearl, moonstone, alexandrite
- July: ruby
- August: spinel, peridot
- September: sapphire
- October: opal, tourmaline
- November: topaz, citrine
- December: turquoise, zircon, tanzanite
It’s worth knowing that different cultures have different gems that correspond with the months. If you want to use a system other than the American one, make sure to do some research so you’re following the system you want to.
10. Personalized Jewelry Dish
Have you been giving out jewelry for years and you feel like it’s getting to be a bit much? Consider giving them a jewelry organizer or a personalized jewelry dish. This is a great way to add a personal touch.
Jewelry Gifts Are Perfect For Any Occassion
It doesn’t matter what a person’s interests are or style is, there’s a perfect piece of jewelry out there to give as a gift. Jewelry has always been the perfect way to show someone you care and to show them that you understand what they like.
Whether you’re buying a gift for someone who exclusively wears Tiffanys or someone who you’ve only seen wearing friendship bracelets, there’s a perfect jewelry gift out there for them. Jewelry doesn’t even have to be an expensive gift, but it always comes across as a thoughtful one.
We all love to adorn ourselves with jewelry as a form of self-expression. Giving the gift of jewelry is a great way to acknowledge the connection you have with another person.
Did you find this article on the ten best jewelry gifts interesting? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more awesome and informative content!