The Ultimate Guide to Buying jewellery as a Gift

Purchasing jewellery as a gift can be an intimidating experience sometimes! The level of investment and amount of choice available can be staggering once you begin to dip your toes into what options are available. It's all worth it when the one you loved receives and enjoys something that is meant just for them! Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your choices and make thoughtful purchases, because first and most important of all, they will love it because you thought of them!

1. Know the Recipient's Style

• Classic vs. Trendy: Identify whether the person prefers timeless pieces or trendy styles.
• Vintage or new: Vintage is not just for the thrifty, but offers styles not easy to find in today’s styles. Just be wary, most story cannot offer returns on second-hand items!
• Metal Preferences: Pay attention to whether they like white or yellow gold, silver, rose gold, or platinum. 
• Gemstone Choices: Consider if they have a favourite coloured stone or if they prefer diamonds, or possibly a birthstone is always a nice touch. Perhaps looking at his or her clothing might lead you to a favourite colour and you may want to match that .

2. Set a Budget

• Define Your Range: Establish a budget to streamline your search. Jewelry can range from affordable to high-end, so knowing your limit helps. 
• Consider Long-Term Investment: Some pieces may cost more but hold value over time, or have more desirable properties. Gold chains may be more expensive, but they will not tarnish as silver will. This can be the perfect time to offset the high price of gold with trading in old, damaged, or out of style gold items to get full gold value from them.

3. Know Your Options

• Pendants: Versatile and can range from simple and subtle pendants to statement pieces. One of the best choices for contemporary pieces since it will not interfere with anything and is almost always on display!
  Chains: Simple and classic, but with a wide range of options regarding metals and style. A great 'first piece of jewellery' gift!
• Earrings: Great for everyday wear or special occasions; Consider whether they may prefer studs, hoops, or drop earrings, but also possibly what they do not have. They may be the kind of person who likes to switch it up every once in awhile!
• Bracelets: Bangles, cuffs, and diamond set bracelets can be personalized and layered. Simpler gold and silver options are available in a multitude of styles, as well as simpler leather or steel options for gentlemen.
• Rings: Beyond engagement and wedding rings, consider fashion rings or stackable options. Sizing is more important here than with almost any other item, so be certain the ring is either already the correct size or can be re-sized. There is also almost limitless room for expression and customization to choose from, so consider starting a custom project if you have been given hints as to what they want to see in a ring!
• Watches: A timeless accessory that can be both functional and stylish and now the most popular item in the men’s department. A lot of the different metal options are present here, with a wide range of styles and brands among both the men's and ladies options. 
  

4. Quality and Craftsmanship

• Check for Authenticity: Ensure you’re purchasing from reputable sources. Look for certifications for diamonds and gemstones and appraisals for insurance after. All gold items should have a karat mark ( 10, 14 or 18kt ) followed by a registered trade mark.  

5. Consider Personalization

• Engraving: Personalizing a piece with initials or a special date adds a sentimental touch.
• Custom Designs: If you (or your loved one) have a specific idea, consider working with a jewellery designer to create a custom piece. But be aware this process takes weeks , not days, so time can obviously be an issue. We have worked around tight deadlines before by providing renderings of the design in progress in a wrapped box, so although they will not get the ring right away, they do get to have some input on the design before it is finished and most important of all, see that you cared enough to try!

6. Sizing Matters

• Ring Sizes: If buying a ring, do your best to discreetly find out the recipient's size on the proper finger. If you are unsure, remember ladies stock size is a 6 and men’s is a 10. Always ask if the ring can be sized, but do not obsess about giving them the ring at the proper size for them, they may not even know what finger they want to wear it on! Most establishments will size a ring they have sold you for free the first time.
• Other sizes: In chains ladies 18inch is the most popular and men’s 22 and 24 inch is the most popular. This can depend greatly on the type and size of the necklace and person of course. Bracelets similarly have a standard 8 inch size for gentlemen and 7.5 for ladies.

7. Presentation and Packaging

• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Many jewellers offer beautiful packaging. A well-presented gift enhances the experience. Gift wrap is always free and we have many beautiful wraps to make it look even more special.
  

8. Return Policies and Warranties

• Check Policies: Understand the return and exchange policies in case the piece isn’t a perfect fit. Many establishments offer exchange, as so many individuals are in similar situations.
• Warranties: Most watches come with a factory warranty , even our vintage watches come with a 1 year warranty. For Jewellery, it is important to have insurance, and to do this you will need up-to-date appraisals on anything you would like covered by your insurance company. Most household policies will cover up to $5000 in Jewellery without a rider. Similar to sizing, most jewellery stores are more than happy to appraise something that they have sold you.

9. Timing Your Purchase

• Look for Sales: Many jewellers offer promotions or sales, so keep an eye out for discounts. Simultaneously, always be cautious of drastically larger discounts; if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Whether it’s a sparkling pair of earrings or a classic watch, the right jewellery can make the holidays memorable. Keep this guide handy as you shop, and remember that thoughtful choices are what truly make a gift shine. Happy shopping!