January 26, 2015 | Posted in JEWELRY | By



Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day—or Any Occasion

Tips and Suggestions From A Jewelry Retailer

A dramatic sterling silver necklace featuring garnet, citrine and seraphinite.  Photo by the author, sockii.

A dramatic sterling silver necklace featuring garnet, citrine and seraphinite. Photo by the author, sockii.

I managed a jewelry store/art gallery for many years in Philadelphia, and of course one of our busiest sales periods annually was the time leading up to Valentine’s Day. Many men would come in to our store seeking Valentine’s Day gifts for their wives, girlfriends or partners and I would try to help them find just the right gift for the special women in their lives. While some men knew exactly what their loved ones liked and what would suit their tastes, others were much more in need of assistance in trying to pick a suitable gift.

Based on my experience, I’ve created this article to share some general tips on how to pick jewelry for Valentine’s Day that the woman in your life will really like – and actually want to wear! Whether you are shopping for a small token of affection or perhaps “the” ring, there are general tips to keep in mind that will help you avoid a Valentine’s Day disaster or an embarrassing return/exchange of gifts. I’ve also included a number of suggestions of classic Valentine’s Day-style jewelry items which are almost sure to please, from traditional styles to the latest designs and trends.

Remember: These tips and suggestions apply for any holiday or gift-giving occasion like Christmas, a birthday, or Mother’s Day – not just Valentine’s Day!


 

For Valentine’s Day, Think of Her Tastes, Not Yours

Buy what you know SHE likes – not what YOU like.

woman wearing jewelry

How would you describe this woman’s jewelry style? Would you be able to pick out a piece of jewelry she would probably wear?
Source: earl53 at MorgueFile.com

This mistake is one I saw men make over and over again in my store, even when I tried to lead them to make different choices. And almost inevitably it would result in them returning to the store, often with their loved one along, in order to exchange the jewelry after Valentine’s Day.

Such a gentleman, when first shopping for a Valentine’s Day gift, would see some big, colorful piece of jewelry on display and say to me, “Wow, I like that! It’s perfect for her.”

When I would ask him if their girlfriend/wife generally liked to wear big jewelry pieces, he would then say, “No, she usually wears very small and delicate pieces.” Yet despite my trying to lead him toward something more appropriate, he would stick with the piece HE liked the best – only to come in to return it after the holiday because nope, she didn’t like it at all even though he did.

So before you go looking for a Valentine’s Day jewelry gift, spend some time actually looking at the jewelry your loved one wears regularly. Ask yourself these questions and be ready to answer them when you go shopping:

  • Does she have certain colors she prefers in both her jewelry and her clothing?
  • What kind of jewelry items does she tend to wear a lot or not at all (ie, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, etc)?
  • Does she tend to wear silver more than gold, or have certain metal allergies that limit the jewelry she can wear?
  • Does she like small, delicate pieces or large ones that make a bold statement?
  • Is she extremely fashion-conscious and like to wear the hottest current styles? Or does she prefer classic styles over trendy ones?
  • Is she a conscious shopper who prefers hand-made, artisanal clothing and accessories over mass-produced items? If so, you might want to check out local arts collectives, craft boutiques, or online sites like Etsy for unique items that suit her ethics as well as style.

What may appeal to your eye may be entirely different from the kinds of jewelry she regularly wears, so it’s important to shop with her tastes in mind and not your own. And if you’re not sure, let the salesperson at the jewelry store help guide your selection based on the how you can answer the questions above.

Here’s a test/example: Say you know your Valentine loves amber and wears a lot of amber jewelry. Which of the pieces below looks like something she normally would wear, or seems to fit her style? There are lots of possibilities so be sure you have some sense of what she normally likes before just buying something you think looks cool/expensive/extravagant.

 

Steampunk FIRE necklace - pendant charm locket jewelry- GREAT GIFT-silver amberSteampunk FIRE necklace – pendant charm locket jewelry- GREAT GIFT-silver amberCHECK PRICE

BALTIC AMBER AND STERLING SILVER 925 PENDANT NECKLACEBALTIC AMBER AND STERLING SILVER 925 PENDANT NECKLACECHECK PRICE

Multicolor Amber Sterling Silver Flower Pendant Rolo Chain 18 InchesMulticolor Amber Sterling Silver Flower Pendant Rolo Chain 18 InchesCHECK PRICE

Natural Healing Multicolor Baltic Amber Beaded NecklaceNatural Healing Multicolor Baltic Amber Beaded NecklaceCHECK PRICE

 

 


 

Be Sure You’re Buying The Real Thing – Not a Cheap Knock-Off

Your woman will know the difference…

Tiffany  & Co

If it doesn’t have the Tiffany & Co name on it, it’s not the real thing. Photo by Stephan Mazurov on Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic.

Here’s another tip: If you know your special someone likes designer jewelry? Don’t buy her a cheap imitation piece for Valentine’s Day; be sure to buy the real thing.

For instance, Tiffany & Co. is one of the most famous jewelry designers out there today – and also one of the most imitated. If something says it is “Tiffany-inspired”, then it’s not the real thing. It might even be illegal. So shop with authorized retailers or be very cautious in reading item descriptions on-line.

Shopping For An Engagement Ring?

When it comes to buying that big ring, do your research first

And by research I mean not just the technical details about diamond quality, carat size and pricing. Of course these factors are important, but it’s also important to have some sense of the style of ring your loved one would actually want to wear. Remember that an engagement ring is not just a piece of jewelry one puts on occasionally for special events – it is something she’ll be wearing daily for a considerable period of time, so try to make it a ring in a style she’ll enjoy and really like.

Again, try to find out some basic information such as:

  • Does she like yellow, rose or white gold better?
  • Does she prefer contemporary or more traditional or vintage styles?
  • Does she work in a job where a ring with a high-set diamond would be awkward or difficult for her to wear? In such a situation a modern-style tension set ring or diamond band might be a better choice than a classic solitaire.
  • Would she prefer a completely non-traditional engagement ring, without a diamond?

Lastly, consider being non-traditional yet practical and go shopping to pick out an engagement ring together. That’s the best way to know you’re getting her the ring she really likes and that it will be sized exactly right. You can even work with a jewelry craftsman or store to have a custom ring designed exactly the way you want it, from picking the setting to selecting the exact stones. You can also spend some time browsing the selection of rings available from retailers like Amazon, to try to find design types you and she likes—and to get some idea of pricing depending on materials, stone size and quality. Yes, you can even buy an engagement ring via Amazon! But be sure to understand information on carat sizes, sizing and if available read customer reviews before committing your wallet to an item such as an engagement ring via an online retailer.

Sample Engagement Rings Available via Amazon:

 

1.09 Carat GIA Certified Oval Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring1.09 Carat GIA Certified Oval Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement RingCHECK PRICE

1.43 Carat GIA Certified Marquise Cut / Shape 14K White Gold Gorgeous Prong Set Round And Half Bezel Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring1.43 Carat GIA Certified Marquise Cut / Shape 14K White Gold Gorgeous Prong Set Round And Half Bezel Baguette Diamond Engagement RingCHECK PRICE

Princess Cut Diamond Wedding Ring 3 in 1 Engagement & bands white gold .9ctPrincess Cut Diamond Wedding Ring 3 in 1 Engagement & bands white gold .9ctCHECK PRICE

14K White Gold Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Tension 0.75Ctw14K White Gold Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Tension 0.75CtwCHECK PRICE

 


Diamond Stud Earrings

Not quite ready for an engagement ring yet?

…or perhaps looking for something to go nicely with the ring you’ve already bought her? Diamond stud earrings are a classic and something that’s hard to go wrong buying for a woman who likes fine jewelry. They are available in a range of prices and styles and make for a thoughtful, higher-end Valentine’s Day gift. Just don’t try to fool her by getting a cheap pair of Cubic Zirconia earrings instead!

 

14 Karat White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings 1/4 Carat tw.14 Karat White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings 1/4 Carat tw.CHECK PRICE

1/2ct Diamond Stud Earrings set in 14K Yellow Gold with Screw-Backs1/2ct Diamond Stud Earrings set in 14K Yellow Gold with Screw-BacksCHECK PRICE

 

 


Pandora Charm Bracelet and Charms

Build a personalized bracelet for your Valentine

If you haven’t heard of Pandora yet? Now’s the time to learn. Pandora bracelets have been all the rage for a while and it’s a perfect way to create a personalized piece of jewelry for your loved one. The add-a-bead style lets you (or her) add charms one by one to represent anything you like: love, family, interests, accomplishments, birthstones, anniversaries…there are countless possibilities. So why not get her a starter Pandora bracelet and a few charms, which you can add to with time and as your relationship continues to grow?

 

Pandora Moments Charm Bracelet in 925 Sterling SilverPandora Moments Charm Bracelet in 925 Sterling SilverCHECK PRICE

Pandora Bead Falling In Love with Fancy PinkPandora Bead Falling In Love with Fancy PinkCHECK PRICE

Pandora Interlocking Love Sterling Silver CharmPandora Interlocking Love Sterling Silver CharmCHECK PRICE

Pandora Surrounded by Love with Pink Cubic Zirconia in 925 Sterling SilverPandora Surrounded by Love with Pink Cubic Zirconia in 925 Sterling SilverCHECK PRICE

 

 


 

Sterling Silver Heart Pendants from Amazon

A Valentine’s Classic

Heart pendants like these were always big sellers in my store for Valentine’s Day, and truly it’s hard to go wrong with such a classic gift item. Many women tend to love them: indeed, after Valentine’s Day I often sold plenty of these to women who were annoyed their husband or boyfriend hadn’t bought one for them yet!

Just be sure to get the right sized chain to go with that special pendant, if it does not come with a chain already. (In a section below I’ll talk about chain lengths and choosing a good chain style.)

 

Sterling Silver Floating Heart NecklaceSterling Silver Floating Heart NecklaceCHECK PRICE

Sterling Silver Hand Engraved Very Large 1 1/4 Hollow Puffed HeartSterling Silver Hand Engraved Very Large 1 1/4″ Hollow Puffed HeartCHECK PRICE

Sterling Silver Love Knot Floating HeartSterling Silver Love Knot Floating HeartCHECK PRICE

Sterling Silver Garnet and Marcasite Heart PendantSterling Silver Garnet and Marcasite Heart PendantCHECK PRICE

 

 


 

Selecting a Sterling Silver Chain That’s The Right Length

If you’re getting your loved one a silver or stone pendant for Valentine’s Day, be sure you get her a chain to go with it. But do you know what length chain you should buy her? If not, here are a few tips:

  • If she is very thin or petite, a 16″ or 18″ chain is likely your best bet for a necklace that will sit high on her neck. For someone extremely petite you might want to even go for a 14″ chain.
  • A 20″ chain is a safe bet if you are uncertain about what length to get her. It is also a good length because for most women it can be worn over heavier clothing and sweaters and still be viewable.
  • A 24″ chain is good for a woman of larger size, or someone who likes necklaces that fall lower down onto her chest. It’s also a good bet if she likes wearing multiple necklaces at the same time, and doesn’t want them all to fall the same length.
  • A 30″ chain is good for a woman who wants to be able to put on a necklace “overhead”, without having to fuss with opening/closing a clasp. However, I wouldn’t recommend a 30″ chain unless you know for sure that is the length she needs or likes to wear best.

Chains also come in various styles from classic box links to smooth Italian “snake” chains. Try to pick one with a finish and look that will complement the pendant nicely (for instance, a pendant in a smooth shiny setting generally looks best with a round or square-finish box chain.

 

Italian Solid Sterling Silver Box Chain, 1.2 mm Width, Delicate Yet Sturdy, Packaged in an Organza Jewelry Gift BagItalian Solid Sterling Silver Box Chain, 1.2 mm Width, Delicate Yet Sturdy, Packaged in an Organza Jewelry Gift BagCHECK PRICE

Italian Solid Sterling Silver Diamond Cut Rope Chain, 1.8 mm Width, Packaged in an Organza Jewelry Gift BagItalian Solid Sterling Silver Diamond Cut Rope Chain, 1.8 mm Width, Packaged in an Organza Jewelry Gift BagCHECK PRICE

Italian Solid Sterling Silver Snake Chain, 1.2 mm Width, Packaged in an Organza Jewelry Gift BagItalian Solid Sterling Silver Snake Chain, 1.2 mm Width, Packaged in an Organza Jewelry Gift BagCHECK PRICE

Italian Solid Sterling Silver Singapore Chain, 2.5 mm Width, Thick and Luxurious, Packaged in an Organza Gift BagItalian Solid Sterling Silver Singapore Chain, 2.5 mm Width, Thick and Luxurious, Packaged in an Organza Gift BagCHECK PRICE

 

 


 

Birthstone Jewelry

Celebrate her birth month – and yours as well!

You DO know your special lady’s birthday, don’t you? Once you’ve got that figured out, check a birthstone chart and you can pick a piece of jewelry out for her to celebrate it. A nice choice would be a heart pendant or other item which can be personalized with her name. You can even order rings and other items with both of your names and birthstones included – really nice way to showcase your love for each other.



Sterling Silver Personalized Name Necklace - Custom Made Any Name with BirthstonesSterling Silver Personalized Name Necklace – Custom Made Any Name with BirthstonesCHECK PRICE

Sterling Silver Personalized Name Necklace with Swarovski Birthstone - Custom Made Any NameSterling Silver Personalized Name Necklace with Swarovski Birthstone – Custom Made Any NameCHECK PRICE

Valentine's Day Gifts Mondaynoon Angel Swarovski Elements Jewelry Set, Australia Import Crystal Necklace, Bracelets, Earrings EnsembleValentine’s Day Gifts Mondaynoon “Angel” Swarovski Elements Jewelry Set, Australia Import Crystal Necklace, Bracelets, Earrings EnsembleCHECK PRICE

Sterling Silver Personalized Name Necklace - Custom Made Any Name with BirthstonesSterling Silver Personalized Name Necklace – Custom Made Any Name with BirthstonesCHECK PRICE

 


I hope you found these tips and ideas helpful in finding the right piece of jewelry for someone special in your life – whether for Valentine’s Day or any other holiday or celebration.

sockii is just your typical Jane-of-All-Trades who never has enough time in her day for all of her projects. She has written for many websites online including Squidoo, Zujava, Yahoo! Contributors Network, HubPages and Wizzley. She has been attending and vending at science fiction and media conventions for over 15 years, and for several years ran an art gallery and jewelry store in Philadelphia. Today she is happy to be living in South Jersey with her partner David and their 6 cats. Sockii is a member of several affiliate sales programs including Amazon Associates and Viglink. Products from these services may be advertised on her posts and pages to generate sales commissions.

4 Comments

  1. Sandy
    February 17, 2015

    Leave a Reply

    These are good tips Sockii. Fit is important too. In case someone else is reading this, if you notice they tend to wear their necklaces longer, that is important.
    There is nothing more frustrating than getting a gift that doesn’t fit. And jewelry is like clothes: some people like their pendants to hang longer, shorter or choker length.

    And when it comes to earrings, some like posts, dangles, longer dangles, or more hefty pieces. Unfortunately I have one hole in my ear that is off, and I have to wear lighter earrings. You bet I told my hubby this.

    Thanks for the article. I enjoyed it.

  2. Smith
    February 21, 2015

    Leave a Reply

    Great Tips for shopping and you really have great collection of jewelry. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Brandon Roberts
    August 26, 2015

    Leave a Reply

    My wife’s birthday is coming up, and I really wanted to get her something nice! A really pretty necklace was what I was thinking about. But I’m not sure on what kind to get her. So I really appreciate you talking about this, and giving me some great tips on how I can make sure I buy her a great necklace. Thanks for the help.

  4. Skylar Williams
    August 16, 2016

    Leave a Reply

    I’ve found that buying during the holidays is rough. I’m going to buy a necklace now to save a little money and time.We like to buy each other different types of jewelry. I like your tip about buying what they like and not what you like.

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