As we approach Christmas 2023 and the new year peaks around the corner, the reminder that gift-giving this month takes on a special significance. Jewelry, with its timeless nature and ability to capture deep emotions, says “I love you,” “You matter,” or “Thank you for everything you do and are” quite like no other gift. It’s a gesture that can truly bring happiness and joy to the recipient.

But the question remains: What kind of jewelry should you choose to give? A lab-grown custom piece, tailored to create that one life-changing special occasion? Or perhaps a new keepsake pendant necklace to be passed down through generations? Remember, a diamond is beautiful, but does the recipient even care for diamonds (some people don’t – true story!)? Does the giftee prefer platinum or gold? Will they wear a statement necklace, no matter how high the karat or how big the gem?

Put simply, you can’t just purchase something shiny and expect it to be a great gift. It’s truly the thought behind the gift that matters. That’s why we’re here to guide you on how to choose and gift jewelry they’ll truly love this Christmas. Make 2023 a year to remember with a piece they’ll cherish forever!

Know Your Audience

It’s surprisingly common for jewelry gifts to miss their intended mark, often due to overlooking one simple question: Does (recipient) actually wear jewelry like rings, bracelets, necklaces, diamonds, pearls, gemstones, and so forth? Take a look at their current jewelry collection to get insights into their tastes.

No matter the beauty or cost of the piece, or how well you think it matches the recipient, if it doesn’t align with their personal taste, style, or lifestyle, your thoughtful gift could end up as an unappreciated trinket. Few things are more disheartening in gift-giving than a beautiful piece of jewelry left unworn. Hidden away and collecting dust in a drawer.

The point is, to prevent both the disappointment of the giver and the neglect of the gift, it’s important to carefully consider the preferences and taste of the person you’re buying for.

So, before rushing out and splurging on jewelry this holiday season…

Make a list of their likes and dislikes

Avoid the common mistake of buying something only you like, rather than who you’re giving it to. What you find appealing – be it rose gold, platinum, or pearls – may not necessarily resonate with them. Everyone has unique tastes. That’s what makes gift-giving so special!

Start by making a list (and checking it twice) and find out what they like and dislike. This can be easy if you know them well. However, if the relationship is newer and you’re still learning about their preferences, you might subtly inquire with their close friends or family for additional insights. You can also pick up on some telltale signs.

Have you ever seen them wearing earrings? No? Perhaps they don’t even have pierced ears or prefer not to wear them. If they consistently choose gold accessories, then they might not like something silver or platinum. Do rings never make an appearance on their fingers? They could find them cumbersome or rings don’t suit their lifestyle or job requirements.

What else have you noticed about their jewelry-wearing preferences?

Once you complete the list, it can more accurately help to determine the type and style of jewelry that would be most appreciated.

Consider their lifestyle

Understanding the lifestyle of the recipient is crucial when choosing jewelry as a gift. Consider the nature of their daily routines and even their level of physical activity. What have they been up to in 2023?

  • Are they active? Do they do a lot of high-impact, high-touch sports like rock climbing or ice hockey?
  • Do they use their hands for their job?
  • Are they often running, hiking, lifting, loading, or doing something physically demanding with the potential to damage any jewelry they might be wearing?

If you answered yes to any of these, your recipient might not have much opportunity to wear jewelry or need something that can withstand more wear and tear than a typical desk job.

Titanium and diamonds, for example, are way more durable than gold and opals. For someone constantly on the move, a bulky necklace or bracelet could be impractical and get damaged easily. Instead, think about gifting something sleek or minimalist like a slender eternity ring or small diamond studs. A piece that combines durability with elegance. These materials are less likely to scratch or dent.

Ponder their personal style

Take some time to observe their style. How do they typically dress? Do they prefer a minimalist look or something more bold and eye-catching?

Take some time over a few days or weeks and get a good look at their style.

Do they tend to wear jewelry or clothing that’s big, vibrant, bold pieces? Or is their style more subtle and delicate? Are they fans of vintage or modern? Do they like to be noticed or prefer to blend into the crowd? Does their style gravitate towards classic or trendy, romantic or practical?

These are all great indicators as to what type of jewelry they will love to receive and actually wear. A romantic soul might go for a delicate, lacy charm bracelet. The practical individual may opt for a watch with a personalized engraving. Someone who values charm would probably go for something uniquely vintage.

We recommend trying to avoid giving them what you think they’d look good in. While a loving intent, it may imply that you don’t appreciate their own sense of style. Choose something that aligns with their personal aesthetic and show how you love them exactly as they are.

Read the Relationship

It’s time to define read the relationship.

Will a ring box make the recipient jump to a conclusion you haven’t quite reached yet? Enough said. Gift the appropriate jewelry for the moment, the person, and your relationship.

For new relationships, a charming bracelet or a pair of elegant earrings can be a thoughtful yet safe choice. In more established relationships, where the understanding and expectations are clearer (right?), a ring could be a beautiful expression of commitment. Even if it’s not an engagement ring.

Tailor your gift to the message you want to give and the stage of your relationship. It’s about finding the perfect balance between a meaningful gesture and one that aligns with where you both currently stand.

Size Matters

Hold on! No, we’re not saying bigger is better, and no, we’re not talking about the size of the diamond… among other things ;).

We’re talking about the practicality of knowing the actual measurements of your recipient’s finger or wrist when considering rings or bracelets as gifts.

For bracelets, it’s a breeze. Use a flexible measuring tape and wrap it just above the wrist bone, toward the elbow. Then, add roughly ¼ inch to 1 inch to the measurement, depending on the desired fit – snug or loose. This final measurement will tell you the bracelet size you need.

Now, onto rings. Determining the correct ring size can be a bit of a covert operation. One effective method is to wrap a string around the finger that will wear the ring. You might need to make up some excuse if necessary or ask someone to somehow casually do it for you. Once the string is in place, mark the spot where it meets with a marker. Measure the length up to the mark in millimeters (mm) using a measuring tape. The trick is to make sure you leave a little wiggle room by adding a little bit to account for hot days and unexpected daily life.

Another reliable method is to borrow a ring that the recipient wears on a finger of a similar size. Take this ring to a jeweler who can measure it accurately. This option is especially useful if you’re unsure about measuring the size yourself and don’t want to give it away.  Alternatively, you can reach out to close friends or family of the recipient. They might already know the ring size or be able to find out more discreetly.

Once you have the size in millimeters, use the measurement to correspond to a ring sizing chart.

Custom Jewelry: The Ultimate Gift for the Holiday Season

Bespoke jewelry, custom-designed and handmade specifically with the recipient in mind, is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give.

While it might be too late to consider this option for this year’s holiday season, it’s never too early to plan for the next one!

With the help of a trusted jewelry designer, taking into account all the factors mentioned above – preferences, lifestyle, personal style, and your relationship with the recipient – allows you to create a jewelry piece that will continue to sparkle long after the holiday lights have dimmed, becoming a cherished possession for years to come.

The key here is to use a trusted, reputable jeweler. Great ones can walk you through the entire process, and work with you to create a piece that perfectly suits the individual.

Even if you’re short on time and hoping for something extra special for this Christmas, consider reaching out to a jewelry designer to see if they have pre-designed custom pieces ready to sell.  Inspired and imaginative jewelers often have a way of knowing what kind of designs will speak to many people on many levels. Similar to how Santa chooses his gifts, they just know.

And lastly…

Trust Yourself

If you’re gifting jewelry, you’re probably at a stage in your relationship with the giftee, whatever that relationship may be – partner, spouse, sibling, parent, child – where you know and love them better than anyone else.

Trust your feelings, rely on your instincts, and select the piece you believe will make them happy and bring them some lasting joy in 2023.

And remember: quality is key. If you think something is poor quality, trust your gut on that too! A gift given on Christmas morning, only to break by Boxing Day, is a disappointment greater than not receiving at all. Quality jewelry is designed to last a lifetime, much like the sentiment behind the act of giving it.

We know jewelry, a timeless and cherished gift, always speaks volumes this festive season. At Keezing Kreations, we’re excited to help you find the perfect jewelry to gift this holiday season. Whether you’re seeking ready-made designs or want to create a bespoke jewelry piece for next year, we guarantee that your gift will continue to bring joy long after the holiday decorations are put away and New Year’s bubbles have popped.

Contact us today: Call 617-650-9934 or email dkeezing@keezingkreations.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some safe jewelry gift options for someone I don’t know very well?

For acquaintances or new relationships, consider universally appealing items like simple stud earrings, a classic pendant necklace, or a minimalist bracelet.

How do I choose the right type of metal for a jewelry gift?

Consider the recipient’s existing jewelry for clues about their preferences. Silver-toned metals are great for a modern look, while gold tones suit a warmer style.

Can I customize jewelry at Keezing Kreations for a Christmas gift?

Absolutely! Keezing Kreations specializes in custom jewelry pieces, allowing you to create a unique and personal gift for your loved one. Reach out to Debra and her team today!

How do I find out someone’s ring size discreetly?

There are a few ways you can do this. Wrap a string around their finger and mark the size then measure in millimeters. Borrow a ring they frequently wear on a similar-sized finger and take it to a jeweler for sizing, or ask close friends or family if they know the size.

What should I consider when buying jewelry for someone with an active lifestyle?

Look for durable materials like titanium or stainless steel and choose designs that are less likely to get caught or damaged during physical activities.

What’s the best way to present a jewelry gift?

Presenting jewelry in an elegant box with proper packaging not only protects the piece but also enhances the overall experience of receiving the gift. Let us know if this is what you’re looking for and Keezing Kreations can assist.