Earrings, bracelets or rings? Navigating the jewelry minefield this Christmas

So, you’ve decided that you want to buy that special someone a piece of jewellery for Christmas, but you’re stuck on what to buy them. With so many options available – bracelets, earrings, rings, to name but a few – making the all-important decision can prove to be challenging.

First things first, it’s a good idea to look around to see what’s on offer. While looking online can save you time, it’s also a good idea to visit shops to give you a better idea of what it is you are looking for. For example, Marlow’s in the Jewellery Quarter offer free consultations with their expert jewellers to help customers find the perfect gift.

In the meantime, here’s a look at some of the different types of jewellery on offer to make the decision process a little easier:

Earrings
First and foremost, it’s important to check how often the person you are buying for wears earrings, as this will help you to determine what type to buy. For example, if they wear earrings everyday, studs may be the more practical option. Alternatively, if they only wear earrings on special occasions, glamorous dropper designs may be the ideal choice. Of course, the design you choose should reflect their individual style and taste.

Bracelets

Just like earrings, when it comes to buying bracelets, it’s important to think about style. Take note of whether your receiver wears chunkier designs or more delicate bracelets and think about whether they wear them layered one on top of the other, or as a standalone piece. Again, think about when and where they will wear the bracelet and choose accordingly. Bracelets can make the perfect gift for friends, family and partners.

Rings
Buying someone a ring is generally seen as a little more special, probably due to their significance in engagement and marriage. If you are thinking about giving someone a ring for Christmas and you are not intending it to be a proposal, think carefully about how you are going to present it to avoid any embarrassing misunderstandings!

You will also need to try and find out the ring size. You can do this either by asking the person themselves, or if you want it to be a surprise, try using a ring they already have for measurement.

Final considerations

When buying jewellery for a loved one, it’s a good idea to think about what they already wear. As a general rule of thumb, buying something that matches their current style of jewellery is a safe bet. As well as style and design, you may also want to think about practicality. For example, does the person you are buying for work in an environment where they are likely to lose a ring?

Material is also an important consideration. If the majority of their jewellery is silver, it’s perhaps best to stick to this. Remember that some people may be allergic to certain metals, so make sure you find this out before making a purchase.

There’s nothing quite like receiving the gift of jewellery, which is made even more special when you know that so much time and thought has gone into choosing the right piece. If you stick to the guidelines outlined above, you simply can’t go wrong.

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