Graduation season is upon us, and many young adults are moving into the next stage of their lives, whether that means going off to college or starting their careers. We may be biased, but we think there’s no better way to celebrate this milestone than with a gift of jewelry – a valued memento that’s both emotional and practical.
Every new grad, regardless of where they’re headed, will welcome a gift that helps them build their wardrobe and accessories collection. Here, we share some tips for selecting jewelry that a new grad can wear with pride and begin to build a collection they will treasure for the rest of their lives.
Building a Jewelry Collection
When selecting jewelry as a graduation gift, you’ll want to pick that foundational piece that the graduate can incorporate into their wardrobe today, and use as the basis for expanding their jewelry collection through the stages of their life.
Garnet and Diamond Necklace. Courtesy of Stuller.
To do this, you will want to determine the graduate’s favorite gemstone(s) and metal type and color. Do they tend to wear more yellow or white toned jewelry? Jewelry with diamonds is universally appealing, but you can also personalize your selection by purchasing jewelry with the individual’s birthstone, like this diamond and garnet necklace. Garnet is the birthstone for January and diamond is also the birthstone for the month of April.
Choose simple pieces that fit the individual’s personal aesthetic. This allows the graduate to buy complimentary pieces later on without having to worry about matching the piece exactly. Styles change, but simple pieces of fine jewelry can be paired with more trendy items to create a look that is both sophisticated and on trend.
Diamond Initial Necklace. Courtesy of Alex Woo.
If you’re unsure of the graduate’s style preferences, you can’t go wrong with truly classic pieces such as diamond studs, a strand of pearls or a diamond studded initial charm.
Looking Great for Less
There are some easy ways to create an expensive look for less if you’re shopping with a budget in mind.
Pearl Necklace. Courtesy of Linney’s Jewelry Store.
For example, rather than buying a strand of pearls, you can select a pearl station necklace where the pearls are separated by a length of chain. In fact, this can offer the same classic sophistication of a strand of pearls with a more modern twist.
V.F. Joyner platinum and diamond cluster earrings. Courtesy of Platinum Guild International.
Diamond cluster earrings, where several small diamonds are set close together, are a more affordable alternative to the classic diamond stud. They have the same sparkle factor, but at a much lower cost.
Stackable rings with gemstones are an ideal graduate gift. They can be affordable, depending the size and type of gemstone, and they allow the individual to purchase varying stackable rings later, mixing and matching based on their outfit.
Moonstone and Labradorite Stack Bezel Rings. Courtesy of Karin Jamieson Jewelry.
These stacking gold rings with Moonstone would be especially appropriate for a graduation gift since moonstone is said to bring good luck.
Symbolic Gemstones
If you want to offer a graduation gift that is imbued with symbolism, moonstones aren’t the only gems you should be on the lookout for. Jadeite symbolizes prosperity, success, and good luck for many. Opal has also been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because it can show all colors.
Blue Sapphire Necklace. Image Courtesy of Omi Prive.
If this sapphire necklace looks royal to you, that’s no coincidence. Sapphire symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. In the Middle Ages, people believed that the stone would attract heavenly blessings. In modern times, a sapphire famously adorns the engagement ring worn by Kate Middleton, which had previously belonged to Princess Diana.
No matter what you choose to purchase for the new grad – it is, after all, the thought that counts. Include a congratulatory note sharing why you selected that particular graduation gift and the meaning behind it. In addition to the advice you’ll be offering, you may want to slip in a detail or two about how they can care for their jewelry to ensure it stays as shiny and new as the special day they received it.
Main image courtesy of Omi Prive.
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