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Men’s guide to buying jewellery
This guide is here to help for Christmas, birthdays, Valentine's Day and special anniversaries - when the ‘present problem' arises.
As a jewellery designer I should like to impart some insider knowledge to help you choose the perfect present. My practical tips are pretty straightforward, so you don’t need to channel Eddie Izzard to get it right.
For the record, my husband’s ‘rules’ for dressing are just as baffling to me as mine are to him. Occasionally this has become apparent. He once bought me a wire chicken for my birthday, the French type you keep eggs in, simply because I’d said in passing that I liked it (this is a double No No – it’s a domestic item [Unless specifically asked for, avoid].
My twin brother bought his wife a laminator (again, she had described it as useful). A marital frost spot ensued. Now it has reached the annuls of presents that are just SO bad that they have entered family folklore.
Essentially the key to success is to study the women you’re buying for – what do they like to wear? The closer you can get to their style the more of a hit your purchase will be. It’s not a question of the American solution, i.e. throwing cash at it either, a handmade, limited edition pair of earrings in a favourite colour can say more than a showy piece that doesn’t reflect her personal style.
Ask yourself the following:
Are they a conservative or casual dresser?
Do they go to dressy functions or the pub?
I have grouped the jewellery here into two camps – occasional and casual. For the avoidance of doubt, Occasional you wear to parties, functions, weddings etc. Casual, to the pub, on holiday, everyday. Some designs appear in both camps as true all-rounders.
Go to Casual & Everyday Designs >
Go to Occasional & Dressy Designs >
Do they like to wear matching earrings, necklaces and bracelets known as a ‘set’? It’s like the matching bra and knicker thing - go with it. Most good web sites group designs that go together which takes the guesswork out of it.
What about colour?
If they wear a lot of a particular colour, try and match it. It means that know that they’ll look good in it and be able to wear the piece easily with their current wardrobe.
Play safe stylishly by selecting something that’ll work with a number of colours OR stick with a plain silver or monochrome piece as these kinds of designs can be worn with everything.
Example of a monochrome necklace - Silver Conch Shell & Pearl necklace.
Length matters
If the woman you are buying for always wears shorter necklaces, 16" or more generally 18" will suit her.
If she has ample cleavage, but would NEVER wear something longer than 20" that draws undue attention to her assets, then a longer necklace will be consigned to the bottom of her jewellery box.
Think about what will actually suit her, not what's fashionable. Wallflowers will balk at 'bling' and those that like to grab the limelight will loath the demure and conservative.
Bracelet length – standard length is 7.5". If she has large wrists it’s no good choosing a delicate bracelet that potentially doesn’t fit, safer to go for a necklace.
If she has very small wrists, check that the standard length will fit her. Even some elasticated bracelets that claim to fit all either stretch horribly and are uncomfortable to wear or are too loose and look silly.
If you’re buying a bracelet for someone who doesn’t have an extra pair of hands on site when dressing, opt for a toggle or lever-arch clasp as it’s easier to do up one-handed, think of struggling with cuff links!
If you’re going for handmade, you can specify the length and have the piece made-to-measure, although you’re unlikely to get a refund if she really hates it. Most companies will offer you a credit note though, so check the small print. You'll get maximum brownie points for getting something that fits her like a glove.
Earrings
Does she like long dangley earrings or shorter versions? Top tip: if she isn't blessed with swan-like proportions, avoid really long dangley earrings as they’ll end up scraping the top of her shoulders and visually shorten the neck further. Check that she has pierced ears! If not, find out if she can bear to wear clip-ons.
Posts featured here are the Swarovski Amethyst Oval drops.
Wires shown are the Art Deco Swarovski Crystal Drops.
Finally, enjoy giving and saying: "If you hate it darling, we can change it" because it’s a very personal thing to get right. Although, if you’ve taken the steps outlined above, then I’d say you’re more than on the right track.
The thing that'll impress her the most is that you’ll have demonstrated the MOST IMPORTANT aspect of buying a gift – you’ve shown thoughtful consideration, and that will always win you more brownie points than anything else.
Happy shopping!
With love
Victoria Indigo
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