Sparkle and Shine: Top 10 Jewelry Gifts for the Holidays - The Keene Sentinel
Since time immortal, jewelry has been one way to show someone special how much they are loved. The vast combinations of styles, metals and stones makes it easy to pick something both personal and thoughtful.
While early man may have graced his partner with a lanyard of animal teeth, modern man, with a little help from Shelly Moser of Cheshire Jewelers in Keene, Pam Parant of The Rock and Hammer in Bellows Falls and Jaqueline Hobbs of Peterborough’s Hobbs Jewelers, can pick something popular, trendy and heartfelt for the holidays.
Below, in no particular order, are their top recommendations and expectations for what will make this shopping season merry and bright. Or perhaps more appropriately, sparkly and glittery.
Gold Jewelry
“We use a gold company called Leslie’s that is Italian gold and has a lifetime guarantee, so we sell a lot of their products, including both white and yellow gold. Everyday hoop earrings are very popular, and some are fancier than others, but they have a great price point that is in most people’s range. We have both 14K and 10K options in addition to charms and bangles that Leslie’s makes as well,” said Shelly Moser of Cheshire Jewelers.
Simple and classic, gold jewelry, whether earrings, necklaces or bracelets gives the wearer versatility in how and when to don it.
Sets
“For the holidays we do a lot of sets, either necklace and earrings or rings and bracelets,” said Pam Parant of The Rock and Hammer.
A matching set offers options in that the pieces can be worn together for a complete look or separately as the occasion warrants. It also allows the gift giver to have the best of many jewelry possibilities since they don’t have to pick just one piece and can combine their favorites into a larger present.
Watches
“Even with cell phones, watches are still very popular, especially for men,” said Moser.
“We have four brands of watches and a number of pretty clocks in this year for both desks and mantles. We only buy one of each piece, so you won’t see the same thing on someone else’s hand,” said Jaqueline Hobbs of Hobbs Jewelers.
Although, as Moser pointed out, cell phones are the predominant way society now tells time, a classy watch offers men, especially those at work where a quick glance at a watch is more appropriate than constantly pulling out a cell phone, an understated accessory. As might be expected with a watch carried by a jeweler, the quality exceeds many other models.
Colors and Birthstone Jewelry
“We have a number of new and very popular colors in this year. Morganite is a salmony-pink color that is very pretty when placed in a rose-colored setting. Green tourmaline is another popular color and it is a mossy green,” said Hobbs.
“Birthstone jewelry is always a good idea. If someone is born in January, they might like a garnet. And those are always available as earrings, rings or pendants,” added Moser.
A pretty stone adds interest to a new piece of jewelry and by pursuing one of this year’s trendiest rocks or making it more personal with a birthstone, it adds a pop of color to the gold or silver background.
Diamond Earrings
“Everyone loves diamond earrings. No one ever seems to return them!” said Moser.
Apparently, you can’t go wrong with diamond earrings. Easily pairable with most any outfit and appropriate for so many occasions, diamond earrings are a go-to accessory to be cherished for years.
Bracelets
“Bracelets are coming back in. Bangles and different type of stone bracelets in particular, either in a 14-karat gold or sterling silver. Yellow gold especially is becoming popular again,” said Hobbs.
A flash of color or glitter at the wrist is a fun way to accessorize without being too showy. Bracelets can add that touch of elegance without calling too much attention to themselves.
Custom Creations
“We tend to do a lot of custom and very unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Quite often customers have an idea and we build on it. They come with stones or they have family pieces and want them re-purposed and we can help with that,” said Parant.
Something designed together with a jeweler certainly takes extra time and effort and is a lovely way to show how much you know and treasure the person the new piece is being created for.
Estate Jewelry
“Diamonds are larger than they used to be, and estate diamonds are a good deal. We do a lot of estate pieces and the diamonds are particularly popular for engagement rings. They have meaning from another time period and there is the aspect of recycling. We can do a custom design with them as well,” said Hobbs.
“Sometimes we have estate jewelry for Christmas, but it cycles through very quickly!” added Moser.
Estate items are an excellent way to obtain spectacular stones or pieces at a reduced price. If buyers are willing to be flexible with what they have in mind, based on what might be available, they can score something unique and affordable.
All three jewelers can help clients take these pieces and if requested, rework them into something even more meaningful.
Bridal Jewelry
“The holidays are a time when we see an interest in pearls. Often the buyer is purchasing for the bridal party, or a bride with an upcoming spring wedding,” said Moser.
“Engagement rings are one of my favorite things to do as it is an honor to be part of such a big moment in the lives of the couple. The way couples come about it is more different than ever before. It used to be where (the man) would come in and pick something from the case, but now with Pinterest, they come together and work with me to design something. She often has some ideas but then he takes it from there,” said Hobbs.
Whether it is getting an engagement ring for a holiday proposal, or getting ready for their big day and looking for jewelry to match bridal finery, wedding bling, even in December, is a another holiday gift option.
Traditional Crosses and Celtic Motifs
“Neck crosses, Celtic jewelry and traditional pieces are always popular around Christmas,” said Hobbs.
When in doubt, the tried and true that has remained a staple of holiday gift giving might just be that perfect present. Classic but not overstated, a cross necklace or something with a Celtic theme is still a solid choice.
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To shop holiday jewelry, stop by Cheshire Jewelers in Keene at 149 Emerald St., Unit 13, (cheshirejewelers.com or facebook.com/CheshireJewelers), The Rock and Hammer at 26 Village Square in Bellows Falls (therockandhammer.com or facebook.com/therockandhammer) or Hobbs Jewelers at 20 Depot Square, Unit 30, in Peterborough (nhhobbsjewelers.com or facebook.com/HobbsJewelersInc).
