It’s that time of year again when every man in the country is wondering what to buy his better half this year for Christmas. Rather than panic buy and spend more than you wanted on ill considered gifts we’ve researched some of the finest on-line jewellers and found some great Christmas gift ideas that will give you some ultimate man points.
Christmas gift shopping tips
Buying jewellery with Diamonds or gemstones or precious metals can be a complicated process. So to help you out we have shared a few important tips to guide your purchase:
1. Avoid big names
If you are looking for cheaper ways to buy jewellery, it could be better you avoid the big brand names and look for alternatives.
Most of the big jewellers have large marketing and advertising budgets and spend a good amount of effort, time and money to create a reputation for themselves in the market and increase their reach to the public.
This naturally increases the cost of their products to account for the spend. Handmade items, lesser known designers and smaller brands can provide unique intersting gifts for similar if not cheaper costs to high street stores.
2. Check out Silver
With Platinum and Gold prices increasing, silver has managed to capture the market and offers a great alternative to it’s more expensive counterparts and many designers and silversmiths have managed to create a buzz lately in this area.
Sterling silver is definitely a good option as it has a minimum of 92.5% Silver content making it robust for fine jewellery pieces.
Be careful with products named ‘German silver’ or ‘Nickel silver’ as these contain no inherent Silver. If you plan to buy gold jewellery, 18ct Gold is great investment as it holds it value and colour well. When buying precious metal items such as silver and gold always buy from reputed manufacturer, designers or retailers to avoid blunders.
3. Create class with pearls
If you are looking for some budget-friendly jewellery options, then better opt for pearls. You can find pearls in three forms:
- Natural
- Imitation
- Cultured
Natural ones are the the most expensive due to their rarity. Imitation pearls are the most budget friendly and offer an elegant look but are made from treat glass. Cultured pearls however are real pearls that are formed naturally in a mollusk’s mantle but due to them being farmed they are known to be cheaper. Always buy pearls from the trustworthy jewellers that can give you advice and guidance on the correct source of your pearls and costs.
4. Shop right for gems
You need the right skill to identify the right diamonds or gemstones for your price and ensure it value.
Like pearls, they also come in three forms – natural, synthetic and simulated diamonds otherwise known as lab grown or man-made.
Natural gemstones form over millions of years and is mined to uncover them in their raw form. Synthetic gemstones are created using materials such as glass or zirconium dioxide (CZ’s) the synthetic material is very hard, optically flawless and usually colourless, but may be made in a variety of different colours to mimic real gemstones. Lab grown diamonds are true carbon crystals formed in a lab to create a real structural diamond. They are usually have less value due to this process but can look fantastic and still command a high price.
If you are not sure what to buy, you can consider a birthstone for instance or find one based on their favourite colours.
5. Seek assistance & help
If you’re unsure, jewellers are happy to help and share their wealth of knowledge. You can always ask your friend to accompany you, especially if they have past experience of buying jewellery!
Make sure you get the right certificate (if they have one) and guarantee in writing. Keep the purchase receipt for insurance purposes and go through the return policy to ensure you suffer no loss and learn your consumer rights. Lastly, beware of the “unbelievable” discounts that seem too good to be true.
Christmas gifts for her ideas
Pearl earrings from Diamond Boutique
Bring this year in with a smile on her face with these stunning freshwater cultured pearl earrings. These have been made in 18K white Gold and have a Blue Topaz diamond towards the top.
BUY HERE
Trilogy rings from Serendipity Diamonds
Maybe she’s looking for something a bit more collectable or perhaps a gift set that she just wasn’t expecting? These three stacking trilogy style rings in different colours of Gold will definitely go down well. They also come with a lovely wooden gift box.
BUY HERE
Red Garnet Ring from Jian of London
Stack up on style with this elegant and classic round brilliant cut Garnet crossover ring in 18K Gold or sterling Silver with Rhodium plating.
Mix and match with other square step cut, round brilliant cut or heart shape stackable crossover rings, wear one, three or five… whatever suits her mood.
BUY HERE
Pink sapphire necklace from Diamond Rocks
This beautiful pink sapphire oval baguette diamond cluster pendant in 18K white gold will give her a Christmas day never to be forgotten. The luscious Pink tones of the stone are very vibrant and complement the opposing diamond clusters set around it.
BUY HERE
18 carat white gold bracelet from Marlows Diamonds
A delicate 18ct white gold bracelet, carefully crafted using round brilliant-cut diamonds, separated by the classic bar design of the bracelet. Set with a total of 0.50ct of diamonds, this bracelet gives a contemporary yet refined look. Make her smile with this secret stocking filler.
BUY HERE
Amethyst Drop earrings from Berrys jewellers
Did we save the best till last? Certainly a favourite among the team here. These outstanding Amethyst and Diamond drop earrings in 18ct yellow gold will bring a whole new dimensions to Christmas day. These tones of deep purple will complement any dress and her smile will be priceless.
BUY HERE
