In part one of our 2023 gift guide, we explored all things earrings. Stud earrings, drop earrings, hoop earrings, and birthstone stud ideas. In part 2 of our 2023 gift guide, we are speaking to all things neckwear. From gold chain to diamond necklaces and diamonds to gemstones, we’ve got you covered to read up on some of the most desired styles of the season.
First, some tips when shopping for a necklace for your loved one:
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Scope out her wardrobe and any necklaces she currently owns and wears. A woman who gravitates to loads of color and prints in her clothing will more likely lean into a bold gemstone necklace. Whereas someone more minimalist may align with a simple diamond solitaire necklace.
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Consider her lifestyle. New moms love getting initial necklaces to commemorate the monumental feat of birthing a baby, but want that necklace to be a strong link for when baby gets big enough to realize it’s got shimmer and worth grabbing! Ditto for someone with an active lifestyle: opt for something heavy and sturdy enough to wear daily.
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Does she have a Pinterest board of jewelry she loves? Take a peek to get inspiration into her style and what she might love.
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If she is the type of person who wants to live in a necklace (sleep, shower, gym, everything) avoid gold plated or gold vermeil necklaces. The gold plated chains will rub off under such intense every day wear. Ditto for pendant necklaces with cubic zirconia as they will dull over time.
Onto the inspiration!
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Gold Chain
Gold chain doesn’t have to be basic. Opt for gold chain in varying lengths, gauges, links and styles so she can create a stack of her very own.
For example, how cute would this Petale necklace by Birks be layered with other delicate chains? Crafted out of 18 karat yellow gold in Italy, this is a piece of jewelry that has staying power. The organic flow and texture is sure to grab the heart strings of any nature lover out there. PS: There’s a matching chain bracelet as well as gold earrings if you wish to complete the look at a future date. We are always keeping our thoughts on other jewelry gift ideas for next time!
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A diamond necklace
My favorite! A diamond necklace is simple, classic, timeless and like their counterpart, diamond stud earrings, a minimalist pendant necklace looks good on everyone. Again, this can be as simple or dramatic as you like. Here are a few inspiration pieces:
This yellow gold diamond solitaire pendant is set into a chain necklace, meaning it is stationary and not flowing on a chain. My favorite part is the three prongs holding the diamond, just enough for security but allowing maximum light and shimmer! The perfect gift doesn’t have to be complicated, case in point.
My jewelry gift guide wouldn’t be complete without a stunning bezel pendant necklace. I adore the symbolism of the two diamonds. You and her, celebrating a special occasion or upcoming anniversary. A push present symbolizing the new mom and baby (better yet, this piece can be customized with a diamond for mom and baby’s birthstone as the small gem!)
I really enjoy bezel settings especially on pendant necklaces because there are no prongs to get snagged and caught on delicate silks or sweaters. It’s the ultimate easy wearing diamond necklace, especially for a busy lifestyle.
The newly released Birks Rosee du Matin diamond necklace in 18 karat yellow gold is gorgeously feminine. The flowing pavé criss crossing diamond strings intersect beautifully with luxe yellow gold. This to me screams elevated style coupled with special occasions: a milestone anniversary (or just the first year), a career accomplishment or change or simply an unexpected gift at an unexpected time. The best.
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A pop of color
A pendant necklace with an unexpected pop of color is so fun. Definitely keep an eye out for wardrobe here fellas. Does she gravitate toward cool tones of blues, purples, greens and greys? Or do warm tones of reds, yellows, pinks and oranges dominate? In either case, do we have some amazing choices for you!
This dramatic green tourmaline pendant necklace from Parade Designs gives us all the feels! The teardrop shaped green tourmaline is ultra elongated for a truly unique piece. A simple diamond solitaire and pave bail (where the necklace got through) complete this one of a kind gift idea.
For a more bold fashionista: a huge morganite and diamond pendant necklace, again by Parade Designs. Did you know they specialize in bespoke gemstone jewelry? This pear shaped morganite is a whopping 6.33 carats and is carefully cradled in 18 karat rose gold surrounded by crisp white gold. The soft pink of the morganite pairs beautifully with a variety of skin tones and stands as almost a neutral to be worn with every neckline and outfit. It’s “that” piece of jewelry.
A shimmering bar of perfectly matched rubies on an 18k rose gold necklace is one of the best jewelry gifts. The hint of red is not overdone or too much, it’s just enough to make a pretty little statement. We love that it was designed to be worn on a variety of lengths- from 15 inches to sit right in the collar bone to 18 inches to sit mid chest. How wonderfully versatile!
The petite basket necklaces from Tacori have been retired (which makes us teary every time we think of it!) but as of the writing of this article we still have the gorgeous sky blue topaz version in stock. It’s subtle blue hue is perfectly complemented by 14 karat yellow gold. Plus it’s 40% off so you really can’t go wrong!
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Pearls
Pearl jewelry always gives me a kind of Coco Chanel, New York, Saks Fifth Avenue kind of vibes. Truly, these organic gemstones have stood the test of time! And there are so many cool designs in 2023, from sweet and petite to bold and drama, drama, drama!
This 34 inch pearl necklace is actually three looks in one! This piece of jewelry can be styled:
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as a long necklace, worn over blouses, sundresses and chunky sweaters
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doubled as a short necklace with the 18 karat yellow gold tassel hanging down
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wrapped (as shown) as a bracelet
We discovered Canadian designer Anne Sportun at the Las Vegas jewelry show this past summer and we are so glad we did because these wrap bracelet/necklace combinations in 35 different gemstones are a game changer!!
This graduated pearl necklace from Birks is simple yet has a bespoke effect to it. I think it’s the freshwater pearls in varying sizes. Complemented by an 18 karat yellow gold chain necklace, this is one of those jewelry pieces that reminds her she is loved.
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Personalized Neckwear
Nothing says “I love your name” like a personalized necklace. It’s the type of jewelry that has memory making built right in! Consider a few ways to style this idea:
The initial necklaces by Tacori are affectionately referred to as Charming Letters. They are a round disc with your loved ones initial laser cut into the matte finish. Accented by two tiny diamonds to mark the two of you. These are also available in 14 karat rose gold and sterling silver (while supplies last because they have been officially retired from Tacori’s collection!)
The Birks elongated bar necklace makes a great gift. If you plan ahead, Birks will engrave this piece of jewelry at no additional charge (allow a minimum of 2 weeks lead time) but can also be engraved locally (we recommend the Trophy Den, they do amazing work!) This pendant necklace is crafted out of 18 karat yellow gold but also available in sterling silver (as of the writing of this article we are out of stock but available by special order anytime).
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Lockets
A sterling silver locket is such a pretty gift idea and full of nostalgia! Yes they are still crafted to be opened and photos put inside. We love this sterling silver oval shaped locket for it’s intricate filigree carving on the front. This sort of design is not only oh so pretty but is a secret scratch hider! The backing is high polished and ready for a personalized inscription (again, visit the Trophy Den for all your engraving needs!)
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Heart Necklaces
We digress, as of the writing of this article we are 100% sold out of all things heart shaped in neckwear! Not to worry, more are on order and we hope to receive them soon. Remember, you can always visit www.perrara.com and simply type “heart” in the search box to see everything that we currently have at our Kelowna showroom.
A note about storing fine jewelry:
A jewelry box is always recommended for storing your precious jewelry. Engagement rings, diamond rings, diamond tennis bracelets and especially pendant necklaces should be stored properly to prevent accidental damage. Plus they make a fantastic “no reason at all” day gift! Scope out Amazon for a vast selection and surprise her (alongside the necklace of course!)
In Summary:
Our 2023 gift guide has spoken! Necklaces ranging from diamond necklaces to lockets to birthstone jewelry are undoubtedly the perfect gift. Shop early for best selection and choose something amazing to show her all the love.
With Love, Perrara
Author: Lisa Maloney, Proprietor
