If you want to present a special gift to your significant other, a necklace is an excellent way to go. But before you make the final selection, you may have some questions about whether the choice you’re making is just right. Following these steps will assist you in choosing a piece that’s sure to stun.
1. Learn Necklace Language
When looking for a necklace, be prepared to face an array of styles. It’s easier to get ready when you know the terms jewelers use to describe the different classifications. During a discussion about lengths of necklace strands, keep these words and definitions in mind:
- Collar, which sits against the throat the way a dress shirt fits
- Choker, which surrounds the base of her neck
- Princess, which comes near her collarbone
- Matinee, typically between 20 to 24 inches
- Opera, typically between 30 to 36 inches
- Rope, which is longer than 36 inches
These terms apply to various types of jeweled and beaded necklaces.
Pendants
Whether your lady friend favors pearls, diamonds, or gold, a pendant necklace is an excellent choice. This style comes in various lengths. You’ll recognize it when you see a single stone or gem hanging from the chain or rope.
Pearl
Pearl necklace styles range from the classic look of a simple single strand or choker to multiple layers. If all the pearls are about the same size, it’s a uniform necklace. When the pearls change sizes from the ends to the center, jewelers call it a graduated necklace.
Diamond
Diamond necklaces offer a variety of design options. Your recipient might enjoy receiving what jewelers describe as a statement necklace. This style hangs at mid-length, so it’s longer than a choker but shorter than an opera strand. These pieces feature a single diamond or diamonds combined with other large precious stones. Accents, such as pearls or gold, can complement the diamonds.
Gold
Gold necklaces are versatile, whether you want to gift your loved one with a single strand or several for a layered look. Pieces designed for layering are typically slender, long, and delicate. Accents, such as tiny diamonds, precious stones, or beads on the strands, add a dramatic effect.
2. Determine the Occasion
The reason for giving the necklace should influence your jewelry purchase decision. Consider whether the gift is for a birthday, an anniversary, a unique occasion, or another expression of your love. If celebrating her birthday, a birthstone pendant on a gold chain might be a perfect choice. A diamond and gold princess-length piece can make an ideal wedding anniversary gift.
3. Consider Her Style
Whatever the occasion, think about her style and personality during your jewelry shopping. That way, your choice will reflect her taste. The way she dresses and how she wears jewelry provide clues about what to buy. If she favors chokers, pendants, or long layered ropes as part of her wardrobe, you’ll be on solid ground by purchasing a similar piece. For a woman with a bold style, selecting a lively design might be the winning ticket. On the other hand, she might enjoy a simple necklace that she can wear as a daily complement to any outfit.
4. Incorporate Versatility
Whether to give a necklace she can wear on special occasions or one that offers versatility for daily wear is another step in the decision-making process. Like beauty, the definition of versatility varies from person to person. If your special someone is a corporate businesswoman, she might enjoy a fancy piece that complements her dresses or suits. If your favorite lady coaches the soccer team or teaches at the neighborhood daycare center, she might want a more casual piece to wear with her wardrobe of relaxed pants and tops, or jeans, T-shirts, or tunics.
5. Go for Quality
No matter what style you choose, selecting a high-quality piece of jewelry is crucial to ensuring your significant other is happy with her gift. Buying lower quality jewelry increases the chances of broken links, clasps, and discoloration. When purchasing gold necklaces, look for the 10K, 14K, or 18K stamp that ensures the piece is gold.
If you’re interested in necklaces that include diamonds, ask the jeweler about the ratings under the American Gem Society Diamond Grading Standards. These ratings measure cut, color, and clarity, three of the four quality factors for diamonds. The highest grade for each factor is 0 (zero), and the lowest is 10. Selecting gifts from the inventory of top-quality fine jewelry at Zadok Jewelers – an online jewelry store – ensures your satisfaction with every purchase.
