How To Choose The Perfect Fine-Jewelry Gift
Selecting a piece of jewelry for a loved one can be challenging – especially if they’re a natural magpie. Here, CHARLIE BOYD speaks to a cohort of jewelry designers who infuse every design with symbolism and meaning, as they reflect on their own most precious gifts
Ananya Malhotra, founder of Ananya
“For such a small item, a piece of jewelry can hold real significance, power and emotional weight. My Ananya designs represent something special and significant to me – and the materials used to create our pieces have their own meaning and healing properties. My family gifted me a beautiful three-carat Colombian emerald as a protective talisman, which I wear everywhere I go. When selecting a gift, I believe it is important to understand your loved one’s needs, style and taste, and then to match a gemstone to those – which is why we have a gemstone glossary that can offer guidance.”
“A piece of jewelry can hold real significance, power and emotional weight
”Ananya Malhotra
Alison Chemla, founder of Alison Lou
“Jewelry is all about a personal connection – and my Alison Lou ‘Mrs’ rings and ‘Mommy & Me’ styles are especially popular because they can be tied to some of the most important milestones. I recently gave birth to my first child and was given an amazing gift from my husband that was created in collaboration with my team. It is a gorgeous necklace featuring a blue diamond (for my baby boy), surrounded by cream enamel on a gold curb-link chain. I will always look at it and remember this incredible time in our lives.”
Jesse Marlo Lazowski, founder of Marlo Laz
“The story behind my Marlo Laz ‘Porte Bonheur’ design is deeply meaningful – especially the idea of calling positivity and goodness into existence, and using the coin as a reminder to spread that notion to other people. When I design a new piece and attach a birthstone or an initial belonging to somone I love (like a tourmaline for my brothers’ birthstones, an N for my grandmother’s name, or a Gemini or Cancer sign for my parents), it becomes so symbolic. So always think about what is going to put a smile on your loved one’s face. Whenever I am deciding which piece to give someone, I immediately try to imagine what will make them light up – then I always find my answer.”
“Jewelry is all about a personal connection
”Alison Chemla
Diane Kordas
“Jewelry can be personal or not, but it’s always precious – and usually carries memories that are invaluable. I have a beautiful, intricately laced chain bracelet, which my father gave me for my 18th birthday, that is priceless to me – and wearing it reminds me how fortunate I was to have him as my father. My Diane Kordas Amulette collection is deeply meaningful – it dispenses a scent (yours or your partner’s) in a diamond-topped vial that can be unscrewed during the day, allowing you to connect with your loved one. Scent is such an incredibly personal and powerful messenger.”
Jade Lustig, founder of Jade Trau
“All my Jade Trau pieces are made with diamonds and, for me, they are so deeply seeped in meaning – for my family legacy as well as what they represent. Diamonds take millions of years to form, but require the ingenuity of humans to find them, the meticulous labor of cutters to turn them into brilliant gems and the artistry of designers to transform them into wearable pieces. I always think about the person receiving the gift, as well as scale – what length of chain or size diamond would work best for them?”
“Diamonds take millions of years to form… and they are so deeply seeped in meaning
”Jade Lustig
Melissa Kaye
“Much like a certain song might bring you back to a special moment or feeling every time you hear it, I want my Melissa Kaye jewelry to transport you – as all jewelry should. The lasting power of jewelry also makes it a gift that keeps on giving – you can enjoy it for a lifetime and pass it down to future generations, adding a new chapter to the story behind the piece. It’s most important to choose a piece that the recipient will wear for years to come, so you want to select something that honors their personal style. This in itself will give the piece meaning because it shows that you understand a deeper and more nuanced element of their personality.”
Yves Spinelli, co-founder of Spinelli Kilcollin
“Ultimately, meaning in Spinelli Kilcollin pieces is derived from their owners as signs of commitment, accomplishment, or an affinity for design. The signature-design element of our pieces, the connected rings, can be interpreted as an infinite loop with no distinct beginning or end. Try to forge a connection between your loved one and the occasion, either from a birthstone for birthdays, or diamonds for anniversaries. Learn to read into special charms and how different materials and textiles can add meaning for the wearer.”
Irene Neuwirth
“For me, the meaning of jewelry is in the stones, so, with Irene Neuwirth pieces, I always make sure the front is as gorgeous as the back. Occasionally, I will put a little diamond heart inside a ring – so only the person wearing it will know it’s there. My most precious gift was a pocket watch on a gold chain, which my dad gave my mom the day I was born. She passed it down to me but, sadly, it was lost or stolen a few years ago. When choosing for others, it’s important to follow your heart – something you both love will always be cherished.”