The Best Investment Jewelry To Celebrate Life’s Big Moments

Whatever your thoughts on the phrase ‘push present’, there’s no doubt that new life is worth celebrating, and jewelry makes an ideal keepsake – for example, Sydney Evan’s ‘Mama’ necklace is a sweet way to affirm a mother’s new identity. Commemorate a new arrival with their initial – Foundrae’s gold heart initial pendants can be layered with anything – or with Carolina Bucci’s adorable ‘Baby Boy’ or ‘Baby Girl’ charm. Alternatively, invest in a piece with subtle significance, such as a wear-everywhere ring by Retrouvaí: blue sapphire for a boy, pink sapphire for a girl, or emerald, because, after all that, you deserve it.

Whether it’s your first or 40th, a big anniversary deserves a small box. Choose an eternity ring with a pop of color, such as Sydney Evan’s ‘Marquis’ ring; or supersize your ring stack with eight carats of emeralds by Shay. Robinson Pelham’s multicolored ‘Eye Love U’ ring spells out a loving message with different gemstone cuts, while Marlo Laz’s heart-shaped tourmaline earrings are a sweet way to mark a relationship milestone. Elsewhere, Foundrae combines style with sentimentality – its ‘True Love’ or ‘Forever and Always a Pair’ gold chains are certain to become favorites.

A piece of fine jewelry to keep forever is the perfect way to mark a milestone birthday. And the best gifts are those that will become part of your everyday wardrobe, such as By Pariah’s chic hexagonal hoop earrings, or Sia Taylor’s delicate hand-hammered gold necklace. Pomellato’s chunky ‘Iconica’ ring is a contemporary take on a stacking ring, or make it more personalized with Spinelli Kilcollin’s star-sign rings. A fine watch is a fail-safe way to mark a new chapter, so if a Jaeger-LeCoultre ‘Reverso’ has been on your wish list forever, now’s the time to make it yours.

Unlike your dress or veil, you’ll wear your wedding-day jewelry throughout married life, so invest in pieces you’ll treasure forever. Pearls are a bridal tradition, and Octavia Elizabeth’s contemporary pearl huggies will look as good with jeans as they will on your big day. For your something blue, the LA-based brand’s drop earrings feature bold blue sapphires set in 18-karat recycled gold, while its emerald version echoes the showstopping pair that founder Octavia Zamagias wore on her own wedding day (pictured). There’s no need to play it safe with your wedding ring, either: Zamagias updates the traditional diamond band with her signature ‘Nesting Gem’ setting, which will subtly scintillate for generations.

An engagement ring should be timeless while reflecting your personal style, so it’s no wonder brides-to-be are increasingly involved in the decision. Fred Leighton’s sapphire and diamond ring is an eternally chic tribute to art deco design. Anita Ko blends classic and contemporary in the ‘Gia’ ring, while Fernando Jorge updates the traditional diamond band with mixed cuts between smooth gold curves. Repossi is renowned for avant-garde diamond solitaires, while Almasika’s ‘Terra Nova’ ring is eye-catching and wearable in equal measure. And you don’t have to stick to diamonds, either: Marlo Laz’s antique-inspired rhodolite ‘Lexi’ design sets your forever ring apart.

It’s important to celebrate achievements in all areas of life, so if that means marking a career milestone by investing in rainbow-hued Brent Neale earrings or a Jennifer Meyer bracelet that you’ll wear with everything, then we’re all in favor. A symbolic self-gift signifies your hard work: Marlo Laz’s ‘En Route’ pendant is a reminder that you’re moving forward, while Foundrae’s ‘Per Aspera Ad Astra’ pendant translates as ‘Through hardships to the stars’. A serious timepiece is a smart reward, and you can’t go wrong with a Cartier ‘Tank’ – a reminder of your accomplishments every minute of the day.

The Victorians were renowned for commemorating lost ones through mourning jewelry, portraits and lockets. Today, symbolic jewels keep cherished memories close. Cece Jewellery’s enamel pendant paintings are a beautiful way to represent a loved one: choose from a flower, butterfly, bee or elephant. Celestial motifs have spiritual connotations: Jenna Blake’s antique-inspired ‘Stardust Dome’ ring makes a poignant yet understated tribute, as does Marie Lichtenberg’s ‘Shining Star’ bracelet, which can be layered with heirlooms and worn every day. The Parisian designer gives traditional lockets a contemporary new life: her ‘Prayers Box’ locket is the ultimate modern vessel to keep a loved one close to your heart and in your thoughts.