Buying something for someone you love is hard! You want it to be right. You want them to love it and actually wear it. And with jewellery, there are so many things to consider!
People arrive at my pop-ups or message me online not knowing where to start so I thought it would be good to put together everything I'd normally tell them, in one place.
Here's how to buy jewellery for someone else without the stress or the disappointed face on the other end;
Start with what they already wear
This is the most useful thing you can do, and it costs nothing. Think about the jewellery they reach for every day. Is it gold or silver? Delicate and minimal, or bold and layered? Do they mix metals freely, or keep it consistent?
Gift guides are great but simply looking at the kind of jewellery your loved one usually wears will tell you more and ensure you start in the right place.
If they don't wear much jewellery at all, that's also information. In that case, something simple and understated - a small stud, a fine chain is almost always a safer bet than something that asks to be noticed.
Think about metal colour before anything else
Gold and silver are not interchangeable for everyone. Some people are firmly in one camp, and gifting someone a silver piece when they only wear gold (or vice versa) means it might sit in a drawer, no matter how lovely it is.
If you genuinely can't tell which they prefer, sterling silver tends to be the more versatile choice - it works across a wide range of skin tones and styles, and it sits well alongside both gold and rose gold if they do mix metals and is not as big an investment.
Don't guess ring sizes
Rings are the one category where I'd gently steer you away from guessing. Ring sizing varies significantly from finger to finger, and getting it wrong will mean the piece doesn't fit at all. Unless you can get hold of a ring they already wear on that specific finger, it's usually better to choose a necklace, earrings, or a bracelet instead.
If you have access to rings they already wear you can use my How to Find You Ring Size At Home guide to determine their ring size. Resizing is also available on all of my designs so its not a disaster if the fit is slightly out.
Occasion and wearing context matter
A piece someone will reach for every day is a different thing from something they'll save for special occasions. Both are valid gifts, they just call for different choices.
Everyday jewellery tends to be lighter, simpler, and made to withstand being worn constantly. Fine, delicate chains, small hoops, subtle studs. Things that feel like a second skin.
Special occasion pieces can afford to be a little more expressive - a drop earring, a statement ring, something with a gemstone that catches the light.
Think about how they dress day to day and that will usually point you in the right direction.
Give them something to go on
If you're still unsure, the kindest thing you can do is make your gift slightly open-ended. A gift certificate from a small independent maker means they get to choose exactly what they want, while still feeling the thought and intention behind it. It's not a cop-out - it's often genuinely what people prefer, especially when it comes to something as personal as jewellery.
A note on quality
One last thing. When you're buying jewellery as a gift, it's worth thinking about longevity. A piece made from solid sterling silver or solid gold will last - properly cared for, it can last a lifetime. Fast fashion jewellery made from plated base metals will tarnish, fade, and eventually become unwearable, no matter how beautiful it looks in the moment.
Spending a little more on something made well is always worth it, because the person receiving it will be able to enjoy wearing it for years to come.
If you're looking for somewhere to start, browse the MUKA collection.