20 Thoughtful Jewelry Gift Ideas: Holiday Gift Guide
Jewelry is always an impressive holiday gift, but it can feel exhausting to research and pick the right piece. How will you know if the recipient will like it? What’s in style? Will the gift feel meaningful?
Our jewelry experts curated a list of thoughtful jewelry pieces that work in a wide array of styles, selecting options across several price points and providing purchasing tips at the end. Use our guide as a starting point or stop by our Pittsford jewelry location between December 5–7 to take advantage of our holiday sale!
Feeling overwhelmed by gift options? Book a free consultation with Forsythe Jewelers’ experts, and we’ll guide you through the process every step of the way!
Our Top Picks:
Best Jewelry Gift Under $100: Sterling silver earrings
Best Jewelry Gift for Her: Pearl stud earrings
Best Luxury Jewelry Gift: Diamond tennis necklace
Best Jewelry Statement Piece: Stacked mixed metal crossover ring
Best Jewelry Stocking Stuffer: Jewelry cleaning kit & holiday pins
Jewelry Gifts Under $100: Affordable Jewelry Gifts
Purchasing high-quality jewelry is an investment, but a gift doesn’t have to be expensive to be thoughtful and stylish. Look for simple, elegant jewelry pieces that elevate everyday looks and focus on affordable materials such as re-used jewelry from our estate collection (we prefer the term “pre-loved!”) sterling silver items, pearls, and beaded jewelry.
When in doubt, practical gifts such as a jewelry cleaning kit or an initial consultation with an experienced jeweler for repairs, restoration, or wish-list building can go a long way.
1. Gift Cards to Jewelry Stores ($50–$100)
A Forsythe Jewelers gift card is the best bet for cautious gift-givers who aren’t certain what their loved one wants—and sometimes the recipient doesn’t have a solid idea either!
Gift cards ensure the recipient chooses the jewelry piece or service that best suits their needs. If they have their eye on a more expensive piece, the card is a lovely gesture to cover a portion of the cost.
Make the gift more personal by offering to go with your loved one to look at jewelry options! This is the perfect opportunity to learn about your partner’s preferences and spend quality time together.
2. Jewelry Cleaner and Polishing Cloth (~$20)
A good jewelry cleaner and a polishing cloth are practical gifts for jewelry lovers who want to maintain their pieces for years to come. Jewelry cleaning products are useful for:
People with an extensive jewelry collection
People who wear jewelry every day
People who wear jewelry regularly during certain activities like playing sports, cooking, and other actions that use their hands
Just remember to follow best practices when cleaning your jewelry pieces. Some materials like opal may require more specialized or gentler cleaning techniques. If you’re not sure, our jewelry professionals can advise you on the proper approach to keep your items pristine.
3. Holiday Pins ($35)
Starting at just $35, our holiday pins feature cute, whimsical designs to brighten any look. Lean into a seasonal pin to set a festive tone, or go for a flexible design that can be worn year-round.
Remember, you don’t have to limit pins to a blouse or jacket—try styling them on hats, backpacks, or purses for a youthful, quirky look. Or test them out as fun cufflinks, depending on the size and how bold you’re willing to go. Just have fun with it!
4. Sterling Silver Earrings ($25-$100)
Sterling silver earrings are consistently in fashion and can be affordable jewelry gift options, depending on the size, craftsmanship, additional materials, and complexity. We recommend new sterling silver jewelry for a minimalist or modern look.
You can’t go wrong with simple stud earrings or hoops—their streamlined designs blend seamlessly with most looks, making them ideal for everyday wear. For more visual interest, opt for an unconventional shape like a knot, organic wave, or geometric drop.
5. Estate Sterling Silver Jewelry ($50-$100)
Re-used, recycled, and pre-loved sterling silver jewelry is the hidden gem (no pun intended!) of affordable jewelry gifts. Not only are they sustainable for eco-conscious jewelry lovers, but estate sterling silver tends to be quirkier and offers more varied style options than their newer counterparts.
Savvy Forsythe Jewelers customers know to regularly check our shadow boxes along our walls to find great deals on exceptional pre-loved pieces!
6. Sterling Silver and Pearl Jewelry ($35-$100)
Pearl is typically one of the more cost-effective gemstones. It offers a timeless, sophisticated look without being too flashy. The most impactful pieces combine sterling silver with pearl features for a quiet statement and a terrific price point. Look for:
Pearl earrings set in sterling silver
A pearl pendant necklace featuring one pearl
Sterling silver and pearl drop earrings
Of course, we also offer string-of-pearl necklaces for that classic look. Style them in layers or with other jewelry (sterling silver chain, anyone?) for a multi-textured look.
7. Beaded Jewelry ($35-$100)
While beaded jewelry is not our main focus, we do offer a collection of chunky beaded jewelry at affordable prices. These are great for jewelry lovers who want to incorporate more color or bolder looks into their jewelry collection.
Mid-Range Jewelry Gifts ($100-$500): Statement Pieces to Impress
Mid-range jewelry does not mean mid-quality! In fact, our $100–$500 inventory includes a few of our favorite pieces such as birthstone stud earrings. Our gift ideas include a vibrant mix of sterling silver, staple yellow gold pieces, and gemstone features that function well as fashion statements. Each selection is a perfect jewelry gift for a loved one to wear during special occasions.
8. Higher-End Sterling Silver Jewelry & Chunky Statements ($100-$400)
Mid-range sterling silver jewelry will typically be newer designer pieces ranging from geometric necklaces, pendants, and bracelets. They may feature a more intricate shape or eye-catching gemstones such as:
Discerning the right piece for your loved one will depend on their tastes and existing wardrobe. If you’re unsure what to get, share photos of your loved one’s jewelry with us, and we can suggest similar pieces to complement their style!
9. Ed Levin Jewelry ($100-$400)
We can’t make a jewelry gift guide without including Ed Levin, a local New York-based designer. Their sterling silver and two-toned sterling and 14k yellow gold pieces incorporate natural themes while maintaining a chic and timeless look. As a result, the line is exceptionally popular with our customer base.
Some Ed Levin jewelry pieces we love include their:
Kinetic bracelets
Blue topaz earrings
Pearl earrings
Pendant necklaces
10. Yellow Gold Earrings ($300-$500)
Earrings are the sconces of the face (and if you’re into interior design, you know that sconces put in a lot of work when elevating a space). So, obviously, we’re including yellow gold earrings on our list!
Classic yet always trendy, yellow gold hoop and dangle earrings are versatile gifts that suit any style. Don’t be afraid to explore different sizes and textures to convey the right tone. A large gold hoop dangles and brings dynamic movement to a look, while a beaded gold hoop can bring much-needed visual contrast to a quieter outfit.
11. Pearl Stud Earrings ($300-$500)
The sister to the gold earring, quality pearl stud earrings are elegant statement pieces that rarely overpower the wearer’s look. With different color overtones such as cream, rose, and champagne, pearls work with any skin tone and hair color. There’s a reason why top jewelry designers like Chanel and Tiffany & Co. always return to pearls!
12. Estate Jewelry Gifts ($100 and Beyond)
Our rotating estate jewelry collection features an array of price points and one-of-a-kind treasures, which is why we always recommend exploring our estate jewelry case in the store. We source and curate our collection from a mix of our customers, partners, and highly reputable estate vendors nationwide. Explore our case for pre-loved rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more for a unique gift!
Luxury Jewelry Gifts ($500 and Up): Gifts to Dazzle
Higher-end jewelry gifts starting at $500 are best reserved for investing in luxury materials such as white or yellow gold, diamonds, and gemstones. These jewelry gift ideas are perfect for celebrating special occasions, life milestones, and formal events.
13. Gold and Diamond Jewelry (Dilamani’s Confetti Line)
Gold and diamond jewelry will never go out of fashion. This year, we’re excited about textured gold pieces, especially those from Dilamani’s “Confetti” line. The collection features various gemstones in unexpected arrangements, giving a playful twist to your jewelry staples. Choose from wide rings, drop earrings, circular pendants, and wide bangles for a youthful statement gift.
14. Diamond Tennis Bracelets and Necklaces
Diamond tennis bracelets and necklaces exude class—they’re effortlessly sophisticated, making an everyday outfit chic or complimenting formalwear seamlessly. When choosing each, it’s important to get the right fit to avoid slips. Most tennis bracelets and necklaces can be resized or custom made in the perfect length.
15. Diamond by-the-Yard Necklace
A diamond by-the-yard necklace features gorgeous gemstones cut to enhance their sparkle. Customers love the delicate look the chain imparts, making it an especially flattering jewelry piece for all wearers.
16. Cleopatra Necklaces
Named after the famed Egyptian queen, the Cleopatra necklace is a bold design choice that can be worn by itself or layered with other necklaces or pendants. We’re fans of KC Designs’ necklaces for their simplicity and versatility, especially because it can be worn at various adjustable lengths.
17. Diamond Stud Earrings
Diamond stud earrings are great jewelry gifts for loved-ones, especially when celebrating a milestone such as an anniversary, birthday, or holiday! They’re often associated with love and longevity. Simple diamond studs offer a subtle look, while larger shapes and designs bring more glamor and dramatic flair (have you heard of jackets for diamond studs? Stop in and ask - we would love to show you!)
The best part? Forsythe Jewelers offers a Diamond Stud Upgrade Program, allowing you to receive full credit for your original diamond stud purchase toward an upgraded pair in the future. Whether celebrating a graduation, an anniversary, or another cherished milestone, this program lets you enhance your diamond studs over the years, making them a gift that truly grows with you.
18. Yellow Gold Chunky Necklaces and Bangles
For the jewelry maximalist, chunky yellow gold necklaces, geometric pendants, and wide gold and diamond bangle bracelets are essential gifts. These pieces help anchor the wearer’s overall look and pair well with other jewelry items thanks to their eye-catching visual impact.
Our go-to suggestion? A flush-set diamond Cartier-style bangle with matching earrings for an easy showstopper moment!
19. Diamond Crossover Rings & Mixed Metal Stacking
Crossover rings feature a unique overlapping design, giving them a larger overall appearance without feeling too heavy. They’re beautiful enough to be worn alone but also contrast well with thinner rings on neighboring fingers.
Look for crossover rings that maximize texture, either with set gemstones like diamonds or with stacked mixed metal.
20. Gemstone Rings
Lean into the full color spectrum with brilliant gemstone rings! We’ve talked extensively about some of our favorite gemstones, including emeralds, but we also offer a wide range of pieces featuring other vibrant gemstones.
For a personal touch, consider purchasing a gemstone ring that incorporates the wearer’s birthstone or a gemstone that represents how you feel about them. Gemstone rings make excellent unique engagement rings, too!
How to Choose the Best Jewelry Gift (Tips)
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when selecting the right jewelry gift for your loved ones, especially if you’re unsure about their personal style or aren’t confident in your fashion sensibilities. Here are some tips from our jewelry experts based on questions they receive every day:
Ask for Help: If you’re already at a jeweler, wouldn’t you want a professional to guide you through the process? Talk to someone about what you’re looking for, and we’ll help you find the right choice!
Take Photos: If your partner already has jewelry, take photos of their items and share them with a jewelry expert to see which jewelry gifts complement their tastes. You could also search online for photos of styles they admire and see what jewelry pieces people wear—bonus points if you make a mood board!
Set a Budget: Understanding your budget will give you a realistic range of options to choose from and prevent you from committing to an item that doesn’t make sense for your situation. There are always thoughtful jewelry gift ideas at many price points, so focus on what matters most to you.
Take Advantage of Sales: Most jewelers have sales throughout the year, including a holiday sale. Explore Forsythe Jeweler’s holiday sale between December 5–7 or stay updated on our socials for jewelry events!
Shop Local and Find the Perfect Gift at Forsythe Jewelers
Whether you’re shopping for an understated accessory or a glamorous centerpiece, our holiday jewelry collection has something for everyone. Stop by Forsythe Jewelers in Pittsford, NY to explore our diverse jewelry collection!
