The Complete Guide to Buying Jewellery as a Gift (And Getting It Right Every Time)

Giving jewellery is one of the most meaningful gestures we can make. Unlike flowers or fashion, jewellery lasts for decades, sometimes generations, and carries with it memories, milestones, and love stories. But if you’ve ever found yourself stuck asking, “What jewellery should I buy as a gift?”, you’re not alone.

I'm Katie Silver, founder of Argent & Asher and over the years, I’ve helped so many people choose the right piece for the right moment. From diamond name necklaces celebrating new arrivals, to personalised initial necklaces gifted for milestone birthdays, I’ve seen just how powerful jewellery can be when it’s chosen with thought.

This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying jewellery as a gift, whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, push present, or “just because” moment. Along the way, I’ll share insider advice, customer stories, and my own perspective on how to make sure you always get it right.

 

Why Jewellery Is the Ultimate Gift

Jewellery is more than an accessory, it’s a story someone can wear every day. Studies on gifting psychology show that jewellery is one of the most emotionally resonant gifts because it creates lasting attachment and gratitude. Unlike tech or fashion, jewellery rarely “expires.”

In fact, the UK jewellery market was worth around £4.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to nearly £7.8 billion by the end of 2025, a clear sign of how much jewellery remains at the heart of British gifting culture. Within that, personalised jewellery is the fastest-growing segment, with the UK personalised gifts market expected to increase by £1 billion between 2025 and 2029.

That’s because jewellery, especially personalised jewellery, means something. A necklace engraved with a name, or set with a birthstone, becomes a talisman of memories.

➡ Learn more : Why a Personalised Necklace is the Most Meaningful Jewellery Gift

How to Choose Jewellery as a Gift

One of the most common questions I get asked is: “How do I actually choose jewellery as a gift?” The answer is simpler than you think, but it helps to consider a few key factors:

• Their style: Do they wear minimal jewellery (perfect for Initial Necklaces) or bold statement pieces (think Diamond Name Necklace)?
• The metal: Gold is classic and long-lasting. At Argent & Asher we work in 14k and 18k solid gold, not plated or vermeil, because quality matters.
• Personalisation: Adding a name, initial, or gemstone makes the gift unforgettable.
• Occasion: Birthdays, anniversaries, and push presents all call for slightly different choices.

➡ Learn more : The Best Jewellery Gifts for Every Milestone Birthday (UK)

➡ Read more: 10 Jewellery Gift Ideas Under £500 That Still Feel Luxe

Look for Quality and Hallmarks

When you’re buying jewellery as a gift, it’s essential to make sure the piece is made from genuine precious metals. In the UK, this is guaranteed through hallmarking — an official stamp that certifies the purity of gold, silver, platinum, or palladium.

A hallmark not only protects you as the buyer, but it also reassures the person receiving the gift that their jewellery is authentic and of lasting value. If you’re new to hallmarking, the Assay Office London offers an excellent guide to understanding the symbols and what they mean.

Expert tip: At Argent & Asher, every piece of our jewellery is crafted in solid gold (14k or 18k) and carries a full UK hallmark, so you know you’re giving a gift of genuine quality.

Jewellery Gift Ideas for Every Occasion

Whether you’re buying for a partner, a friend, or a family member, the occasion often shapes the gift. Here are some of my favourite go-to suggestions:

• Birthdays: An Initial Necklace is personal yet versatile, perfect for everyday wear.
• Anniversaries: An 18k Diamond Name Necklace makes a powerful statement of love.
• Push Presents: A Diamond Name Necklace with a child’s name is an heirloom-in-the-making.
• Milestone celebrations: A Personalised Necklace with gemstones makes the day unforgettable.

Anniversary and Milestone Gifts

Jewellery has long been the traditional anniversary gift, and for good reason. It’s symbolic, permanent, and emotional. I always tell clients: anniversaries are the time to lean into investment pieces.

For example:

• 1st anniversary: A gold Name Necklace is perfect, simple yet full of meaning.
• 10th anniversary: A diamond-accented piece adds sparkle to a decade of memories.

➡ Learn more : Anniversary Jewellery: Choosing a Piece They’ll Treasure Forever

Personalised Jewellery as the Most Meaningful Gift

If you’re unsure what type of jewellery to choose, you’ll never go wrong with personalised jewellery. It carries an intimacy no other gift can match.

I’ll never forget designing a Diamond Name Necklace in 18k gold for a new mum. The necklace featured her baby boy’s name, written in her husband's handwriting. She told me it was the most meaningful gift she had ever received, and she wears it every day close to her heart.

That’s the power of personalised jewellery: it transforms a piece of gold and diamonds into a memory you can hold.

➡ Learn more: The Science of Why Jewellery Makes the Most Memorable Gifts

➡ Read more: Ultimate Guide to Personalised Jewellery

How Much Should You Spend on a Jewellery Gift?

The truth is: you don’t need to spend a fortune. The key is choosing quality.

At Argent & Asher, our initial necklaces and bracelets start at £320, our Gold Name Necklaces in 14k start at £585, while our Diamond Name Necklaces in 18k are heirloom-level pieces, priced from £970–£2,500 depending on size but we can always make something completely bespoke in more dainty or statement designs.

This transparency matters, customers deserve to know what goes into their jewellery.

➡ Learn more : How Much Does a Personalised Name Necklace Cost?

➡ Read more : How Much Should You Spend on a Jewellery Gift? (A Complete UK Guide)

Jewellery Gift Etiquette (Who Buys What, and When?)

One of the most common fears I hear is: “Is jewellery too personal to gift?” My answer: not if you choose wisely.

For example:

• Parents to children: Initial Necklaces for 18th or 21st birthdays.
• Partners: Diamond jewellery for anniversaries or push presents.
• Friends: A small personalised necklace to mark a milestone.

➡ Learn more : Jewellery Gift Etiquette: Who Buys What, and When

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Jewellery as a Gift

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make missteps. Here are a few I see often:

1. Buying plated jewellery that tarnishes quickly.
2. Guessing size/length without checking ( we can always help you get this right ) 
3. Choosing something “on trend” instead of something timeless.
4. Skipping personalisation - missing the chance to make it meaningful.

➡ Learn more : The Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Ordering Personalised Jewellery

➡ Read more :  How to Pick the Perfect Jewellery Gift for Their Unique Style

Where to Buy Jewellery Gifts You Can Trust (UK Edition)

The UK jewellery market is booming, but with that comes a flood of low-quality, mass-produced pieces. When buying jewellery as a gift, make sure the brand:

• Uses solid gold (not plated)
• Is transparent on pricing
• Offers genuine personalisation
• Has strong reviews

That’s why I built Argent & Asher: to offer trusted, UK-made personalised jewellery designed to last.

➡ Learn more : How to Buy Fine Jewellery Online Without Getting Ripped Off

➡ Read more : How to Spot High-Quality Fine Jewellery Online

FAQs: Buying Jewellery as a Gift

Is jewellery a good gift idea?

Yes, jewellery is one of the most meaningful gifts because it lasts a lifetime and carries emotional value. Unlike flowers or clothes, jewellery is worn daily and becomes part of someone’s story. At Argent & Asher, I always say: “It’s not just about the diamonds, it’s about the memory you’re giving them to hold.”

How do I choose jewellery as a gift?

Start by thinking about their personal style and the occasion. If they love minimal jewellery, an Initial Necklace is perfect. For milestone moments, a Diamond Name Necklace in 14k or 18k gold is an heirloom-worthy choice. Adding personalisation, like a name or handwriting, makes it unforgettable.

How much should you spend on jewellery as a gift?

It depends on the occasion and your budget. A thoughtful, quality gift doesn’t need to cost thousands:

• Under £500 → Initial Necklaces
• £500–£1,500 → Gold Name Necklaces
• £1,500+ → Diamond Name Necklaces
  The key is to invest in solid gold and lasting craftsmanship.

Is personalised jewellery a good gift?

Yes, personalised jewellery is one of the most thoughtful gifts because it shows you’ve gone beyond “generic” and created something unique. Whether it’s a name, an initial, or even handwriting in diamonds, personalisation makes the gift truly theirs.

➡ Learn more : 10 Thoughtful Ways to Personalise Jewellery Beyond Names

What jewellery should I buy for an anniversary?

Anniversaries are the perfect time to give a lasting piece of jewellery. For early anniversaries, I recommend Gold Name Necklaces. For milestone anniversaries, a Diamond Name Necklace in 18k gold is a timeless choice that symbolises enduring love.

What’s a push present, and what jewellery works best?

A push present is a gift given to celebrate the birth of a child. One of the most popular choices I’ve created is a Diamond Name Necklace with a baby’s name in their own handwriting. It becomes a wearable heirloom, celebrating both mother and child.

➡ Learn more : Push Presents: Why a Diamond Name Necklace Is the New Classic

Is jewellery too personal to gift?

Not if you choose wisely. Jewellery only feels “too personal” when it’s random or rushed. When it’s thoughtful, like a personalised necklace, it shows care, not awkwardness.

➡ Learn more : Is Jewellery Too Personal to Gift?

Where should I buy jewellery gifts online?

Choose a trusted jeweller who uses solid gold (not plated), offers personalisation, and is transparent about pricing. At Argent & Asher, all our pieces are made in 14k or 18k gold, crafted to last, and designed to carry meaning.

Conclusion: The Jewellery Gift They’ll Treasure Forever

Buying jewellery as a gift doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. When you focus on style, personalisation, and quality, you’ll never go wrong.

As I often say to clients: it’s not about the gold or diamonds, it’s about the story you’re giving them to wear.

So whether you’re marking an anniversary, welcoming a new baby, or simply saying “I love you”, make it meaningful. Choose something they’ll treasure not just today, but for decades to come.