Gifts for Women

Jewelry gifts for women, sorted by what gets worn rather than what photographs well. Names, initials, birthstones, hoops, studs, pearls and pendants — 18K gold vermeil at 3 microns over solid sterling silver, or gold plated. Gold, silver and rose gold, $12 to $140, gift-boxed.

Gift Questions

What's the safest jewelry gift?

Stud earrings, then huggies. No size, no length, and they suit nearly everyone. Necklaces are next — 18 inches works for most people. Rings are the riskiest purely because of sizing, and a name ring generally can't be resized at all.

Is engraved jewelry better than plain?

It's more memorable and less returnable, which cuts both ways. If you know the spelling and you're confident, engraved wins — it's the piece that doesn't get swapped. If you're guessing at taste, plain gold hoops are the thing nobody has too many of.

What length necklace should I buy as a gift?

18 inches. It sits below the collarbone, suits nearly every neckline, and works for a pendant of any width. 16 is a safe second choice. Avoid 14 unless you know she wears chokers — it's a fit question rather than a style one at that length.

How do I find her ring size without asking?

Borrow a ring she wears on the same finger and measure the inside diameter, or trace it onto paper. Guessing from another finger doesn't work — dominant hands run about half a size larger. If you can't do either, buy earrings.

What's the difference between gold vermeil and gold plated?

Thickness of gold, and what's underneath. Vermeil is 3.0 microns of gold over solid sterling silver. Gold plated is 0.5 microns over brass — thinner than vermeil, but still 2.5× the 0.2 micron industry standard. Both are real gold on the surface; vermeil simply has more of it, and costs accordingly. If it's a gift meant to last, vermeil is worth the difference.

When should I order?

A week before you need it. Stock pieces ship in a few business days; anything personalized is made after ordering and adds a few more. Custom work can't be rushed forward because there's nothing on a shelf to pull.

See also gifts for her, personalized gifts, name necklaces and birthstone jewelry.