Case in Point

Six Memorable Jewelry Gift Ideas for New Graduates

Surprise the new graduate with a special, enduring token of everything that they’ve achieved.

Published

8 years ago

February 3, 2016

Tanya Dukes Instore February 2016 Issue

AFTER YEARS of hard work and study, this year’s new graduates have earned a break from their books and the admiration of their family and friends. Gifts that help remind them of home, maintain memories of their beloved university or put them a stylish step ahead of their post-grad competition will be enduring tokens of all that they’ve achieved.

Graduation jewelry gifts for 2016

1. COLLEGE BEAD COMPANY

NECKLACE: Sterling silver college necklace with gold-plated heart and crystal ball accents

TELL ’EM THIS: Just because she’s leaving her alma mater behind doesn’t mean she can’t show school pride. She’ll be reminded of happy times when she wears this necklace. They’re made for a huge number of universities and sororities, too.

WHO’S IT FOR?: Outspoken alumnae

MSRP: $69

(248) 336-9347 | collegebeadco.com

2. MEIRA T

necklace: Pearl necklace in 14K yellow gold and diamonds

TELL ’EM THIS: Pearl strands are iconic, elegant and a great gift for a rite of passage, but sometimes — especially to young people — they’re a little intimidating. This necklace, with its pearls of graduated sizes and off-center diamond accents that twinkle, is the ideal alternative.

WHO’S IT FOR?: Not-so-prim pearl fanciers

MSRP: $850

(212) 398-0606 | meiratdesigns.com

3. ENDLESS JEWELRY

BRACELET: Leather bracelet with sterling silver and gold-plated gemstone charms

TELL ’EM THIS: The chic leather bracelet is a contemporary foundation for a charm bracelet, whether wearing only one or a whole collection. Begin with a starter charm that celebrates something she loves and watch her bracelet evolve with time.

WHO’S IT FOR?: Someone who’s still discovering her style

MSRP: $270 (as shown)

(855) 665-8555 | endlessjewelry.us

4. MOVADO

WATCH:38mm Movado Bold watch with quartz movement and stainless steel and yellow gold ion-plated case and link bracelet

TELL ’EM THIS: Watches might not be essential for keeping time as they once were but this sleek, unisex model is as much jewelry as it is a timepiece. Its shine adds an ultra modern, sophisticated element to getting dressed.

WHO’S IT FOR?: Punctual sticklers for style

MSRP: $795

(800) 810-2311 | movado.com

5. MAYA BRENNER

NECKLACE: State necklace on a 16-inch chain

TELL ’EM THIS: Even if she’s leaving her hometown, she can keep a reminder of it with her always. These state necklaces are available in sterling silver or gold (and with an optional diamond to mark the location of a city). They’re the perfect way to connect to others who are from the same part of the world.

WHO’S IT FOR?: The grad who’s moving far away

MSRP: $130 to $445

(213) 627-2756 | mayabrenner.com

6. ANNE SISTERON

STUDS: 14K Maddie white gold studs with moonstone (0.43 TCW) and diamonds (0.07 TCW)

TELL ’EM THIS: Studs never miss, but with moonstones they feel slightly less formal and have a hint of color, too. The pointed diamond details give the earrings an edge. She’ll wear them to work and stick with them after hours.

WHO’S IT FOR?: The grad who wants to look polished, minus the effort

MSRP: $370

(310) 550-0716 | annesisteron.com

This article originally appeared in the February 2016 edition of INSTORE.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”