The Ultimate 2018 Gift Guide
October 3rd, 2018 / Andria Rivers
Dress season is upon us! With so many styles and necklines, how do you make sure your accessories are on-point? We have your definitive guide to choosing the best jewelry based on your neckline.
Pro tip: You can’t go wrong with jewelry. The 2018 Gift Guide outlines our favorite 14 pieces for holiday gifting. You can thank us later.
Woven Stud Earrings
1.03 carats each in yellow gold These are go-to earrings to wear daily. They complement everything from a power suit to a little black dress to those favorite yoga pants. The woven setting sets them apart from ‘typical’ stud earrings, so they have a little flair that shows up best in the warm tone of yellow gold. The 1.03 carat weight is just the right size to have some serious sparkle without feeling obnoxiously large for every day wear.
Naples Sapphire Drops
In white gold Hello, new favorite fancy earrings. The lab-created sapphire halos give off serious Kate Middleton vibes, and the delicate drops dangle at just the right length. The cushion shape gives these earrings a more modern silhouette that updates the classic vintage combination of sapphire-and-sparkle. White gold works best, because the silvery metal blends in with the shine of the Nexus Diamond™ alternatives. They’ll be perfect to wear for the first time on New Year’s Eve.
Infinite Grace Petite Eternity Band
In rose gold Someone has been very good this year! This popular eternity band is ultra-feminine, but the petite size makes it perfect to break out on any day. Don’t save it for special occasions. Stack it with your other bands, or add it to your engagement ring and wedding band set for some extra sparkle power. The rose gold shows off the intricacy of the design, including the small diamond alternatives and lace-like metalwork. Gorgeous.
*Instagram Influencer Approved! @PolishedPosy picked this
piece as one of her DN favorites.
Always and Forever Pendant
0.76 carat Oval cut in yellow gold Pendants are gifting perfection, and this one is spectacular. An updated take on a classic look, this design uses an Oval cut Nexus Diamond alternative crowned by a cluster of Round cut accents. This elongates the design so it lengthens the neckline (read: it’s super flattering!). Yellow gold provides contrast to make each individual stone pop. Pair it with a sleek snake chain in matching 14k yellow gold.
Dione Earrings
In rose gold Are they studs? Are they drops? They’re mysterious and alluring as the moon for which they were named. Dione (say it: die-OH-nee) is a moon of Saturn, and in ancient Greek mythology, she was the mother of the goddess Aphrodite—the goddess of love and beauty. The cluster style of the Dione earrings is trendy but the drop-like silhouette is timeless. In short: Wear them now, wear them forever. Rose gold shows off the outline of the Pear, Round and Cushion cut stones in all their glory.
Eternal Love Petite Eternity Band
In white gold Nice list? You bet. This eternity band is a modern take on the traditional design. It is set with Asscher cut Nexus Diamonds, which have a flashing effect rather than a sparkle. It’s created using open step-cut facets, and many fewer facets than a ‘brilliant cut’ stone (like Round cut). The result draws the eye deep into the stone in a way that is, frankly, mesmerizing. This is the kind of band to wear all the time, and to stop to admire in the light every single day.
Veronique Hoops
In yellow gold Hoops never really went out of style—and we predict they never will. Especially when they sparkle like these do. Lined with diamond alternatives on the outer edge of the front, and the inner edge of the back—in short, the places they can be seen—these hoops are gorgeous for a day in the office or a night out. Yellow gold adds a warmth, and creates definition so each individual stone is visible. These are a foolproof gift.
Muse Round Cut Ring
In white gold We’ll let you in on a secret, Santa. Though the Muse is considered an engagement ring, we love to style it as a cocktail ring. Worn on the right hand, this 2.55 carat stunner is ideal for formal occasions. The design is a modern interpretation of a three-stone design, which we love for its symbolism. The three stones represent the past, present and future. Pro tip: To avoid confusion, only gift this ring if you’re already engaged or married, or if you intend to pop the question! It is technically an engagement ring, after all.
Cushion 8-Prong Pendant
1.28 carats in yellow gold Sleek but with vintage undertones. This pendant is simple enough for everyday, but its unique eight-prong design makes it stand out. Using eight prongs means there is more metal visible, and creates a subtle floral effect. Yellow gold enhances this effect; the warm tone of the metal shows clearly in the eight prongs clasping the Nexus Diamond. We love this pendant with a cable chain in matching 14k yellow gold.
Almeria Necklace
0.76 carats in white gold Va, va, voom! This double halo is ultra glam. The oval shape is trending, but it has an elegance that transcends time. The 0.76 carat center stone is big enough to be bold, but not too big that this necklace can’t be worn any day of the week. (Because every day deserves some extra sparkle.) White gold blends with the shimmer of the stones, so the whole necklace looks bigger from far away. The chain is attached, making this an easy, and amazing, gift.
3.72 carat Tennis Bracelet
in white gold Is it possible to gift something more iconic than a tennis bracelet? We think not. This one is going to be a favorite. It’s comprised of Round cut diamond alternatives for a total of 3.72 carats. That’s dainty enough to stack with other bracelets, but certainly holds its own when worn alone. This one will definitely in the “you shouldn’t have!” category. But you definitely should.
*Instagram Influencer Approved! @LayersOfChic picked this
piece as one of her DN favorites.
Quest Band
In rose gold A little funky, a little flair. This band is a favorite among our staff. Its unique open design and two simple bezel set stones make it casual enough for every day. It adds visual interest to a stack of bands, with its open negative space. Or it can be worn alone as a minimalist piece that makes maximum impact. We love it in rose gold, because the contrast adds definition to the stones, and the pink hue is trending.
Emerald Cut Filigree Studs
1.06 carats each in white gold Wow-worthy? Oh, yes. These Emerald cut studs feel minimal, with their straight lines and open step-cut facets. But at 1.06 carats each, they’re big enough to add some luxury to any look. We love the contrast between the clean lines of the stones and the flowery embellishment of the filigree settings. It feels feminine and a little extra special. White gold is perfect for these studs, because the silvery metal won’t be reflected in the clarity of the Emerald cut stones. Pure perfection.
Princess Cut Kite Set Pendant
0.99 carats in white gold It’s a different perspective on a traditional pendant. Turning a Princess cut stone just 45 degrees changes the whole character of the piece. It’s called ‘kite set’ because the outstretched corners of the square shaped stone recall the look of a kite in flight. Weighing in at almost a carat, this is a dainty enough piece to wear constantly but carries enough visual impact to catch the eye. We love it in white gold with a wheat chain.
Need more guidance on finding the perfect gift?
Give our jewelry experts a call at 800-509-4990.
Which sparkly gifts are on your list this year?