The top 5 last-minute jewellery gift ideas

Still trying to think of a last-minute gift for someone? Jewellery is a great option as there really is something for everyone! Whether it’s a Secret Santa at work or that friend who has everything, that last person to tick off the Christmas list is often the hardest to buy for. 

Buying jewellery from a small business shows the recipient just how much thought you’ve put into the gift. It might be personalised with their initials, depict their birthstone or star sign or feature one of their favourite things. That special touch can only be found with a small business as they put that extra thought into every sale.

Here are the top 5 last-minute jewellery gift ideas for that special someone in your life, whether it’s a partner, mum, sister, best friend or any special person in your life!

  1. Personalised gifts

I don’t know about you but I’ve been a lover of anything personalised since I can remember. One of my favourites to shoot this year was Jordan Lily’s side stamped sterling silver bangles. I love the idea of having someone’s favourite quote on them at all times and how special would it be to look down at your wrist and be inspired? She also has the most beautiful packaging too, perfect if you’re running short on gift wrapping time!

Every woman loves a necklace with their initials on, especially when they’re as pretty as Morning Mr Magpie’s botanical necklaces! I love that you can have these in either sterling silver, 18-carat gold plated or rose gold plated too. They look gorgeously vintage without having to pay super high vintage prices!

And what could be more special than capturing those little fingerprints or handprints of those most precious people in your life! These super personalised designs by Itsy Bitsy Imprints offer a gorgeous way to keep loved ones close to your heart always.

If your loved one has a special date to commemorate, such as an engagement, a special birthday or the birth of their child, why not incorporate that into a piece of jewellery? Abloro’s personalised necklaces can do just that with that date. You can even add an extra initial charm and a birthstone for extra personalisation. If they’d prefer a ring, Kimberley Elizabeth’s story rings are a lovely option for a date or a meaningful name or word too. 

2. Gifts for silver lovers

A lot of people love gold jewellery, but the light and bright sterling silver will never go out of style! There’s something so beautiful about simple silver pieces. Sarah Ruth Stanford’s chain necklaces and earrings that fit that bill. They’re so easy to wear but still look incredibly special. In fact, her entire collection is very minimalist but timeless. 

For another classic piece, sterling silver and pearl go beautifully together, such as in Alchemilla’s pieces. This necklace in particular looks so interesting and unusual yet it’s still simple and will go with just about every dressy outfit. 

If the person you’re buying for is especially fond of this time of year, How Fine Design’s limited edition star necklace might catch their eye. Another simple but elegant piece with some amazing gift wrapping extras too!

And hands up who doesn’t love a stacking ring (or two)!? These absolutely stunning rings by Lucy Campen Jewellery would make a beautiful gift. And if you can’t choose between silver or gold then you can always buy a matching set and stack them up high!

And for those who LOVE a mixed metal look you can’t go wrong with this gorgeous silver and gold gemstone pendant by Maggie Read Jewellery - soooo eye catching and sparkly! And there are some stunning matching earrings and rings too if you want to go all out!

And for all you mixed medium lovers out there this limited edition range of fiddler necklaces by Penny Akester Jewellery is a stunning option and so gorgeously tactile!

 

Aztec Silver Coin Pendant by Memor Jewellery

 

3. Gifts for gold lovers

Classic jewellery lovers love a bit of gold but that doesn’t have to mean standard jewellery. Something a little quirky, such as Charlotte Berry’s shell amulet necklaces, might fit their personality more! This piece has actually been cast from a moulded shell Charlotte found on a holiday so it even has a story of its own too.

If you’re looking for something a bit more understated and classic, Up to the Neck’s gold range is stunning. From small hoops to larger ones and a bangle in between, you can pick your favourite pieces that you know the gift receiver will cherish!

And the stunning 9ct diamond earrings by Hayley Kruger are rather special and will be a firm favourite for all occasions for years to come.

4. Gifts for nature lovers

So many people have gotten closer to nature this year and why not reflect that in their gift? If they’re inspired by Mother nature, some beautiful jewellery can inspire them even more. One of the most interesting pieces I shot this year was this twig necklace from Jenny Grace Jewellery. It’s not something I’ve seen before but it looks so beautiful around your neck.

And I am totally in love with the gorgeous daffodil range by Elin Mair Janglerins - I really can’t decide if I love the cute as a button daffodil studs, the pendants or the super cute ring the best…

For some super fun pieces, Shine On has some of the cutest animal inspired items for children and adults alike. My favourites are these adorable turtle earrings, perfect for everyday but each animal has their own personality!

And for those of you who like an edgy and slightly gothic look, the amazing Thorn and Claw craft some outstanding talismans inspired by nature. These are my son’s absolute favourites and the detail on these pieces is just out of this world!!!

And for sea life lovers I have found options in both silver and gold for you! Dee from Nature by Day has a beautiful range of jewellery created in fine silver from shells and leaves she has foraged in nature. These shell studs are some of my favourites and her packaging is sooo gorgeous. This lady ties the most perfect bows I have ever seen and they are perfect for gifting (others or yourself!).

And if ocean inspired jewellery in gold is what you are hunting for then I just adore this gorgeous cockleshell pendant by Kate Wimbush Jewellery - it is making me dream of sunny days and holidays on this cold and wet winter day!

And I definitely have my eye on one of Amber Cooper’s gorgeous nature inspired designs. Eye catching and distinctive - the perfect combination!

And last but not least for nature inspired jewellery - these gorgeous pearl twig hoop earrings by Karen Cursham Jewellery are, to nab the catchphrase of Craig Revel-Horwood, FAB-U-LOUS! So elegant and pretty.

5. Gifts for gemstone lovers

Now you all know by now that I love gemstones. I am a magpie for all things sparkly. Luxurious precious metals coupled with sparkly diamonds and gems are hot on my shopping list!

And one of my favourite gemstone rings this year is this amazeballs cluster gemstone ring by Anvil and Ivy in their signature molten style. Isn’t it dreamy??? Wouldn’t it be lovely if you found this gorgeous one in your stocking on Christmas Day??? Anvil and Ivy have lots of ready to ship silver and gold jewellery too if you have left it a little bit late..

And this statement OOAK emerald cluster necklace in 9ct yellow gold by Rockpool Jewellery is one standout piece that would really get you noticed. I love the different colours tones and how it moves. Stunning! Jo has some fabulous new designs coming out in the new year too so keep an eye out for those as they are truly spectacular!

And for that truly bespoke piece, what about gifting a gorgeous gemstone and then creating a bespoke piece of jewellery together in the new year!? The hugely talented Fiona at Wisefig Jewellery not only crafts all her gorgeous silver and gold designs by hand, but she also cuts and facets all her own gemstones by hand so her hands truly craft every part of her beautiful gemstone designs! How cool is that? She has some gorgeous and unique gems including this gorgeous bi-coloured gem. Wouldn’t this make a STUNNING ring??

If you are looking for a gemstone design that is distinctive with an architectural feel combined with stunning gems then look no further than this gorgeous sterling silver and 18ct gold Mexican Opal Ring by Stelios Karantonas. Isn’t it a stunner!!! I could lose myself in that opal for hours!

I do love a gorgeous gem, but one of my absolute favourite gemstones is aquamarine. I just love the ocean blues. So this gorgeous aquamarine pendant by Gemini Jewellery totally captured my heart. Isn’t the colour just amazing?

And if you want a bespoke gemstone design do check out the work of Anelia Jewellery. I love her latest commission - a stunning opal (those colour flashes!) and diamond ring. A modern heirloom to last for generations without a doubt!

If you’re still shopping for Christmas like me (I’m more disorganised this year than ever before), get out your list and see who you still have to buy for. An extra-special piece of jewellery will show just how much you care about them and that’s definitely something we could all do with more, especially this year and at Christmas time.

And don’t forget that handmade jewellery takes a little bit of time to craft especially for you so make sure you order in good time (lots of final order dates are really close now!). And most jewellers offer gift vouchers if you haven’t quite got your order in on time or to let the lucky recipient choose their own gift.

Now I’m off to do some shopping myself! Have a Merry Christmas! x

PRODUCT PHOTOS, CREATIVE BUSINESSKaren Young