Graduation Jewelry Gifts: 6 Timeless Jewelry Pieces for New Grads
Fine jewelry is a popular graduation gift because it's precious, long-lasting, and easy to personalize. But how do you select a gift that isn’t cheesy or limited in wear? Our sales associates and style gurus share their insights on what to consider when buying graduation jewelry gifts.
Read our blog to learn 6 jewelry gifts new grads love when going into college or stepping into the workforce!
Not sure where to get started? Schedule a one-on-one gift consultation with our jewelry experts at our Pittsford store!
The Key Takeaways:
If this is your new grad’s first experience with quality jewelry, take them to a local shop to become familiar with the shopping process. This can help establish an invaluable relationship with a trusted jeweler.
Invest in jewelry staples that blend well with the new grad’s style for a more sustainable wardrobe. If the new grad will work in an office, try shopping with them to find appropriate pieces.
All graduation jewelry gifts can be personalized in one way or another. Incorporate meaning into the item to remind your new grad of their accomplishments and how much their family supports them.
What to Consider When Choosing Graduation Jewelry Gifts
The last thing you want is to invest in jewelry your new grad won’t wear! Asking someone about their preferences and paying attention to their personal jewelry style are good starting points. But, like clothes, being able to see and touch the jewelry goes a long way to determine what fits.
That’s why we encourage parents to take their new grads to the jewelry store to explore selections. Besides ensuring that the item is the perfect graduation jewelry gift, going with your children reinforces key aspects of jewelry care including what to look for in a quality piece, how to best leverage the sales rep’s insights, and ways to maintain and care for your jewelry.
These form the foundation of a long-term relationship with a jeweler you can trust with your jewelry needs. This sets up good jewelry habits for future purchases like engagement rings and reinforces jewelry maintenance.
If you prefer to keep the gift a surprise, follow these tips:
Consider their new career or lifestyle – If they’re entering a corporate job, classic and professional jewelry like stud earrings or a simple necklace might be best. If they’re going into a creative field, trendier pieces like charm bracelets or statement rings could be a fun option.
Think about what complements their wardrobe staples – Do they wear a lot of neutrals? A pop of color might be a great addition. Do they already love layering jewelry? Consider a piece that fits seamlessly into their collection.
Personalize jewelry gifts to add meaning – Engraved initials, birthstones, or meaningful symbols can turn a simple gift into something deeply sentimental.
Match with existing jewelry – If they already wear a favorite bracelet, necklace, or pair of earrings, find a coordinating piece that complements their everyday style.
6 Timeless Jewelry Pieces for Graduates
1. Simple Stud Earrings
Simple stud earrings are a staple in any jewelry collection because they’re perfect for everyday wear. Depending on the style, you can easily transition from casual to professional settings. Small sterling silver and gold studs are the most versatile thanks to their understated design. But you could add glamour by featuring colorful gemstones like yellow topaz or emerald.
How to Style Stud Earrings:
Explore different stud shapes – Smaller earrings are felt more than seen, so the devil’s in the details. You can get away with being more playful by trying different shapes (i.e., squares, clusters, mini-bows, flowers)!
Pair minimalist earrings with simple outfits – Creating cohesive outfits with versatile stud earrings encourages frequent wear and follows the basic principles of a more sustainable wardrobe.
Invest in Forsythe’s Diamond Stud Program – This program allows you to receive full credit for your original diamond stud purchase and apply it toward an upgraded pair in the future. It’s an easy way to change out your diamond studs as you grow and upgrade at your own pace.
2. Gold Hoop Earrings
Gold hoops are stylish and practical, which makes them almost as versatile as studs. They pair beautifully with almost anything and will always be trendy. Recently, we’ve noticed an uptick in twisted hoop earrings because they add texture without being obtrusive or flashy. Smaller, conservative huggie hoops work well in office settings while more playful shapes are better for going out.
How to Style Gold Hoop Earrings:
Wear oversized hoops to make a statement – That statement might be that the 90s called, but whatever gets people turning heads! Large hoops add movement when you shift, so style your hair up to accentuate the look.
Add a gemstone – Hoops adorned with gemstones can add an extra layer of intrigue. We suggest finding a gemstone that matches or compliments your eye color.
Experiment with shapes – Hoops don’t have to be perfect or even complete circles. Organic teardrops with an exaggerated profile add a contemporary vibe to your outfit. Playful shapes like double hoops, zigzags, or hearts lend an eccentric feel.
3. Graduation Compass
A compass symbolizes guidance, direction, and new beginnings. It also helps wearers navigate forward or find a way back home, making it the perfect jewelry gift for a graduate embarking on a new journey! A pocket compass is only typically worn on special occasions, but it’s a prime candidate to become a family heirloom.
How to Personalize a Compass:
Engrave it with a message – Whether it’s the recipient’s initials, graduation date, degree, or a meaningful quote about finding your place in the world, custom engravings help communicate much-needed words of wisdom!
Add a chain – Depending on the type of compass, it’s unlikely a new grad would wear it regularly. But at formal events, it’s nice to have a matching chain to showcase their piece.
4. Solitaire Diamond Necklace
A timeless classic, a solitaire diamond necklace is a sophisticated piece that never goes out of style. It’s an elegant gift that adds a touch of sparkle without being too flashy, making it ideal for everyday wear or special occasions. When choosing a metal for the chain and setting, go for a metal that complements the wearer’s skin tone. Just remember to follow standard jewelry care tips to maintain the diamond’s sparkle!
How to Style a Solitaire Diamond Necklace:
Choose novel diamond cuts – Because a solitaire diamond means the diamond is the sole focal point, you’re free to use virtually any diamond shape and still achieve a cohesive piece. The round brilliant cut is the most popular choice by far, but we’ve seen a rise in oval, pear, cushion, and marquise cuts.
Play with chain length – Solitaire diamond necklaces work well at many chain lengths, including as chokers (about 14 to 16 inches) or the more common princess length (about 18 inches). Test what suits you in the store.
Pair with matching earrings – Accessorize with earrings that have the same metal color as your necklace. Your earrings and necklace should frame your face rather than detract from it.
5. Personalized Graduation Rings
Personalized graduation rings are a modern twist on the traditional class ring, which are often chunky, hard to clean, and commemorative, rarely worn outside of school-related events. (And, let’s face it, once you’ve graduated, you’re probably not itching to attend a school event.)
Instead, invest in a functional and stylish graduation ring appropriate for everyday wear! Customize the ring with meaningful details such as engraving the wearer’s initials, graduation date, or college name. You could also incorporate birthstones or other gems to add flare.
How to Style Personalized Graduation Rings:
Choose a simple band – Graduation ring bands are versatile enough to match most casual and fashion-forward business casual looks. Play around with exaggerated ring silhouettes to add visual interest. Shrimp rings are coming back, but even a simple twist or a double band can make an impressive impact.
Make a statement with a cabochon gemstone – Cabochons lean into earthy patterns and can easily read as modern or vintage-inspired, depending on the setting. The chunky gem gives a similar feel to more standard class rings without being gaudy. Given the visual weight, a cabochon ring typically pairs well with flowy tops. Try getting a graduation ring large enough for your index or middle finger for a bold look.
6. Charm Bracelet
Charm bracelets “are suddenly cool again”—at least, they have been for the past few years with no signs of slowing down. In-the-know Gen-Z stylists gravitate towards fine jewelry charm bracelets because they combine nostalgia and whimsy with high-quality materials. Wearers can look for charms that symbolize their personality or opt for more cryptic messaging, making them perfect for personalization!
Charm Bracelet Ideas:
Graduation Charms – Graduation caps, diplomas, compasses, and school logos are popular charm ideas for new grads! We’ve also seen charms related to the new grad’s major or studies.
Personal Symbols – Choose charms that resonate with the wearer, such as their hobbies, favorite animals, artists, or pop culture references. You could choose charms that represent each family member to remind your new grad they always have a home.
Birthstones & Astrology – Charms with birthstones, like amethyst, not only add a pop of color but also represent positive personality traits. Many birthstone charms incorporate Zodiac signs or cosmos imagery to feel connected to the universe.
Engravings – Engrave graduation dates, the wearer’s initials, or a powerful quote to personalize the charm.
Shop Graduation Jewelry at Forsythe Jewelers
Whether you choose a simple stud earring, a timeless necklace, or a personalized graduation ring, your graduate will appreciate a gift that reminds them of this special time in their life. Visit our store in Pittsford, NY and browse our collection of elegant graduation jewelry!
