There are not many gifts that are as loaded with meaning as a piece of jewellery. Perhaps because it is worn so close the body, it can be a very personal thing. Even if you attach little meaning to the bling you wear every day, it takes on a lot of significance if you give it away. Especially if the recipient is of the opposite sex. And especially if you have been dating, or hanging out exclusively for a few months.
Want to give a gift of jewellery to your BFF, but don’t know if the gift will be misinterpreted? Here are a few tips that might help save you some awkward explaining.
Stay away from rings of any kind. They scream commitment, as in engagement, or pre-engagement, or whatever the next step of hanging out is that you are not ready for. Think watches, pendants, dog tags, earrings, even broaches, but stay away from rings. And ring boxes. The anticipation of what’s inside those meaning-loaded little velvet vessels has its own embarrassment attached, when all the what-if scenarios flash through your BFF’s brain before the box is opened.
Next, even if you spend hundreds of dollars a year on your own navel rings, ear flares, or bangles, resist the temptation to buy expensive baubles for someone else, unless they are your mother, or you are ready to move in together.
What are your friend’s hobbies, interests or collections? Are they into music? animals? sports? There are lots of cool but not costly watches, chains or earrings that are fun and will let your friend know that you care about them. Leather and bead bracelets are much more friend-friendly than a diamond pendant. A chain with a silver treble clef says you like his music without leaving him wondering what else you are trying to say. And a pair of silver racquets for her ears acknowledges her skilful tennis game, without playing the mind games that come with expensive jewellery.
Call Halton Hills Fine Jewellery…on Main at 905-875-2999 for other ideas, or visit them online at www.hhfj.ca.