Jewelry to mark the moments that matter

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When it comes to gifting jewelry, life’s biggest milestones—engagement, parenthood, promotions, and retirement—get plenty of space. Even less so are gifts for early markers such as milestone birthdays, exam results, graduations and first jobs. But this is a rising market, serving a generation with well-defined values ​​and priorities.

There once was a tradition of celebrating classic milestones with a proven design that had the important “forever” quality. Tiffany and companypadlocks, in fact any of Elsa Peretti’s small pendants, and Van Cleef & Arpels‘Fine jewels from the Alhambra in the shape of a lucky clover. But now, as the tide turns toward personal reward and celebrations more frequently, there is new demand for independent, handcrafted pieces from jewelers who make traditional heirlooms their own way.

Younger people consider jewelry like tattoos.

“Younger people think of jewelry like tattoos,” says Ruby Beales, jewelry purchasing manager at Freedom, from the rise of “historical” modern jewelry. she quotes Cece Jewelry, which produces custom-made miniature works of art “that capture the spirit of the individual” in enamel-painted gold pendants and signet rings. A bucolic scene might feature an oak tree, for example, signifying strength, with small apples made of ruby ​​gemstones.

These young shoppers want possessions to be meaningful, authentic, and socially and environmentally conscious. It’s telling, Beales says, that they also come looking for pieces for themselves. Liberty has seen a shift in purchasing behavior, “moving away from traditional milestones” in favor of customizable pieces, including charm jewelry, lockets and narrative ornaments from designers such as anushka, virtual workshop and Maria Lichtenberg that “serve as symbols of personal fulfillment.”

Elsewhere, Ananya’s 18-karat gold Chakra bracelets encrusted with ruby ​​and emerald are popular, perhaps because they echo the same themes and gemstones found in Indian coming-of-age rituals. For those looking for more universal symbolism, Nada GhazalThe Doors of Opportunity collection offers talismans like doors, locks, and knockers—signs that “belong to no one,” Ghazal says, “but resonate with everyone.”

Ghazal grew up in Lebanon, and this first collection since finding refuge for her business in London is inspired by a mysterious turquoise gate in the garden that has become her home. “New beginnings are not about discarding the old for the new, but about valuing the old and taking it with you through the door,” he says.

When Dominic Jones, whose pieces have been worn by David Bowie and Rihanna, was named creative director of 886 by the Royal Mint, a childhood obsession with treasure crystallized into the concept of the “wearable asset,” which found expression in a bracelet shaped like an inverted gold bar. In keeping with the pirate tradition of wearing gold earrings (to keep some money on your body if you ended up somewhere far away), they have subtle notches in increments along the bottom, denoting the weight value of the metal. sustainable origin.

“Each piece is a different caliber, making it unique,” ​​Jones explains of her modern family heirloom, highly sought after by parents and godparents. “You don’t expect them to have to use it, but the symbolism of a monetary gift is there and the feeling that they have something to fall back on.”

And the classics still have a place. At Tiffany & Co, Gen Z’s favorite collection is the Tiffany T in rose or yellow gold (in the UK, the T-Smile necklace is the generation’s most purchased item). And Harrods’s buying director of fine jewelery and watches, Beth Hannaway, sees many milestones and first paychecks being celebrated with icons like CartierThe Juste un Clou bracelet (perhaps a gift for someone getting their degree?). He has also seen the rise of “modern relics” such as “Sophie Bille BraheThe delicate gradient diamonds, along with pendants and rings that can be personalized with a secret message on Susana Kalan and Azlee”.

Azlee’s modern fine jewelry is crafted in Los Angeles from recycled 18K gold, and a portion of each sale goes to ocean preservation charities. The Staircase collection could celebrate a step forward (or upward), while a personalized Fingerprint pendant also fits the bill for a meaningful experience.

Scandinavian label led by architecture KinradenThe Oxygen collection, in recycled gold, is a fun option for those taking important exams (save the “Gasp” earrings for results day), while Diane KordasA cult choice for women entering senior management, Pop Art rings from , would be suitable for a recent graduate. Meanwhile, McQueen and Marina B, New York University student Sarah Ysabel Narici DyneCreate custom signet rings with embedded glyphs that can encapsulate every success.

LondonGold lockets with clear glass surfaces can be filled with collectible charms over time or inlaid with a more personal custom motif. Founder (along with Laura Bailey) and creative director, Sheherazade Goldsmith, has been through three 21s with her children in the last three years. When it comes to marking milestones, she proposes three key elements: “Something for who they are, usually a birthstone; something about who they were… a childhood memory, a nickname, a song; and something to take into your future.” (There are also rude spells for anyone who needs to remember that mistakes are inevitable.)

A change of address, job change, or major trip requires almasika‘s Globe pendant, which represents a changing “point of view” or perhaps Sara HendlerCrossroads ring with chess pavé. And there’s something quite poignant about Azlee’s Guidance necklace, which consists of a handcrafted gold chain with two charms, a vintage-inspired diamond-encrusted gold compass inscribed with “eternity,” and a ray of light. Sometimes it’s not just about marking the road less traveled, but about knowing that there is a way back home.