For Dads and Grads: The Best Jewelry Gifts Around!

June is the season for people who’ve achieved great things—dads and grads! Whether it’s for Dad—or that important man in your life—or a college grad beginning their post-school life, here are some jewelry gift ideas (at all price points) to add some glitter to their days.

For Father’s Day

Shopping for the special man in your life can be challenging…and jewelry that they’d actually wear might take some thought. John Hardy calls them “wearable luxury.” Here’s what the experts suggest:

• Bracelets: For men’s classics, John Hardy is your go-to designer. Check out his bold box chains. And if gold isn’t your man’s thing, woven leather bracelets—either single or multi-wrap—are hot in today’s fashion world.
• Cufflinks: With WFH clothing becoming so casual, there are still times when your man might like to dress more elegantly—for weddings, anniversaries, or that special business meeting. If his wardrobe includes dress shirts that use cufflinks, be creative and get him something that speaks to his sport (golf club, basketball, anchor), profession (gavel, piano, pen), gemstones, or classic geometric shapes.
• Amulets: We’ve discussed amulets (good luck charms) before. Whether it’s a horseshoe, Italian horn, or 4-leaf clover, a keychain or neck chain with his favorite talisman can show how you’re there to protect him all day long. If the man in your life is observant, a religious symbol can adorn his tie or neck.
• Watches: The classic Father’s Day gift is a watch. I specialize in appraising heirloom watches, from Cartier to Chopard, to Patek Phillipe. If this is a special Father’s Day, it may be time to splurge. Even if he already has a collectible watch, you can always get an accessory, like a watch winder, a leather case, or a display case. (On a less-costly note, Amazon has a T-shirt that says “Just one more watch, I promise!”).

For that special grad

The traditional graduation gift may be a watch, but there’s so much more! Today, many young adults use their phones or tech watches. That means you might need to look elsewhere for a truly meaningful gift—that they’ll actually use! Here are some ways to mark the moment:

• Anything personalized: Whether it’s jewelry or a leather jewelry holder, a monogram adds a touch of elegance that any grad would appreciate.
• Bracelets: Works for both males and females. A David Yurman box chain or a Tiffany cuff bracelet in gold or silver makes a memorable gift.
  • How about a bracelet with an inspirational word engraved on it? They’ll be able to look at it and be reminded that they’re “fearless,” “follow your bliss,” and ready to “dream your dream.”
  • Bracelets from a special charity or cause are a win-win: they show you made a donation, and the grad can have their favorite cause on their wrist.

• Earrings: Earrings are the new unisex gift. They can range from a diamond to their birthstone, to some other bling.
• Necklaces: Much as I wrote above for Dad, modern chain necklaces can be unisex—what about a compass pendant as they start off on their new lives?
  • If your grad is more traditional, pearls would be a great gift from a favorite relative, as would a necklace with a gemstone pendant.
  • For males, a designer box chain can be an appreciated gift.

Lastly, don’t forget the one-size-fits-all present: If you want to give them jewelry but don’t quite know how their tastes run, a gift card to your local jewelry store can turn into “just what they wanted.”

The memories tied to Father’s Day or graduation gifts turn them from pieces of gold and silver to heirlooms. Don’t forget to get appraisals for all your new pieces of jewelry (and old pieces, if they don’t have updated valuations). Call me and we can set up an appointment; call (617) 304-0174 or email me at aimee@ambappraisal.com.

Brilliantly yours, Aimee