Gift of Jewelry Adds Sparkle to Father's Day and Graduation

Rites of passage are turning points by which lives are shaped, marking distinct changes in how one sees oneself and is seen by others. Occasions such as Father's Day, graduation and birthdays all merit special recognition as life changes that are natural and valuable to one's life journey. The inherent eternal qualities and healing properties of precious metals and gemstones can give the wearer strength and courage to continue on life's journey with confidence, making a gift of fine jewelry an excellent choice for commemorating life's biggest accomplishments.

"The most important thing to remember in purchasing a piece of fine jewelry is where to shop," notes Elizabeth Florence, executive director of the Jewelry Information Center (JIC), a nonprofit trade association based in New York City, "Fine jewelry is an instant heirloom and if well taken care of, it can be passed down through generations. Shopping with a professional jeweler, one who is a member of a professional trade association such as Jewelers of America (JA), gives gift-givers confidence in an emotional purchase." Fine jewelry is packed with emotion and is available in a wide range of prices to suit a variety of styles and tastes.

Father's Day is an excellent opportunity to show Dad how valued he is and a welcome gift is a clever pair of cufflinks: a bull on one cuff, a bear on the other for a stockbroker dad, spiffy enameled American flags to show his patriotism, 14 karat gold golfer's bags, or sterling silver ovals which can be engraved with his initials or a special date. A new watch is an excellent way to update dad's wardrobe, and from high-tech to classically elegant, children are sure to find a watch to suit any taste. Engraved pieces offer the extra touch of emotion that turns a simple thought into a profound offer of love.

Jewelry also makes a perfect graduation gift. Classic diamond studs never go out of style and can be traded up in size over the years to mark a woman's growing success. A simple strand of cultured pearls, especially accessibly priced Chinese freshwater cultured pearls, can become the base piece of a future jewelry wardrobe. A charm bracelet is always a fashionable favorite and can be added to over the years to mark the achievement of goals, telling a glittering story of one's life. 14 karat gold bangle bracelets, either pencil thin or Wonder Woman thick, hoop earrings or even a subtle chain, helps keep young women on the cutting edge of fashion without breaking the bank.

Colored gemstones, either a birthstone or the recipient's favorite color, are also an excellent, and often accessibly priced choice for gift giving. Classic stud earrings in the regal purple of amethyst make any young woman feel like royalty, while a colored gemstone brooch in a funky, floral design made with luscious green peridot, ocean blue aquamarine, or the myriad hues of topaz looks just as fresh with a jean jacket or corporate attire. The robin's egg blue of turquoise and coral's passionate tones are some of today's hottest looks and also come in a wide range of prices. Historically, turquoise is lauded for bringing spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter, and happiness and good fortune to all, while coral is considered one of the seven treasures in Buddhist thought. A multiple strand necklace of turquoise or coral is a fresh look for summer, and can be valued throughout the years for its inherent spiritual properties.

In many Latin American cultures, Quinceaños or "coming out," is an important rite of passage. The event is planned for years and celebrated by girls at the age of 15. On one's Quinceaños, a girl can expect to receive something extraordinary -- her first diamond. Eterno Amor designs rings that are perfect for starting a diamond ring tradition that will be continued throughout a woman's life and is a bold indication of the transition from childhood to adulthood.

One stop shopping for the male graduate can also be done at the jewelry store. A statement-making "prestige" watch helps a young man be taken seriously, and any guy would relish a watch with sports functions or high tech capabilities that would make James Bond jealous. Many men are not opposed to subtle flashes of jewelry, such as a symbol of faith or a lucky charm pendant in simple karat gold or platinum, worn underneath clothing or exposed to the world and offering continued comfort to the wearer.

Whether a show of faith in life's transitions, or to remind Dad he's appreciated, fine jewelry is the gift of choice to express emotion and unconditional love. An excellent way to update wardrobes, a gift of fine jewelry is as fashion proof as love itself and will be adored and valued for years -- and generations -- to come.

For more information on fine jewelry and watches, or to find a professional jeweler, log on to the Jewelry Information Center Web site at www.jewelryinfo.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content