Summer love is a special thing, isn't it? Before I headed off to university, I wanted to get my girlfriend something truly meaningful to remember our amazing summer together. My mission? Find the perfect necklace within a reasonable budget. Let me share my journey and what I learned along the way.
I had a budget of around $150, which seemed like a decent amount, but I quickly realized how many options were out there. I felt overwhelmed! I wanted something special, something she would cherish, but where to even begin? The pressure was on!
First, I realized I needed to be a detective and observe what jewelry she already wears. What kind of metal does she prefer? Does she always wear silver? I noticed she almost always wears silver. So, getting her gold jewelry, even if it was “nicer,” was probably a bad idea. She clearly has a preference, and I wanted her to actually wear the necklace I got her!
Then, I considered exploring secondhand jewelry stores. You can often find amazing deals and unique pieces that are way more affordable than buying new. Plus, it adds a touch of history and character to the gift. I spent an afternoon browsing local antique shops and was surprised by the treasures I uncovered.
I also learned to avoid paying purely for the brand name. Those big-name jewelry stores often have huge markups. Instead, I explored smaller shops and online marketplaces like Etsy. There are so many talented artisans creating beautiful, high-quality jewelry without the inflated price tags. I even found some stunning vintage pieces.
One particular Etsy seller, I found, specialized in fine jewelry. It's worth checking out those kinds of shops. You can sometimes find great deals on beautiful pieces.
Finally, I thought about personalizing the necklace. What's her favorite color? What's her birthstone? I even considered getting a necklace with both our birthstones to symbolize our relationship. This seemed like a really sweet and thoughtful idea that wouldn't break the bank, especially if I opted for sterling silver.
While browsing different styles, I came across chain necklaces. I was looking for something that could suit both casual and slightly dressier occasions. That's when I found something interesting from Blingcharming. It was a 3mm 6mm Wide Stainless Steel Chain Cuban Link Choker Necklace.
The silver-plated solid metal gave it a sleek and modern look. The product details showed it was durable and wouldn't tarnish easily, which is a huge plus. The length options were also great since I could choose a choker length that would complement her style. The best part? It seemed versatile enough to pair with different outfits. It was a bit more masculine than what I was initially going for, but this type of jewelry is trending and I thought she might like it. I ended up not choosing it, but it was definitely a contender. You can find similar styles on their homepage.
Here are some additional tips I gathered during my search: