Precious Gemstones

 There is so much to consider when buying an item of jewellery that it can feel overwhelming to the unprepared. Understanding the construction and quality of the jewellery, where to buy it, and your rights as a consumer is essential to making sure you have a satisfactory shopping experience. Join us as we guide you through the things to consider when making that all-important purchase.

 Jewellery is a decorative object worn on your body or clothing. These items are typically made from precious metals, such as silver or gold, or adorned with precious stones. However, jewellery can be made of the simplest and cheapest materials and is often worn for aesthetic appeal rather than intrinsic value.

 Jewellery has been worn for almost as long as humans have walked the earth. Evidence of jewellery has been discovered all over the world and as far back as prehistoric times. The significance of jewellery has changed over the centuries and often signalled the importance and status of the wearer.

 Jewellery comes in many shapes and sizes and used to adorn and accentuate different parts of the body. Below is a list of some of the most popular forms of jewellery.

 Anklets, as the name would suggest, is a piece of bracelet-like jewellery worn around the ankle. Popular in the East, particularly in India, anklets have been worn for centuries, with examples found from Persia and Egypt. They are regularly adorned with jewels, charms and bells that gently ring as the wearer walks.

 Armlets are decorative bands worn on the arm. Unlike a bracelet, armlets are typically worn on the upper arm. Historically, armlets were worn by men but now are worn mainly by women for their decorative beauty. They are usually made of precious metal, such as gold, and twist around the arm.

 Bangles are solid bracelets without a closure that slides over the wrist. Typically made from a precious metal such as gold or silver, they are popular in India and considered good luck.

 Beads and charms are small decorative items that typically adorn either bracelets or necklaces. Charms were believed to possess magical qualities, but are now worn for their decorative appeal. Most charms are cast in the shape of animals and objects, and given as sentimental gifts.

 Bracelets are one of the most popular and widely worn pieces of jewellery. They wrap around the wrist and come in practically every material, from precious metals and gemstones to wood and leather. Bracelets possess different cultural significance around the world and have been worn by women and men for centuries.

 Brooches are decorative pins that fasten to clothing. They are both ornamental and functional while being used throughout history and across cultures. Initially used to secure garments together, such as cloaks and tunics, they are now used predominantly for decoration. They are typically made in gold and silver with gemstone or enamel embellishments. During the Victorian era, they were popular as mourning wear. People used them to hold hair or a keepsake from a departed loved one.

 Chains are a particular type of necklace with interlocking parts, be they rings, balls or material twisted together to look like rope. Chains are arguably the most popular and common form of necklace style for both men and women. From chunky gold chains to delicate silver curb chains, they come in many shapes and styles. Due to their flexibility they are perfect for laying flat against the wearer's chest and staying in place when the wearer is in motion.

 Chokers are tightly-fitted necklaces often made from softer materials like velvet or leather. Like many jewellery designs, chokers have been around for centuries and appear across cultures. In the west, they became popular in the 19th Century and continue to be a popular fashion accessory today.

 Cufflinks are used to fasten the cuffs of dress shirts. They are typically worn for formal and business wear and come in many designs and materials. Precious metals, such as gold and silver, remain the most popular. Designs vary greatly and can offer subtle decorative embellishments to a man's outfit.

 Earrings are the most popular form of jewellery and are regularly worn no matter the occasion. Earrings come in many shapes and styles, including hooped, drop and stud. They are worn around the world and have been a regular fashion accessory through the centuries, adapting to changing tastes and fashions. Typically worn in pairs, they are often made from precious metals and embellished with gemstones, pearls, enamel or ornate detailing. Only in the late 17th Century and 18th Century, when wigs and headdresses obscured the ears, did earrings fall out of fashion.

 Hairpins are practical jewellery accessories helping hold various hairstyles in place. They have been popular accessories throughout history, including in Roman and Egyptian societies. They can be simple and ornate in design and made from precious metals to plastic and wood.

Precious Gemstones

 Along with rings and earrings, necklaces are the most popular type of jewellery and can be worn by both men and women. Necklaces have been worn for almost as long as humans have walked the planet. Early examples were made from bone but since the Bronze Age, most necklaces are made from harder wearing metals. Necklaces can be simple chains or they may be adorned with gemstones, enamel or a pendant.

 Pendants are ornamental jewellery suspended from a necklace, bracelet or earring. Pendants date back to the Stone Age where people would wear amulets around their neck. For centuries, pendants often carried religious significance. Religious pendants remain popular today, but most are worn for their decorative appeal.

 A ring is a band worn around a finger and is one of the most popular and commonly worn types of jewellery for both men and women. Typically made from precious metal, rings are worn both for their decorative and cultural significance. The earliest examples date back to Ancient Egypt and have been worn ever since. For many, they are a sign of love and commitment, with engagement and wedding rings being one of the most significant jewellery investments an individual will make in their lifetime.

 Tiaras are ornate and decorative headbands typically worn as part of a woman's formal dress. Popularised by royalty and the aristocracy, tiaras are generally made from precious metals and adorned with gemstones or pearls.

 Tie clips are a functional piece of jewellery, fastening a man's tie to his shirt to keep it in place. Although many are simple in their design, they are usually made from silver or gold and can be embellished with gemstones or enamel.

 Watches are both functional items and items of beauty. Worn around the wrist, watches help the wearer tell the time as well as provide a stylish accessory. Watches are highly collectible and come in many styles and materials. From a gold Rolex to a plastic Casio digital watch, the variety is practically endless. Before the wristwatch, people wore pocket watches which would fasten to their clothing via a chain. The most sought-after watches are those made from precious metals and adorned with diamonds or other valuable gemstones.

 Many NAJ members benefit from the Association’s popular Jewellery Education and Training courses for their staff. That means members are able to deliver excellent customer service because of their enhanced knowledge and industry-recognised training.

 Jewellery is bought by individuals for many different reasons, from admiring its beauty to a gift passed down through generations or an investment that will appreciate over time. Below we discuss why someone may buy a piece of jewellery.

 Purchasing jewellery for yourself may be seen as a luxury for some. Still, everyone deserves a treat from time to time. A person may buy a piece of jewellery for themselves for a variety of reasons. They may want to mark a milestone or achievement by purchasing an item they will cherish for years to come. They may admire the aesthetic beauty of the jewellery and want to feel good while wearing it. Above all, it is perfectly acceptable to buy jewellery for ones own pleasure. After all, jewellery is made to be worn and enjoyed.

 Jewellery is often bought as a gift to mark special occasions, whether it be a beautiful diamond engagement ring or a gold necklace for passing important exams. Jewellery is seen as the perfect gift to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays or other important milestones in a loved one's life. Gifting jewellery is often symbolic, whether giving diamonds to symbolise permanence or other gemstones signifying particular anniversaries or birth months.

 Jewellery offers a myriad of choices and price points for those looking to start a collection. Whether collecting Omega watches, emerald rings or diamond accessories, there is a near-infinite number of jewellery collections to explore, no matter your budget or experience. With specialist groups catering to every niche, you will always find a like-minded community for support.

 As a member of the public or trade you can check to see if a jewellery business is a member of the National Association of Jewellers by visiting the Check a member tool.

 Jewellery is always a safe and precious gift for a loved one. There are many special occasions in a person's life where a piece of jewellery is the perfect present. Your local jewellery shop can help steer you in the right direction when looking for a special anniversary gift for a colleague or loved one.

 Marriages are not the only anniversaries worth celebrating with jewellery. Work anniversaries and birthdays also warrant special symbolic gifts, from ruby earrings celebrating a woman's 40th birthday to a silver pen marking an employee's 25 years of service.

 Leather is a natural companion to precious metal jewellery. Many jewellers’ shops sell leather goods like jewellery boxes or hip flasks to make a perfect gift for the third anniversary.

 Silver or crystal fruit bowl, servers or spoons would make an ideal gift. Or perhaps a silver ornament or brooch shaped like a piece of fruit.

 Wooden jewellery boxes and necklace display stands make a perfect fifth-anniversary present.

 Why not shop for a silver sweet dish, sugar caster, bowl or tongs?

 Copper is seldom used alone and is probably best represented in most jewellers’ shops as the copper alloy brass. A pair of copper cufflinks are a unique gift for a man's seventh anniversary.