A Guide to Buying Jewellery as a Christmas Present

Stephen Alan's Jewellers - The Jewellery Blog

Buying jewellery as a Christmas present is one of those gestures that never goes out of style. It’s thoughtful. It’s personal. And, unlike a box of chocolates or a novelty mug, it’s something they’ll treasure and wear again and again.

But we know the reality too: choosing and buying jewellery as a Christmas present can feel overwhelming. Gold or silver? Diamond or coloured gemstone? Bold statement or elegant and subtle? And then there’s sizing, budgeting, and the quiet fear of getting it wrong.

Don’t worry — we’re here to help.

At Stephen Alan’s Jewellers in Leighton Buzzard, we love helping people find the perfect gift. Whether you're buying for a partner, parent, friend or family member, here’s our simple guide to choosing jewellery they’ll adore this Christmas.

Start By Paying Attention to Their Style

Before you even begin shopping, take a moment to notice what they wear already. This one step solves 90% of the worry.

Ask yourself:

• Do they wear gold or silver more often?

• Are their pieces delicate and refined, or chunky and bold?

• Do they prefer sparkling gemstones, or clean, classic designs?

• Do they wear rings, or are they more of a necklace/earrings person?

If they wear mostly silver, pick silver. If they always wear dainty jewellery, don’t surprise them with a big cocktail ring. You’re choosing something to fit into their style, not reinvent it.

If you’re unsure — take a quick look at their favourite everyday pieces. Their jewellery box tells you everything.

Set a Meaningful Budget (Not a Stressful One) when buying jewellery as a Christmas present

Jewellery doesn’t have to be expensive to be special. Some of the loveliest gifts we've helped people choose have been under £50. What matters most is thought. However, different materials come at different price levels:

Type	Typical Price Range	Why Choose It?
Silver Jewellery	£10–£120	Beautiful, durable, everyday wearable.
Gold Jewellery (9ct/18ct)	£80–£500+	More luxury, lasts for generations.
Gemstone Jewellery	£30–£300+	Colourful, meaningful, expressive.
Diamond Jewellery	£120–£1,500+	Classic, timeless, romantic.

If you’ve got your eye on something special but want to spread the cost, many independent jewellers (including us!) offer instalment plans leading up to Christmas.

More on that below.

Why Shopping Local Makes a Difference

When you buy jewellery locally, you’re not just purchasing a gift. You’re getting:

✔️Expert guidance from people who genuinely care

✔️Piece-by-piece inspection (not bulk warehouse items)

✔️Better value for craftsmanship

✔️Repairs, resizing, and aftercare in the same place you bought it

✔️The chance to ask questions and learn — without feeling rushed

Plus — and we’ll say it proudly — shopping local supports the high street. It keeps skilled craftspeople, independent businesses, and real human service alive.

Online can be convenient. But nothing beats seeing jewellery sparkle in your hand.

Our Christmas Instalment Plan (Stress-Free Gifting)

Christmas can get expensive, So to make gifting special jewellery more accessible, we offer a simple Christmas Pay-by-Instalments Option

Here’s how it works:

1. Choose the piece you love in-store.

2. Leave just a 10% deposit.

3. Pay the rest in flexible instalments up until Christmas.

No credit checks. No forms. No fuss. Just a way to make Christmas gifting a little easier.

Still Unsure What to Choose? Here Are Foolproof Ideas

Some pieces just always go down well:

• Simple silver or gold necklaces that go with everything

• Birthstone pendants for a personal touch

• Classic stud or hoop earrings (great for everyday wear)

• Sentimental bracelet charms or initial pendants

• Pre-loved vintage rings for something truly unique

And don't forget — we’re here to help you choose. Just pop in, ask questions, and we’ll guide you.

FAQs: Buying Jewellery at Christmas

Is jewellery a good Christmas gift?

Absolutely. Jewellery is meaningful, lasting, and personal — a perfect way to show someone how much they mean to you.

How do I choose the right jewellery gift?

Look at what the person already wears — match metals and style. If you’re unsure, choose something simple and timeless.

What are birthstone gifts, and are they a good idea?

Birthstones are gemstones connected to each person’s birth month. They make jewellery feel thoughtful and personal — and people love receiving them.

How can I find someone’s ring size secretly?

Borrow a ring they wear on the correct finger and bring it to us — we’ll measure it. If that’s tricky, go slightly bigger — rings can usually be resized.

Can I buy jewellery on instalments for Christmas?

Yes. Many local jewellers (including us) offer instalment plans. Simply leave a small deposit and pay the rest gradually before Christmas.

Is pre-owned jewellery a good gift?

Definitely. Pre-loved jewellery often has better craftsmanship and is completely unique. It’s also great value.

Ready to Start Your Christmas Shopping?

Come and visit us at 30B High Street Leighton Buzzard, LU71EA, or call us on 01525 373177. We’d love to help you find something special this Christmas.