Give Your Grad the Gift of Fine Jewelry

With Graduation Day around the corner, you'll no doubt want to get your high school or college grad a special gift to show them how proud your are of their accomplishment. A piece of fine jewelry makes a perfect graduation gift -- it symbolizes love like no other, and is sure to be treasured for many years beyond the big day.

If you're looking for traditional, graduation-themed pieces, you'll have a lot to choose from. Of course, class rings are always high on the graduation jewelry list. Grads can proudly display their alma mater, school color, year of graduation and even (as with some college rings) their major. As an alternative, many grads today are opting for class pendants instead of rings. Other classic themed items include gold charms and pendants (graduation cap, #1 Grad, Class of 2004), gold keys and key rings, belt buckles, pins, earrings, cuff links, and other similar pieces. Personalizing the piece with the grad's name or initials (or even a special message from you) will make the gift all the more memorable.

But don't feel limited to just themed jewelry as a graduation gift. Many gift-givers prefer to give their special grad a versatile piece of jewelry that can be worn with any outfit, and for any occasion. For instance, charm bracelets are very popular gifts these days, with a multitude of charms to choose from. You can make a highly personalized charm bracelet for your grad that represents her personal tastes, hobbies, interests, and aspirations.

And don't forget diamonds, which are always a big graduation gift choice, from tennis bracelets to diamond heart pendants to stud earrings and other options.

And while birthstone jewelry is more often thought of as a birthday gift, it can also make an ideal graduation gift. It's very personal, representing the grad's birth month; it comes in many styles (rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, pins, etc.); and it's very versatile.

Pearls are another traditional graduation gift favorite. They're classic, elegant and sophisticated, and will work for any wardrobe. A cultured pearl necklace makes an ideal graduation gift choice.

As you can see, there are many graduation jewelry gift options to choose from. And most of them are quite affordable -- you can get a quality piece of fine jewelry at any national mall jewelry chain or department store for under $100.