From ancient times to the modern day, jewellery has always held symbolic value. Chosen with care, worn close to the body and passed down through generations as heirlooms, fine jewellery holds personal significance. Among the many reasons we wear jewellery - for the sheer joy it brings, or to express our individuality, the most popular and enduring reason is to celebrate - to mark an occasion, a relationship, a birthday, an anniversary or a turning point in life.
Tam used a mixture of family gold and contributions from loved ones to create her dream ring stack, to celebrate a big birthday.
This is what makes celebration jewels so unique. It is not simply about style or fashion; it is about holding on to memories, telling stories and expressing feelings.
This parquet necklace was commissioned by a very thoughtful customer for his partner and features all four family members’ birthstones.
It helps us make the intangible - emotion, connection, time - tangible.
Whether given as a gift or chosen for yourself, jewellery becomes a precious reminder of what matters to us most.
I created these bespoke earrings for a customer to wear on her wedding day using repurposed family gold - something old-something new! The diamonds signify a new blended family.
Creating a new piece of fine jewellery is a very personal decision, but here are some ideas that might help steer you should you be planning a piece of jewellery that is particularly meaningful.
Symbolic gems
Using a birthstone is a lovely way to add an extra layer of significance if you’re celebrating a birth or a big birthday.
Here are the stones associated with each calendar month:
January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl, Alexandrite
July: Ruby
August: Peridot, Spinel
September: Sapphire
October: Opal, Tourmaline
November: Topaz, Citrine
December: Tanzanite, Turquoise, Zircon
Stones carry other symbolic meanings too, for example:
Diamonds for enduring strength and eternal love
Sapphires for wisdom, love and loyalty
Emeralds for new beginnings
Garnets for protection
Ruby for passion and vitality
Bespoke design
Creating a custom, one of a kind piece is the ultimate way to make a piece of jewellery truly personal.
A customer commissioned this bespoke tourmaline and diamond shield ring for herself to mark a Big Birthday. Clementine explains:
'I had been thinking about commissioning a new piece for my 40th birthday. As a big Jo fan, a big fan of my birthday, and as someone who is enjoying getting older, it seemed the right moment to work on something very special.'
Whether you’re creating it from scratch or repurposing gold or gems from an existing piece, it’s such a lovely process to create a design that is an exact reflection of the wearer’s style and taste.
Joan commissioned this bespoke gold necklace which we created by repurposing her bag of loved but broken jewellery that had built up over the years. Joan says of the piece:
'It symbolises both my past and my present, reminding me of so many important people in my life who love and care for me.'
Layering and sets
Rings that stack, sets that grow, and delicate pieces that layer are lovely ways to mark occasions and anniversaries over time.
Layered hex necklaces paired with classic gold shield and tapered Hex rings.
Engraving
A name, date, initials (or whatever is right for you!) can be a lovely way to add extra meaning to a piece of jewellery.
Other considerations
What's your style
Celebration jewels should feel like you. Think about your (or the wearer’s) style - would delicate pieces or bold statements work best? Yellow or white gold? A classic design or more unusual style?
Consider if the new piece will be worn everyday, with other pieces from your jewellery collection, or saved for special occasions?
There’s no right or wrong here, just what is most suitable for whoever will be wearing it.
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Timeless over trends
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - as fine jewellery is created to last a lifetime and more, it’s always wise to opt for a timeless design that won’t date.
Think elegant, everlasting designs with a timeless aesthetic that will stand the test of time, for generations to come.
I hope this has given you food for thought. Whatever the occasion you’re marking, as long as you consider the story and the meaning behind the jewellery you’re creating and your thought and care have gone into it, you’re on the right track to create some very special jewellery to cherish forever.
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