The UK jewellery market was hit by the pandemic as many other industries were. But, in 2023 there is expected to be significant growth. This year, the Jewellery & Watch Stores industry will be worth £6.3bn.
Of course, an industry of this size has to use modern manufacturing techniques, and many high street jewellers will stock mass-produced rings and necklaces. Yet, jewellery is often a very personal belonging with meaning or symbolism behind it.
Rings, lockets, and other types of jewellery can be personalised though in many ways. When you gift jewellery or buy yourself something special, it should be personal, and perhaps have some meaning.
How do you make your jewellery choices more personal?
Personalising jewellery goes back hundreds of years. It was common even in the past for people to wear a locket necklace with picture, and this trend continues today.
A photo locket is a very personal piece of jewellery and is a way to keep pictures of loved ones close at all times.
Here you can find 6 more ways to make jewellery choices more unique or personal.
Custom made jewellery
There is a trend for bespoke jewellery now. While this can be more costly, it is one way to ensure your choice is unique. Bespoke jewellery can be made from customers’ designs, or a designer can be used to create a one-off piece.
Typically, diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, but this fashion may be dying off. One poll showed that 58% of females between 23 and 38 years old chose independent designers to produce custom work.
Working alongside a designer will ensure that your jewellery reflects your personality and that your piece will be completely unique.
Birthstone jewellery
Another trend now is for birthstone jewellery. Necklaces with birthstones make elegant and personal gifts. Choosing a birthstone for someone else shows care and thought for the giftee, and there are spiritual beliefs behind these gemstones too
Birthstones are believed by some to have links to the Earth’s healing energy. And don’t be put off by the price of the more expensive birthstones. There are alternative choices that will show you have used your imagination, and not blown your budget.
Personalised engravings
It is believed that the first evidence of engraving was carving in a shell. This simple engraving dates back to Java some 430,000 to 540,000 years ago.
In the 15th century, line engraving was invented. This then became an art form in its own right. It wasn’t until 1964 that engraving became simpler for jewellers. New technology was introduced in the mid-sixties that paved the way for laser etching, making it easier for jewellers to engrave lockets and rings.
Today, personalised necklaces and rings are commonplace. Declarations of love, significant dates, and other messages are commonly engraved into pieces of jewellery.
Gift wrapped orders
The online jewellery market is growing steadily, and ecommerce vendors can offer services that some high-street stores cannot.
Visiting ifshe.co.uk shows that after choosing a piece of jewellery a message can be added, or photos uploaded for lockets to add a personal touch. If the buyer is making a gift purchase, many online jewellers will give an option for gift wrapping.
Having a gift-wrapped, personalised piece of jewellery arrive on the doorstep will make someone’s day.
Jewellery with meaning
Pieces of jewellery don’t need expensive gemstones to make them special. The most personal kind of jewellery might be linked to a moment or a memory.
Mothers often hand down wedding rings to their daughters for instance. And jewellery is linked to culture and symbolism too. Jewellery can be a way to express one’s faith and beliefs, and in some cases for protection.
Rosary bead bracelets and crucifixes are commonly seen on jewellery. Away from faith, other pieces of jewellery such as best friend necklaces have a strong message behind them, and the Claddagh ring is a symbol of trust and friendship as well as love.
Charm bracelets
Traditionally, charm bracelets were worn to ward off evil and to bring good luck. Today, charm bracelets remain popular and make lovely gifts. Often, a parent will give a daughter a charm bracelet which then gets added to on birthdays or buy the child from time to time.
The charms on these bracelets are often very personal, and making this piece of jewellery is an ongoing task that creates a lot of fun for the wearer.
Summary
Even if your jewellery comes from the high street, it can still be the most personal item you own. Choosing jewellery that contains your birthstone creates a connection instantly, and photo lockets are a simple way to add your own touch.
An engraved piece of jewellery makes a thoughtful and personal gift, and having it wrapped and delivered just adds a cherry on top.