So if Tiffany, pandora etc are tacky - where could I look for a nice piece of jewellery for DDs 16th birthday?

[RJnomore]

It's not until the end of the year but I'd like to take my time choosing and work out how much I need to save up for it!

She had a leather pandora with a couple of charms which she liked when she was younger. I can't see her with Tiffany tbh and I've seen some pretty negative comments on here about it. I suppose I'd like to get her something she can keep but also something that's recognisably from a "good" jewellers. Any ideas I can start browsing?

When I finished college, my parents bought me a vintage pendant from an antiques shop. My dad found it and wouldn't leave the shop without it - my mum thought I'd hate it. 15 years later, I love it.

I'd personally either go for a classic design from a well-known brand or something vintage.

Something like Tiffany's Diamonds by the yard, the Bean (Elsa Peretti's Bean, it's not a coffee bean) or a key pendant would appeal to me - the diamonds by the yard and the Bean are classic, subtle and can be worn with anything and by any age. I have the smallest Bean and it's very pretty on.
The key pendant is bigger and more fun, but it might be more for the younger women. I have one in silver with a small diamond and I use it quite a bit.

Georg Jensen is very nice too - I really like the Daisy range. I grew up in Denmark and most girls seem to wear the small studs and/or the small pendant. They did 15 years ago and they still do. I also really like the large grape ring.

Alternatively, I'd go for a pair of classic pearl studs. They look lovely with everything, never go out of fashion and suit every age, so your DD would be able to use them always.

Go to an individual jeweller for something classy and unique - not as common as Pandora and Tiffany.

Somewhere like this - I have a few of her gold pieces and they are lovely.

www.rhiannon.co.uk/

I agree, the mass manufactured stuff can be a bit meh and samey. She's only 16, so her taste may change. i get a lot of my jewellery (via DH) from Dazzle You can set proce limits inthe searches, though I recomment Jenny Lewellan for wearable pieces that won't break the bank and Grainne Morton for pieces that DD wanted to buy.

I though Tiffany was quite classic and timeless? Jackie O had a Tiffany's charm bracelet. They have some really lovely charms that are always changing.

Well, I love Tiffany's. Nothing like opening up a package in that lovely blue box with the white satin ribbon. Amazed OP used the word tacky in the thread title!! I agree it may be overpriced as you are also paying for the brand/advertising etc, but (IMO) their jewellery is rather lovely. My engagement ring and wedding ring are from there, plus have a diamond necklace and earrings and I can assure you they are all extremely discreet pieces and do not look in the slightest bit tacky - if anything, very classic, tasteful and shouldn't date. They will definitely handed on as heirlooms!!!!

I also have a Tiffany's silver charm bracelet that friends bought me for a birthday present years ago - I still wear it, and again, it is a very classic and tasteful design. Won't ever date.

Much prefer Georg Jensen to Tiffany. The Daisy collection is my particular favourite and lovely for any age.

With Tiffany, I do find the shop in London tacky and theme parky (as I do Harrods) but not so much their pieces - apart from those that have very obvious branding, which is always tacky IMO. They just don't do anything for me personally.

MrsFlorrick I'm going to guess you and I share very similar tastes judging by your user name.

When If I win the Lottery I could spend a bleedin' fortune in Stephen Einhorn. Am lucky enough to have a few pieces I absolutely adore from there.

Well this is the first time i've seen Tiffany described as tacky, given I get their brochure posted and most of it costs £100,000 per each item or more (if you aren't talking about the costume jewellery) I think tacky really isn't the right word.

I have however heard lots of people say they wouldn't pay for Tiffany items given that you are paying for a markup on the brand name. But that's the same with so many brands, just look at the headphone topic we had a few weeks back.

The problem with Tiffany (in my not so humble opinion) is that they have become more affordable with the lower end ranges, thus being perceived as tacky. Also with the 'ranges' from different 'designers' that they do - most of those are definitely rather tacky. I say this as someone who wears a tiffany heart bangle rather a lot!

Some of it is fabulous though, but the dearer stuff generally.

Have a look at Cartier - they do some decent priced items and usually is classy

Or, have a look at some of the vintage jewellery auctions on Bonhams - I've had some fantastic items from there, for very good money and usually very good quality if you look carefully

The £100k Tiffany pieces aren't mass produced and so have an inherent value/collectibility.

That's the difference.

It's the same with any design house. If you are looking to spend less than £5k I'd always recommend a commission or antique. That way you're guaranteed to get something closer to the value of what you've paid for.

Have a look here (www.kokkino.co.uk), her pieces are absolutely stunning, and you could choose your daughter's favourite colour for the enamel pieces if you went that way? I have some of her gold-dipped Lacewing designs and they're beyond beautiful and I always get compliments about them. Happy shopping!

Tales from the Earth do some lovely bits, and all very timeless too :)

Try briege king jewellery.

Tiffany has incredible mark up.

Try pricescope and loupetroop for more help too.

Wow....Tiffany is tacky? Really?

I bought myself a present from Bonhams, a beautiful ring and within my budget. I would always go for vintage. Off to drool over their website!

Pia www.piajewellery.com has some beautiful, delicate silver designs. Happy shopping!

I really like the Annie Haak stacking bracelets.

Burmese pearl drop earrings with white gold? try googling south sea pearls