Will you help me to choose a beautiful piece of jewellery for my Birthday?

[happyfeet1]

I'm 30 next month, no husband/partner so only really my parents who will be splashing out, they keep asking me what I want...I have no idea.

I think they want to spend an absolute max of £500. I was thinking one or two nice pieces of jewellery.

I know I want gold or rose gold, my skin tone doesn't suit silver at all.

I don't wear rings.

I have a gold Next watch, and a rose gold Olivia Burton watch, and a pair of rose gold Pandora earrings. That is the extent of my collection!

I think my mum has been looking at Pandora stuff but whilst I love my earrings, I feel that Pandora jewellery is overdone in my circle of friends. I'd like something a bit different!

I've had a look at the Links of London website, there's some really nice things on there. Where else can I look?

I want something timeless, classic, that I can wear and love forever!

Tiffanys!! Without a doubt
Timeless :)

Alex Monroe? I love his stuff

Are you anywhere near Bicester Village? Can you get there? The Annoushka shop is wonderful and you could find something special. Personally I am not keen on the mass brands.

The other thing I would do is look in Antique Jewellery shops. Pre owned is fantastic value. Brighton has lots of shops in The Lanes but many towns have jewellers selling estate or second-hand jewellery.

In terms of what to buy, a pendant or earrings are great if you do not want a ring. A good pair of pearl earrings is always worth having.

A gold bangle or diamond stud earrings, classic and you will wear tons of times

Monica Vinader

How about speaking to a jeweller to get something commissioned? It would be totally unique to you and you would probably wear it a lot as it would suit your tastes exactly. Might not be huge for gold in that budget but it would be very special! Or look at etsy for more unique/artisan stuff.

Maybe I'm boring, but I'd go for the nicest diamond stud earrings I could get for the $.

I second bojo. In a couple of years you may well go off Pandora & it'll stay in the back of a drawer. I'd spend the 500 on a pendant or diamond earrings. There's better value & quality to be had in antique jewellery

I second pre owned. Get loads more for your money.

However I like Tiffany too. I have two pieces - a cuff and matching pendant. DH bought me the cuff for my 50th and then the pendant for Xmas.

I second Monica Vinader.

Some websites for you to browse that I like and are within your budget:

chainsofgold.co.uk

biancajones.co.uk

monicavinader.com

astleyclarke.com

notonthehighstreet.com/jewellery/fine-jewellery

rebussignetrings.co.uk

Instagram and Etsy are other good places to browse for jewellery. Lots of independents on both.

Jewellery is so personal it's hard to suggest pieces for someone else, but something personalised to you may be nice as it's a special birthday. Maybe an engraved pendant or bracelet? Plus (and I know you said you don't wear rings), a signet ring on your little finger to complement your watch?

Also, not sure where you're based but Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter and London's Hatton Garden are both good for day trips (and you may as well do Selfridges while you're there).

carrieelizabeth.co.uk/collections/rings/products/hexagon-moonstone-and-diamond-ring?variant=6641226113

I just got this for Christmas and it's lovely. She has loads of great jewellery that she designs.

Agree with pp re. Astley Clarke and Alex Monroe. The former especially do lots of rose gold.

Things I've received over the years for special occasions and have stood the test of time are:
Small diamond studs
Plain gold bangle
Dainty diamond stacking ring (from Astley Clarke)
White gold hoop earrings

monica vinader
lora leedham jewellrey

YY to diamond stud earrings! Or a gold chain necklace with a diamond. Or both! Happy Birthday!

I agree with Canyouse - I'd look at getting something specially made, even if it means a less precious metal. Have a lovely birthday.

OP - I dare you!

Thank you all, I will look into each suggestion. I never even thought of having something commissioned or buying something antique. I probably wouldn't get much for my money but it would be that little bit more special.

I had a look at Tiffany's last night, I forgot to mention it in my first post...I don't want silver and almost everything under £500 is silver. They are beautiful pieces but they will look rubbish against my skin tone.

I'm off to look at all these websites

Milkandtwosugars how have you even come across that?!!

Tiffany and Links are overpriced. You are paying for the name.

Rose gold will go out of fashion again so in five years or so you won't want to wear it.

Second hand classic gold pieces are your best bet. Happy hunting

How? Mumsnet of course!

sheilafleet.com

Sheila Fleet is a wonderful jewellery designer from Orkney. Her stuff is very different I feel and wouldn't be well worth a look.

Pandora etc is nice but a lot of people have them...

For something special if definitely either look for a local designer or antique.

Who wants to wear something mass produced as a special present?

Clogau gold is lovely - a link to their gold pendants
www.clogau.co.uk/Jewellery/Pendants-and-Necklaces/Gold.aspx

Contemporary designers