If you had £500 to spend on a piece of jewellery....

[Sportycustard]

What would you buy?

I have been given some money specifically to buy a piece of jewellery but I need some inspiration. I haven't bought significant jewellery for years and I don't really know where to shop for it. I'm late 40s if it makes a difference and have a board level job but not in an industry that is super smart.

I have basic diamond and pearl studs already but I tend to wear drop earrings.

I don't especially want a ring and I don't wear pendants very much either.

I wear lots of grey, navy, dark green and brown.

The jewellery is to mark a significant event and so I'd rather choose one or possibly two things rather than lots of cheaper things.

Please inspire me!

I would have a jeweller custom make me a solid gold bangle, made to fit my size hand. Depending on your skin tone and which colour gold you prefer, yellow, white or rose. I think a bangle is timeless and goes with everything.

www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/shop/quality-colourful-solid-9ct-yellow-gold-and-opal-7-3-4-long-bracelet/
How about opals?

Id look in a variety a pawnbrokers. The ex pledge jewellery is so much cheaper than anything new you will get as upu are paying forthe vosts of thdorecious metals and stones only, no retsil costs, making costsn design costs etc. I have bought great pieces in pawnbrokers in the past Different pawnbrokers sell entirely different types of stock. Keep browsing, see what comes up and takes your fancy

I love bangles too
keojewellery.co.uk/product/fine-enamelled-bangle-375-9ct-yellow-gold-unusual-diameter-60mm-13-6g/

Take a look at www.gemporia.com it's a UK family run company. Lots of different jewellery styles, gems, in gold, silver & platinum. 30 day money back guarantee.
My dh wanted to treat me to something special. I got a beautiful sapphire & diamond trilogy ring for which I've had a lot of compliments. I have also bought my dds some lovely special pieces from them. Well worth a look.

Thank you for those ideas. Had never thought about pawnbrokers but will have a look. The gemporia site is amazing! I don't have any opals but I have been eyeing up fire opals. Not sure about bangles as I've got big hands and small wrists but I guess a custom sized one with a hinge might fix that.

I am also looking for a piece of jewellery for a special birthday coming up. I am thinking of looking at pawnbrokers too but the idea that someone sold it because they were desperate and couldn't afford to redeem it puts me off.
To be honest, jewellery here is ludicrously expensive. I go to Kefalonia about once every two years and the jewellers there make much better quality jewellery with 18ct gold at far lower prices.

How about upgrading the drop earrings you regularly wear to something a bit more fancy? Sure you can find a similar style but in gold, precious stones, etc?

In your shoes, I’d prefer to have something I could wear and appreciate everyday, so it has to be a more subtle design rather than an occasional wear showstopper!

Oh, also forgot to say look at auctions! Similar to pawnbrokers but without the icky vibes pp mentioned

How does the auction thing work? The price shown is not the price paid as there are fees I think? Do they post items out to the buyer?

And can you return things if you don’t like them when they arrive?

Id find an independent jeweller to make me something bespoke.

Over the last couple of years I have treated myself to diamond earrings, a diamond pendant and a couple of dainty diamond bracelets. I love them all but my faves are the pendant (single small solitaire on a fine chain) and a very dainty diamond bar bracelet on a fine chain. I especially love the bracelet as I can actually see it myself when wearing it :) The others feel like they're more for others to see as I can't see them whilst wearing if you know what I mean. All from London Road jewellers - really bright white high sparkle diamonds and they will make to measure if requested. for no extra charge. My bracelets from there are snug to my wrist and are beautiful (also helps stop them snagging on things).

So glad I read this as pondering whether to buy a London road diamond necklace for a special birthday. Your recommendation has clinched it.

@mermaidariel Do it!! I really really love the pendant - I have this one: www.londonroadjewellery.com/product/white-gold-diamond-solitaire-raindrop-pendant/ and the matching bracelet and earrings. I also have this bracelet which is so so pretty and sparkly: www.londonroadjewellery.com/product/white-gold-diamond-bar-geo-bracelet/ - be warned though, I only intended to buy the necklace and I was so impressed the other purchases followed! Let us know if you buy :)

I love Clogau jewellery. Definitely worth a look, they tend to do collections too so you could get complimentary pieces.

Would a watch qualify as jewellery? If so I'd get a watch and an antique pendant neckace.

I’ve had a couple of bespoke bits made by a this lovely lady. Very reasonably priced too. She has an Instagram page with examples of her work. I’d highly recommend her if you decided to go down the bespoke route

mollyginnellyjewellery.co.uk/