The short answer: for a 30th, 40th, 50th or 60th birthday, choose jewellery that suits the person's life and marks the decade with a personal detail, such as a stone, a number of stones or an engraving. Each milestone suits a slightly different style, from a first fine piece at 30 to a statement or heirloom style piece at 60.
Big birthdays call for something that lasts. Here are ideas by decade, with notes on making them personal.
By age
| Birthday | Ideas |
|---|---|
| 30th | A first fine piece: studs, a pendant or a slim bracelet. |
| 40th | A tennis bracelet, a cocktail ring or earrings with colour. |
| 50th | A statement piece or a bespoke design with a meaningful stone. |
| 60th | An heirloom style piece, or a redesign of family jewellery. |
Personal details
- A stone for each decade.
- The birthstone of the person.
- Initials or a date, and we can talk through engraving options.
- A design that echoes something they already wear.
Ideas for each decade in more detail
At 30, many people are building a first collection of fine jewellery, so a versatile piece that works every day is a good choice, such as diamond studs or a fine pendant. At 40, a little more presence suits many people: a tennis bracelet or earrings with a coloured stone. At 50, a statement piece or a design that tells a story, such as a ring with a stone for each decade, feels right. At 60, many families turn to heirloom thinking, either a piece designed to be passed on or a redesign of jewellery already in the family. Our guide to redesigning family jewellery has ideas.
Choosing for her or for him
For him, consider a signet, cufflinks or a pendant. For her, earrings, pendants and bracelets are popular. If you are unsure of the style, look at what the person wears day to day: the metal colour, the size of the pieces and whether they prefer plain or sparkling designs. See diamond bracelets for milestone birthdays and diamond birthday gifts.
Natural or lab grown
Both are real stones, and we label each clearly. A lab grown stone can give more size for the budget. Browse diamonds and lab grown colourless diamonds.
Gifts that avoid sizing worries
If you cannot find out a ring size without spoiling the surprise, choose earrings, a pendant or a bracelet. A bracelet can be adjusted more easily than a ring, and we talk through length with you.
Presenting the gift
A milestone gift often comes with a party or a family meal. A short note explaining the design, why you chose the stone or what the engraving means turns the piece into a story that can be shared at the table. If several family members are giving one gift together, each can write a line.
Planning
Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing. Our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are, and delivery comes on top.
- Pick the style.
- Choose the stone and metal.
- Order in good time before the date.
Pieces start from £600. Delivery is by insured, tracked FedEx, and if you live outside the UK you pay any import duty and tax that apply in your country.
Frequently asked questions
Should the gift be a surprise? If you know their taste, it can be. Otherwise involve them.
Can I add to it later? Some designs allow it, so ask us at the start.
What if it does not fit? Choose pieces that do not need sizing, such as earrings.
What suits a 60th? Many families choose an heirloom piece or redesign jewellery already in the family.
Can a family give one gift together? Yes, and we can talk through it.