Editors

'Mom jewelry' makeover

EditorsApr 24, 2008

'Mom jewelry' makeover

Since 84.2 percent of consumers will be buying mom one major gift this Mother's Day, and they're planning to shell out more than they did last year, stocking elegant and chic "mom jewelry" might give your May sales a much...

Zodiac_necklace_large Since 84.2 percent of consumers will be buying mom one major gift this Mother's Day, and they're planning to shell out more than they did last year, stocking elegant and chic "mom jewelry" might give your May sales a much needed boost.


I had never given it any thought prior to reading an article in the Canadian Press, but "mom jewelry" has definitely evolved over the years. For instance, my grandmother was once given a shared-prong gold ring containing the birthstones of her seven children. The setting was simple and the combination of stones made for a colorful display. I think emotional affect, not aesthetics, was key in the design—a concept that seems to be true for most "mom jewelry" back in the 80s when she received it.


Because moms and grandmoms in this millenium tend to follow style trends a bit more, steering clear of traditional favorites such as "No. 1 Mom" pendants and baby bootie charm bracelets might be best for some retailers.


Here are a few pieces a modern-day mom or grandmom would love to get this Mother's Day. With The Pea in a Pod or Edamame Bean pendants from Michael Michaud, customers can select the piece with the number of pearls or glass beads that corresponds to the number of children in the family. The pendants retail for $74 and $90, respectively.


Lana Jewelry offers the Zodiac necklace in yellow, white or rose gold to mark the birth months of mom's brood. The suggested retail price is $325 for the petite size and $380 for the regular size (shown).


Judith Ripka's Athena Berge link bracelet is available in a selection of heart-shaped stones—mint green quartz, pink crystal or blue topaz—which could be in mom's favorite color or the gift-giver's birthstone. It retails for $300.


With their subtle yet well-stated reference to motherhood, I think these pieces have the potential to sell year-round.


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