MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
TrendsMar 03, 2016
17 silver gifts for graduates
Sterling silver jewelry is an affordable and meaningful way for consumers to celebrate graduation, and retailers shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to help them do so as members of the Class of 2014 don their mortarboards this spring.
PHOTO Alex Woo’s sterling silver Princeton charm is from the designer’s Little Collegiate collection ($168) while the ’14 charm is from the Mini Numbers collection ($48). The silver Yale charm is also part of the Little Collegiate collection ($168). (A number of other schools are available.)
PHOTO Alex Woo’s sterling silver Princeton charm is from the designer’s Little Collegiate collection ($168) while the ’14 charm is from the Mini Numbers collection ($48). The silver Yale charm is also part of the Little Collegiate collection ($168). (A number of other schools are available.)
PHOTO Mateo Bijoux’s sterling silver hinged bracelet ($175)
PHOTO Effy’s sterling silver and 18-karat gold “Balissima” earrings feature pearls ($375).
PHOTO These mix-and-match stackable sterling silver rings by Seah include the unisex “Lucky” ring with a round treated blue diamond (middle), and two “Zodiac” bands with six ancient zodiac signs on each band (top and bottom). The set shown here retails for $495.
PHOTO Thistle & Bee’s sterling silver mini oval locket is engravable ($495).
PHOTO Tiffany Chou’s sterling silver large starfish earrings ($125)
PHOTO Midas Chain’s Little Expressions collection offers this sterling silver “Dream” necklace with a 14-karat gold accent ($105) and sterling silver “Love” bracelet with a 14-karat gold accent ($217).
PHOTO Samuel Behnam’s sterling silver and 18-karat gold hammered Balinese-motif earrings ($890)
PHOTO Efva Attling’s sterling silver “Mini Love” bracelet ($150) features a “Twosome” charm, “Crazy Heart” charm and “Pencez de Moy” charm, which means “think of me” in 14th century French, the designer says.
PHOTO Gabriel & Co.’s silver hoops with white sapphires, from the Boutique Silver collection ($325)
PHOTO This “Vivace” sterling silver chain necklace by 1884 Collection features an Alexander the Great coin, sterling silver disc and blue topaz pendant ($840).
PHOTO Jacquie Aiche’s sterling silver “Feather” ring ($240)
PHOTO Chamilia’s graduation-themed bracelet features two beads from the new spring/summer 2014 collection and includes this blue metallic braided leather bracelet ($35) or a solid silver bangle with crystal accents ($120); the beads shown here are the Graduation Cap bead ($45), the Wise Owl bead ($55), the Reach for the Stars bead ($55) and two cubic zirconia beads ($35 each).
PHOTO John Hardy’s sterling silver “Palu” cuff features diamond pavé ($1,200).
PHOTO Anzie’s top-selling sterling silver “Dewdrop Snowflake” earrings feature clear topaz ($275).
PHOTO Lagos’ sterling silver bracelet features two “X” stations and the brand’s signature “Caviar” beading, as well as a freshwater cultured pearl ($375).
PHOTO Daniel Gibbings’ textured sterling silver “Otto” ring with rubies ($450)
Sterling silver jewelry is an affordable and meaningful way for consumers to celebrate graduation, and retailers shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to help them do so as members of the Class of 2014 don their mortarboards this spring.
In this slideshow, National Jeweler has highlighted 17 silver pieces that range in price from $125 to $1,200, although most jewelry shown falls between $200 and $400.
While some pieces are clearly celebratory, featuring college mascots and inspiring words, others are simple and classic, and both can be worn long after the last piece of graduation cake has been consumed.
Click through this gallery to see 17 silver pieces perfect for grads.
Alex Woo’s sterling silver Princeton charm is from the designer’s Little Collegiate collection ($168) while the ’14 charm is from the Mini Numbers collection ($48). The silver Yale charm is also part of the Little Collegiate collection ($168). (A number of other schools are available.)
Mateo Bijoux’s sterling silver hinged bracelet ($175)
Effy’s sterling silver and 18-karat gold “Balissima” earrings feature pearls ($375).
These mix-and-match stackable sterling silver rings by Seah include the unisex “Lucky” ring with a round treated blue diamond (middle), and two “Zodiac” bands with six ancient zodiac signs on each band (top and bottom). The set shown here retails for $495.
Thistle & Bee’s sterling silver mini oval locket is engravable ($495).
Tiffany Chou’s sterling silver large starfish earrings ($125)
Midas Chain’s Little Expressions collection offers this sterling silver “Dream” necklace with a 14-karat gold accent ($105) and sterling silver “Love” bracelet with a 14-karat gold accent ($217).
Samuel Behnam’s sterling silver and 18-karat gold hammered Balinese-motif earrings ($890)
Efva Attling’s sterling silver “Mini Love” bracelet ($150) features a “Twosome” charm, “Crazy Heart” charm and “Pencez de Moy” charm, which means “think of me” in 14th century French, the designer says.
Gabriel & Co.’s silver hoops with white sapphires, from the Boutique Silver collection ($325)
This “Vivace” sterling silver chain necklace by 1884 Collection features an Alexander the Great coin, sterling silver disc and blue topaz pendant ($840).
Jacquie Aiche’s sterling silver “Feather” ring ($240)
Chamilia’s graduation-themed bracelet features two beads from the new spring/summer 2014 collection and includes this blue metallic braided leather bracelet ($35) or a solid silver bangle with crystal accents ($120); the beads shown here are the Graduation Cap bead ($45), the Wise Owl bead ($55), the Reach for the Stars bead ($55) and two cubic zirconia beads ($35 each).
John Hardy’s sterling silver “Palu” cuff features diamond pavé ($1,200).
Anzie’s top-selling sterling silver “Dewdrop Snowflake” earrings feature clear topaz ($275).
Lagos’ sterling silver bracelet features two “X” stations and the brand’s signature “Caviar” beading, as well as a freshwater cultured pearl ($375).
Daniel Gibbings’ textured sterling silver “Otto” ring with rubies ($450)
More on Trends
The Latest
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
