Challenged to select jewelry for her friends if money was no object, Senior Editor Hannah Connorton picks out seven baubles to give this holiday season.
When my editor-in-chief, Michelle Graff, suggested last week that I blog about the jewelry gifts I would pick for my family and friends if money was no object, I laughed. How could I even begin to narrow that down?
The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized it would be easy to pick out jewels for the most important girls in my life—we shop together, get ready together and share jewelry, after all—so I got to work. See what I picked out for them below.
My mom, Christine, is not afraid of being bold. As a woman who appreciates color, creativity and individuality, Natalie Dissel’s one-of-a-kind “Queen of Black Sun” earrings, in 18-karat yellow gold with green tourmaline and green and black diamonds ($18,300), are for her this year, in all of her fearlessness.
Kelly doesn’t just wear long necklaces, she completely owns the look, knowing exactly how to accessorize an outfit to play up her attributes. Suzanne Kalan’s 18-karat rose gold necklace with chalcedony and champagne diamonds ($15,000) is a piece I could see her wearing, creating a unique and stunning look each time.
When thinking about what types of jewelry I’d buy for my friends, I knew immediately Amy would be the one to get long, gem-laden earrings. She’s got this slightly edgy, uninhibited sense of fashion that always results in head-turning outfits, making Erica Courtney’s “Arrow” earrings, in 18-karat yellow gold with Mandarin garnet and diamonds ($38,800), a perfect match.
Apryl is my grounded, mantra-loving friend who not only has an incredibly strong sense of self but an unending worldly curiosity and wanderlust. Her jewelry style is simple yet meaningful, and so for her I chose Cynthia Gale’s “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Tamed” sterling silver cuff ($188).
Ashlee has a penchant for pulling together outfits that are effortlessly sweet and chic, the kind of ensembles that would have drawn the envy of Jackie O. Carelle’s “After Dark” ring, made in 18-karat rose gold with a rose quartz and diamonds ($4,985), is not only a fit for her personal style, but also matches the hues of her upcoming wedding.
Samantha, whom I am lucky enough to call both a friend and family member, has an impeccable sense of style; she’s that friend who always looks good. Because she was wearing David Yurman long before it became mega-trendy, I’m giving her the brand’s
Cable Wrap ring, made in sterling silver with a faceted blue topaz and diamond pavé ($1,950).
Karen is a girl after my own heart her with her confident, casual style and love of all things Rhode Island, particularly ocean and beach related. For her, it’s Tiffany Chou’s gold-plated “Helo” anchor cuff ($60), representing our Ocean State.
