Non-Engagement Jewelry Gift Ideas That Are Still Meaningful To Your Special Someone

by Nancy Plante February 21, 2020

Non-Engagement Jewelry Gift Ideas That Are Still Meaningful To Your Special Someone

Buying jewelry for your lady can be a fun experience, especially if it is for a romantic holiday, anniversary, or special occasion. Giving the gift of fine jewelry creates memories that last a lifetime. And whether you have been dating for six months or six years, fine jewelry gift ideas can show just how much you care and appreciate that special woman in your life.

But choosing the right ring, bracelet, necklace, or earrings for your girlfriend can be tricky. How do you find the perfect gift that not only matches her style and taste, but also matches the pace of your relationship? After all, there are plenty of guidelines on how to pop the question—but the rules for gifting jewelry are a little less clear if you aren’t ready to propose. There are so many exquisite non-engagement jewelry gift ideas out there to help guide you in your search for the perfect piece of fine jewelry. 

Here’s a complete overview of how to buy rings, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets for the special woman in your life. Our gift ideas will help you show your love and appreciation while letting your relationship grow at the pace that is right for both of you. 

How to Buy Rings for Your Girlfriend

We all know that diamond engagement rings are a significant fine jewelry purchase—but there are plenty of other types of rings that can be the perfect sentimental gift for a girlfriend. There are plenty of beautiful rings that your girlfriend will love to show off for years to come. In fact, we often have customers who are looking for a ring that is not an engagement ring as a special gift for the woman in their life.

For example, you can choose a gem that holds special meaning as a sentimental gift idea, such as the month that you met. Incorporating her birthstone can also make fine jewelry into a personalized, meaningful gift. If her birthday is in May, you could give her a vibrant emerald ring for a classic, timeless style. You can also choose a gemstone that reflects her favorite color, giving her a piece of fine jewelry that she can easily incorporate with her everyday wardrobe.

Keep in mind that size and price will play a big role in how your gift is received. An expensive or larger ring can seem too significant for the state of your relationship if you have just started dating. If your relationship is still new, a smaller, colorful, or more casual ring can be a fun alternative, giving you the opportunity to give a truly thoughtful and beautiful gift. Stackable rings are designed to be smaller and lightweight, and make a perfect “non-engagement but very special” (and much-appreciated!) jewelry gift. 

Of course, every relationship is unique. If you are in a permanent or long-term relationship, there’s nothing saying that you can’t still give her a diamond ring! She can wear it on her right hand instead of her left, or you can size the ring so that it fits a different finger. If you are both aligned on your future plans and on your relationship, the connotation of a diamond ring will be less about a formal proposal, and more about a reinforcement of your commitment and devotion to each other.

How to Buy Necklaces for Your Girlfriend 

If you want to give a gift that will be worn every day, a pendant is a good choice. If it is small and on a short, delicate chain, the pendant can be worn on a daily basis. She can even wear it along with larger fashion necklaces and keep it hidden inside her collar or under her blouse. 

A gemstone or diamond pendant is a precious gift that doesn’t carry the significance of a ring. Gemstones come in a variety of colors and symbolism, making it easy to find a gemstone that is meaningful for the two of you. It could be a gemstone that represents the month that you started dating, or a gemstone that represents her best qualities. The meaning and symbolism behind gemstones can be quite powerful.

Aquamarine

The soothing pale blue gemstone that is named “waters of the sea” is a favorite today for its calming, soothing effect. The pale color works as a neutral, so it coordinates with whatever she wears with it. Like many colored gemstones, aquamarine can take on a whole different look when set in different metals. White metals such as silver, white gold, or platinum give a cool look, and the warmth of yellow gold accents the blue of the gem in a completely new way.

Rubies

These gems are highly sought-after, and have deeply symbolic roots across the globe. Ancient Hinduism connects rubies to emperors, while the Bible attributes rubies to wisdom and beauty. In Europe, members of royalty believed that rubies were connected to love, wealth, and wisdom.

Tourmaline

Interesting because it comes in so many colors, tourmaline is a modern choice that can fit any style or personality. Ranging from deep greens, blue-greens, all the way to pale pinks, the gem can be cut in any shape and faceting style to suit her fancy.

Lapis Lazuli

Known for its rich, deep blue, lapis lazuli has been used in both art and mythology. Egyptian pharaohs believed that lapis lazuli came from the heavens, and used this gemstone extensively in their pendants and burial ornaments. It symbolizes protection, royalty, and inner peace.

Opals

Known for their vibrant flashes of color, opals are thought to be one of the luckiest and most magical gemstones. They represent hope, truth, and purity—and because no two opals are the same, they can also represent a unique personality.

Emeralds

Few gems carry the same vibrant color of an emerald, and its beauty has been revered for centuries. Emeralds were said to be a favorite of Cleopatra, adorning both her palace and her jewelry. This sea green gemstone has also been said to bring wealth, power, clarity, and safety to those who wear it. 


If your girlfriend prefers to wear a simpler, more classic style of jewelry, you can choose a silver or gold design. An infinity symbol, a heart, a cultural symbol, or a letter or number might carry personal meaning. You can also choose a fun motif, such as a mermaid or a certain animal. It’s a great opportunity to make the gift-giving process a little more fun, especially if you have a private joke that you can use as inspiration!

How to Buy Earrings or Bracelets for Your Girlfriend 

Finding the right pair of earrings or the perfect bracelet often means asking yourself these questions: 

  • Does she wear jewelry every day, or only on special occasions?

  • Can she wear jewelry to work, or does she need to adhere to a certain dress code?

  • Does she typically wear large, statement pieces, or small, classic styles?

If you want something that she can wear every single day, stud earrings are a versatile choice. Some women wear their small gem or diamond studs as accent pieces that can easily fit into their daily wardrobe. And if she has multiple ear piercings, she may even want to pair her studs with fashion earrings for a multi-faceted look.

Bracelets can lend a classic look to any ensemble, such as a gemstone line bracelet, a gold bangle, or a silver cuff. They can also be incredibly versatile and come in many different widths, metals, and gemstone combinations. Choose a heavier, bolder bracelet if the special woman in your life has an eclectic or vintage-inspired fashion sense, such as an oversized chain bracelet or a chunky bracelet with large, colorful gems. 

Buying jewelry for your girlfriend doesn’t have to be stressful. There are plenty of ways to give non-engagement jewelry gifts that express your love, devotion, and commitment to each other. Plante Jewelers is always happy to help our customers find the perfect gifts for the women in their lives, no matter the occasion! We offer a wide selection of rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants, and can even create a customized piece for the perfect gift. Shop our online collection or visit our store in Swansea to speak with our jewelry design experts today.





Nancy Plante
Nancy Plante

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