Putting Together Happy Birthday Necklace From Start to Finish

The worst birthday necklace I gave was a “Happy Birthday” pendant with the words engraved on a heart-shaped charm. The recipient opened it, said thank you, and put it in her jewelry box. She never wore it. A birthday necklace should be something she will wear, not something that says “Happy Birthday” on it. If she likes simple jewelry, get a simple necklace. If she likes bold jewelry, get a bold necklace. If she likes personalized jewelry, get her initial or her birthstone.

A happy birthday necklace is a piece of jewelry given as a birthday gift, ranging from simple chains to personalized pendants to birthstone necklaces. The best birthday necklaces match the recipient’s style. The worst say “Happy Birthday” on them.

The short answer: pick a necklace that matches her style. A simple chain, a birthstone pendant, or an initial necklace. Skip the “Happy Birthday” pendant. The rainbow birthday party decoration kit is for the party, not the gift.

Necklace Styles

The Simple Chain

A delicate chain in gold or silver. The simplest and most versatile option. She can wear it every day. The flaw: a simple chain is not personal. Add a small pendant for a personal touch.

The Birthstone Necklace

A necklace with her birthstone. The gift is personal and specific. The flaw: birthstone jewelry can look dated. Pick a modern setting.

The Initial Necklace

A necklace with her initial. The gift is personal and simple. The flaw: initial necklaces are trendy. Pick a classic font for a timeless look.

The Bar Necklace

A horizontal bar pendant that can be engraved with a name, a date, or a short message. The gift is personal and modern. The flaw: the engraving is small. Keep it short.

The Layered Necklace

A set of two or three necklaces designed to be worn together. The gift is the set. The flaw: layered necklaces require some styling. Pick a pre-layered set for the best result.

How to Pick the Right Necklace

1. Look at what she wears. Does she wear gold or silver? Does she wear simple or bold? Does she wear necklaces at all?
2. Pick a style that matches what she wears. If she wears simple chains, get a simple chain. If she wears bold pendants, get a bold pendant.
3. Pick a metal that matches her other jewelry. Gold with gold. Silver with silver.
4. Keep it personal. A birthstone, an initial, or a short engraving.

What to Avoid

Avoid the “Happy Birthday” pendant. She will not wear it. Avoid the heart-shaped charm. It looks like a gift from a mall kiosk. Avoid the necklace that does not match her style. If she wears simple jewelry, do not get a bold necklace. Avoid the cheap costume jewelry. It will tarnish in a week.

The Verdict

A birthday necklace works when it matches the recipient’s style. A simple chain, a birthstone pendant, an initial necklace, or a bar necklace. The most common mistake is buying a “Happy Birthday” pendant that she will never wear. Look at what she wears. Match it. Keep it personal. A good necklace is specific to the person. A bad necklace is generic to the occasion.

FAQ

What is a good birthday necklace? A simple chain, a birthstone pendant, an initial necklace, a bar necklace, or a layered necklace. Pick a style that matches what she wears.

How do I pick a birthday necklace? Look at what she wears (gold or silver, simple or bold). Pick a style that matches. Keep it personal (birthstone, initial, engraving).

How much should I spend on a birthday necklace? $20 to $50 for a simple chain. $30 to $80 for a birthstone or initial necklace. $50 to $150 for a gold or silver necklace. The thought matters more than the price.

Should I get a “Happy Birthday” pendant? No. She will not wear it. Pick a necklace that matches her style instead. A simple chain, a birthstone, or an initial.

What should I avoid for a birthday necklace? “Happy Birthday” pendants, heart-shaped charms, necklaces that do not match her style, and cheap costume jewelry that will tarnish.

Is a birthstone necklace a good birthday gift? Yes. It is personal and specific. The flaw: birthstone jewelry can look dated. Pick a modern setting for a timeless look.

What metal should I pick for a birthday necklace? Match her other jewelry. Gold with gold. Silver with silver. If she wears both, pick the one she wears more often.

References

• Good Housekeeping, “Best Jewelry Gifts,” goodhousekeeping.com
• Brides, “Best Necklace Gifts,” brides.com
• The Knot, “Jewelry Gift Guide,” theknot.com