The Art of Gifting: A Guide to Thoughtful Choices

At Banwells we believe a thoughtful gift says something very simple: I know you.

Christmas has a way of making gift buying feel like a race. It needn't be. Choosing a gift for someone you love can be a treat in itself, and a thoughtful gift shows you have invested your time in that person.

So we have gathered the questions we ask ourselves when helping customers choose, and set them out step by step. Follow them, and we have done the hard work for you…

Start with the recipient; before you look at a single gift, ask yourself a few questions…

Who exactly are you buying for?

Picture one particular person. The more specific you are, the deeper you can go in your thinking. Trying to come up with ideas for too many people at once is the quickest route to a generic gift.

Do they love more of what they love, or something new?

Some people feel real joy at receiving more of what they already adore. For them, a gift that shows you’ve noticed brings a lovely warmth. Others may be delighted by something unexpected and fresh.

How do they spend their time?

Where people choose to spend their precious free time usually shows what they value. A keen gardener, for example, might love being outdoors and might benefit from a beautiful box to keep their rings in as they garden. Someone who enjoys browsing the shops will give you clues to their style through the places they’re drawn to.

Knowing roughly what you’d like to spend gives you a figure to stick to. It also makes comparing options much easier.

How do they wear their jewellery?

Some people change their jewellery often, which gives you plenty of freedom. Others are steadfast wearers with staple pieces they rarely take off; some haven’t removed a favourite ring in years! For these people, look for something that complements what they already wear rather than replaces it. A band ring, for example, can sit beautifully alongside existing rings to create a stack.

Do they love colour, or are they a metal purist?

What someone already wears tells you a great deal. It shows which metal they prefer, such as yellow gold, white gold or silver, and whether they like to add colour with gemstones. If you’re unsure about colour but still want something special, diamonds are the perfect choice: neutral, yet elevated.

Do you need to think about size?

Many pieces, such as earrings and pendants, need no sizing at all. With antique and vintage jewellery, there are a few things worth knowing:

Bracelets: some antique bracelets are quite small, so a wrist measurement is helpful if you can get one. Notice if they wear a jumper with a close fitted sleeve then secretly run a piece of string around the sleeve. Measure the string and you’ll have an idea of their wrist size.

Rings: the same applies. A discreet ring size makes all the difference. Notice if they wear a ring on certain fingers, and if they take them off try and mark where that ring fits on your fingers and that will give you an idea of their ring size.

Necklaces: length affects both the look and how versatile the piece will be.

Earrings: the size of the earlobe matters more than you might think. A stud can look quite different from one lobe to another. Smaller contemporary huggie hoops can be too snug for larger lobes. Antique drop earrings often suit smaller lobes best, because on a larger lobe they can sit too shallow and won’t hang or move as gracefully.

Our ring sizing guide can help, and ring sizing is complimentary with purchase. If you’re unsure, come in and we’ll help you work it out.

Match the piece to their lifestyle.

For someone sporty who likes to wear their jewellery all the time, stud earrings are far more practical than a delicate bracelet.

Do they love a story?

If so, antique jewellery is steeped in history, and each piece has already lived a life before it reaches them. If they prefer clean lines and love the idea of a piece beginning its story with them, a contemporary design may suit them better. It will also offer a wider choice of gemstones.

Would they love something personal?

Lockets are a wonderful way to personalise a gift. They can hold treasured photographs, which can be changed over the years.

Have you considered a pendant?

Pendants need no sizing. Chosen well, they can be a beautifully personal way of showing how well you know someone.

Are they drawn to birthstones?

Look for pieces set with their birthstone.

Every piece has a story, and we would love to help you find the one that suits theirs. Come in to County House and tell us who you’re buying for; we’ll take the time to show you pieces that fit, and help you choose without any rush.

Simon and Sally helped me to source the necklace and made the process so personal and were both so helpful. My mother loved the necklace and the quality is just amazing.Alice Long, Google review

I was looking for a Christmas present for my wife and a repair to a bracelet, the service we received was excellent, no time pressure.Keith Barnes, Google review

Our gift guide arrives on 26th November, with eight pieces chosen with thought. Join our newsletter to see it first.

We would love to welcome you in. Find us on New Street, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4.30pm.