The other day I was chatting with a fellow Stylebook contributor and she lamented to me about her husband who has developed a habit of buying her completely over-the-top fabulous jewelry each year for Christmas, which is wonderful, except that she never wears it. She says it’s the type of jewelry that she has to plan her outfit around which, when you’re a busy, overworked, over-stressed business owner (and mother), just isn’t feasible on a daily basis. So, her growing collection of fabulous jewelry sits unworn in her bureau, collecting dust. “It would be great if he could just get me something simple that I could wear everyday…” she wistfully said, while I nodded with complete understanding…You see, I hear this from women all.the.time. But you know what our clients usually ask for when they come in to shop for a gift for their spouse? “Something ornate!” “Something with color!” and, of course, “I like it, but can we make it bigger?” It’s always followed with a statement about how they want her to really love it, it’s a special milestone, so let’s do something dramatic.Sound familiar?My dad did the same thing, and my mom never wears jewelry. But you know what she probably would wear? Some lovely understated diamond earrings, like these:

14k yellow, white, or rose gold .08ctw diamond earrings, $595

 Or perhaps a necklace that she can layer up, and add to with each milestone:

14k yellow, rose, or white gold handmade disk pendant, $300 (plus choice of chain)

 Or what about these elegant ear climbers that she could wear just as easily to work as she could for date night?

14k yellow, white, or rose gold 3/8ctw diamond ear climbers, $1,135

 I also love these diamond cluster studs, which I’ve been wearing each and every day (and night!) for the last month because they go with everything and add just enough sparkle to elevate my daily uniform of dark jeans and a blazer:

14k yellow, white, or rose gold 1/2ctw diamond clusters, $1,475

 Simple and understated does not mean plain and boring. In fact, my favorite pieces that Tim has ever created for me are our Thumbprint Bangle (which I have not taken off since he gave it to me three years ago) and my Mama Bangle (same story). If you sense that your partner is aiming for another over-the-top jewelry purchase that just isn’t you… perhaps send him or her my way. We have a wish list feature on our website where you can email me your hopes and dreams and I’ll ensure that the information is relayed gently but effectively. With the right help from my team here at Alx&Co., you won’t need to practice your annual “Oh! You shouldn’t have!” exclamation. This year, get what you really want.