The Gift of Planning Ahead
OK, I know. It’s only October. The leaves have barely begun to change and I have only just started sorting out my sweater collection from storage. However, I want it on record that I am not the first of our editorial team to nudge you about the impending holiday season -- Penny Post was first! And for good reason. Penny Post and Alx&Co. both specialize in bespoke, thoughtful designs and this requires, among other things, the great talent of planning ahead…At Alx&Co., we consider ourselves more like private jewelers than your traditional retail store. We are very, very cognizant of the fact that no matter what we’re working on, the item in our hands usually has deep sentimental meaning for our client, and the one-on-time we spend with our clients is invaluable to making them feel comfortable with the process. So, it’s always a shame when our clients tell me -- after the holidays -- that they wished they had been able to come in before the rush and really think about creating or buying something special for their loved one.The regret in their voices when they admit that they “just settled” for something from a big-box store is palpable. It’s true: when you leave it to the last minute, chances are you’ll end up settling for something that isn’t perfect. One of my favorite parts of my job is walking clients through a truly meaningful gift, whether they’re simple gold studs that we designed in-house or those amazing London Blue topaz dangles that she’s been eyeing in our showroom but would never buy for herself.One point I always emphasize with our clients is that a thoughtful gift doesn’t need to be a crazy-stressful gift. Since time (or lack thereof) is a huge contributor to stress, the best way to mitigate this is by planning ahead. So, I assembled a collection of my favorite customizable options at our shop. These are items that require two to three weeks lead time for fabrication, so now is a great time to start considering what you’ll want to add to your holiday gift list!
The Personalized Collar Stays He’ll Wear Every Day
These collar stays are available in sterling silver or your choice of 14 karat yellow, white, or rose gold. Add a special date (we’ve made them to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, you name it) and you have a perfectly elegant, one-of-a-kind gift.
The Simple Bangle She’ll Never Take Off
Our Simple Bangles are one of our most adored options in our showroom -- and for good reason. They’re handmade, sized to order, and finished with your choice of texture. Nearly every woman who sees them comments that she’s been eyeing this type of bangle for years. Well, here’s your chance to show her you’ve been listening.
The Just-For-Your-Family Constellation Necklace
We’ve featured our Constellation Necklace before but this beauty is always fun to talk about. We’ve created them with all diamonds, with sapphires/aquamarines/emeralds for a deep-sea effect (Editor's note: mine! See Instagram and Stories for a close-up), and most recently for a client who just had a September baby (so, of course, we set it with a sapphire to go with her amethyst and her husband’s garnet). Choose your chain and you’re set with the perfect, just-for-her gift.
The Custom Earrings Made Just For Her
What do you get for a girl who wants to upgrade her daily jewelry uniform? These custom circle earrings should do the trick. Select 14 karat white, yellow, or rose gold and set them with any gemstone variety you like. Another great option for a new mama!
The Oh-So-Him Cufflinks
Cufflinks are a popular holiday gift for the man who has everything and you know what’s even better? Custom designed cufflinks that perfectly represent your relationship. We designed these cufflinks for a client who loved the symbolism of an infinity shape but wanted the cufflinks set with emeralds in a particular way. He couldn’t find anything pre-made quite like his idea, so we created them!
Still need need some guidance? Make an appointment to see our showroom and I’ll walk you through more ideas. Don’t let the season escape without considering your own bespoke gift, and let us help you make this holiday extra special!