A birthday is a time of reflection, celebration and looking ahead, and these feelings are especially prevalent during a milestone birthday. From the transformative times of turning 18 or 21, thriving into your 30th year, or marking the turning 40, 50 or 60, reaching these years calls for something special. If you have a loved one who’s approaching a milestone birthday, or you yourself have one coming up (and would like to drop some hints), read on for our guide to milestone birthday jewellery gifts…
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What are milestone birthdays?
Milestone birthdays are those considered to symbolise change, coming of age and a new chapter. They begin as someone moves from childhood to adulthood, and then are usually pinpointed by the turn of decades. See below the main recognised milestone birthdays people celebrate.
Sweet 16
A year in one's teenage years where they begin the transition to adulthood, taking on more responsibility and planning their future. Likely to be taking final exams at school, starting a first job, and looking ahead at what's in their future. Celebrated largely with extravagant parties in the US, and recognised around the world as a formative age with added independence.
Entering Adulthood: 18 and 21
18 and 21 are recognised as when one legally becomes an adult - a milestone well worth marking! The age varies between 18 and 21 in different parts of the world, but largely aligns with the legal age at which you can do things that minors can't, like drink alcohol, vote in elections, get a tattoo and enter legal agreements, e.g. renting a property. These birthdays call for special gifts that wish good luck, good health and guidance as adulthood begins.
30 and thriving: 30th birthday
They say your 30s are like your 20s, but better, and while some mourn the youth of their 20s, many love to celebrate entering their 30s with a bang. A 30th birthday honours all you have learnt and achieved in your 20s, which is a very formative decade for many, recognised as a period of self-growth and self-discovery.
40 and fabulous: 40th birthday
Another decade past is a milestone to mark, and a 40th birthday is no different. Often celebrated with large parties or luxurious trips with friends and family, a 40th birthday signifies maturity, confidence and self-assurance for many.
50th birthday: Golden Jubilee
Many consider a 50th birthday a big achievement, reaching halfway to 100 - though this may make them feel old putting it that way! A 50th birthday is traditionally known as a 'Golden Jubilee', calling for extravagant celebrations and high-value gifts.
60th, 70th, 80th and beyond
In many countries, the time between the 60th and 70th birthday marks retirement, allowing for reflection and celebration of a career completed, with time to now rest and lean into a slower pace of life.
It goes without saying that 60th, 70th and 80th birthdays are big milestones, with them being times of reminiscence and congratulations. Gifts are often more sentimental than previous birthdays, with thoughtfulness, personalisation and memories taking centre stage.
What to consider when choosing milestone birthday jewellery gifts
Their personal style
What do they like to wear and present themselves? Make sure the style of jewellery gift you choose is something that will complement their usual style and is a piece you can picture them wearing. If you’re unsure, take note of what type of jewellery they usually wear; are they more drawn to statement jewellery or delicate, dainty styles?
Their preferred metal
While mixed metals are certainly having a moment, most people prefer one metal colour over another when it comes to their jewellery. Are they a silver or white gold person, or do they mostly wear buttery yellow gold?
Their lifestyle and job
Consider their lifestyle and job when choosing their jewellery gift, to ensure it will be wearable and comfortable. For example, if you’re purchasing a jewellery gift for a medical professional, avoid gifting something like chunky rings, as they’re unlikely to be able to wear such styles regularly. Instead, consider something more practical, like stud earrings or a simple chain necklace that can be discreetly worn whether during work or play.
Milestone birthday jewellery gifts for different ages
Jewellery gifts for 16th, 18th and 21st birthdays
If a loved one is turning 16, 18 or 21 soon and you'd like to treat them to some jewellery as a gift, consider dainty, youthful, yet timeless styles that can be worn every day.
Our Lucky Number Necklace is the perfect customisable necklace for 16th, 18th and 21st birthday gifting. Choose from solid 9ct gold or recycled sterling silver, and their lucky number for a meaningful, dainty necklace. Or add an extra number pendant to make a necklace that symbolises their just-turned age; a wonderful way to mark their birthday.
Compass jewellery also makes a great choice for a 16th, 18th or 21st birthday gift. Our Wanderlust Compass Pendant Necklace or Charm Bracelet features an organic, unique compass rose design, thought to provide guidance and protection for someone entering their next chapter, whether they’re off travelling, starting their first job or moving away. You can also engrave a name, number or short 'Happy Birthday' message on the back of the pendant for an extra personalised touch.
30th birthday jewellery gifts
For a 30th jewellery gift, we recommend playful pieces with character that suit their personal style. By 30, one will have found their distinct style, so celebrate this with a piece of jewellery especially picked out for them.
If they love nature-inspired jewellery, our Bloom collection features pieces they'll be delighted to open on their 30th birthday. For the soon-to-be 30-year-old who loves to make a statement, discover our Botanical Jewellery Set, a floral jewellery duo that lasts longer than fresh blooms, featuring our bestselling Blossom Flower Necklace paired with unique Blossom Flower Studs.
For something a bit more timeless, our zodiac jewellery collection is sure to be a hit. Shop our star sign necklaces in silver or gold, or discover The Stargazer Set, which pairs them with our much-loved Shooting Star Dangle Earrings.
For 40th birthdays
For 40th birthday jewellery, we recommend gifting elegant, timeless, easy-to-wear jewellery that goes with everything. Think gold pieces that they never have to (or want to!) take off, like our 9ct Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings, or glistening 9ct Gold Hayseed Bracelet.
For something extra special, treat them to some ethical diamond jewellery to celebrate four decades of life; our Molten Diamond Pendant Necklace and Molten Diamond Studs are available in both yellow gold and white gold, and are organic, textured twists on traditional diamond designs.
A 40th birthday is also known as a 'Ruby Jubilee', and so ruby jewellery makes a wonderful choice. If you'd like to create a bespoke piece of ruby jewellery as a gift for a loved one, simply book a free consultation with us; we can't wait to bring your idea to life!
50th birthday jewellery gifts
A 50th birthday is known as a 'Golden Jubilee', and so gold jewellery is a popular gift. Our solid recycled gold drop earrings make an elegant choice for their 50th birthday; discover our 9ct Gold Flower Petal Drop Earrings or Delicate Leaf Studs, understated, nature-inspired pieces that are sure to make them smile.
Even if they prefer silvery, cool-toned jewellery, you can still gift them gold for their 50th by choosing white gold. Our collection of 9ct white gold jewellery features everyday pieces like our 9ct White Gold Tiny Star Necklace, diamond jewellery like our 9ct White Gold Solitaire Diamond Studs and more; there's something for everyone.
60th and beyond
As loved ones turn 60, 70, 80 and beyond, we recommend jewellery gifts that are personalised and sentimental, capturing memories and allowing them to be held close. Our jewellery is all designed to be thoughtful and meaningful, with the option of complimentary personalisation available on many of our designs.
One of the most popular gifts is our Oval Locket Necklace, a piece that allows you to add a personal touch in more ways than one. Choose your metal, upload photos - which we will size, print and add inside your locket - and opt for engraving on the front, back or both, either in our font or handwriting. Perfect for loved ones like mothers, grandparents or good friends celebrating 6, 7, 8 or more years of life.
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Bespoke jewellery birthday gifts
When a loved one turns a milestone age, there's so much to celebrate, and sometimes that means a one-of-a-kind gift that's extra special. Our bespoke jewellery service is an easy, welcoming process that allows you to design your dream piece of jewellery.
For birthdays, we love creating bespoke jewellery gifts that feature the recipient's birthstone. We can work with you to source the perfect stone from our trusted suppliers that prioritise ethics and environmental responsibility, allowing you to create a birthstone jewellery gift that doesn't harm the planet or its people. Once we have the design and stone, your piece will be made from start to finish in the UK, using sustainable practises and 100% recycled metal.
Milestone birthdays are also the perfect time to create, rework and gift family heirloom jewellery. If you have old gold jewellery which you'd like to resize, rework or redesign into something special for a loved one's upcoming birthday, we'd love to help! You can learn more about reusing heirloom gold here, and book a free consultation with us here.
We hope this has helped you decide on the perfect milestone birthday jewellery gift for your loved one. You can shop our full birthday gift edit below, or read more articles for further inspiration.
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