Some people celebrate milestones with a vacation. Others buy a new bag, a pair of shoes, or something they've been eyeing for months. I've done all of those over the years! But if there's one thing I particularly love treating myself to, it's jewelry.
There's something special about owning a piece of jewelry that reminds you of what you've accomplished. Unlike a congratulatory email that eventually gets buried in your inbox, a ring can be a lasting reminder of a season of hard work and a goal you've finally reached.
And the best part? You get to choose exactly what you want. If you're considering buying jewelry to mark your career milestones (or any life event you want to remember), then you're in luck! I'm here to share some tips I've learned over three decades of buying myself baubles.
Tip #1: Set aside an amount you can enjoy spending.
Before getting carried away looking at beautiful designs, decide how much you're comfortable spending on your ring. It could be money you've been saving specifically for this occasion, or a portion of a bonus or pay rise. You don't necessarily have to spend the entire amount you've received.
Let the jeweller know your budget upfront so the first designs they show you are ones you can seriously consider.
Remember, a milestone doesn't come with a required price tag. If you find a ring you absolutely love that costs less than you expected, that's still a wonderful way to celebrate. And if the design you have your heart set on requires a little more saving, there's nothing wrong with waiting until you're ready.
For a consultation about bespoke rings in white gold, Lily Arkwright's Manchester showroom offers in-person appointments and WhatsApp video calls. You can also ask if an existing design can be customized and how your preferred stone or metal might affect the price.
If you're ordering from abroad, make sure to check whether the jeweller delivers to your country, the total cost of delivery, and how ring sizing or future adjustments will be handled.
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| I love these. Those are the colors I associate with my sons! |
Tip #2: Show the jeweler what caught your eye.
I've always believed that jewelry is more meaningful when there's a story behind it. In fact, the story behind Topaz Horizon's name goes back to a gemstone I associate with my grandmother. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most precious things we wear have personal meanings that other people may never know.
So before settling on a design, think about what you're celebrating. Is it a promotion you've worked years for? The first invoice from a business you built yourself? A project that took months of hard work to complete? Or simply reaching a stage in life where you can look back and say, "I've done well"?
You can even incorporate a little reminder of that milestone into the ring. Perhaps a project name engraved inside the band, if the design allows it, or a personal note tucked into the jewelry box.
When consulting with a jeweller, bring a few inspiration photos. Don't just show them what you like; explain what you like about each design. Maybe you love the blue gemstone but prefer a simpler band. Or perhaps you like the shape of a ring you already own and want something similar.
The more specific you are about what matters to you, the easier it will be for the jeweller to come up with a design that suits your taste and budget.
I've always believed that jewelry is more meaningful when there's a story behind it. In fact, the story behind Topaz Horizon's name goes back to a gemstone I associate with my grandmother. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most precious things we wear have personal meanings that other people may never know.
So before settling on a design, think about what you're celebrating. Is it a promotion you've worked years for? The first invoice from a business you built yourself? A project that took months of hard work to complete? Or simply reaching a stage in life where you can look back and say, "I've done well"?
You can even incorporate a little reminder of that milestone into the ring. Perhaps a project name engraved inside the band, if the design allows it, or a personal note tucked into the jewelry box.
When consulting with a jeweller, bring a few inspiration photos. Don't just show them what you like; explain what you like about each design. Maybe you love the blue gemstone but prefer a simpler band. Or perhaps you like the shape of a ring you already own and want something similar.
The more specific you are about what matters to you, the easier it will be for the jeweller to come up with a design that suits your taste and budget.
Tip #3: Picture it during an ordinary working day.
One thing to consider when choosing a ring is how it will feel when you're actually wearing it. After all, this isn't something you'll only bring out for special occasions. I once bought a huge ring that was absolutely gorgeous but was also absoultely not practical to wear every day.
So when you're at the jewelry store and spotted a ring you liked, try it while holding your phone, typing on a keyboard, or doing the things you normally do throughout the day. Notice whether the sides feel comfortable when you bring your fingers together. Look at it from your usual seated position, too, rather than just admiring it with your hand held up.
And don't feel that you have to choose something understated just because you'll be wearing it to work. If you've always wanted a big, colorful gemstone, go ahead and try one! If you prefer a delicate band without a centre stone, that's equally lovely.
It's your achievement, your money, and your ring. Choose something that makes you happy.
Make sure the jeweller measures the correct hand and finger. GIA's ring-sizing guidance explains how band width can affect fit, so mention the kind of ring you're considering. If you're having a remote consultation, ask how you can get an accurate measurement locally.
Tip #4: Ask what happens after the consultation.
Before committing to a design, request a complete quotation that includes the stone, metal, and agreed specifications. Find out what happens if you decide to change a detail later and whether those changes will affect the price or delivery timeline.
Keep a copy of the final written specifications, so you know exactly what you're getting.
If you're choosing white gold, ask whether the ring will be rhodium-plated and how much future replating might cost. It's also worth knowing how the jeweller handles repairs, resizing, and other after-sales concerns.
And once you finally have your ring, wear it!
You don't have to save it for another promotion, a fancy dinner, or your next birthday. Wear it on an ordinary Tuesday while answering emails, running errands, or enjoying your morning coffee.
Because sometimes, the best reminders of how far we've come aren't the awards on our shelves or the congratulatory messages in our inbox. They're the little things we get to enjoy every day.
And if a beautiful ring reminds you that you worked hard, accomplished something wonderful, and deserve to celebrate yourself, then I say wear it proudly.
Before committing to a design, request a complete quotation that includes the stone, metal, and agreed specifications. Find out what happens if you decide to change a detail later and whether those changes will affect the price or delivery timeline.
Keep a copy of the final written specifications, so you know exactly what you're getting.
If you're choosing white gold, ask whether the ring will be rhodium-plated and how much future replating might cost. It's also worth knowing how the jeweller handles repairs, resizing, and other after-sales concerns.
And once you finally have your ring, wear it!
You don't have to save it for another promotion, a fancy dinner, or your next birthday. Wear it on an ordinary Tuesday while answering emails, running errands, or enjoying your morning coffee.
Because sometimes, the best reminders of how far we've come aren't the awards on our shelves or the congratulatory messages in our inbox. They're the little things we get to enjoy every day.
And if a beautiful ring reminds you that you worked hard, accomplished something wonderful, and deserve to celebrate yourself, then I say wear it proudly.
*images courtesy of Lily Arkwright
