Shine Bright, Shop Smart: How to Nail Your Jewelry Gift Game This Holiday Season

Tips for choosing the right pieces from Ferndale jeweler Joseph Shihadeh

Marketplace Story

Published: November 22, 2024 | Last Updated: November 22, 2024

There are reasons why jewelry is a top gift year after year: Jewelry is timeless, thoughtful and special. What’s not to love?

But when money, infinite choices and emotions are involved, the jewelry-buying process can sometimes feel daunting. Joseph Shihadeh, owner of Giorgio Conti Jewelers in Ferndale, knows this and wants to help make it a positive experience for local jewelry shoppers this holiday season and beyond

“We understand that stepping into a jewelry store can be intimidating, especially when making an emotional purchase,” Shihadeh tells Pride Source.

Giorgio Conti Jewelers relocated to Ferndale at the beginning of this year, but has been in business for over 40 years. They are used to helping an influx of shoppers around the holidays make the best decision for their price point and style needs, and have a few tips if you’re in the market for a sparkly, special gift this season.

Timeless styles are a safe choice.

A great thing about gifting jewelry is that it’s timeless and can fit within a variety of styles. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t trends that come and go. Shihadeh says classic pieces, like tennis bracelets or solitaire pendants, are gifts that remain popular year after year. If you’re unsure of a design for your loved one, something with a timeless look is a safe (but still sweet) move.

Or, consider working directly with a jeweler on custom pieces.

More unique pieces also make great gifts. Knowing your loved one well enough to understand their taste in jewelry makes the gift that much more meaningful, especially if you help design the piece.

Giorgio Conti offers custom pieces created right in their in-house design studio in Ferndale, which allows buyers to be involved in every step of the process. Before stepping into a jewelry store, though, make sure to pay attention to the pieces your loved one already owns and wears frequently, or where you notice a gap in their collection. Also, be sure to know their preferences for yellow or white gold, if they prefer diamonds or gemstones, and whether they like rings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, or earrings.

“If you’re looking for more ideas or help with the design, one of our design ambassadors would be happy to assist you, too,” says Shihadeh. “No job is too small or big to make the holiday feel special.”

Be clear about your budget.

Shihadeh knows making a big jewelry purchase takes lots of planning –– and money. He recommends coming in with a budget in mind so as not to overwhelm yourself with too many options.

“We offer a wide range of price points to help you find that special piece,” he says.

When deciding on a budget, keep in mind the jewelry type, the kind of gemstone, whether or not the piece is custom, and if purchasing something with diamonds, whether they are lab-grown or earth-mined.

Think about bringing the recipient into the store with you.

You may be set on surprising your loved one with a beautiful piece to add to their jewelry box, but Shihadeh says bringing them into the store to try on jewelry could make the experience better for the two of you. Plus, it can save you time and money.

“You might have something in mind but at the end of the day, you really need to try things on and see what looks good on you,” says Shihadeh. The same goes for when purchasing a gift for someone, he says.

“You can have tons of pictures of things that interest you but once you try it on, you might want to tweak a few things.”

Make sure you are comfortable with your purchase…and experience.

Arguably the most important thing to consider while purchasing jewelry this holiday season (or any time) is that you’re comfortable throughout the process. You don’t want to feel pressured into buying something more expensive than what you had planned, and you don’t want to be talked into a piece that isn’t what you’re looking for.

This is why Shihadeh stresses the importance of visiting a jeweler who will listen to what you’re looking for.

“As an LGBTQ- and family-owned business, we strive to create a personal atmosphere for everyone who visits. Jewelry is special, and it deserves to come with a memorable experience,” he says. That experience, he adds, shouldn’t be memorable for being stressful, intimidating or overwhelming.

Giorgio Conti Jewelers is focused on creating positive connections with their clients and the community. Though they only moved to Ferndale in January, they sponsored the Affirmations Gala, hosted a Pride party and are a chair and sponsor of the CARE Night Gala, which supports CARE House in Oakland County, a non-profit that serves children in need. Shihadeh says they are excited to host and assist with other upcoming events, too.

“We’re committed to engaging with the community in diverse ways and supporting different causes,” says Shihadeh. The jewelry shop owner says they also proudly support the arts and culture scene in Ferndale and Detroit.

Giorgio Conti wants everyone to feel welcomed while purchasing items that represent milestones, like engagements, anniversaries, birthdays and promotions, he says, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. “Michigan lacks jewelers that are part of –– and engaging with –– the LGBTQ+ community, so we are proud to fill that gap,” he says.

This content is made possible through our partnership with Giorgio Conti Jewelers. Learn more about this LGBTQ-owned Ferndale business at gconti.com.