Jewelry, for me, is super personal. The pieces with the most meaning are the ones I love the most and never want to take off. So, as Mother’s Day approaches, I got to thinking – why not gift something like that to Mom this year? I’ll still pick up the requisite flowers and compose a heartfelt card, but I’m ready to start a charming new tradition with jewelry that can be built upon for every occasion (birthdays, milestones, or even just because). Here’s how to get started.

1. Pick a base. I’m a fan of this blue corded bracelet. (Bonus: it can also be worn as a necklace.) It’s casual enough for everyday wear and adds a nice pop of color. If you prefer to go the earring route, simple gold hoops make for a sophisticated and super-versatile base that packs a lot of punch even without the addition of a charm.
2. Decide on a theme. Color coordinate. Commemorate your favorite vacations. Create a redefined friendship bracelet and put together the grownup version of those split hearts you and your best friend exchanged and wore around your necks back in the day. Or, just make the jewelry all about things your Mom loves – shout out her star sign, initials, lucky number, or favorite charitable cause.
3. Choose your charms and get ready to tell a story. That personalized bracelet and eye-catching earrings are guaranteed to be conversation-starters.

Our PANDORA Boutique opens Friday, April 26, at 11AM ET.

By Chrissy Makkas, Staff Writer

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Sure, we love gifts of luxury. We love thoughtful gifts that speak to a need (finally, a decent coffee machine!). But there’s something about a present that packs an emotional punch. Here are five tips to getting – stylishly – heartfelt for the holidays.

1. Time for a photo op. Too often, old pictures end up piled in shoe boxes. Choose a photo that’s curling at the corners and give it the frame it deserves. We’re partial to silver and leather.

2. Charmed, we’re sure.  We’ve long been fans of the charm bracelet, and we’ve fallen hard for gifting PANDORA’s modern bracelets and necklaces. The right charm (say, a baby carriage with a pink or blue accent stone) commemorates a moment perfectly. And there’s nothing like starting someone out with a cord and her first charms.

3. Engrave – to raves. There’s something magical about a gift that carries a personal message (literally). Whether it’s a watch case or the border of a picture frame, adding a quote or even just “XO” and your name takes it to another level.

4.  Get the news. We love giving a newspaper from the day you met, or the day the giftee was born.  For a fun, bonus add-on, pick up a pair of luxe slippers or a chic welcome mat.

5. Make it happen. You have to love a handmade gift. But for those less-crafty types (guilty!), why not handcraft the card? It can be as easy as printing out an iPhone snap of the two of you, pasting it onto a simple notecard, and adding a sweet message with a Sharpie.

Our PANDORA Boutique opens on Saturday, November 24, at 11AM ET.

By Rachel Solomon, Associate Creative Director

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