Graduation Gifts: From Dorm Room to Desk

A guide to gifting the two big crossings of the season

Two of our favorite kinds of customers walk in this time of year. The mom with a high school senior who’s about to head off to college. And the mom (or grandmom, or aunt, or godmother) of a college grad starting her first real job. Both are big crossings. Both deserve something that travels with the new graduate into whatever’s next for them.

Here are our picks for both, in a few price ranges. We’ve also pulled together a few sets for when several people want to go in together.

For the High School Graduate

(Sending her off to college)

This is the moment to lean into her new school’s colors. Crimson, navy, orange, purple, kelly green, gold, black, white. We have a stone for every one of them, and almost every JB piece can be made in the color she’s about to be cheering for. Pick the school. We’ll match the stone.

Under $100

Mini Rock Threaders, $48.

The simplest way to wear her new school’s color every day. Clean, light, easy.

Mini Rock Bracelet, $53.

A single school-color stone on a delicate chain. Layers with anything she already owns.

$100 to $200

5-Stone Mila Necklace, $108.

Five stones across the front. Either in a neutral you can wear every day, or alternate two of her new school’s colors (this would be a custom order, so call us at the store 615.269.5600.) Perfect for that first football game.

Uno Nest Posts, $113.

The kind of stud she’ll wear from move-in day to graduation four years later. A great wardrobe staple. Chose her birthstone, we've got them all.

$200 and up

Cleo Hoops, $298.

Game day in earring form. We’ve made these in every SEC color at least once. Roll Tide, Go Vols, Geaux Tigers, plus a long list of Big Ten, ACC, and Ivy palettes.

For the College Graduate

(Sending her off to her first job)

This is the gift that’s going to live in her jewelry dish for the next ten years. Less trendy, more classic, shapes in real metal. Gold-filled, sterling, sometimes a pearl. Pieces she’ll still be reaching for at thirty, in front of a desk, on a flight, or at a wedding.

Under $100

Mini Hoops, $53.

The everyday hoop that disappears into her routine and never comes off. Or buy the set with little stone charms that slide on and off for variety. 

Petite Pearl Necklace, $78.

The grown-up first-job necklace. Quiet, polished, never wrong. Perfect under a blazer or a turtleneck. She’ll wear it to interviews and weddings for years.

Or, if you think she'd prefer something a bit longer:

Aja Necklace, $88.
Another JB classic, this necklace is a great wardrobe staple and a wonderful layering piece. Pair it with a plain Mackie Chain Necklace and a pearl Mini Rock necklace for a lovely stack. 

Textured Swing Necklace, $98.
She will wear this constantly and no one else will have anything like it. Something handmade to remind her of home.

Tennessee Charm Necklace, $63.
If she's leaving the State or just the city she was born in, if she's a TN girl, she might like to take a symbol of home with her. Further personalize it with her birthstone.

$100 to $300

Crossover Band, $168.

A bold gold ring from our signature collection. One of our loved rings, because you know it's us and it stacks with everything she already owns, and stands out brightly in a crowd.

Kate Bracelet, $178.

A clean gold-filled chain bracelet. The foundation she’ll layer everything else over for the next decade.

The Lily Necklace, $198
One of our signature pieces, beloved by many. A great go-to piece you can wear every day. A real statement and stand-alone piece. Look at Moonstone for New Beginnings or Pyrite for Protection.

$300 and up

 

When a Few People Want to Go In Together

Some gifts are bigger than one person. These are the sets we recommend when grandparents, parents, aunts, godmothers, or a group of friends want to chip in for one really memorable gift. We’re happy to wrap them all together, or to spread the unboxing across cards from each giver.

The Office Starter Stack, about $400

Mini Hoops + Kate Bracelet + Crossover Band.

The everyday set. One of each. Earrings, bracelet, ring, the daily uniform. Three small pieces she’ll wear constantly.

The Layered Necklace Set, about $710

7-Stone Mila Necklace + Gillian Necklace + Madeleine Necklace

Three different lengths designed to layer together. She’ll put them on for every big moment from her twenties forward.

The Statement Set, about $774

Hammered Ovals Necklace + Brigitte Earrings + Wide Stacking Cuff.