We've all heard it before. We've all said it before. We would all prefer to receive a gift of one good thing over heaps of smaller, more disposable items. Believe it or not, sustainable gift-giving is achievable. Check out these brilliant tips from Ryan Thomas Jewellers on buying gifts that will last for generations.
So, with forty-two festive seasons under their belt, the famed Clonmel jewellers sure know a thing or two about gift giving...
1. Buy Quality Not Quantity
Jewellery can be a very meaningful gift and should be something that can be passed down from generation to generation. Our advice is to avoid the more delicate items if you are hoping to buy an heirloom piece, go for something more substantial as it will be more likely to stand the test of time.
If you are choosing a piece with a coloured gemstone consider the fact that not all gemstones are suitable for everyday wear. Some stones have a relative lack of durability (hardness), meaning they can be scratched and damaged more easily. Emerald, tanzanite and opal are softer gemstones so they're more at risk of damage than the likes of diamond, ruby and sapphire.
Yes, you do pay for quality but you don’t have to pay right now for it i.e. at Ryan Thomas Jewellers you can put a piece away and pay for it over a three-month period allowing you to purchase the One Good Thing for your loved one (or yourself for that matter!)
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2. Lab Diamonds
If we are talking about sustainable gift giving then we have to mention lab diamonds. Ethically created lab-grown diamonds may well be the future of diamond production. What is the difference between a lab diamond and a mined diamond? The difference is in the process of diamond formation. They are visually and molecularly the same. Whilst mined diamonds formed naturally over billions of years, deep underground, lab diamonds are grown in a lab using a process called high pressure, high temperature or HPHT. A lab-grown diamond ring is a gorgeous alternative if you would like the fire and brilliance of a natural diamond especially if you wish to source a bigger diamond at a lower price point. They retail at approximately 30 to 40% less than a mined diamond and are fully certified. Again, lab diamond pieces can be put away and paid for over time.
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3. Re-design old pieces
Nothing is more sustainable than using what you already have. If you have jewellery you no longer wear or if you have been gifted jewellery that doesn't suit your style, we suggest repurposing it. One piece of jewellery or several pieces can be repurposed into something new to breathe new life into it for you and future generations. We have a jewellery designer who will talk you through different redesign options and all bespoke pieces are handcrafted and one of a kind.
This option is so popular that there is a waiting list at Ryan Thomas Jewellers but if you like this idea you can put a small deposit down and get your name added to the list.
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To help you on the way to buying One Good Thing, head over to Beat's Insta to win a €150 Ryan Thomas Jewellers Voucher.
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This content is brought to you by Ryan Thomas Jewellers
