Pearl and Blue Topaz Yellow Gold Earrings

On the whole, progress is wonderful. I love my washing machine, my television, my reverse cycle heater, and I definitely love my computer! But no matter how fond you feel of the trappings of a new era, there is always a little nostalgia that you feel about the fashions and items of times gone by. This is why antique shopping is such a popular Saturday pastime. In honor of that little tingling feeling you (or your loved ones!) get in the pit of your stomach when you see a hand-operated mangle, or an intricately hand-carved piano stool, we are looking at the classical style gifts for men and women that will make someone’s birthday this August.

Amber Stud Earrings

Pandora Loops with White Agate Charm

Pandora Strawberry Charm

Pandora Blue Topaz Flower Ring

White Gold ‘I Love You’ Ring

Men’s ‘Wound’ Diamond Cuff Links

Fossil Men’s Analog Wood Dial Watch

The beautiful blue topaz and pearl earrings at the beginning of the article are the epitome of classical style. They incorporate older style base metals (yellow gold), traditional gemstones (topaz and pearl), and have a sleek, straightforward style that was the hallmark of classical elegance. The pearls are quite large, 10.5mm across, and the brilliant cut blue topaz are 4mm across each. The gold is a durable 14ct blend, and they are quite sizeable earrings, measuring 3.5mm across – suitable for evening wear as well as during the day.

Amber is a stone which is often incorporated in a folksy, natural sort of way into modern style jewelry. However, the simplicity of these amber stud earrings make them classical items through and through. They are a lovely middling size for stud earrings, at 8mm across, and the amber is domed for a nice, soft look. They are on a sterling silver base, and with a nod to the limitations of the past, each earrings will be unique in its own miniscule way. There is no machine processing to remove the gorgeous natural inclusions in the amber that make it individual.

We mentioned that much of classical style is in the choice of materials. There are some gemstones that are only rarely used nowadays, either because of over-mining, or simply because they have fallen out of favor. Agate is one gemstone that is rarely seen nowadays, but that has a lovely dramatic effect in jewelry. This white agate on loops charm is made to fit on a Pandora bracelet. If your friend or loved one doesn’t already have one, this is the perfect excuse to start one for her! Pandora has a huge range of charms and jewelry with an antique-feel oxidized sterling silver base, just like this charm.

The strawberry charm at right is another great example of the antique-feel oxidized sterling silver products that Pandora revels in. The dimples in the strawberry are all oxidized, creating a more definite pattern as well as an old-world feel. The strawberry charm can be found in the sterling silver beads category, one of the most budget-friendly places to start a Pandora bracelet. Takes you back to a time when sweets didn’t come out of a packet, but out of the ground!

Pandora’s signature style includes not only shabby-chic, antique feel items, but also incredibly elegant and traditional style jewelry like the blue topaz flower ring pictured at right. Again, a soft round band, topaz and yellow gold help create a traditional base, and the 14ct metal and sound setting make it a sturdy item that will last forever. Just like they used to make them! Easy coordination is another hallmark of classicism – this ring comes with the option to buy matching stud earrings and a gold flower topaz charm for Pandora bracelets, also.

One of the oldest themes of human existence, and the reason for living for most of us, Love is in the air around birthday times … why not celebrate it?! Women are not the only ones who can have a classical style and tip their dainty hats to the past. The white gold ring at right is a men’s style piece, with a thicker band width of 6mm and a masculine light satin finish. It has ‘I Love You’ engraved on the surface in 9 languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, German, Portuguese, Arabic and Japanese. While there are not as many options within the white gold range of rings for men, it is definitely a more traditional metal than the stainless steel and titanium rings that abound.

Men’s jewelry is becoming more and more popular, day to day. The range is expanding, and manufacturers are experimenting with different colors and styles. But ‘way back when’, men wore little jewelry – only what was necessary. Men were pretty much limited to wedding rings, cufflinks and a ’snappy’ watch! The ‘Wound’ diamond silver cufflinks at right are a great example of the simple style that most men’s jewelry took back in the day. They come from the Hot Diamonds range of jewelry, an are made of sterling silver inset with four brilliant cut white diamonds, in each end of the bars. They are 22mm long, and the sterling silver has been rhodium plated. So while they’ll never develop that aged, oxidized patina, they’ll always look like they’re fresh off the blacksmith’s forge !

Watches are another very traditional style of jewelry for men. It is actually only quite a recent development that men’s watches have linked metal bands. Many years ago, it was much simpler to use stitched leather bands to create stylish watches like the Fossil one at right. Fossil watches blend a unique bold style with traditionalism. While the wood dial watch is not strictly classical jewelry style, it does lend quite a natural, down-to-earth feel. It comes with a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty, as well as an amazing price tag!

Who said the olden days were gone?! They live on through our jewelry range . If you haven’t yet seen the perfect gift for your loved one, keep browsing in our hand-selected Gift Ideas for Men and Gift Ideas for Women sections to find something just right – look for older style materials, simple designs and a sleek look. If you need any pointers, don’t hesitate to click the Live Help link at the right of screen, and we’ll be right there with you!