A San Diego holiday jewelry guide: Meaningful gifts for every California style

There isn’t really one San Diego look. Spend a day here, and you’ll see someone in La Jolla dressed up for brunch, then drive 20 minutes to PB and see people in flip-flops in December. Both are completely normal.

So of course holiday jewelry shopping isn’t going to one-size-fits-all. The bestseller list has no clue who your girlfriend, wife or mom is. One person might love a lab-grown diamond ring, while another might never put it on. 

When shopping for jewelry, think about how your or that special someone in your life appears at work each day — both in what they wear and where they spend their time — and find an item that reflects that look.

Check out our community guide to holiday jewelry below. It’s not an exact science, but it does provide an excellent starting point.

La Jolla: Polished with a touch of the coast

The style of La Jolla is quite refined. It does not appear gaudy, but it is well-groomed and somewhat elegant. Diamond studs or a small, thin tennis bracelet would go well. You could also try a solitaire pendant with a delicate chain. White gold and platinum are great complements.

If you want to have a little bit of color in your ring, try a sapphire or aquamarine. The blue gives a hint of the cove, but it will also keep you looking like you have class.

Coronado: A touch of old-fashioned romance

Coronado has a vintage feel. It’s got an old-fashioned hotel, a large expanse of beach and couples strolling along as the sun goes down. Romantic jewelry would fit well in this area. Pearls and diamonds make great earring options for those visiting.

If you are looking for an anniversary gift, a three-stone ring is worth a look. Lots of people say the stones stand for your past, present and future together, which is a sweet thing to explain when you hand it over. Rose gold, heart pendants and vintage-looking pieces also give a romantic vibe.

North Park: For someone who does their own thing

You know the friend who finds their best clothes at a thrift shop on 30th Street and somehow always looks great? That’s North Park style.

For that fit, a ring with a pink sapphire or a green tourmaline could be a hit. So could earrings that don’t match on purpose, or a mix of gold and silver that can be worn together. Odd diamond shapes are fun here as well, like a hexagon or a kite. 

Some people in this area love art deco designs, and others adore little leaf or flower shapes. If you’re not sure, look at what your love already owns. It’ll usually tell you more than any store will.

Del Mar: Quiet and easy

Del Mar is laid back, but people still look put together — whether they’re heading to the beach or the racetrack.

Smaller jewelry is usually better here. A tiny diamond pendant, a thin bracelet, maybe an emerald-cut ring with a clean shape. Lab-grown diamond necklaces are a good fit too. You can get a fine chain with real diamond sparkle for less than you’d pay for mined stones, and that can be layered with existing pieces. Throw in some small hoops or huggies, and the whole set can be worn from morning coffee to a nice dinner without changing a thing.

Pacific Beach: Designed for living

The No. 1 priority here is comfort. Low-setting rings won’t get snagged on a wetsuit or beach towel, and a simple pendant or small gemstone stud earring can stay on for the entirety of the day. 

Other accessories that are easy-to-wear include stackable band rings and light bracelets. Regardless of your choice, always be sure the stones in your pieces are secure.

Downtown: Chic in the city

Downtown is a little bit more modern. Options here include a lab-grown diamond cocktail ring, geometric earrings, a colored gemstone pendant or perhaps a tennis necklace in a straightforward, bare, up-to-date style.

You don’t have to run wild with statement pieces. Try one or two, rather than a whole lot vying for attention.

Don’t let the map rule your choice

While neighborhood comparisons may be a good place to begin, the key probably already exists inside your jewelry box.

What kind of metal gets worn most frequently? Are you keeping things simple or going out of the ordinary, and how are you spending your day? Different types of earrings are worn by nurses and lawyers. 

Favorite colors can be a factor too, as are special dates or little symbols significant for both of you.

Make it mean something

Creating a birthstone, a short engraving or a two-stone piece symbolizing the two of you can make a great and memorable gift. Some people choose to select a stone for each child or one that is significant for a wedding anniversary.

Diamonds or colored stones?

Natural and lab-grown diamonds are exactly alike and have the same hardness. The main difference is price, with lab-grown gems generally costing a lot less. 

If you choose lab-grown diamonds, IGI-certified lab diamond jewelry will feature a report from an independent lab, giving you peace of mind that you are getting what you’re paying for.

Moissanite is a different stone that sends out more of a rainbow sparkle, and it is tough enough for everyday use.

Sapphires and rubies are very hard also, and these make excellent rings. Emeralds are beautiful, but a little more delicate. Opals are even softer, so they’re ideal for earrings or pendants, rather than being worn daily in a ring. Aquamarines fall somewhere in between and are a great choice for those who enjoy the water.

Check before you pay

Ask for a grading report and determine whether a colored stone has been treated. Online images can make the item look bigger than what it actually is, so knowing the gold purity, the quality of the setting and the real size of the item is very important. 

You should also find out about the warranty, the ability to get repairs done and how you can return the jewelry. If an item will be sent to you, make sure it is insured.

Now is the best time to buy

Custom and engraved items may take several weeks to create, and shipping is inevitably slower during the holidays. When there may be a possibility of resizing, you should order early.

When shipping, request signature-on-delivery and plain packaging.

Keep the moment simple

Write a short note explaining why this jewelry is your choice for the gift, and keep the wrapping simple. When the time is right, present the gift somewhere you feel like you — perhaps a sunset stroll along the beach or after a quiet holiday dinner at home.

A gift that lasts

The best gifts are the ones that will actually be worn, that hold up over time and that mean something special. 

From La Jolla polish to North Park creativity, the right jewelry gift should feel less like a holiday purchase and more like a reflection of the person receiving it.