• Duo de Gogane pendant in 18k white gold (750), pear and round sapphires, resting on green velvet

    • Giving Fine Jewelry: Our Advice for Choosing Well

    Written by: L'atelier NAGOYA

    Giving a piece of jewelry means giving something that will stay with someone for years. A few simple questions help you choose the right piece, for the right person and the right occasion.

    Start with the person and the occasion

    Before looking at jewelry, ask yourself three questions: who is it for, for what occasion, and what do you want it to say? A birth, a birthday, a proposal or a simple thank-you do not call for the same piece.

    Look at what the person already wears: yellow, rose or white gold? Discreet or bold pieces? Rings, necklaces? A piece that suits their style will be worn, not left in a drawer.

    Gentiane ring in its green velvet NAGOYA jewelry box
    A ring in its jewelry box.

    Choosing the right type of piece

    Necklaces and pendants are safe gifts: you do not need to know a size. Discover, for example, the Gogane Necklace or the Duo de Gogane Pendant.

    A ring is more symbolic, and it needs the right size. If the surprise matters, discreetly borrow a ring the person wears on the same finger and follow our guide Finding Your Ring Size. If in doubt, write to our workshop before ordering.

    Giving the gift meaning

    A stone can carry an intention. One tradition links a stone to each birth month: sapphire to September, emerald to May, ruby to July (GIA). The Auvergne sapphire adds a story: that of a French stone, gathered from the streams of the Massif Central.

    To go further, a piece can be created or adapted for the person: a different stone, gold or proportions. That is what our bespoke approach is about.

    Gentiane ring worn on the finger
    Gentiane, a ring designed for engagements.

    Choosing a piece that lasts

    A gift of fine jewelry is kept for a long time, so take an interest in how it is made. Where is it made? With which metal and which stones, from where? Can the jeweler care for it and repair it?

    At NAGOYA, each piece is crafted or finished by hand in our Saumur workshop; the origin of our Auvergne sapphires and the fineness of our gold are listed on each product page. Our guidelines for a responsible purchase are in Ethical Jewelry: Guidelines for Choosing with Confidence.

    Pear-shaped pendant with a red stone and a diamond surround, on a wire
    A pendant, a gift that needs no size.

    Plan ahead

    Our jewelry is made to order: the making time is listed on each product page. For a specific date, plan ahead, and let’s talk about it together.

    Would you rather talk it over in person? We welcome you by appointment at our workshop, 44 rue de Rouen in Saumur, France, or you can write to us from our contact page.