A long-standing tradition between brides and grooms involves the giving of gifts to each other on the wedding day. Often the bride will wish to receive another piece of jewelry, such as diamond stud earrings or a pendant. When it comes to the groom however, opinion on this tradition is widely varied as to the importance that a bride should place on his gift. Some even suggest that tickets to a sporting event may be all he really needs.  My opinion is that although tickets to a game make a great birthday or anniversary gift, on a momentous occasion like a wedding day they fall significantly short in conveying how important the day is and how important the bride views the groom as a lifetime partner.

A piece of jewelry for your groom? Why not?

Just as the engagement ring and wedding bands should be a meaningful investment that expresses the significance of your changing status, a gift to your groom on the wedding day should be significant, meaningful and something that will serve as a lifelong reminder of the day you were wed.  The gift of an appropriate piece of jewelry does just that.  Jewelry chosen wisely expresses value, is wearable for a lifetime and doesn’t go in and out of fashion like the newest fad. Most jewelry can also be engraved with a message and date that will personalize the piece and create a treasured family heirloom for your children and grandchildren.

Engraved Cufflinks, Etsy

Thinking your guy just isn’t a jewelry guy? Well think of it this way. Your gift is a symbol of your special day and of how important it is. He may not be a tuxedo guy either, but if you came down the aisle on this important day in your beautiful gown to find him waiting at the front dressed in his work overalls it wouldn’t be too special, right? He may not wear jewelry daily but over the course of your lifetime together there will be plenty of opportunity for him to wear a thoughtful piece of jewelry that you’ve given.

Not a jewelry guy? The watch and cufflinks option 

What about a watch for the groom?

If your guy’s not a jewelry guy consider a beautiful watch. Lean toward watches with mechanical or automatic movements that will last forever rather than an inexpensive quartz movement. Engravings such as both your initials followed by “For all time” can personalize the piece. A beautiful pair of cufflinks can be worn on the day of the wedding and future important occasions.

For the jewelry lover

A masculine bracelet will work for both casual and more formal times.

For guys who like wearing jewelry daily, a meaningful pendant or masculine bracelet will work for both casual and more formal times. Consider pieces that use some of the more contemporary metals such as Titanium or Tungsten. He may already be familiar with some of the newer metals if he loves anything to do with cars, planes or aerospace where they’ve been used for years. Some guys today embrace jewelry as a great style accessory that helps express their individuality. If that’s your guy, you may opt for a flashier piece that expresses how special he is to you. In this case, diamond stud earrings aren’t just for the bride alone – just make sure yours are larger!

By Jewelry and Style Expert, Michael O’Connor