“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”, said famous preacher Gaspard (Cardinal) Marmillod. As Mother’s Day gift season approaches, this and so many other quotes and poems inspired by the real superheroes in our lives come to my mind. Mother’s Day is very special to me as a daughter and a mother, and I like to think of it as a time for honouring the people who know us best and love us the most.
A mother’s love is unconditional and becomes the fuel that pushes us to reach for our dreams. That’s why mums deserve to be loved and pampered 24/7, all year round. But if there were a time when we should show just how grateful we feel to have them around, Mother’s Day would be it.
After a painfully long pandemic and extended periods of isolation, most of us miss and appreciate our mums now more than ever. So what better reason to surprise yours with an extra-special Mother’s Day gift that will signify exactly how much she means to you? When buying gifts for mums, many of us fall back on the classics: a massive bouquet of flowers, fancy afternoon tea, a lavish meal, or a new bag. But with Mother’s Day 2022 coming up, why not dig a little deeper and find that unique present that she’ll cherish forever.
Here’s a tip: anything that your mum actually needs, she can buy herself. What you should give her is something she wants. A luxurious gift she wouldn’t think to buy for herself will make her feel pampered and appreciated. And what could possibly top the feeling of indulgence and sweet nostalgia that vintage jewellery evokes?
Being a lifelong vintage enthusiast, my passion for period jewels is evident even in one of my earliest memories. When I was ten, my sister and I decided to surprise our mum for Mother’s Day with a pair of costume clip earrings (she never pierced her ears) and a bottle of perfume from a corner gift shop. She loved the earrings so much that she instantly added them to her clip collection and still cherishes them to this day. She’ll pull out a pair every now and then to either wear or gift to me, as she knows I’m a sucker for ear clips too. And since these pieces are now truly vintage, they’re very close to my heart and will likely end up in my daughter’s jewellery box in a few years.
If anything, gifting vintage jewellery for Mother’s Day feels so much more thoughtful and considerate. It shows that you’ve put a great deal of effort into carefully choosing an heirloom that will be passed down through generations and symbolise your family’s eternal bond. So, this year, how about treating the most important woman in your life to a unique jewel that only she will own? A time-honoured vintage piece to serve as a constant reminder of your special memories that she will treasure forever.
Explore my selection of 15 heartfelt Mother’s Day gifts, thoughtfully curated to accommodate all tastes, styles, and budgets. For the crème de la crème of my Mother’s Day vintage jewellery collection, skip to the last part with my top picks guaranteed to melt your mum’s heart.
VINTAGE EARRINGS THAT MATCH HER STYLE
Nothing can go wrong with gifting vintage earrings for a special occasion. Wearable and memorable, vintage earrings are a unique, thoughtful, and stunning gift for Mother’s Day. They complement almost any outfit, and since they’re easier to maintain, she can enjoy them for many years to come.
Vintage Givenchy Monete Style Earrings
Vintage Givenchy Monete style earrings for pierced ears centred with a Greek Key motif and finished with an imitation Lapis Lazuli stone. A rare and versatile piece from the 1980s-1990s that mums with a classic style will love wearing.
Reversible Vintage Earrings by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
A stunning pair of reversible vintage earrings by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co, centred with a versatile bull’s eye Agate stone. One side is in 18ct gold and the other in oxidised sterling silver, allowing your mum to choose between two different looks depending on her style or mood.
Vintage Maramenos & Pateras Clip Earrings
Vintage 18ct gold clip earrings from the 1980s, designed in the form of dreamy waves that can be worn in either direction. These stunners are adjustable on the ear for a classy or edgier look. Mummies will adore the chic note of Hellenic-inspired aesthetics that define these signed earrings, a signature touch of renowned Greek jewellery maker Maramenos & Pateras.
Inspired by Greek history, tradition, and nature, the brand has been handcrafting fine jewellery in a distinct Hellenic style since 1969. Every design embodies the history of Greek jewellery-making and is accented with elegant, contemporary touches that effortlessly elevate any outfit.
Diamond Brackets Drop Earrings in White and Yellow Gold
A gorgeous pair of classic earrings with a buttery gold finish reminiscent of Suzanne Belperron and Boivin designs. They will sit gracefully on your mum’s ears, allowing the 38 sparkly diamonds in the centre to draw the attention she deserves. A timeless pair of earrings so comfortable to wear that they will quickly turn into your mum’s favourite go-to jewellery.
BROOCHES SHE WILL WEAR CLOSE TO HER HEART
While most mums are overjoyed to receive any kind of jewellery for Mother’s Day, trust me when I say a brooch has its own charm! Brooches emanate grace, elegance, and sheer class, and they have certainly made a strong comeback. They look good with everything and can be styled in all sorts of ways to achieve different styles. Bonus point: you don’t need to consider sizing, just your mum’s taste for choosing a design she will love.
Costume Cross Brooch With Faux Pearls and Rhinestones
A classic vintage costume brooch from the 1980s-1990s, shaped in the form of a cross and made with gold-tone metal. This chic brooch is accented with shiny faux pearls and rhinestones that will instantly make its presence noticed and complement any mum’s look. She’ll love pinning it on her blazers, coats, or sweaters.
Costume Cross Converter Brooch by Ciner
Mummies who grew up in the 1980s will love this colourful brooch, which can also be worn as a pendant. A chic, versatile accessory for your mum to pin on her scarf, button up her vest with, hang as a pendant from a chain, or wear in any other way she likes. This statement piece features faux pearls and glass in deep hues set on an oversized cross and is signed by the highly collectable brand Ciner.
Founded in 1892, Ciner is the only surviving costume jewellery company that designs, manufactures, and produces every piece by hand in its New York atelier while still adhering to the founder’s exact standards. It’s also the first and only American fine jewellery company to have switched to costume jewellery, made with the same high quality and enjoyed by the era’s biggest stars: Liz Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, and the Duchess of Windsor.
Vintage Gold & Diamond Ribbon Brooch
This elegant 18ct gold vintage brooch from the 1960s hits every mark for a truly memorable Mother’s Day gift. Its sinuous ribbon shape is beautifully accented with eight single cut diamonds that will add a touch of elegance and sparkle to your mum’s coat or classic black dress. The perfect accessory for those occasions she feels like getting all dressed up for.
Fine Diamond and Turquoise Furclip
A true testament to mid-century artistry, this stunning brooch represents a blooming flower with gorgeously articulated petals made with Cartier-style craftsmanship. The meandering design is accented with sparkling diamonds and centred with six Turquoise stones for a touch of colour. A true statement piece and unique Mother’s Day gift.
ONE-OF-A-KIND RINGS AND NECKLACES TO MAKE HER FEEL SPECIAL
Rings and necklaces carry a lot of meaning and sentimentality, making them a wonderfully thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day. Celebrate the extraordinary woman your mum is with a bold statement piece for special occasions that will remind her of your love for many years to come.
Costume Monet Omega Necklace
This sophisticated omega necklace is an iconic symbol of jewellery from the 1980s and 1990s that mummies with a weakness for vintage will adore. It sits beautifully on the neckline, exuding an air of class and elegance from the old days. This highly collectable piece is signed by Monet, a popular and sought after brand of vintage costume jewellery.
The company began producing high-quality costume jewellery in 1937, making it possible for the average person of the day to wear ‘diamonds’ and ‘pearls’ without paying the steep price. Each piece was created to look just like fine jewellery and help achieve a sophisticated, high-end look. The fashion-forward brand collaborated with big names such as Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix and remains a favourite among vintage jewellery collectors.
Estate Angela Caputi Beaded Necklace
A bold, fabulous, and extraordinary statement necklace made with plastic and rhinestone by Florentine costume jewellery designer Angela Caputi. This show-stopping piece embodies the designer’s signature style of merging creativity with smooth geometrical lines, making it ideal for mums who like to showcase their artsy side.
Inspired by the world of fashion and 1940s Hollywood movies, Angela Caputi creates unique jewellery that has gained global recognition and has caught the attention of many haute couture stylists. Her creations have adorned costumes in several films and have been displayed in museums across Florence and New York.
Contemporary Mabé Pearl and Diamond Ring
An elegant 1980s chunky 18ct gold ring that evokes an air of opulence reminiscent of the 1980s. This capsule jewellery piece is centred with a white mabé cultured pearl and embellished with round brilliant cut diamonds for a shiny accent. A timeless Mother’s Day gift that can never go out of style.
Contemporary Titanium and Diamond Butterfly Ring
A bold statement ring with an impressive butterfly design that’s sure to leave your mum in awe. This modern yet striking ring boasts two fan-shaped plaques made of Titanium and encrusted with 60 shimmering diamonds. In addition to being three times stronger than steel, Titanium is also resistant to scratches and corrosion. So not only is this one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gift perfect for everyday wear, but it is also something that can be passed on for generations to come.
THE ULTIMATE MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS GALORE
When it comes to choosing a special gift for your mum, personalisation and symbolic meaning can go a long way. Here are my selections for the ultimate Mother’s Day gifts:
Estate Chicks Diamond Brooch Pair
This adorable pair of non-identical chick brooches is perfect as a memorable gift for Mother’s Day with a sentimental spin. Made with 18ct gold and sparkling diamonds, this mama-hen and her baby chick will symbolise the special connection you share with your mum. She’ll love experimenting with all the different ways she can style them, from separating them on the two sides of her jacket to pinning them on her shirt cuffs.
Retro Two-Tone Geometric Link Bracelet
This statement 14ct gold bracelet from the 1930s-1950s emanates distinct retro vibes that any mum will fall in love with. The rose and yellow gold tones give this classic piece a feminine touch, while the link design can symbolise the woven pattern of life that connects you. A thoughtful, stylish vintage jewellery gift she will cherish forever.
Estate Coral and Diamond Rope Twist Ear Clips
An exquisite pair of estate ear clips in a gorgeous red and orangey hue, guaranteed to win your mum’s heart. Each earring features an oval-shaped coral wrapped in a 14ct gold rope twist and accented with three shiny diamonds on the top. These elegant earrings work especially well as a symbolic Mother’s Day gift for mummies with three children or a three-member family, serving as a constant reminder of your family’s special bond.
They say that a mother is your first friend, your best friend, and your forever friend. She is the person who brought you into this world and moulded your entire being since day one. A tireless warrior, capable of doing literally everything to ensure your safety and happiness. Your one true ally who will gladly sacrifice anything to see you succeed.
Sometimes it feels like an impossible task to find that perfect Mother’s Day gift. But, I hope that you found something that captures what’s in your heart among these unique and memorable vintage jewellery gifts for mums. Something that you’ll enjoy watching your mum wear at family reunions, just like mine did with the costume ear clips I bought her when I was ten.
For a wider range of options, visit my shop to discover exquisite vintage and antique jewels that will make the most important woman in your life feel utterly spoiled.
Till next time, happy Mother’s Day 2022!
Yaz X