Reaching the age of 60 carries significant meaning, especially for women. Life may have slowed down, but it may also have opened up, now the decades dominated by responsibilities are behind them.
For the gift-giver, things have evolved as well. Tastes have changed, budgets may have expanded, and shopping can now be done from the comfort of your sofa with a nice cup of tea and a biscuit - there are definitely perks to modern life!
However, knowing what to buy for a milestone gift can be overwhelming with so many choices online, and there's probably a lot of internalised pressure to find the perfect gift to mark your loved one turning 60.
But never fear, your friendly independent jeweller is here to save the day with some precious keepsakes that will easily trump a spa day or pamper hamper.
Whether you're shopping for your wife, sister, mum, or special friend, I've curated some stunning pieces for their big birthday, including customer favourites for similar occasions to make the process as easy as possible for you.
60th birthday gift ideas - modern jewellery edition
1. A statement necklace
By 60, women tend to have refined tastes and the confidence to wear pieces that express their personality. With that in mind, a handcrafted necklace with texture, shape, and movement makes an unforgettable gift.
Kate's recommendation:
Gold Peridot Small Swirl Pendant Necklace, £170 - for those turning 60 in the month of August, this stunning pendant features peridot, the August birthstone, for a subtle personalised touch.
2. A beautiful bracelet
Bracelets are perfect for 60th birthdays. Your lucky recipient gets to admire it all day long and keep it close by as a reminder of the special occasion and your unique bond.
Kate's recommendation:
Patterned Rose Gold Diamond Bracelet, £570 - featuring my signature delicate patterning and a textured satin finish for elegant, modern style, this beautiful rose gold diamond bracelet is easy to wear and also comes with a choice of one, three, or six diamonds, or without diamonds if you prefer.
3. Elevated everyday sterling silver earrings
By 60, women want to feel put together without spending ages planning outfits and accessories. A good pair of high-quality silver earrings becomes a mainstay in their wardrobe, helping them elevate everyday outfits with ease.
Kate's recommendation:
Dune Sterling Silver Earrings, £105 - exuding timeless elegance, these round silver earrings from our Dune Collection are gently domed with raised patterning inspired by windswept sand dunes. Simple, yet distinguished.
4. A meaningful ring
A beautifully made ring is not only the picture-perfect accompaniment to that birthday glass of prosecco, but also a lifelong reminder of this special moment in a woman's life. All of our rings are handmade in our Birmingham studio, and prices start from £95.
Kate's recommendation:
Silver Ring with Etched Oxidised Detail, £165 - this striking silver ring incorporates the process of oxidisation to achieve the blackened detail that circles the band. Something a little different for the modern woman who doesn't like to follow the crowd.
5. Nature-inspired pieces for free spirits
As we mature, we often start to experience the pull of the natural world to feel more grounded in life - I know that's definitely been the case for me. In fact, all of our pieces have a subtle nod to nature, without being overt or gimmicky.
Kate's recommendation:
Patterned Gold Necklace & Earring Set, £1,179 - inspired by seed heads, this tactile patterned gold necklace and earring jewellery set has an eroded feel with a soft satin texture: the perfect symbol of how we evolve, mature, and strengthen with age. It's also available in silver.
6. A custom piece for a one-of-a-kind woman
Entering a new decade often sparks a period of personal reflection, and a custom piece of jewellery is a beautiful way to mark the uniqueness of your journey through life's milestones.
Plus, the beauty of a commissioned piece is that you can make it a more personalised gift by adding meaningful birthstones, engraved initials, names or dates, or different metals or textures that reflect her personal style.
An excellent choice if you want to give a once-in-a-lifetime gift that reflects her story.
My bespoke jewellery page features past commissions with pricing to give you an idea of budgets.
7. A grown-up birthstone gift
Done well, birthstone jewellery is an elegant and thoughtful choice for a 60th birthday gift.
Kate's recommendation:
Swirl Aquamarine Necklace & Earring Set, £319 - this gorgeous silver set features icy blue aquamarines, the birthstone for March. A stunning set suitable for everyday wear, with its soft tones and understated design.
Tip: if you want to get clued up on birthstones, check out my popular birthstone-by-month blog, or message me about creating a custom birthstone necklace, bracelet, ring, or pair of earrings.
8. A reimagined heirloom
The best 60th birthday gifts combine thoughtfulness with a touch of luxury. And what better way to show you listen and care than transforming a family heirloom or old piece of jewellery into a modern masterpiece?
My remodelling service is very popular with people in their 50s and 60s who want to honour the past in a way that feels modern and personal.
In the example below, two sisters asked me to remodel their grandmother’s diamond ring and a mix of other gold jewellery into modern rings for each of them that cherish their family's past while looking to the future.
What could I create for you?
Tip - if you love this idea but you're nervous about getting it right, let's design it together with your loved one and make the entire process part of the gift. If you like, I can even create a personalised gift voucher explaining this for you to present her with on the day.
Again, prices vary for remodelling, but this blog on the value and cost of remodelling should give you a good idea.
9. A gift voucher to choose her own keepsake
Of course, if you don't feel confident in choosing a piece for your wife, partner, mum, or special friend, a gift voucher always goes down a treat.
Vouchers are valid for 12 months, so they have plenty of time to browse and make the perfect choice.
My tips for choosing 60th birthday gifts for women
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Keep it simple - the best jewellery gifts are modern classics that go with everything.
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Pay attention - look at what they already wear and love and be guided by their personal taste.
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Go for timeless over trends - fads quickly fade, but if you choose well, jewellery stays fresh and modern year after year.
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Get help if you need it - no need to go it alone. Rope in a friend, son, daughter, sibling, or even me if you need inspiration - I'd love to help you find the perfect 60th birthday gift.
From my experience, women crave authenticity and quality in a gift at this stage of life. A classic piece of contemporary jewellery combines both, and if you get it right it proves you see and understand her.
Explore the full collection at Kate Smith Jewellery - every design is handcrafted in the UK with love and decades of expertise (and comes with a stunning gift box and optional gift bag!).
