Top 5 Mother's Day Jewelry Gifts - Bling Over Bathrobes!

Coming up with a thoughtful gift for Mother's Day isn't rocket science, but who has time to think these days? Well save your brain cells, here's a little hint:

Get her jewelry instead of geraniums. Get her diamonds instead of dishes. Get her bling instead of bathrobes. Duh!


Yes, it's my business to talk up the jewelry world, and yes - I often blather on about how jewelry is a better gift than sweater sets and overpriced smelly candles. But, darn it! I'm right! Jewelry is a lifetime treasure that just means more than a vase full of petals, people (no offense to flowers - you're lovely creatures - all of you).

So. What kind of jewelry is a sure-fire winner? Here are five classic options ranging from budget-friendly to BA-ling. Trust me. Gift momma one of these beauties, and you'll be her favorite until your older brother finally moves out the basement.

1. Birthstone Baubles

A double dose of dazzle, birthstone jewelry shows mom you not only remembered her on Mother's Day - you remembered her birthday to boot (you over-achiever, you). May's birthstone is emerald, and here's a really swell deal on Jewelry.com for starters.

 Or click here for their birthstone page with elegant options in every price point.

2. It's the "Journey" Not the Procrastination

Don't dilly dally on this tear-jerker of a jewelry gift. Journey jewelry features an escalating row of diamonds representing the milestones of a relationship - child to mother, grandchild to grandmother, niece to aunt, friend to friend. Awwwww. Super sweet, right?

And for something even sweeter? Enter Jewelry.com's "Mom and Me Diamond Sweeps" for your chance to win TWO diamond journey pendants (one for you, one for mom). After you've played the odds, here's a link to many other options that won't leave a dry eye in the house.

3. Signature Style

It's easy to give mom that piece that she'll be able to wear as her jewelry calling card. Heart pendants are perfect for this. Anything floral. Anything whimsical.

If mom's a cat lover, get a load of this meow-worthy metal. Affordable options abound in this jewelry category - and here is a link to many more.

4. Pearls of Wisdom

Every woman should have a pearl piece in their jewelry collection - and if your mom already has the proverbial pearl strand, there are many alternative options to round out her wardrobe.

Black pearls, earrings, a ring - all in affordable price points that leave room in the budget for that framed picture of yourself ten pounds ago for her nightstand.

5. Diamonds. 'Nuff Said.

You're going to score points every time with a diamond, sparky, and here's how you can win mom over with big carat-weight pieces that won't break the bank.  If you want to wow with a one-carat wonder? Look for pieces in sterling silver instead of carat gold, like this elegant creature on Jewelry.com for only $200.

This Mom and Child pendant sparkles with 1/4 ct for only $69.

Or you can find fashion pieces in carat gold that often offer lower prices - like this statement piece - a 3/8ct diamond beauty in 14K White Gold - for only $175.

So are you ready to score some major points this year? It’s your mom, people. She birthed you, put up with your awkward teen years and has embarrassing photos of you during your 'orthodontic' phase she can put on Facebook after she's done 'liking' the status updates of all your old high school friends.

Probably best to stay on her good side.