4 local jewelers share their picks for the best pieces this holiday season

Maybe Marilyn Monroe was on to something when she put on her pink silk and sang about a girl’s best friend.

Local jewelers are enjoying a lively holiday season so far, and one bestseller stands out across the board: diamonds.

While tennis earrings and bracelets are among the more popular choices, engagement rings have also seen a seasonal spike.

This might not come as a surprise – around 37% of engagements take place between November and February, and December 25 is the most popular day to propose, according to wedding planning website The Knot.

Whether you’re looking to ask the question this holiday season or just gift your friends and family some shiny baubles, check out these four local stores with dazzling pieces on display.

Jewelers H. Brandt in Natick

Arriving at his Main Street store on Monday morning, Stew Brandt found a customer waiting outside – 40 minutes before H. Brandt Jewelers actually opened.

“The holiday season is busy,” the veteran retailer explained. “Jewelry has been a popular gift for millennia. “

Brandt has custom engagement rings in the works that will ship around Christmas, but he said holiday sales have otherwise varied – with one common denominator.

“It is a diamond year, both for mined diamonds and for lab-grown diamonds,” he said.

Brandt advised buyers to buy locally when shopping for jewelry.

“Stay off the Internet; avoid cruise ships, ”he said. “You will get your best service, your best quality, your best value (in local businesses). “

Don’t ask Brandt to choose his favorite room.

“It’s like trying to figure out which one is your favorite kid, or in my case, your favorite grandchild,” he said. “They are all equal; I love them all.”

Even after 32 years in business, Brandt said he still enjoys his job.

“I’m the only person who usually only celebrates happy occasions,” he said. “Our industry,… we are the producers of happiness.”

31 Main Street, Natick, hbrandtjewelers.com

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Stardust Jewelers in Framingham

At Stardust Jewelers on Route 9, Rick Hafers and his team are getting ready for the Christmas home stretch.

“The last 10 days are always intense, and the last four – you’re just doing amazing business,” Hafers said.

Already in the throes of a busy season, Stardust expects a rush of last-minute buyers, he said.

“If we’re that busy now, I can only imagine how busy we will be before Christmas,” Hafers said. “We are expecting a very big year.

Especially popular were diamond studs, pendants and engagement rings, he said.

“You know the family comes together and it’s a great time to get engaged,” he said.

Stardust expects to have plenty of inventory on hand for late buyers, but it’s best not to wait until the last minute, according to Hafers.

“As any retailer will tell you, buy early for the best selection,” he said. “This is the key.”

60 Worcester Road, Framingham, stardustjewelers.net

Valley Jewelers in Franklin

At Vallee’s Jewelers on Main Street, employee Shay Vallee gave a similar tip: don’t delay ordering jewelry for the holidays.

“I would say the sooner the better, especially with custom work,” she said. “Everything’s falling behind – waiting until the last minute can be tricky with the stock sometimes, things like that. “

Supply chain issues have resulted in some materials arriving slower than usual, and fluctuating gold prices have put additional pressure on jewelry retailers, according to Vallée.

Some of the best-selling pieces this season featured sapphires, and tennis bracelets have been a popular choice for holiday shoppers, she said.

“The diamond studs were really big,” Vallée said, adding, “Other than that it’s a personal thing.”

Valley’s choice of store vacation deals? Opal pendants designed by jeweler Rob Vallée.

68 Main Street, Franklin, valleesjewelers.com

Allie Keast Jewelry in Holliston

The frustrations of the pandemic era could show up in holiday shopping trends, if Allie Keast Jewelry’s recent bestsellers are any indication.

The Silver Teeth Fidget ring and the boutique middle finger ring are two of the most popular choices this season, according to chief jeweler Allie Keast and COO Paige Hensel.

“We can’t help but wonder if there has been an increase in stress and / or frustration among the masses,” the couple wrote in a joint email interview. “We’re excited to provide these fun statement pieces for people to take with them and we love to see our buyers laughing. “

Although its website lists a Holliston address, the company is largely online at the moment, making appearances on pop-up shows all over New England. From February, customers will also be able to shop in person by appointment at the jeweler’s studio at The Mill contemporary art studios on Central Street in Framingham.

Keast and Hensel gave a few tips for those considering gifting jewelry: buy local, consider the environmental impact, and personalize it.

“Jewelry can be a very sentimental and special thing for a lot of people,” the couple wrote. “This is the opportunity for the wearer to make their own statement. “

Their choices? Either Diamond Eyed Dangle or Lapis Grip earrings in gold.

Buy online at alliekeastjewelry.com.

Abby Patkin is a multimedia reporter for the Daily News. Follow Abby on Twitter @AMPatkin. She can be contacted at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Holiday Shopping: Massachusetts Jewelers Showcase Creations Before Christmas