When I turned 50, I got a pair of sapphire studs. Those were my daily earrings for a few years.

Another transitional year, I set aside a chunk of money — I think it was $3000. My idea was that when something special that I wanted to do popped up — I’d already have the “extra” funds available for it. So, be it travel, an extravagant purchase, a new interest — I’d be set whenever the desire hit. Several months later, I ended up taking music lessons, which became a life-changing experience. The money I’d set aside covered about a year of lessons, access to an instrument, and everything that I needed to support my new hobby.

Mikimoto pearl jewelry, if budget allows.

What kind of bags do you like? Here's what I like right now:

Balenciaga Rodeo size medium
Fendi peekaboo size small
Ferragamo hug bag
Celine nino
Gucci Aura
Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 in pink monogram

Anonymous wrote:A car? 😁

Though not a Corvette based on the other 50 yo thread. 😂

I would do a trip. My mom took herself on a spa trip fo her 50th birthday and now she does a spa trip every year. My spouse wanted to buy me a nice piece of jewelry or a bag for my birthday and I just didn’t want him to spend the money.

What will you use? I have a lot of nice, classic bags that sit in my closet, do I wouldn’t personally pick that. My gift to myself for my 50th was hobby related—a camera and a couple of lenses—and I’m still thrilled with it years later.

Jewelry, if you like it. I got a ring with five stones.

What's your budget?

I'm several years off but I could see the following:

- upper bleph
- nice purse
- vacation

What is your price point OP?

Jewelry I've bought for myself includes pearl earrings (ordered from Pearls of Joy) and a tanzanite ring (I bought the tanzanite in Tanzania while on safari then had it set at Quest when I returned) and a Baume & Mercier Hampton watch.

Oh and for jewelry, I like IGorman. Tiny Jewel Box is nice but I’ve never had good service there and if I’m spending their prices, I want a fabulous experience.

I am all about jewelry. You’ll always have it. But if you like cars (I don’t and would never want one as a gift - yo get them when you need them), it’s a good idea. A trip is fun too. A bag, not so much. I bought a nice-to-me one during Covid and I’d so tired of it but I feel like I have to keep using it.

A car? 😁

I almost exclusively use my Chanel flap bag. There's multiple models and leather. Mine is the more versatile harder leather. I much prefer it to the soft leather which marks easily. These bags have increased a lot in value. I don't carry much though when I go out.

IMHO, with the advent of lab stones, the special jewelry now is more a function of design. Browse The Tiny Jewel Box for ideas.

I’d like to buy a special item for myself for my upcoming big birthday. I’m thinking jewelry but open to other ideas, too.

I have diamond studs, a couple of diamond floater necklaces, and a simple wedding band. I own no other fine jewelry.

I don’t own a particularly nice purse, and if I were to buy one I’d want it to be classic and versatile.

Any ideas? I know this will be so personal but I’m interested to hear what others have acquired as a special item.