Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think a pair of 1 carat (per ear) round, diamond studs are a better gift. They are timeless, and can be worn at any age, in most any setting, dressed up, dressed down. For this one charm Alhambra necklace, it is sweet, but won't be worn for long, and certainly not in that many settings.

+1. I’m in my mid-40s and the diamond earrings my parents gave me in college are still my favorite material possession. I’ve worn them every day for 25 years.

Same. My sister and cousins all say the same thing about the jewelry we received from our parents. They are some of our favorite possessions and absolutely treasured because they came from our parents.

Pretty. I think that a college graduation calls for jewelry from parents and grandparents. Money is fine but I still wear the jewelry I received from my parents as well as the jewelry from my grandparents. I will always treasure it and I think of highly of it as I do my engagement and wedding rings. Our kids have/will all receive jewelry types of gifts for their college graduations. We can always give them money. A beautiful piece of jewelry makes a statement that they'll never forget.

Anonymous wrote:DD is graduating from an R1 this month. What do you think of a Van Cleef Alhambra necklace as a graduation present? I see this on her peers and 20-something young professionals a lot these days.

https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/en/collections/jewelry/alhambra/vcara45900---vintage-alhambra-pendant.html

Alternatives??

Is she Caucasian?

My parents couldn’t afford something like that but got me a lovely set of silver earrings and matching silver cuff. It was a classical style that still looks lovely today. The style was not stodgy do it looks good vv on me and my daughter (classic shapes don’t she quickly). After I earned two advanced degrees they along with one of my siblings fave me a string of pearls. I still have them and have been able to wear them. I wouldn’t spend that much on that necklace because you are paying a premium for the name. I echo the folks recommending diamond studs or a diamond necklace. If she wears rings, maybe a classic ring with a timeless shape.

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think a pair of 1 carat (per ear) round, diamond studs are a better gift. They are timeless, and can be worn at any age, in most any setting, dressed up, dressed down. For this one charm Alhambra necklace, it is sweet, but won't be worn for long, and certainly not in that many settings.

+1. I’m in my mid-40s and the diamond earrings my parents gave me in college are still my favorite material possession. I’ve worn them every day for 25 years.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for weighing in. For those who are being snarky...why? We're proud of DD for graduating from a top school, and I remember being that age and wanting some of the items my peers had (Tiffany necklace, Balenciaga bag, etc.)

Be careful that this is what your daughter wants too. My mother, who LOVED jewelry, bought me an expensive piece for college graduation. I do not like jewelry (barely wear my wedding ring) and was heading overseas to do work in a 3rd world country. I knew it would sit in a box and never be worn.

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think a pair of 1 carat (per ear) round, diamond studs are a better gift. They are timeless, and can be worn at any age, in most any setting, dressed up, dressed down. For this one charm Alhambra necklace, it is sweet, but won't be worn for long, and certainly not in that many settings.

Sorry I think 2ct (the weight is usually said as the combined weight of both ears) is pretty ostentatious. I have 1ct TCW and 1.5 TCW. Now that I'm 30+ I like the 1.5 the most. 2ct would look too big on me and not real.