How Do You Pick a Jewelry Gift That Matches Her College Team Colors
The short answer: most college jewelry is metal with the school's logo, not painted in team colors. So "matching her team colors" usually means choosing the right school mark, then picking the metal tone that suits her. Gold is an official color for schools such as Florida State and Baylor, while silver suits most others. Licensed pieces start at about $21.
Game-day gifts, graduation gifts and parent gifts all raise the same question: how do you get the colors right when the jewelry is silver or gold? Here is how we help families sort it out.
Does collegiate jewelry come in team colors?
Sometimes, but not often. Most licensed school jewelry is made of sterling silver or gold with a raised logo or letters. The color comes from how she wears it. That is why we suggest thinking in two steps:
- Step one: the school. A logo piece tells everyone where she belongs. Check the school name in the product title.
- Step two: the metal. If gold is one of her team's colors, a gold-toned or gold piece will look "on theme." If not, silver is the classic pairing with any game-day outfit.
What are good collegiate jewelry gifts at every price?
These were in stock when we wrote this, with prices about what the product page shows today:
- Everyday pendant: the Auburn University sterling silver small I Heart A-U pendant is about $21, and the Florida State University sterling silver small F-S-U pendant is about $21. Both are rhodium-plated sterling, and a chain is sold separately.
- For a bracelet she already owns: the Virginia Tech sterling silver antiqued bead is about $24, and the Baylor University dangle bead charm is about $81. Beads and charms need a bracelet or chain, so check that it fits what she wears.
- Real gold: the Rollins College 10K white gold small anchor pendant is about $58.
- Earrings: the Virginia Tech sterling silver V-T disc stud earrings are about $131.
How do you bring the team colors in anyway?
If color matters most, let the jewelry stay simple and add color around it:
- Pair it with game-day clothing. A silver or gold school pendant looks sharp with a jersey in any color.
- Add a birthstone. If her birth month's stone is close to a school color, a birthstone piece can echo it. Check that the product name says whether stones are real or imitation.
- Write a card. A short note about her school and why you are proud of her is the real personal touch.
Gold, silver or real gold: how to choose?
Here is how we explain it. "Rhodium-plated sterling silver" is real sterling with a thin bright finish. "10K" or "14K" means solid gold. The FTC sets rules on how these metal terms may be used in 16 CFR Part 23, its Jewelry Guides, so read the product name closely. For a keepsake she will wear for decades, choose solid gold. For game days and a growing collection, sterling is a smart, affordable choice.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good gift for a college student who loves her school?
A small logo pendant or earrings in sterling silver. It is affordable, wears every day and says which school she loves.
Does college jewelry come in school colors?
Most licensed pieces are metal with a logo, so the color comes from the metal tone and her outfit. Always read the product name to see exactly what the piece is made of.
Is gold or silver better for team-color jewelry?
If gold is one of her school's colors, gold or a gold-toned piece fits best. Otherwise, silver goes with any team color.
What is a good graduation gift with her school on it?
A pendant or charm with the school mark, in sterling for a modest budget or 10K gold for a keepsake.
Do bead and charm gifts include a bracelet?
No. Beads and charms are sold on their own, so you will need a bracelet or chain she can wear them on.
Looking for a school we did not list? Email us the school, her usual metal and your budget, and we will check what is in stock today, or browse our gift collection.