One of the hardest parts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the changing way we observe milestone moments. From birthdays to holidays, we’ve had to get creative to celebrate. While we understand and support the need to change the way we do things, we find ourselves especially sad to be missing one milestone in particular: graduation. Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, walking across the stage represents a level of achievement, and we’ll miss that this year.
However, just because graduation might look different doesn’t mean that we have to lose the feeling of accomplishment. Our graduates have worked hard, and it’s up to us to celebrate them the way they deserve! Dickinson Jewelers has put together a guide to help you commemorate this special occasion.
Walk Across The “Stage”
We might not be headed to a big arena, but graduation can still happen. Many schools passed out caps and gowns before the pandemic started, so why not throw them on for a photoshoot in the front yard? Pose in front of some greenery and strut your stuff. These pictures can be as serious or fun as you’d like. We’ve seen some great senior portraits taken on iPhones, and we’ve also cracked up at some epic Photoshop fails from trying to add friends in from a social distance. Don’t forget to accessorize for your picture! Ladies, go big and bold to dress up that mortarboard by adding in some fantastic rose gold Kendra Scott half hoops - super trendy this year. Gentlemen, join in the fun with something like this Italian leather band.
Once your pictures are done, it’s time to assemble the people — by which we mean the people you’ve been quarantined with! Put some folding chairs out on the deck or in the living room and crank that Pomp and Circumstance up. Your graduate can walk across the “stage” and get a “diploma” while the family whoops and hollers to their hearts’ content. No diploma? Don’t just hand them rolled up paper; give them wrapping paper...wrapping paper around a jewelry box, we mean! Graduation is traditionally a time to give jewelry that lasts a lifetime, so use the moment to present the graduate with a Citizen watch or some timeless diamond studs.
Celebrate Big
We are definitely missing the community celebration aspect of graduation, so why not bring the community to your house in a safe way? Throw a graduation party on Zoom or Facebook Live to celebrate this momentous occasion. Consider having a theme or some unifying feature to keep the meeting from getting awkward (as online parties can get). We’ve seen people mailing out Flat Stanley versions of themselves for their families to hold up and even some families going all out with food or wine to toast the grad. You can ask your family to bring their favorites for a virtual potluck or have people give speeches honoring the graduate.
Another popular trend that we absolutely LOVE is adopting a senior. We know that the pandemic has caused senior years to look very different than many graduates had envisioned. To honor them, community members have adopted graduating seniors and sending them a care package to make them feel special. If you’ve adopted a senior, we have some great ideas for their packages! You can schedule a virtual appointment with one of our jewelry stylists, and we’ll help you get the perfect gifts lined up and delivered.
These blue and gold Erin Grey bracelets would definitely make a fun surprise! The matching earrings are also delightful, and your purchase from this line goes to help cancer patients and their families.
We can even help you fill that care package with more than just jewelry. Our boutique is jammed full of fun items. This fair-trade scarf is super soft and perfect for a sophisticated look.
If your graduate might be heading off into the wide world, remind them where home is with this Maryland tee. Headed somewhere chilly? The same print is also available on a sweatshirt.
Graduation might look different this year, but there’s no reason it has to feel any less special. We are so thrilled for our local graduates and can’t wait to help you celebrate! Our storefronts are closed due to COVID-19, but our online store is always open! Shop now or set up a virtual appointment to help make graduation 2020 one for the history books.