Mother's Day Jewelry & Unique Gifts for Moms
Moms are special every day of the year, but Mother’s Day is a chance to show just how much you care! It’s an opportunity to celebrate the women in your life who provide guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love. Whether you want to give thanks to a mom, a grandmother, a soon-to-be-mom, or a wishing-to-be-mom, let’s take a look at ways to plan a truly happy Mothers Day. From finding the perfect Mothers Day jewelry to planning a special brunch, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to show your appreciation.
In this guide to all things Mother’s Day, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of this special day, Mother’s Day gift ideas, and activities to make Mom’s day.
The origins of Mother’s Day date back centuries, with various cultures honoring motherhood in different ways. The modern version of Mother’s Day—the one we celebrate today—can be traced to the early 20th century in the United States. Anna Jarvis, an activist from West Virginia, is credited with founding the holiday in 1908. She started the tradition as a way to honor her late mother and recognize the sacrifices that mothers make for their families. Her efforts led to Mother’s Day becoming an official holiday in the U.S. in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as a day to celebrate mothers nationwide.
However, the tradition of honoring mothers has deep historical roots, from the ancient Greeks celebrating Rhea, the mother of the gods, to the Christian festival of “Mothering Sunday” in Europe. Over time, Mother’s Day has evolved into a global celebration, with different countries adding their own cultural traditions to express gratitude for mothers and maternal figures.
FUN FACT: After successfully campaigning to establish Mother’s Day in the U.S. in 1914, Anna Jarvis became upset with its commercialization and even tried to have it abolished.
While Mother’s Day is widely celebrated, different cultures around the world have unique traditions to honor motherhood. Do you align with any of these ways of celebrating?
In Mexico, Mother’s Day (Día de las Madres) is a vibrant celebration that always falls on May 10th. Families start the day by serenading their mothers with the song Las Mañanitas, followed by festive gatherings, mariachi music, and delicious meals to honor the love and dedication of mothers.
Rooted in Christian tradition, Mothering Sunday originally referred to a day when people returned to their “mother church.” These days, it’s a day to show appreciation with flowers, greeting cards, and special meals. It usually falls in March, distinct from the American Mother’s Day.
In Japan (Haha no Hi), children give their mothers red carnations, symbolizing love and gratitude. It’s also common for children to prepare handmade gifts and letters to express their appreciation.
In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12th, the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is considered the mother of the nation. The day is marked by ceremonies, candle-lit processions, and giving jasmine flowers, a symbol of maternal love.
Ethiopian families celebrate mothers with a multi-day festival called Antrosht. Families gather for a feast, where children bring ingredients for a traditional meal, and the day is filled with singing, dancing, and storytelling.
Inspired by Napoleon’s idea to honor mothers, Mother’s Day in France (Fête des Mères) is celebrated with flowers, thoughtful gifts, and often a special cake in the shape of a bouquet. It is typically held on the last Sunday of May unless it coincides with Pentecost, in which case it is moved to June.
While Mother’s Day is not a traditional Indian holiday, it has grown in popularity, particularly in urban areas. Many people celebrate by giving gifts, cooking meals, and spending quality time with their mothers.
Serbia has a unique tradition where children “tie up” their mothers on Materice (Mother’s Day), and she must give them sweets or small gifts as a “ransom” to be untied. This playful custom is part of a series of family-related holidays leading up to Christmas.
Despite these cultural differences, the heart of Mother’s Day remains the same—showing appreciation and love for the women who nurture and support us. Whether through songs, flowers, or heartfelt gifts like Mother’s Day jewelry, the day is a beautiful reminder of the universal bond between mothers and their children.
FUN FACT: Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days for phone calls, with more phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year. There’s an estimated 122 million calls placed in the U.S. alone!
As Mother’s Day is infused with sentimentality, it’s no surprise that gifting jewelry has been a popular practice. In fact, Mother’s Day jewelry harks back to ancient times, when Ancient Egyptians celebrated their goddesses with jewelry crafted from precious metals such as gold and silver.
Since the conception of modern Mother’s Day in the early 20th century, jewelry has been a traditional gift. Lockets became a sentimental favorite, often containing photos of loved ones, while birthstone jewelry gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a personalized way to celebrate mothers and their children. And by the 1950s, charms bracelets were a huge trend, often featuring charms representing family milestones.
Around the world, Mother’s Day is celebrated at different points throughout the year. For many countries, it will also fall on a different date each year! Discover when Mothers Day is celebrated in different countries.
| Country | Mother’s Day Celebration |
|---|---|
| United States | Second Sunday in May |
| United Kingdom, Australia & Brazil | Fourth Sunday of Lent |
| Mexico | May 10th |
| Japan & India | Second Sunday in May |
| Thailand | August 12th |
| Ethiopia | Late Fall (end of the rainy season) |
| France | Last Sunday in May or first Sunday in June |
| Serbia | Second Sunday before Christmas |
| Spain | First Sunday in May |
In most cultures—and especially in the US—giving Mother’s Day gifts are the standard way to show your love and appreciation. Plus, it’s fun to find the perfect gift for her! From a handmade card to heirloom pearls, gift-giving is a love language that the moms in your life will be very grateful for. Here are some Mothers Day gift ideas.
When it comes to Mothers Day jewelry that she’ll wear forever, there’s nothing like a pair of pearl earrings. These stylish Akoya studs will complete any outfit, from jeans and a tee to a black tie look. Plus, every time she wears them she’ll be reminded of you!
Pearl necklaces never go out of style, and this modern version will become Mom’s everyday fave. Fashion-forward yet delicate, the station necklace style is a fresh take on a timeless look. Talk about a happy Mother’s Day!
For the ultimate in Mother’s Day gifts, treat Mom to the very best: our Ultimate Pearl Jewelry Collection. This luxurious collection features ultra-lustrous Hanadama gems, entrancing Tahitian pearls and statement South Sea pearl necklaces.
Discover our most exquisite pearls, and craft a truly happy Mother’s Day!
While buying Mothers Day jewelry will always be a good idea, she needs somewhere to keep it, too! A charming jewelry box, like this handmade walnut storage case, will look perfect on her dresser or in her suitcase.
Versatile and with a touch of romance, a silk scarf is an accessory that is the perfect Mothers Day gift. From draping it as a shawl to wrapping it around a handbag, a silk scarf is a foundational element of personal style.
FUN FACT: The largest card ever made was a Mother’s Day card created in 2016 in Dubai, measuring over 10 meters in height!
A candle is a go-to gift for a reason, but why not make it extra special? Making your own candles is easier than you may think, especially with a DIY Luxury Candle Kit like this one. Add your Mom’s favorite scents to make it feel truly one-of-a-kind!
Your favorite memories are the ones spent together, after all, so why not commemorate them in a photo album? Flicking through the photos is a sweet way to spend your happy Mother’s Day morning, and you could even leave some blank pages for future additions!
When it comes to truly unique gifts, you can’t beat personalized jewelry. And for a custom Mother’s Day jewelry present, our Build a Pearl necklaces are designed to evolve with Mom. She can add (or remove) pearls over the years, to slowly build a full strand of pearls. Plus, she can make it her own with our Loose Pearls!
Celebrate Mom with a timeless birthstone necklace, like this Lois Pendant, or birthstone earrings, the ultimate thoughtful Mother’s Day gift. The birthstone for June is the pearl, which is known to represent charity, truth, integrity, and loyalty. But whenever she was born, she will love that you went to that little extra effort to source personalized Mother’s Day jewelry for her!
Customize your favorite pearl bracelet or pearl necklace with charms. A blend between charm jewelry and an initial necklace, this personalized jewelry is a way to rock your identity in style.
Explore our options of Freshwater, Akoya, and multicolored pearl strands, and design a custom piece for either yourself or a lucky loved one.
Buying Mother’s Day flowers is a sweet idea, but what if you had some delivered every month?! A flower bouquet subscription is an especially thoughtful gift if you don’t live close by, as it’s a guaranteed way to brighten her day all year round.
If your mom’s favorite time of the day is her morning cup of Joe, then she will love being able to try new roasts and beans each month. A coffee subscription, like Atlas Coffee Club, will deliver curated coffee from around the world right to her door! And if you’re feeling extra nice, you could even make it for her.
From a subtle look to statement pearls, our Shop The Look page is the perfect place to find stylish Mother’s Day jewelry. With hand-picked pearl jewelry combinations, there’s a designer-curated look for your mom, your partner, or yourself!
Discover pearl necklaces, earrings, and rings, and shop her style with confidence.
Finding a gorgeous gift is the first step to a happy Mother’s Day—the next is spending quality time together! No matter whether you buy her something big or small, planning a day together will make Mom feel loved and appreciated.
There’s no perfect itinerary for Mother’s Day, either. Instead, it’s about taking the time to consider what would be her ideal day! From a day full of rest to one full of action, here are some ideas for activities for Mother’s Day.
There’s no better way to start Mother’s Day than with a delicious and thoughtfully planned brunch. Whether you prepare a homemade feast or treat her to a beautiful café setting, a special brunch sets the tone for a day filled with love and appreciation.
Classic brunch options like fluffy pancakes, eggs benedict, and fresh fruit platters make for a delightful meal, while adding her favorite pastries or a mimosa bar adds an extra special touch! No matter how you do it, a well-planned Mother’s Day brunch is a perfect way to celebrate and create lasting memories together.
A family picnic is a wonderful way to celebrate Mother’s Day and to enjoy some fresh air. Whether you head to a scenic park, a quiet beach, or even your own backyard, a picnic allows for a relaxed, stress-free celebration. Pack a basket with her favorite homemade sandwiches, fresh fruit, and sweet treats, and don’t forget a cozy blanket for lounging.
To make the day even more memorable, bring along a few activities—like a deck of cards, a family-friendly board game, or even a small bouquet of flowers as a surprise touch. A laid-back afternoon soaking up the sunshine, sharing good food, and enjoying heartfelt conversations is a meaningful way to show your appreciation and celebrate a truly happy Mother’s Day.
Moms often spend so much time caring for others that they may forget to take time for themselves! This Mother’s Day, give the gift of pure relaxation by treating her to a relaxing spa date. Whether it’s a full-day retreat at a luxury spa or simply a massage, she’ll get a chance to unwind and indulge in much-needed self-care.
And if a spa day isn’t an option, there’s nothing stopping you from recreating the experience at home! Create a DIY spa retreat with plush robes, aromatherapy candles, and her favorite skincare products. Run her a toasty bath, and leave her to enjoy a moment of tranquility!
Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to help your mom check something off her bucket list. Consider something adventurous, creative, or simply something she’s been wanting to try. Look into taking her to see her favorite band live, on a trip to her dream destination, or even on a hot air balloon. Whatever you choose, choosing a one-of-a-kind experience will show just how much you appreciate her and her passions!
When it comes down to it, spending time with your mom on Mother’s Day is what it’s really all about. While it’s not always possible to be there, if you’re able to clear your schedule, she’ll probably really appreciate it! Better yet, why not celebrate all the mothers in your family? Organize a big Mother’s Day lunch or get together for everyone!
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Mother’s Day is all about showing love. Share your appreciation and gratitude for the incredible women who nurture, support, and inspire us. Whether you plan a heartfelt experience, surprise her with meaningul Mothers Day jewelry, or simply spend quality time together, the most important thing is making her feel cherished.
At The Pearl Source, we want to help you spoil Mom with the finest selection of pearl jewelry and style pieces. From Freshwater Pearls to Golden South Sea Pearls, give her the gift of designer-quality pearl jewelry that she’ll keep forever.
So, take the time to celebrate the mothers and mother figures in your life—because they deserve nothing less than the best. Happy Mother’s Day!
Signup now and receive an email once I publish new content.
Content Writer and Editor at The Pearl Source
Kate Muirhead is the editor and content writer for leading pearl retailer The Pearl Source. She believes in the power of signature jewelry, and that collecting it is half the fun.
The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Gifts for Her: Spoil Her for Any Occasion
