9 Classic Jewelry Pieces to Wear Now and Pass Down for Generations

Who What Wear co-founder Hillary Kerr has always inspired me. Her business expertise, style, and passion are only a few of her aspirational qualities. To top it all off, she’s a mother of two, so she’s the perfect person to look up to when it comes to balancing motherhood and an exceptional career.

While always in the mood to open something sparkly on Mother’s Day, Kerr admits she’s hoping to spend the holiday with the ultimate luxury: sleep. In fact, that’s her first piece of advice for mothers. "You have to take care of yourself, too,” she says. This Mother’s Day, she’s excited to spend time with her family and is dropping some hints about the gifts she’s dreaming of. At the top of her list is Cartier jewelry, which makes the perfect sentimental gift that can be cherished for generations. Below, she’s sharing the pieces she’s giving to her own mother, the memories she hopes to unbox this year, and the luxe items she’s not afraid to splurge on for herself. (She deserves it!) Keep reading for her best motherhood advice and top gifting picks. 

FOR HER MOTHER 

"This Mother’s Day, I’m gifting my incredible mom, of course! As the only child of an only child, I’ve always had a really close relationship with my mom, but now that I’m a mom myself, I feel like I have a whole new appreciation for the way she raised me. As for presents (Mom, stop reading!), I always splurge on my mom because it’s something she’d never do for herself. In a perfect world, I would get her the Santos de Cartier Watch because she loves a timepiece, especially one that’s a little oversize. I also think she’d love a Love bracelet. She’s human, after all!” — Kerr

FROM HER FAMILY 

"My husband knows that I love jewelry over everything else, so that part isn’t a surprise. His interpretation of what that means, though, is always a delight because he has the most incredible taste. In a perfect world, I dream of owning anything from the Clash de Cartier collection. I also have the Panthère de Cartier Ring on my wish list. It truly is the chicest piece!” — Kerr

FOR HERSELF 

"Perhaps unsurprisingly, when it comes to splurging on myself, I tend to go for fine jewelry and watches as well. I love the idea of creating a collection of sentimental pieces that mark all my major life events and then passing those pieces down to my daughter if she wants them. The first thing I will probably share is my beloved gold Panthère de Cartier Watch.” — Kerr