My mom finally pulled the trigger and is retiring after nearly 50 years in nursing. The last two decades or so she has taught nursing at the local hospital prior to them closing their doors and finished her career teaching at Ohio State for the last 10-15.

I started looking on Amazon last night for gift ideas and they were all just crap someone would throw away after a year or so. I'm really wanting to get her something meaningful to tell her thanks for all she has done for me and to highlight her career. Obviously Dave at Mimi's Jewelry is in a strong first place, but I still need to get some ideas. Any advice would be most welcome.

How about a nice watch.
Have the case back inscribed with her title and her many years of service or something like "with love from".

What a remarkable career!

She must have really loved teaching to stay with it for 20 years, so in that vein here are my thoughts. . .

Over the 20 year period that she taught she must have touched and enhanced the lives of thousands and thousands of nurses and other medical professionals.

Those people, her students, in turn in carrying out their duties in the medical profession helped thousands upon thousands of people and then some in their goals and struggles to heal and regain their health.

Think of the lives that your mom had an impact and influence in saving.

What she did in a big part of her career was a priceless “Pay it forward”, and for that she is truly an Angel.

My gift idea is for an Angel pendant of some type made of a precious metal and possibly adorned in some respectful and beautiful manner a precious stone (or two).

I am sure that she will love whatever you get her!

I'd reach out to Dave as you mentioned. He may very likely have some good ideas. He helped us turn my dad's retirement ring into a beautiful necklace for my mom. I was really impressed with the transformation.