Jewelry is a gift from the heart. See how you can choose the right piece for your loved one.

Jewelry can make a thoughtful gift for many of our loved ones. Whether it's a partner, friend, parent or child, a piece of jewelry is something that can be worn every day or saved for special occasions. One thing is for sure: it will always make them think of you and your special relationship.

The keys to knowing how to shop for jewelry and choosing just the right piece are to consider the recipient and the meaning of the gift. There are a few important things you'll want to think about before you go shopping.
1. Think about the person you're giving it to

Jewelry makes more sense as a gift when you think about the person who will wear it.

 Personal Style - What is their signature style? Is it funky, boho, retro, dark, elegant, minimalist or something else? Choose a piece that matches what they like, not necessarily what you would like.
 Lifestyle - Does this person work a lot with their hands? A thin ring may not be the right choice. Or maybe they don't have piercings, so a bracelet or necklace would be a good choice. Could a fun faux pas be a thoughtful gesture?
 Birthstone - Look up their birth month on a birthstone chart and find something with that stone.
 Size - If you are buying a ring, make sure you know its size! There are also different sizes of necklaces that work well for different body types or fashion styles.
 Allergies - It is very heartbreaking to get a great piece of jewelry that gives you an allergic reaction. Find out if your person has metal allergies before you buy it (especially if it's something expensive).

Useful Hack

Ask a friend for help. Go the "mystery shopper" route and have a friend or family member ask you sneaky jewelry questions so your gift is truly a surprise.
2. Think about what you want the jewelry to say

Jewelry makes a style statement, but also sends a message as a gift.

 Expensive jewelry shows seriousness. If you are not in a serious relationship, choose a less expensive piece for a gift.
 Rings have additional meaning in romantic relationships. And not just for engagement rings! Other types of rings may mean different things to your relationship (such as a promise ring) and may even depend on the fingers they are worn on.
 The right jewelry can show a friend that you care. Let your friend know how much you mean to them with matching jewelry or a piece that reflects their personality. A charm bracelet featuring the person's hobbies is a great option to show that you know them well!
 Jewelry can show family relationships. Give your mother a necklace or ring with your family's birthstones or a special engraved design. He'll love it (and probably never take it off).
 Sometimes, jewelry just isn't the right gift. There are times when you may not want to give jewelry, such as when it could be misinterpreted as meaning you want a romantic relationship. There are also relationships that don't really require this kind of gift, like coworkers.

3. Understand the Materials

When choosing jewelry, it's a good idea to understand the materials used in the piece. Precious metals and gemstones come in a range of qualities and price points, so pay attention to the differences as you shop.

 Precious metals - Jewelry often features gold, silver, platinum and other metals. Gold karats describe how pure gold is in a piece of jewelry, and there are requirements for how pure silver needs to be in sterling silver.
 Diamonds - Diamonds have a grading system that shows how valuable they are. If you are buying diamond jewelry, you should know how they are graded and priced.
 Gemstones - Other gemstones also have grading systems, although these vary depending on the particular stone.

4. Select an infallible option

Certain jewelry choices will always be a hit, so you can't go wrong with infallible classics. When in doubt, these pieces almost always make a great gift:

 Lockets - Lockets are meaningful and come in a variety of price points. Go the extra mile and add a photo to personalize it.

Pearls - Pearls never go out of style. A strand of pearls or a pair of pearl earrings is always a beautiful choice.
 Sterling Silver - From silver chains to pendants and bracelets, silver jewelry is a classic staple.
 Watches - A watch could be a great gift and can either get them in women's or men's styles. Just make sure the recipient would be wearing one, as many people have ditched them in favor of their phones.
 Birthstones - Celebrate your loved one with a piece of birthday jewelry as a birthday gift or other special occasion.

5. Make sure you get what you pay for

The value of the jewelry must match the price! Look for these indicators of quality when buying jewelry:

 Stamps and Markings - Most jewelry has markings that indicate the metal content and sometimes the maker. Make sure the markings match what you plan to buy.
 Lab Reports - Many gemstones come with lab reports that tell the size, properties and sometimes value of the stone. These can help you prove that you have an authentic piece of jewelry that is worth what the retailer says it is.
 Appraisals - If the gift you are buying is particularly valuable, consider getting an appraisal. This can also be useful for insurance purposes.

6. Consider returns

Even if you put a lot of thought into choosing jewelry for someone, there's always the chance that they might need a different size or a different piece. Please take a few minutes to confirm the store's return policy before deciding on a gift. You may never have to use it, but it will give you peace of mind!

7. Jewelry inspiration is all around you

Before you shop for jewelry to give to that special someone, see what's already in front of you!

 See what's in store. If you are in a store that sells jewelry, start browsing early. And if your person is with you, you can ask them what pieces they like or don't like to start narrowing down the options.
 Notice what they are already wearing. You could get them a different version of the same type of jewelry, or you might want to get them a different type of jewelry in a similar style. For example, if they wear a lot of gold tones, more gold is probably a safe bet. Or if they like true vintage pieces, pick something up from an antique store or thrift store.

Be careful, but don't overthink it. Whether you choose something that reflects their style or has a personalized stone or engraving, a meaningful piece of jewelry that you buy with your loved one in mind will make them feel so loved by you. And that's the whole point!