Whether it's for your mom, girlfriend, sister or wife, choosing the perfect gift of jewelry can be intimidating. However with a basic knowledge of jewels and the intended recipient, anyone can master the art of gift giving and become known as the greatest gift giver ever.

Personal Style

The first thing you should do is think about the woman you are buying for. Think about her lifestyle and her personal style. Is she trendy and fashion forward or casual and laid back? You don't want to buy a bright bold necklace for someone who prefers a simple style or buy stud earrings for a woman without pierced ears. By knowing the woman you are hoping to please, you could make the piece extra special by personalizing it with engravings or her birthstone. Buying rings can be risky if you don't know her size. Consider consulting with a close relative or taking one of her current rings as a reference.

Materials

Jewelry is made with all sorts of different metals, gemstones, crystals and more. Is the woman you are buying for allergic to anything? Most metal allergies are to base metals, such as zinc, nickel and copper. Sterling silver 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper could produce allergic reactions on extremely sensitive skin. Titanium, platinum, silver and gold are all commonly used today. Many wedding rings are made with a metal called tungsten carbide which is scratch resistant and extremely durable.

How do you know that the gemstones are natural and not an imitation? Imitation or lab created gemstones look very similar to natural stones that come from the earth, but are actually tinted glass, cubic zirconia or some other man-made material.

Reputable Dealer

To be 100% certain that you are getting the biggest bang for your buck, the best idea is to do business with a reputable dealer. Any reputable jewelry store will have a wealth of knowledge and years of experience looking at many different kinds of jewelry. They can help you purchase a unique gift within your budget. From a gorgeous necklace of fine Akoya pearls to simple diamond stud earrings, the perfect jewelry gift is out there.