Saying 'diamonds are a girl's best friend' is almost certainly true, but what if you can't afford diamonds and you still want to by jewellery for that girl? There are lots of things to think about. You might see a piece if jewellery and think "I'm sure she would like that", but just ask yourself a few questions first.
For example, does she only wear gold or silver?
Even though fashion jewellery and costume jewellery has become very popular (and cheap!) in the last 5 years or so, many women still only wear real gold or silver jewellery (known as fine jewellery). Sometimes it is because they might suffer an allergic reaction to other metals, sometimes they think their jewellery is a status symbol, some just prefer it! Bear in mind too that what you think is silver might be white gold or platinum!
So think twice if you've only ever seen someone wearing gold or silver jewellery - they might like the look of other jewellery, but they probably won't wear it.
Seen a beautiful bracelet?
You need to think "Does she actually wear bracelets?" Lots of women love the look of bracelets and like something jangling on their wrists, but many women just don't wear them. It could be because the bracelet catches on things or it is always clanking on her desk when she is at work when she is writing or typing, or it could be because they irritate her by rattling a lot or need to be constantly moved back up the wrist a bit!
Does she wear rings?
Again you need to look at what she wears. Fingers are funny things! Some women just don't wear rings as an accessory. They will wear a wedding or an engagement ring and maybe something like a ring from their late mother or grandmother, but that will be for sentimental reasons - they are not making a fashion statement. If she does wear rings as an accessory, double check whether or not she just wears real gems! And be very careful - will the message giving a ring will send be what you really want to say?!
Thinking about a pair of earrings?
Are her ears pierced or unpierced? Such a basic question yet often missed!
Does she wear stud or drop earrings?
Many women will wear both, but lots of women will wear one style only. There could be lots of reasons for this such as the length of their hair (could hide stud earrings, so what would be the point of wearing them?). Other women just don't think they suit dangly earrings!
Does she need or prefer a little bit extra length when it comes to the length of a necklace or a pendant chain or a bracelet?
So many women have received beautiful jewellery as a gift only to be disappointed to find it doesn't fit them as it is too short (of course, they won't say anything).
A lot of jewellery is designed for women with smaller necks and wrists. A 16 inch chain which is standard with a lot of pendants will be too small for most women, as will any bracelet under 7 inches long. And don't be fooled by necklaces or pendants with an 'extension' chain. If a woman needs to fasten a necklace using the extension chain, more than likely the necklace will never sit properly because the extension is badly designed.
Most women prefer an 18 inch or a 20 inch chain when it comes to pendants, so again check what she already wears. If her pendants sits quite close to her throat, go for an 18 inch chain, if the pendant hangs a bit lower think about a 20 inch chain.
If the woman is Plus size (a larger lady) then don't make the mistake of thinking they all want to wear 'big' jewellery! Choose a piece of jewellery that comes in different sizes and just buy a longer length chain or bracelet!
The internet has made the world of jewellery a much smaller place, so don't just rely on the jeweller's in the High Street. Try looking online and see the wide range available - I'm sure you find something desirable for her to wear!
