Jewelry is so personal in terms of what particular style she would like. So check out her Pinterest for inspiration. If she uses the marketplace Etsy, with its many indie jewelry shops, you can also get clues from the shops and pieces she’s added to her favorites. Even if you don’t shop her online wishlist directly, you’ll get a better sense of her unique style.

With certain jewelry gifts for a girlfriend (ahem, engagement gifts), you want to know her ring size, especially for something customized. If you don’t know, you can sneak one of her other rings to a jeweler and they can size it for you. And husbands, check her current bling to get the sizing right for jewelry gifts for your wife.

Before shopping jewelry gifts for her, consider questions like: is sustainability important to her? What about knowing the artist and the story behind the piece? Try to line up your gift with her personal values.

If you’re thinking about personalized jewelry gifts or getting something custom made, be sure to do the math on how long it will take to design, make, and ship it. You don’t want to find yourself empty-handed on Christmas!

You’re thinking on jewelry gifts for mom to mark her milestone birthday. Be sure to look up which birthstone matches her birthday before ordering. Check the American Gem Society for answers. Other important facts to know: What type of jewelry does she wear? Earrings? Stud earrings or dangling hoops? Brooches? Pendant necklaces? If you have no clue, check her jewelry box or ask someone who’d know — like her sister.

You may be shopping jewelry gifts for friends, in which case you’re not researching diamonds. Grownup charms with your friends’ initials or names (or names of their kiddos) are a nod to the past — just be doubly sure you have names spelled correctly. Looking at friendship bracelets? Be sure you’re matching her fashion style to the jewelry. Is your friend’s style more bohemian or glam? Punk or classic?  

If you’re thinking big with jewelry gifts for your wife, you’ll want to consider jewelry insurance. Or check your existing policy carefully to be sure the jewels will be covered — just in case.

Engraving jewelry doesn't have to be an overt monogram or first name. You can ask an engraver to make a little inscription on the inside with a phrase, an important date, or a word that has special meaning for you.  

Here's gift inspiration to delight:

The Free-Spirited Guide to Shopping for Hipsters

The Everyman's Guide to Getting Cool Gadget Gifts