How to Pick Jewelry for a Girlfriend

How to Pick Jewelry for a Girlfriend



Jewelry is its own wardrobe. It can dress up slacks, dress down blazers, and re-create
tank
tops


. The assortment of options--earrings and necklaces and bracelets and brooches and rings and hat pins and so forth--can be overwhelming to the well-intentioned boyfriend whose eyes widen in panic when he hears the price of platinum over sterling silver. Before we begin, relax. Follow the below steps for guidance on how to choose a piece of jewelry your girlfriend will love.







Things You'll Need:





Stock of fashion magazines



Computer with Internet access









Step
1



Decide what type of

jewelry


your girlfriend would most appreciate. Does she often wear rings? Are her ears pierced? Has she expressed interest in a particular necklace? Pay attention to small clues that define her personal style.




Step
2



Set your budget. Costume jewelry or funky, one-of-a-kind pieces will help your girlfriend make a bold statement and are generally inexpensive (under $50) while high-end jewelry is made of stronger materials and can include diamonds, rubies, and other gems.




Step
3



Look through fashion magazines to get an idea of current styles and trends. If you notice a lot of models wearing dark-colored stones set in silver, you can use that as a guide for choosing your own piece.




Step
4



Shop around. Visit local jewelry stores to determine what is available in your price range. Don't be afraid to approach a sales professional for advice--it's his or her job to piece together the clues you have to find a great piece for your recipient. Online retailers are also a good resource.




Step
5



Make your final selection. If you choose an expensive piece, talk with a sales professional (or online customer service if purchased via the web) to determine payment options. Retailers often will provide a customized payment plan to ease the financial burden of your purchase.







Tips & Warnings









Consider purchasing one piece of jewelry from a set. If your girlfriend loves it, you have the option of purchasing matching items for upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.








Always keep the receipt. Jewelry can be quite personal so if you don't see the gleam in your girlfriend's eye as she unwraps the box, assure her she can exchange the item for one of her choosing. She will love you for the effort.








Beware online retailers with whom you have never dealt. It's easy to describe an item as "14 karat gold" when it really means plated in 14 karat gold. If you can't verify the reputation of the site, avoid doing business with them.



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