Overview
Your marriage promise began with a piece of jewelry, the engagement ring, and continued on through the wedding bands that each partner wears. Jewelry, thus, makes a great gift to mark other special occasions--from birthdays to anniversaries to the birth of a child. Don't buy anything simply because it is the most popular selection. The popularity of a piece of jewelry shouldn't factor into what you buy for your wife. All those other shoppers don't know your wife; you do.
Take a look at what she already wears
Observe the jewelry that she buys for herself and the pieces that she wears the most often. This will give you a sense of her style and what she feels comfortable in. Notice whether she chooses white metals--silver, white gold and platinum--or yellow gold. Also notice whether she wears larger pieces, such as 2 to 3 inch diameter hoop earrings, or smaller pieces, such as small gemstone studs.If you don't feel comfortable about what her jewelry tastes are just by observing her and her collection, ask either her mother, a sister or a close friend of hers. Just be sure to swear the person that you ask into secrecy.
25
$69.00
starting at
$60.00
$35.99
Decide on your budget
Determine your budget in advance of shopping for jewelry. This will keep you focused on appropriate types of pieces for her.
Conduct research online ahead of time
Browse online, such as in the jewelry section of RedEnvelope, and visit stores to look at potential jewelry pieces for your wife. When at a brick and mortar jewelry store, don't let any of the workers pressure you into buying something that you aren't sure your wife will like.
Consider tradtional jewelry gift choices
Birthstone pieces are ideal for a birthday gift for her. Choose pieces with children's birthstones or mother-specific engraving on Mother's Day or to commemorate the birth of a child. It's is hard to go wrong with diamonds, regardless of the event. Circular "eternity" designs are great for anniversaries and Valentine's Day. Lockets are another very romantic choice; don't forget to add the appropriate picture before giving it to her.
Helpful Tips
No matter how beautiful and personal the piece you choose is, if it does not fit her, it will not be the ideal gift. RedEnvelope provides ring and other jewelry size charts you can use to determine the size of an item from your wife's current jewelry collection.
Reference
- AmericanGemSociety.org: Jewelry Buying 101