Women's Jewelry Buying Guide

Contents [Hide] 1 Buying and Giving 2 Keeping It 3 Related Guides 4 External Links 5 International Resources

Women pretty much have the market cornered on the jewelry front. Sure, there's the man ring, and the watch  ramparts are fiercely thrown at the menfolk crowd, but men are strongly encouraged to buy jewelry for the ladies. There are a lot of choices, cuts, arrangements, time frames, settings, and price ranges to choose from. Whether it's the all-important engagement ring,  or the I'm-thinking-of-you bracelet,  or even the I-think-this-is-pretty-so-I'm-buying-it necklace,  there are a lot of things to consider, weigh, and ponder before making a purchase.

Buying and Giving

First and foremost, remember that budget is very important, so set a limit before you even do a preliminary search on the Internet.  And to help you out, know that jewelry has become fairly important in alot of different relationships including (but not limited to) love, friendship, and accomplishment. Remember this when setting your numbers, because it's always the thought that counts the most!

Buying jewelry may not be your favorite process because, let's face it, it's hard.  Women have different tastes, and knowing how to recognize quality is also an important skill that many people lack. Here are some tips on how to make a great purchase:

• Do your research: One of the best ways to make sure you get a gift she'll like is simply by looking at what she is wearing. Through observation, you should be able to tell which stones and gems she likes, if she prefers gold  over silver,  and even the style of jewelry she leans towards. These observations can also help you to purchase jewelry that you know she doesn't already have but would make a good addition to her collection. You can take your research to another level by asking around. Friends and family should have a good idea what kind of jewelry will make her happy.

• Reflect on her personality: Consider personality when purchasing jewelry as a gift. Jewelry, like clothing, is a representation of her personal style and character, therefore, jewelry tastes are completely different depending on the lifestyle and personality of the individual. For example, a conservative or professional woman would probably appreciate pearls  and simple pieces more than big, bohemian-themed necklaces.

• Quality: Be aware that different pieces of jewelry require different levels of maintenance and care. More expensive pieces are usually higher in quality, and you can be more confident that clasps won't break and gems won't fall off. Some even come with warranties. However, there are also cases where more expensive pieces can be more fragile and require extra care. Before purchasing, make sure you consider how long you want the piece of jewelry to last, and educate yourself on what kind of maintenance will be required to keep the piece intact.

Here are some guides to get you started! 

Engagement and Wedding Jewelry Ready to get married?  With no other purchase will you be making a lifelong commitment to a piece of jewelry.   Be sure to read our guides to learn all there is to know!	Diamond Buying Guide When it comes to diamonds,  there are so many details to factor into your purchase.  There's the color, the karats, the weight, and so much more.  Take a peek at our guide!	Milestone Jewelry Gifts Express your love with a unique gift, one that's reflective of a special time.  Pieces of milestone jewelry  are great for anniversaries, religious celebrations, and birthdays!	Jewelry with a Conscience Nowadays, you will want to be sure that you are buying a certified diamond.   To avoid the purchase of a "blood diamond," check out our guide.

Gemstones Gemstones can range from cheap to expensive and can be used to make all types of beautiful jewelry. There are alot of different stones  on the market, so check out our guide to read up on each one.	Birthstones Most women know their birthstones, so buying them items with the appropriate one can be a special surprise for them. Make sure you know which stone  corresponds with which month!	Charm Bracelets Charm bracelets have an appeal for all ages of women. They are a great way to show a little something  about yourself through a piece of jewelry.	Jewelry for Little Girls What little girl doesn't love a pretty necklace or bracelet? How do you decide if something is too grown up or just right  for your recipient? Check out our guide!

Fashion Watches Watches  can be used for so much more than telling time these days. They can be replaced with different bands to match your outfit or made out of various materials to make a fashion statement.	Hot Jewelry Looks Not sure what jewelry colors  are in this fall? Check out our guide! There's always new trends in jewelry out there and who knows, maybe you will find something you like.	The Classic Jewelry Wardrobe Whether you're starting your jewelry collection or looking to add some pieces, read this guide to make sure you have a few staple items  that go well with any wardrobe or style.	Jewelry on Any Budget Looking to buy a nice piece of jewelry for yourself or someone else? Our guide has a few helpful hints so you can get lovely jewelry  without breaking the bank.

Keeping It

Keeping your jewelry safe, organized and tangle-free is one of the most important aspects of owning fine trinkets. Not caring for your jewelry properly can result in damage to many types of gemstones--and you don't want to misplace that favorite bracelet, do you?

Jewelry Boxes These are a great way to keep your items safe and in one place. Also, they range in style depending on your preference.	Travel Organizers Taking jewelry on a weekend trip or vacation may prove somewhat challenging if you tend to misplace things. Why not put everything in one handy carrying case?	Cleaning Your Jewelry For those expensive pieces that you own, you can either take them to a jeweler  to be cleaned or do it yourself at home. Read our guide to find out more.

Related Guides

• Cuff Links
• Gifts for Women
• Mother's Day Gifts

External Links

• About.com:  Read through articles on how to care for and clean jewelry.
• WikiHow.com: A video on how to choose the right jewelry. 

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
DE: Schmuck für die Frau