Jewelry is the perfect gift for almost any occasion. A jewelry collection can be added to year after year. Every new piece you buy can build upon or enhance the last piece, ultimately creating a quality jewelry wardrobe that can be passed down from generation to generation. When creating a jewelry wardrobe it is very important to really understand the wants and needs of the gift recipient.

• Style type - conservative or modern? • Formal or informal? • Active or relaxed lifestyle? • What kind of jewelry do they already wear? • Is this for everyday wear or special occasions?

Personal style
Women who prefer more classic looks will like items such as diamond stud earrings, the traditional anniversary bands or bracelets, and simple pendants. A more glamourous style preference would be geared toward multi-stone diamond jewelry such as Journey or Circle pendants.

Formal vs. informal
A simple way to tell whether the recipient is more formal or informal is to open up the closet and see what takes up the most room. If the jeans and khakis are in the majority it is safe to say they’re informal. If suits and dresses dominate the closet, then a more formal image is probably projected. Informal jewelry will tend to be smaller in scale and simpler in design, whereas formal jewelry will have more intricate settings and larger stones.

Active or relaxed lifestyle?
Those who lead a very active lifestyle will have different needs for everyday wear. They typically don’t want to wear anything that will slow them down. Cleaner, less complicated jewelry that lays close to the body tends to work well. Also, stud earrings, band rings, and simple chains work well for an active life.

What kind of jewelry do they already wear?
Pay attention to what’s already has in the wardrobe and see what you can build on. If they have diamond earrings you could find a necklace or ring to match. Once you have finished buying all of one set, then you could move on to build another collection such as rubies or sapphires.

Is this for everyday wear or special occasions?
Everyday wear items tend to be simpler in nature and very sturdy. And, with the exception of an engagement ring, the stone size is generally smaller than special occasion wear. For example, half or quarter carat earrings are the perfect size for everyday wear.