Finding the perfect gift for a loved one

Whether it’s the holiday season, or a birthday, or you want to mark a special occasion, the gift of jewelry is a phenomenal way to celebrate that special someone in your life.

I have marked so many momentous occasions in my life with jewelry.

I used a small portion of my advance for my first book and bought an opera length of gorgeous pink freshwater pearls. When I was considering a right-hand diamond for myself, I took a more empowered path and bought a pink sapphire ring instead.

Each time I look at either of these, I get great joy.

But how do you choose the right gift for someone other than yourself? Here are some simple tips:

• Look at the kind of jewelry your loved one wears now. Do they wear lots of earrings or are charm bracelets their thing? Do they like metals or something bold? Do you see something that would harmonize with something they already wear?

• Think of how they would wear a specific piece for an occasion. Are you going on vacation to celebrate a milestone birthday? Or are they an active person and one simple pair of earrings might wear as well with their athleisure as well as a simple suit? Think about where, when and how often you imagine your loved one wearing the gift you are considering.

• Consider their clothing and what would harmonize best with a specific piece of jewelry. Does your beloved love turtlenecks? Then an opera length of something chunky to go over the sweater will really stand out.  

At the end of the day, the best gifts are ones that are well-considered and matched for the person in mind. But as in all things, a gift receipt is always appreciated, just in case.