So, you've decided to buy jewellery as a gift.

Excellent idea.

The only slight problem is that you haven't got a clue what to buy.

Don't worry. You are certainly not alone. With necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches and goodness knows how many different styles and colours to choose from, buying jewellery for someone else can suddenly become far more complicated than you expected.

The good news is that you don't need to know anything particularly technical about jewellery.

You just need to know a little about the person you're buying it for.

First, Have a Proper Think About Her

Before you start scrolling through hundreds of necklaces, stop and think about the woman you're buying for.

What does she normally wear?

Is she a bright colours person, or does she live quite happily in navy, black and neutral shades? Does she like modern styles, or does she tend to choose something more classic?

And, most importantly, what does she like?

This is probably not the ideal opportunity to buy her something you think she should wear.

If you've been trying to persuade her to “wear a bit more colour” for the last ten years, a huge orange necklace may not have quite the effect you were hoping for.

Have a look at what she already wears. You don't need to conduct a full jewellery-box investigation while she's out of the house. Just pay attention.

The clues are normally there.

Gold or Silver?

This is an easy one to get wrong, but also quite easy to check.

Does she normally wear gold-coloured or silver-coloured jewellery?

Look at her earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Even her watch may give you a clue.

Some women happily wear both. Others have a very definite preference.

If everything she owns is silver coloured and you arrive with a large gold-tone necklace, she may absolutely love it.

She may.

But personally, I'd check first.

What Sort of Jewellery Does She Actually Wear?

This sounds obvious.

Surprisingly, it isn't.

If you've never seen her wearing a bracelet, there is a possibility that she doesn't like wearing bracelets.

If she always wears tiny earrings, enormous sparkly shoulder-dusters might be pushing your luck.

Buying something similar to the styles she already wears isn't boring. It means you've noticed what she likes.

Which, when buying a gift, is rather the point.

Necklaces Are Often a Good Place to Start

If you're completely unsure, a necklace can be one of the easier pieces of jewellery to buy as a gift.

You don't normally have the same sizing problems that you might have with a ring or bracelet, particularly if the necklace has an adjustable chain.

Think about the necklaces she already wears.

Does she like small pendants? Longer necklaces? Something colourful? Something simple?

You don't have to find an exact copy of something she already owns—obviously—but it should give you an idea of the sort of thing she feels comfortable wearing.

Bracelets Need a Little More Thought

Bracelets can make lovely gifts, but sizing can sometimes be a problem.

If you aren't sure of her wrist size, look for something adjustable or expandable.

Also, ask yourself whether she actually wears bracelets.

Some people love them. Other people spend all day taking them off because they're clattering against a keyboard, catching on their clothes or generally getting on their nerves.

Again, observation is your friend.

Buying Earrings? Check Her Ears First

Before buying earrings, please establish whether she has pierced ears.

Yes, I know this sounds obvious.

I'm mentioning it anyway.

Once you've established that important little detail, look at the styles she normally wears.

Studs? Hoops? Drop earrings?

If she has worn tiny silver studs every day for the last fifteen years, a pair of enormous red chandelier earrings may come as something of a surprise.

Not necessarily a good surprise.

A Little Colour Can Be Lovely

Jewellery can be a nice way to add colour, particularly if the person you're buying for tends to wear fairly plain clothes.

But don't get carried away.

If she normally wears soft blues, greens and neutral colours, try choosing something that will work with those shades.

The fact that you think she would look fabulous in fluorescent pink is not really the issue here.

Remember—we're buying for her.

Think About Her Interests

A piece of jewellery with a personal connection can make a particularly thoughtful gift.

Perhaps she loves cats, dogs, gardening, butterflies, flowers or the seaside.

If you know she has a particular interest, you may be able to find a pendant, brooch or pair of earrings that connects with it.

There is, however, a small warning here.

If somebody once mentions that they quite like owls, this does not mean they wish to receive an owl-themed gift for every birthday and Christmas for the rest of their natural life.

Use your judgement.

Hearts, Romance and Other Potential Minefields

Heart jewellery can make a lovely romantic gift.

From the right person.

A heart necklace from a husband, wife or partner is one thing.

A heart necklace from Dave in Accounts is quite another.

Think about the relationship you have with the person you're buying for and choose accordingly.

If in doubt, something attractive and thoughtful is usually safer than accidentally declaring undying love.

Please Don't Leave It Until the Day Before

Do start looking for a gift in plenty of time.

A few weeks before the birthday, anniversary or special occasion is ideal.

This gives you time to actually think about what you're buying rather than desperately clicking “next day delivery” at eleven o'clock at night.

It also avoids presenting the gift with the immortal words:

“I did see something you'd have loved, but they'd sold out.”

Very thoughtful.

Take the Price Off

Please.

If you've chosen the gift carefully, the price really isn't the important part.

Leaving the price ticket attached can either make you look as though you forgot to remove it or, worse, as though you particularly wanted the recipient to know how much you spent.

Neither is ideal.

And Finally... Wrap It

You do not need ribbons, bows, handmade paper or professional gift-wrapping skills.

Nobody is expecting a work of art.

But please don't plonk a carefully chosen piece of jewellery on her lap in the carrier bag it arrived in.

A little wrapping paper and a piece of sticky tape will do perfectly well.

It shows you made an effort.

Even slightly wonky wrapping shows you made an effort.

The Secret to Buying Jewellery as a Gift

You don't need to be a jewellery expert.

You don't need to know the names of every gemstone or understand the latest jewellery trends.

You just need to pay attention to the person you're buying for.

Notice what she wears. Look at the colours she likes. Think about her style and the things that interest her.

Choose something for her, rather than something you think she ought to like.

And if, after all that, you're still completely bewildered...

There's always chocolate and flowers.