Jewelry is a popular gift, but choosing the right necklace can be daunting. Necklaces are often highly personal, reflecting individual taste and style. Whether it’s for a family member or a significant other, you want your gift to wow them, and to show them how much you care. And most importantly, you want to make sure it’s something they will actually wear! The last thing anyone wants is to see their gift sitting on a shelf unused. Although picking jewelry out for someone else can be tricky, getting it right sends a strong message. Not only does it tell your special someone that you appreciate them, but it also tells them that you understand them and their personal style.

There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a necklace for someone else. No matter who you’re shopping for, take into consideration the message you want to convey, as well as their personality. There are as many different types of necklaces as there are different types of people, and it behooves you to spend some time doing your research. Read on for tips from industry leaders and jewelry experts, and you’ll be able to confidently pick out a necklace that will be sure to delight the special person in your life.

Complement Their Style

“Everyone has their own unique style, and their jewelry should reflect that. Before you buy a piece of jewelry for someone, take a moment to jot down a few words that describe their style. Are they more of a minimalist, or do they love wearing bright colors and bold shapes? Do they skew more classic, or modern? When in doubt, you can always go with a classic design in a versatile color like gold or silver, but don’t be afraid to take a risk with a bolder piece if you’re shopping for someone who likes to experiment.” - Yuvi Alpert, Founder and CEO of Noémie

Consider Jewelry They Already Have

“When picking out a necklace for someone, it’s a good idea to take a peek at the jewelry they already own. Not only will this save you from giving them a pearl necklace when they already have three, it will help you to gain insight into their style and preferences. Consider the types of metal they gravitate towards, for example, or the lengths they prefer. If they own a lot of longer necklaces, that tells you something about their style. If they wear a lot of silver jewelry, that may be the color they prefer for their skin tone.” - Olivia Young, Head of Product Design at Conscious Items

Plan Ahead

“Jewelry can be an especially meaningful gift when it is personalized to the individual, or designed to represent your relationship with them. If you’re buying a piece for a special occasion, make sure you allow for enough time to talk with a specialist and check out the jewelry in person, if possible. Custom designed jewelry will make your gift extra special, but be aware of the extra time it will take to produce. I can say that in my experience, putting in the extra time and care is always worth it.” - Omid Semino, CEO and Founder of Diamond Mansion

Do Your Research

“Dipping your toe into the jewelry world can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Before you buy a piece of jewelry for someone, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the different types of metals and purity levels, and some of the more common gemstones. A good jeweler will have information on their website to help guide you and give you a basic overview. It’s also important to do your research when choosing a jewelry dealer - not only will this ensure your piece is high quality, a reputable dealer will be able to share their knowledge with you and point you in the right direction.” - Jordan Duran, Founder and Designer of 6 Ice

Connect Their Style With Meaning

“Picking a necklace for that special person is about connecting their style with meaning. It is a personal reflection of the importance they hold in your life, and what that relationship signifies in them. It should represent a deep connection to the present while at the same time, honoring the warmest of memories.” - Adelle Archer, CEO and Co-Founder of Eterneva

Don’t Let a Limited Budget Discourage You

“Fine jewelry is not as expensive as you might think – you can get something nice for less under $100. So don’t think it’s out of your league. Stick to silver if you need to reign it in, or if you simply haven’t been dating for that long. If you want something more luxe, go with gold that's at least 14K – or move up to 18K, which uses a higher percentage of gold in the alloy, if you've got a bigger budget.” - Sophie Kahn, Co-Founder of AUrate

Think About Returns

“Even if you put a lot of thought into choosing jewelry for someone, there's always the chance the person may need a different size or a different piece. Take a few minutes to confirm the store's return policy before you decide on a gift. You may never need to use it, but it will give you peace of mind.” - Kate Miller-Wilson, Jewelry Designer

Jewelry typically carries sentimental value, so you can rest assured that your gift will be meaningful. The right necklace will reflect the time and care you put into choosing it, so be sure to shop around and do some research. And remember: when in doubt, ask questions. Choose a reliable jeweler who is open to answering your questions and helping you make the right decision for your budget. Jewelry is a smart investment and a great way to show someone how much you care. If you’re worried about choosing the right piece, keep in mind that the sentiment will come through no matter what you choose. With jewelry, it truly is the thought that counts.