Buying jewelry for the woman you love is a challenge at best. Here are the questions to ask: What are my choices? What does she want? What size? How much should I spend? These are all good questions.

The variety of options will make your head spin. There are earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings and many different categories of each. As for metals, your choices include silver, platinum, yellow gold, white gold and more. Let’s talk gems for a second. Anytime you have a choice, pick a small authentic gem over a large fake one. Have doubts? Ask a woman.

To determine what she may like, watch what your woman likes to wear. Take a peek in her jewelry box. Women usually have some very specific ideas about what kind of jewelry they link and want. Pay attention because details matter. The next time you visit the mall together, make it a point to visit some jewelry counters. Pay attention to what catches her eye.

The quickest way to determine her sizes is to friends and family. Another option is to measure the pieces in her jewelry box. If none of those options work, consider taking some of her jewelry pieces to the jewelry store so they can size them for you.

To figure out how much to spend, look at the occasion from her point of view. A first anniversary is very important. The 5th, 10th, 25th, 30th, are also important occasions. On these milestones, consider a nice piece of jewelry that conveys the importance of the occasion.

Bring yourself up to speed before you’re ready to purchase anything. Do your homework online. The knowledge you gain will help make the shopping experience a lot more comfortable. The goal is to make a thoughtful, personal purchase. You certainly don’t need a piece of jewelry that turns her finger green. The bottom line is: Learn about jewelry quality. It will save you some grief in the long term.

Shopping doesn’t come naturally to many guys. We often avoid it. There’s a saying: women shop, men buy. But you’ll have to do at a little shopping this time to find the right gift. If you’ve done your homework, you’ll be fine. Visit several jewelry stores and compare value and quality, not just price. Buy from an established company.

How should you present the gift? Will it be in a romantic setting? How about as an unexpected surprise? You want her to remember it for a long time, so be original.