As Elizabeth Taylor wisely said, “Jewellery has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique.” And she’s right. The perfect piece of fine jewellery makes for a truly unique gift for that one-of-a-kind person. But how do you make sure it’s the right piece for them?

With so much selection – from rings and earrings to necklaces and bracelets – the task can be quite overwhelming. If you’re struggling to choose that piece that says ‘I love you’ or ‘happy anniversary’ in all the right ways, here are ten valuable tips to remember.

1. Choose the right jeweller

Choose a jeweller who is more interested in helping you find the right piece than merely making a sale. Jewellery carries a lot of sentimental value, which means the purchase decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is imperative that your jeweller is reputable; renowned for quality craftsmanship and experience in the field.

2. Consider your loved one’s fashion style

Before you hit the jewellery store, take note of what your loved one already has in their collection.

Unless they’ve requested something specific like a tennis bracelet or diamond-edged watch (in which case your job is much easier) then you have some sleuthing to do.

Take note whether their jewellery is typically dainty or bold. Is there a preference to white, yellow or rose gold? Consider lifestyle – certain jobs or activities may require classic timeless pieces whereas others may beckon a statement cuff. Your jewellery purchase says a lot about you and the person you’re giving it to, so knowing their style is key.

3. Pay attention to subtle hints

Most people have a wishlist. All you have to do is pay attention and pick up the subtle hints. Take notice of their reactions, what’s pinned to their Pinterest board and what they veer towards online. This will steer you in the right direction to making the perfect choice. Added bonus, you will appear super intuitive!

4. Bring in back up

For an important purchase, don’t be afraid to ask for help from someone that knows the recipient best: a mother, sibling or close friend.

Shopping with someone you know and trust can help you navigate the selection and avoid impulse purchases. They’ll help you stay focused and make the perfect choice.

5. Know the 4 C’s

If you plan on purchasing a diamond, you’ll want to have an understanding of the 4 C’s. This will help clarify pricing, quality and how to get the best value.

Each of the 4 C’s play a role in a diamond’s beauty: cut, colour, clarity and carat. Each component is graded to assess the quality, but what remains the most important is how the diamond appears to the naked eye. In this sense, understanding the 4 C’s is imperative so you can find the right balance and avoid spending your budget on a characteristic that goes unnoticed.

6. Be ethical

Whenever you’re in the market for a piece of jewellery that includes a gemstone, it’s important to be aware of the origin of the stone. Ethically sourced jewellery relies on fair trade materials, as well as conflict-free diamonds and jewels.

It is not uncommon that a customer becomes unknowingly entangled in the conflict-ridden past of an unethically sourced stone. ‘Conflict stones’ or ‘blood diamonds’ refer to stones which have been mined in war zones and sold to fund activities of war.

It’s important that stones are traced and documented to their point of origin, to avoid human rights and environmental atrocities. Any reputable jeweller will be able to confirm where the stone and the metal it is set in was mined and the ethical methods by which it was made.

7. The occasion matters

It’s important to know what you are shopping for. Whether it’s an everyday gift, a birthday or an anniversary keepsake, keep in mind the occasion. Purchasing a ring for a girlfriend could lead to sheer disappointment when she realises it’s not an engagement ring. If you’re gifting jewellery for a special anniversary, do some research to see what the traditional anniversary gift for the given year is.

8. Don’t get caught up in a trend

Good jewellery lasts forever, so don’t get caught up in a trend or even a sales promotion. Find a piece you fall in love with, that will become a part of your loved one’s special collection. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with classic jewellery.

Focus on top quality, rather than faddish styles. Beautiful timeless pieces will look good for generations to come.

9. Complete the look

Find something that complements or builds on your loved one’s collection. Matching earrings for a necklace you previously gifted is a thoughtful and practical choice. Cufflinks and a matching tie pin is another gift-giving win. Completing the look shows the recipient you’ve done your detective work and really thought this gift through!

10. Make it memorable

There’s a good reason why jewellery is an ‘emotional purchase’. The most memorable pieces evoke strong memories of the person who gifted them. This is why jewellery is treasured and passed down for generations. For this reason, consider choosing something with sentiment behind it. Opt for a symbolic charm bracelet or a locket encasing a special photograph. Make the experience extra memorable by gifting the jewellery in a special setting; think al fresco dining or stargazing.

The right piece of jewellery can make a proposal, anniversary or birthday that much more memorable. A moment filled with sentiment, thought and of course, love. Follow these 10 valuable tips and you’ll be in good stead to make the perfect purchase.