So, you are in the market for a piece of birthstone jewelry. This can be a daunting task for even the most seasoned shopper. Have you considered all of your options and thought about what you are actually looking for?
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind as you are beginning your search.
Who are you buying for?
Maybe you are looking for something special for your wife or girlfriend. Perhaps it is mom, or grandma that is deserving of something special. Don’t forget the guys in your life, they may appreciate a classy birthstone ring or birthstone bracelet. Or maybe you are just in the mood to treat yourself to a new piece of jewelry. Figuring out this important point is crucial since many pieces of jewelry are targeted towards a particular person. No matter what you answered, this quick guide will help you look for the right birthstone jewelry for you.
What type of jewelry are you looking for?
Birthstone jewelry covers a wide variety of options including birthstone bracelets, birthstone rings, birthstone earrings, and even the birthstone necklace. While there are those among us that want to buy a gift for someone that they wouldn’t otherwise buy themselves, when it comes to jewelry this might not be the best idea. Instead take notice of what the wearer tends to favor and stick with that favorite, you can’t go wrong with this strategy.
What is their birthstone?
While this seems like an easy answer you can just look up, there are many more than the 12 traditional birthstones to choose from. Here again, you need to pay attention to the recipient’s style and taste in the birthstones they wear as well as the colors they lean towards.
Some people who wear birthstones choose the less popular alternatives to the standard 12 stones. Not everyone likes the traditional looks, or they may not be able to afford their birthstone. For example, if you know someone who has a birthday in September which has a birthstone of sapphire, there are five or six alternative stones with completely different looks and prices ranges. And keep in mind there are 11 more months and each month has just as many alternatives as the month of September. The point here is that you need to find out what the recipient of the piece of jewelry you choose actually likes.
Why are you choosing this piece?
There are plenty of reasons to buy jewelry for someone. Are you celebrating a special occasion or are you looking to surprise out of the blue? Some times of the year to give a gift are quite obvious, but there are plenty more days that are too often overlooked. It is these obscure days that might make the gift that much more meaningful.
Christmas, Mother’s Day, and her birthday are some obvious choices. But have you considered a gift for mom when it is the kids’ birthdays? Mom does a lot of thankless work throughout the year, this is a great time to say Thank You for all she does. 
Another overlooked day is the first day of school. If this is a first day of Kindergarten the event can be very emotional for mom. If the kids are a little older, this day may be a welcome reprieve from the chaos of summer activities. If the kids are in their teens, mom is probably frazzled by the end of summer and eager for a moment to relax and get her life back together. What could be better than a birthstone bracelet with the kids’ birthstones to commemorate these milestones? Choose the right style and setting and you have a gift worthy of mom and as unique as her life.
Which piece are you looking to purchase?
Don’t limit yourself before you have a chance to see all of your options. There are birthstone rings, birthstone earrings, birthstone bracelets, and of course, the center piece of the jewelry combination being the birthstone necklace. With the plethora of choices available it will be a challenge to decide on just one. A good idea is to make a few selections from each category you are interested in and keep them in mind while you are shopping. It is easier to select from 8-10 of your favorite pieces rather than having to choose from the literally thousands of pieces available online and in stores.
How much are you looking to spend?
This is a very important point to figure out. It is best to set your limit on price and try to stick as close to it as possible. This will also help you filter out those choices that are way outside your comfort zone. Picking your ideal number and then allowing for a 10% buffer on either side of this price is a good way to stay on budget without feeling confined. For example, if you are looking to spend $100 your range would be $90-$110. This technique can help you not get tunnel vision when trying to find that perfect gift.
Where will you be making your purchase?
There are many benefits to shopping online. Most websites will have a filtering system that allows you to enter your price range as well as the type of jewelry you are looking to buy. Not having to weed through all the outrageously expensive options can help you stay focused on the goal without the feeling of inadequacy. These filters can also narrow down your search to the specific birthstones you are looking for so you don’t have to search through their entire website.
Shopping in a traditional brick and mortar jewelry store has its own benefits. Face to face contact with a knowledgeable salesperson could be just what you need to make your final decisions. This salesperson should be able to direct you to your prices, type of jewelry, and the appropriate stone just as the website does as well as having some experience in popular styles and the latest trends. The biggest benefit from shopping in a traditional jewelry store is being able to see the actual gift before you purchase.
When do you need to make this purchase?
Please don’t wait until the last minute to start your shopping. When you take into account all the pointers above, this should not be a rushed decision. Treat this jewelry purchase and all your jewelry purchases as if they were for an engagement ring and you will never go wrong. This might actually be a more complicated decision since there are so many different styles and gemstone choices whether you choose a ring, bracelet, necklace, or earrings.
Wrapping this all up… keep these 7 questions in mind while you shop for birthstone jewelry and it will help guide you towards a spectacular purchase in the near future. Paying attention to all the details and doing your homework ahead of time will ensure you find that perfect gift for that someone special in your life. Even if that someone special is you!
