Buying Jewellery For a Girlfriend: A Guy´s Guide

At the outset of a relationship, buying jewellery as a gift for your girlfriend can seem a tricky business.

However, it needn´tt be traumatic. Whether you´re concerned about giving off the wrong signal or worried she just won´t like it, here are a few simple tips from The Diamond Store, the UK´s biggest online independent jewellers, to help you get it right.

1. General Gift Buying
Unless you are planning to propose, the obvious advice is steer clear of big diamond rings as a first present, or indeed most extravagant rings. If it´s her birthday a gemstone ring with her correct birthstone is acceptable and shows that you have thought about the gift (Opal is October´s birthstone as seen in the ring above). Necklaces, diamond pendants, bracelets and earrings are all good options.

2. To Bling or Not to Bling
While the amount of money you spend may be the most important factor for some women, for the majority it is about the thought that has gone into the present rather than the bling itself. There are always going to be other opportunities to splash out if the relationship continues to go well.

The only thing to bear in mind is how much you like this person, and if you´re feelings are strong and you are sure they are reciprocated, then by all means go to town!

3. Sizing Her Up
This does not have to involve sneaking around under cover of night, measuring her finger while she´s asleep. If you decide to opt for a ring, you can work out her size from jewellery she already owns. It is definitely worth making the effort to do this as there´s nothing more likely to put a dampener on the evening then the ring getting wedged on her finger.

4. The Like-ability Factor
How do you know what she will like? Well, no plan is fail proof but you can get a good idea by having a look through her jewellery case. From this you can work out which stones she has a preference for, what items she most often wears, whether she prefers silver, gold or platinum and the style of jewellery she wears. Think about her personality.

Is she bold and vivacious or demure and elegant? Would a big, chunky diamond bracelet suit her or a more delicate alternative? When you are out shopping next, try subtly to guide her towards the jewelry counter and see what items she makes a beeline for. Also ask her family and friends as they will usually have a good idea of her taste.

5. Bad Reaction
Make sure she´s not allergic. Again, if you cannot ask her directly, ask pals and relatives if they know of any reactions she may have to certain metals. A fairly common one is a sensitivity to earrings made from anything other than sterling silver or gold. After all, there´s no point splurging out on those diamond earrings if they are going to make her ears blow up like cauliflowers!

6. Shopper´s Paradise
Once you have a good idea of what you want to get her, the hardest bit is over. The next step is deciding where to buy it. For sheer choice and savings of up to 60 per cent on high street prices, the Internet is the best place to look.

Make sure the site is registered with a recognised body such as The British Jewellery Association and check their returns policy. Shopping this way gives you the opportunity to browse the wide variety of jewellery at your own pace, without feeling intimidated by over keen sales staff.