So, how do you find the perfect piece for your lady’s taste? Base your choice on something she already owns and loves, say the experts at the Gemological Institute of America, the world’s foremost authority in gemology.

You might want to begin with her favorite color. Look for clues in her current wardrobe and jewelry, as well as her skin tone and eye color. There’s a gemstone to correlate with every hue in the rainbow. Does she prefer red? Try rubies or garnets, or perhaps spinel or rubellite. Does blue complement the color of her eyes? Deep-blue tanzanite is trendy. Does she fancy purple? Amethyst is an ever-popular choice in this color. She loves orange or yellow ? Try amber, citrine, or spinel at moderate price levels; yellow sapphires or a fancy yellow or orange diamond for more important occasions.

You might also seek opinions from other family members and her friends, and consider her lifestyle. If she works outside the home, what colors does she wear to work? If it’s a business suit or uniform, keep it simple, yet elegant, with a choker necklace, a couture pin, or a classic tennis bracelet. All are available from simple to sleek.

This year in fashion, a new twist on forgotten styles is in. For necklaces, beads are back in a big way. So are pendants. Ask your jeweler about a necklace of sparkling sapphire beads or a knockout pendant set with a fancy-cut blue topaz. A pendant is a versatile choice because she can wear it with her favorite chain, or on a leather or silk cord. Even better is a pin/pendant design that can be transformed from a necklace to a pin with the flip of the finger.

For rings, the word is bold. Forget tiny birthstones. This year, look for a thick, chunky ring set with a bulky gemstone and perhaps accented with diamonds. And don’t think you have to mortgage the house! Rings are available in a wide range of prices and varieties of metals and gemstones so you can be sure to find one that suits her tastes and your budget.

Chandelier earrings resembling the romantic Victorian era are the latest trend in Hollywood. Dangling, tiered gems like jade, pearls, and diamonds are hot. If you’re a guy who wants a distinctively personal look for your lady, ask your local, GIA-educated jeweler how any combination of gems can be hand-crafted into an original design for her.

Whatever style, color, or piece you choose, a gift of jewelry becomes a precious treasure that she will love for the sentiment behind it. For more information on colored gemstones and jewelry, as well as education opportunities in these fields, visit GIA at www.gia.edu or call 800-421-7250.

Nov. 17, 2003