The fact is that we're guys and guys don't always know exactly what women want for jewelry. The good news is that thousands of guys figure it out and survive the jewelry purchasing ordeal daily. To get it right, you'll need to plan ahead. You can't wait until the day before.

You have choices of the type of jewelry, rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Then you have choices of metals, yellow gold, white gold, platinum, silver and more. And then there are the gems. Make a mental note - real gems are always better than fake gems. Even a small authentic gem is preferable to a large fake gem. If you have any doubts, ask a woman.

To figure out what she wants, listen when she talks about jewelry. Some women like to drop hints. Think about her personality and lifestyle. If she's conservative, she might like simple, classic jewelry. Does she enjoy handmade or artisan items? Consider something unique and handcrafted made with fine materials. Does she line frills and lace? You get the idea. Do any of these styles show up in her jewelry box?

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.

Other than important occasions like anniversaries, the price tag isn't as important as some may think. It's the thought (and the preparation) that counts for most women. If you're still dating, a good general rule to follow is that the value of the gift should be based on how long you've been together. If you spend too much things can get awkward. If you spend too little you look cheap.

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.

Most guys aren't used to actually shopping for items. Most often we march in grab what we need and head for the door. This time you need to shop. Compare the quality, value and price of jewelry across several stores. If you've done your homework, this part should be easy. When you're ready to buy, choose an established company. If you need them later, they'll be there for you.

Remember why you've gone through all this. The gift should help express some emotion to your woman. To maximize the impact, consider exactly how to give it to her. Should it be a romantic setting? Or should it be an unexpected surprise? Don't be afraid to be original. Do this part right and she'll remember it for a long, long time.