Buying a gift of jewelry for your spouse or family member can be a daunting task. With so many options out there, and so many opinions from self-serving sales people, it's difficult to know where to begin. When shopping for practically any woman, a good place to start is with necklaces. Necklaces are versatile, they come in many shapes, sizes, and designs and they can be worn either prominently or discretely underneath clothing.

Plus, in general, women have fewer necklaces than earrings or rings. This is because most jewelry stores don't carry the same variety of necklaces that they have for other types of jewelry, and, often, the selection of necklaces that stores do carry is paltry and unappealing. So, at least for now, let's consider your necklace options. If you don't find something that fits the special woman you're buying for, you can then move on to other types of jewelry.

First, it's important to point out that you don't have to go to traditional jewelry stores to browse through their narrow selections of necklaces. Fortunately, these days there are online jewelry stores, whose selections far exceed those of in-person stores. On a jewelry website, users can browse through pages of necklace photographs and descriptions without leaving home. Plus, today's online commerce is as safe, fast and secure as buying in person. In short, you no longer have to leave home to buy jewelry, and your items can arrive safely to your door as quickly as you want.

For more upscale necklaces, intended mostly for special occasions, you can't go wrong with 14k gold. This versatile, lustrous material, which comes in both yellow and white, has long been the favorite of American women. Today, this is truer than ever. Many gold necklaces come with attached pendants, which are often more well-crafted and beautiful than the necklace itself. Pendants come in all sizes and shapes, such as hearts, crosses, or abstract designs. Meanwhile, if you prefer, you can simply buy the gold chain, and then shop for pendants, which are usually available on the same website.

Sterling silver necklaces, in general, are a little less pricey, but no less versatile than gold. Both 14k gold and sterling silver necklaces often come with diamonds, pearls, or gemstones such as topaz and citrine. These are either set in very classic and tasteful patterns, or they are crafted into a variety of beautiful shapes. Does your giftee like gardening? If so, you could buy her a necklace with a beautifully designed gemstone flower.

Traditionally, pearl necklaces are a popular option. They are usually less expensive than gold and silver, yet they are always beautiful and great for a variety of occasions. Most women love pearls, and many have a special place in their hearts for well-crafted pearl necklaces. Depending upon the tastes of the woman in your life, a gift of a pearl necklace can be a great way to earn big bonus points.

In order to understand the vast breadth of necklace options, you simply have to browse the photographs on a jewelry website. Once you begin to do this, it won't be difficult to rule out certain options. If you keep in mind the personality and tastes of your giftee, certain necklaces will undoubtedly jump out at you as very viable options. Consider the type of clothes she wears when she dresses up, how she wears her hair, the color of her eyes, and so on.

In short, if you can picture her wearing the necklace, then it might be a good option. Be careful, through. Don't just go to a jewelry store or website and buy the first thing you see. Think about all of your options, and pick the one that best enhances her unique beauty. After all, that is what jewelry is supposed to do.