by Kelly Edens

Created on: January 30, 2009

In the race to woo her heart, your wallet seems to trip you at the door of the jewelry store. What price can you put on love? It all depends on the woman you love. You must take into account a few things about your lady, and make sure the gift speaks clearly for you.

First and most important, does she even wear jewelry? Some ladies have boxes of jewelry that have never seen the light of day. They have one piece they wear and it is only removed to be cleaned or if when they do major electrical work. (Wedding bands have been known to touch off electrical accidents!) She will normally pull out one special piece a year to relive a special memory or remind her beloved of an upcoming anniversary.

Others seem to drip bling from every ear lobe, finger and ankle. These ladies know the difference between a real diamond and cut glass. They have also been known to sniff out gold plate and counterfeit Tiffany. My advice, do your homework! Does she wear gold only, or does she have a silver/platinum phase? Does she think birthstones are tacky, or does she collect every cut, size and mounting of her special gemstone? Does she match all her turquoise bangles, or does she wear an assortment of rings on each finger?

If your beloved is not on either extreme, then you will have more leg work ahead of you-literally. Sometimes simple window shopping will give you a clue. When walking the mall, does her gait slow up at the fine jewelry store, or is easily she transfixed by the nearest department store counter?

Turn your ears in as well. While watching t.v., does she drop hints during commercials? Or is it during simple conversation? If she doesn't, don't be afraid to test the waters with a question here or there. Does she comment on a new piece of jewelry a friend just acquired? Ask her what she likes or doesn't like about it.

If in the end you still are not sure what to get the woman you love, where are you in your relationship with her? Is it time to take the plunge and propose with a lovely solitaire? If you are married already, how many years has it been? Is it time to celebrate a decade or two? What's happening in her life right now? Has she survived a major illness, climbed a career mountain or is she ready to move into a new season of her life?

It is time to take note and decide. Because when you purchase a piece of jewelry for the woman you love, you'll want to make sure it says exactly what you want it to-especially when you're not around to say it.

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