Few men enjoy buying jewelry for their significant others, but jewelry’s position as a romantic gift has been well-established in our society and most men in a relationship will have to buy it at some point or another. When they do, however, men often make certain key mistakes that lessen the value of the gift. Just so you men out there know what to avoid, here are a few of the major infractions:

Not Making It Special

Way too often, men give jewelry when they don’t know what else to give. Getting jewelry for your significant other shouldn’t seem like a fallback gift – even if you have the money and even if it actually is. With this in mind, don’t buy her jewelry for every birthday, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. Instead, try to make it fit a more special occasion. Make sure that jewelry is a rare gift and that it carries some significance. When you give it to her, it may help to explain what the gift – and the moment – means to you. Another good option is to get custom jewelry, which makes the gift more poignant and personalization than if you merely walked into the department store and asked for advice on buying the best necklace in your price range.

Not Knowing What She Wants

Guys may think that all necklaces are the same, or even that all diamond earrings are identical, but they simply aren’t. Women have individual tastes and individual preferences, and this applies just as much to clothes as it does to jewelry. Unfortunately, many men assume that something simple, expensive, and gold will automatically make her happy.

Men can best fix this problem by being perceptive and doing some research. It would be unreasonable to expect that men are always aware of their woman’s tastes and styles, but it doesn’t take much work to be perceptive for a couple weeks before making a jewelry purchase. Notice what your significant other wears, notice the occasions for which she wears these items, and pay close attention to any comments she makes or hints she may drop regarding her preferences. If all else fails, ask a close female friend or relative of hers for advice. They’ll probably have a better idea than you will.

Making The Wrong Impression

If you have a serious girlfriend and buy her a ring, she may read in it more of a long-term commitment than what you’ve intended. If you just started dating someone, getting her a diamond necklace may come across as boring and overly exorbitant. We live in a society, for better and for worse, that attaches certain emotional and relationship values to items of jewelry. If you’re unsure whether your jewelry gift may cross a line or send the wrong message, ask a female friend you trust for advice beforehand. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

This article is not intended to discourage men from buying jewelry. If done right, it can be an incredibly exciting, romantic, and special gift to give. Just make sure that you do your research, follow these steps, and make the gift a worthwhile one.