Jewelry Under $500

Gifts that need no size

Earrings and necklaces are the safest gifts because nobody has to guess a measurement. Rings are harder, because they need an exact size; Rare Carat's complimentary ring sizer solves that, but only if the wearer is in on the gift. Earrings suit someone with pierced ears who wears jewelry most days. A pendant works for almost anyone, and an 18 inch chain is the length to pick when you are unsure, since it sits just below the collarbone and is the one most people wear with a pendant.

Bracelets fall in the middle. They come in lengths, so if you can, borrow one the wearer already owns and measure it. If that is not possible, about 7 inches is the common length for a woman's bracelet and a reasonable starting guess.

Reading the material line before you buy

Check the metal and stones on every piece, because similar looks can be very different things. Solid gold is gold alloy all the way through: 14K wears harder, 18K shows a richer color. Gold vermeil is sterling silver under a gold layer of at least 10K, good value but not solid gold, and its surface can wear with heavy use. Sterling silver is 92.5 percent silver; it tarnishes, then polishes back. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds that cost far less than mined ones of the same size and grade, which makes them a natural fit for a gift budget.

One good piece beats a handful

Put the whole budget into one well made piece rather than splitting it across several. A single pendant or pair of studs with a good cut and a secure setting will be worn far more often than three trend pieces. Look at the details that decide daily wear: prongs that do not snag on knitwear, a clasp that closes firmly, earring backs that stay put through a busy day. If you want a set, keep it small, such as earrings and a necklace in the same metal, so each piece still gets a fair share of the money.

Shopping jewelry under $500 by category

Start with the category that matches the person, then compare within it. Earrings at this budget are the easiest no-size gift. Necklaces at this price point suit almost anyone if you choose a classic length. Bracelets in this range are best when you know the wrist size. And if the occasion calls for a little more, the next budget up gives you more room on size or metal.