If you’re looking to buy the perfect piece of jewellery, you’ll want to make sure you avoid commonly made mistakes

Great British Life: Hiho SilverHiho Silver (Image: Archant)

If you’re looking to buy the perfect piece of jewellery for a friend or spouse, you’ll want to make sure you avoid the most common mistakes that can turn your gem of an idea into something that’s stashed at the back of a drawer and never spoken of again! Somerset jewellery company, Hiho Silver, talk us though the top five mistakes that people make when they buy jewellery and, more importantly, how to avoid them!

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Great British Life: Hiho SilverHiho Silver (Image: Archant)

1. Get the fit right. With necklaces, bracelets and earrings, the chances are that fit isn’t going to be an issue, but with rings, it’s a whole different ball game. Not only does an ill fitting gift leave the recipient rather disappointed, but the various ways to remove a tight ring (like washing up liquid and even grease and oil) and the panic this produces as the circulation gets reduced don’t really make you think ‘Happy Birthday’ or ‘Happy Christmas’! If you’re thinking of buying a ring, try and borrow a ring that you know fits and use a downloadable sizing chart to find the right size. Don’t forget to keep the receipt, just in case there’s an issue.

2. It’s all about taste! Think very carefully about the type of jewellery the person normally wears. If they’re an understated kind of person who prefers simple, elegant pieces, don’t opt for something loud and colourful…you might love it, but you’re not buying it for you!

3. Money spent does not equal love! We all like to treat our loved ones, but money isn’t the only way to show this. Most people appreciate thought and effort over money spent, so invest time to find the perfect piece of jewellery, consider getting it engraved with a relevant message if the piece lends itself to this…don’t just throw money at the problem.

4. Are their ears pierced?! You’d be surprised at the amount of people we meet who have received gorgeous earrings as a gift…but don’t have pierced ears! It’s an easy thing to overlook, especially when people wear clip on earrings, but it’s a fundamental point to get right!

5. Get it gift wrapped. If wrapping presents isn’t your forte, why not get it professionally gift wrapped? Many jewellers provide this service for minimum cost, and quality paper, ribbon and a great tag can really set off a lovely present. People say first impressions count…we also think that opening the gift is half the fun!

Another top tip for all gifts, not just jewellery, is to get a gift receipt. If you provide a gift receipt with the gift, the recipient can exchange it discreetly without fear of upsetting you!

Hiho Silver produces a stunning range of jewellery and homewares that are available online (at www.hihosilver.co.uk) and at the company’s two shops in Dorchester and Sherborne. With many exclusive pieces, charity lines (that raise money for good causes like South West Air Ambulance) and handpicked jewellery from other designers like Alex Monroe and James Veale, Hiho Silver is a one stop gift shop for Christmas gifts, birthday gifts…and gifts for yourself too! To find out more, see www.hihosilver.co.uk.