Special occasion gifts need to be as personal and as special as the occasion that they are meant to honor -- and as unique as their recipient. That's where most people who are searching for the perfect gift make their mistake. Special occasion gifts have to be a reflection of the taste and lifestyle of the person who is receiving the gift, not the person who is giving it. For that reason, jewelry often makes the perfect gift for a special occasion.

Choosing the perfect jewelry for a special occasion gift is easy if you ask yourself a few simple questions:

1. What do I know about the recipient's taste?
2. What do I know about the recipient's lifestyle?
3. What is my relationship with the recipient?

All three of these questions are equally important in choosing the perfect gift for any occasion, and they are certainly critical if you want the occasion to be truly special.

Answering the first question will help you choose a particular style of jewelry. To help you answer the question, break it down into components. For this exercise, we'll assume the recipient is female, but the questions work equally well in choosing cufflinks, a watch, a tie pin, or any other personal item intended for a man.

• Does the recipient wear gold more often than silver?
• Does she like to make a statement with her appearance (enjoy being noticed)?
• Does she prefer a traditional style? A modern style? An understated style?
• Does she like her clothing and jewelry to look expensive or does she enjoy quietly knowing that she is wearing something of excellent quality?
• Does she have pierced ears?

Taking the time to consider the recipient's lifestyle will help rule out things that could keep your gift from being worn even if it is something that she really likes.

• Does she spend a lot of time talking on the phone where earrings might get in the way?
• Does she use her hands in a way that would make a ring or bracelet uncomfortable or awkward?
• Does arthritis make it difficult to take a ring on or off over swollen knuckles?

Considering your relationship with the recipient is also important. Even if you find the perfect gift, society, convention, and good manners often dictate what is appropriate in gift giving. Giving a gift that is too person or too expensive to someone whom you don't know very well can make the recipient feel awkward and limit her enjoyment of something that was intended to give her pleasure.

In short, there's a lot to consider when choosing the right special occasion gift. It sounds complicated, but in reality it is quite simple. Take the time to think about the individual who will receive the gift. Think about what she likes and what will give her pleasure. That's a formula that will guarantee success in making any gift special regardless of occasion.