As Mother's day approaches many of us think about the extraordinary women who shaped our lives. Many people not only honor their mother on Mother's Day, but also like to give gifts to grandmothers, aunts, sisters and nurturing friends. Jewelry is an excellent gift to give at Mother's Day. Jewelry fits everyone and can be cherished for years to come. Unlike chocolate which is fattening, and perfume which can cause allergic reactions, jewelry is one of the safest gifts you can give. However, it's important that you select the right piece of jewelry.

1. Pick a piece of jewelry that will reflect her lifestyle. Does person you are buying for dress up or does she have a casual wardrobe? Does she like bright colors or prefer neutral? Does she like large, eye catching pieces, does she wear whimsical pieces, or is she into something understated?

2. Pick out something personal. Custom made jewelry can be surprisingly affordable. You may be able to purchase a custom made bracelet or necklace and select birthstones, design features, and special beads or crystals, for the same price as a premade manufactured piece. Think about things your mother or friend loves to do. Maybe you want to add a special charm or order a bracelet using her favorite colors.

3. Select something that's easy care and easy wear. A stretchy bracelet makes an excellent gift for a woman who has a physical impairment such as arthritis, ms, or a stroke survivor. Look for gifts that are durable and that do not require expensive cleaning.

4. Find out about possible skin allergies. A small percentage of the population suffers allergic reactions to low grade silver and gold. By selecting a custom necklace or bracelet, you can order your jewelry with the type of products that will not cause an allergic reaction. For example, maybe your mother would do better with a leather necklace or high-end bracelet that meets a specific minimum grade of silver or gold.

5. Select something unique. There are several advantages to selecting a unique piece of jewelry; it creates a lasting memory, it makes the person wearing it feel special, and it gives the person wearing the jewelry an opportunity to talk about the gift giver. And let's face it, mom's love to talk about their children.

6. Order the correct size. A stretchy bracelet will fit anyone. Bracelet and necklace sizes are determined by measured inches from tip-to-tip. Typical bracelet sizes are 6, 6.5, 7, and 7.5. If you don't know what size to order, select a size 7, which is an average length. Necklaces come in a variety of lengths. A 15 inch necklace will feel like a comfortable choker on most women. A size 17 necklace will hang loosely around the neck. If the special woman in your life carries extra weight in her face and neck, she'll probably enjoy a 17 or even an 18-inch necklace more than a 15-inch necklace.