The feeling of wearing exquisite jewellery is, for many, second to none - after all, a great piece of jewellery doesn't have the same rigid time scale on it as a fashionable dress or a trendy pair of shoes. But choosing jewellery can be a time consuming process, especially if you're trying to find a special necklace or bracelet for someone you care about. But buying jewellery doesn't have to be difficult; instead, if you focus on some key guidelines when making your choice you'll be able to find the perfect item of jewellery in no time.

Regardless of whether you're looking for earrings, bangles or rings, it's crucial to choose the right metal when buying jewellery and establish what your budget is. For instance, platinum is the most expensive type of metal you can buy, while nine carat gold will be more affordable than 18 carat gold if you're looking for gold jewellery.

Additionally, you'll need to consider the personal taste and skin type of the person you're buying for. Not everyone likes yellow gold, while for others it might be all they consider when picking jewellery for themselves. Make sure you know what type of metal you're buying, and if you're not sure of the properties of a particular metal, ask someone who knows.

Choosing the right type of gold, for example, can be tricky. Gold can make a great finishing touch to an outfit, but make sure you don't go overboard. Pure gold is yellow and can look overpowering if worn in large quantities; opt for delicate yellow gold hoops - a piece of jewellery worn frequently by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, to finish off a an outfit with an air of casual grace. Or, if you're looking for a larger piece of gold jewellery, opt for white or rose gold which tends to be more subtle in tone and often appeals to people who are reluctant to don flashier yellow gold items.

Conversely, if the person you're buying jewellery for prefers to stay away from gold altogether, opt for an alternative precious metal like silver, platinum or tungsten, now widely used in all types of jewellery including earrings and neckalces. Platinum is becoming increasingly popular as a jewellery metal, with the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Hudson sporting platinum jewellery pieces at this year's Academy Awards.

Tungsten is also a rising star among the world's top jewellery designers, especially when it comes to men's jewellery. Tungsten rings are fast gaining currency with fashion-conscious men eager to set the trend - so if you're looking for jewellery for men, then tungsten is likely the best way to go. In fact, tungsten jewellery has received support from the likes of actors Kiefer Sutherland and Gary Sinise, while watch manufacturers like TAG Heuer and Baume et Mercier have been using tungsten in watches for years.

Another lesson that's essential to remember in any jewellery buying spree is to check the hallmark of the jewellery you've decided to buy. Particularly when purchasing gold jewellery, ensure that you check and understand the hallmark of the piece on question. A hallmark is a quality control mark that's placed on gold, silver and platinum and guarantees that the metal a consumer is about to buy lives up to legal standards.

Moreover, hallmark symbols allow you to identify quickly the carat of your jewellery, as well as its purity levels. And once you've approved the standards of the metal you've chosen, and the style of the piece of jewellery, there's only one thing left to do - make your purchase!