If you’re feeling underconfident, find safety in numbers – follow the lead of others with some eternally popular choices. The gifting experts at Bulgari advise sticking to certain categories if you want to avoid buying the wrong size: “a necklace is always a failsafe option. Earrings, too, provided that you’re sure about the piercing.” And for the style? Simple stud earrings and elegant pendants are classic choices, bound to please even the pickiest of recipients. “The Bulgari Diva’s Dream collection is a very popular gift among our clients. They are simple, easy to wear and match any personality and outfit.” If you’re looking for something with extra sparkle, only diamonds will do – as De Beers will attest: “diamonds are so versatile that everyone can find something truly meaningful and delightful in them.” Their recommendation? “One of our most iconic collections, the Enchanted Lotus pieces make a great gift for someone who appreciates the timeless beauty of diamonds, but also wants to wear something fashion forward.” Of course, even the most popular pieces may not ring true with your loved one – never lose sight of their personality and tastes when making your choice. Share as much detail as you can with your sales assistant when in-store, so they help you to make the perfect selection.

If love is in the air, you’re already on the right track – a personal and intimate offering, all jewellery gifts can be romantic when you have thoughtfully picked out a piece for your beloved. Nevertheless, there are several iconic collections that place symbolic meaning behind your amorous intentions. To name but a few, Chaumet Liens, Cartier Love, Boodles The Knot and Tiffany & Co.’s new Tiffany Lock collections all hold symbolism of eternal, unbreakable bonds, while De Beers’ Enchanted Lotus and Bulgari Fiorever both look to flowers to capture romantic love. If your partner is not the sentimental type, Bulgari has the perfect alternative. Described as an “ever-evolving icon of glamour and sensuality”, the Serpenti collection is a sophisticated choice for the one you love.

Whoever said friendship jewellery was just for childhood? “There is something special about friends wearing jewellery with a similar symbol, or matching pieces like rings or bracelets,” notes De Beers. The house’s genderless RVL collection offers a range of styling possibilities, meaning both you and your friend can coordinate pieces in line with your individual styles: “the playful and fashion-forward design makes the collection perfect for gifting to friends.” Chopard’s My Happy Hearts offers a similar outcome – meaningful mini-heart motifs come in a range of finishes from red carnelian to mother of pearl, designed to be worn every day.

Just as with romantic love, rings are often used to symbolise the bond of friendship. Bulgari’s Couples’ rings in the Serpenti Viper and B.zero1 collections work equally well for soul-mate friends, offering a coordinating pair – one for you, one for them – without appearing too matchy-matchy.

Gone are the days of men’s gifting being limited to watches and cufflinks. There are no rules or restrictions when it comes to buying jewellery for men – as with anything, it’s all about what chimes with their personal style. If you’re not sure where to start, many houses offer pieces designed to be genderless, which work perfectly for men. Tiffany & Co.’s Tiffany Lock collection sports a sleek, utilitarian look with a padlock clasp, while Cartier’s nail-inspired Juste un Clou rings would add perfectly to his stack. Likewise, Boucheron and Bulgari use black ceramic in their Quatre and B.zero1 collections to add masculine edge to necklaces, rings and bangles. Diamonds, too, says De Beers, are not reserved for women. “The beauty of diamonds is that they can be worn and appreciated by everyone. We’re seeing more men interested in core pieces like DB Classic tennis bracelets or Talisman medallions.”

If you opt for a ring or a bracelet, there are a few things you can try to make sure they fit like a glove. The Bulgari team advise checking your recipient’s existing pieces for size numbers, or secretly bringing them in-store for the experts to measure for you. If neither of those are possible, you can even try them on yourself at home to see how they fit for comparison. Alternatively, why not ask a friend, partner or family member who might know? When it comes to rings, remember to consider which finger they would want to wear it on: “observe how they wear their jewellery or try to slip the question into conversation discreetly.” Nevertheless, there’s no harm done if you do choose the wrong size, says De Beers. “It can always be exchanged in-store over a glass of Champagne, tea, or coffee, so you needn’t worry too much about getting the size perfectly right.”