Jewelry Gifts $2,500 to $5,000

Platinum is common at this level, alongside gold in every color. Most pieces carry a natural diamond, and the remaining pieces are set with a colored gemstone or, less often, a lab-grown diamond. Rings and pendants with a larger center stone are typical here.

A diamond eternity piece or a ruby and sapphire design for a wedding anniversary reads well at this level, shown across every price on anniversary gifts. For a partner, a ring or pendant set with a colored stone and diamond accents sits comfortably here too, shown on romantic gifts for her.

At this level, the setting is as much a part of the design as the stone itself. A pave band or a halo of small diamonds around a larger center stone adds visible brilliance without changing the size of the main stone, which is a common way pieces in this tier read as more substantial than the tier below.

This range suits a milestone anniversary, a major birthday, or a holiday gift meant to stand out. It is also a common choice for a shopper set on platinum, since it becomes far more common at this level than below it.

For a man, heavier gold chains and larger diamond-set signet rings appear at this level, shown on men's jewelry. For the holidays, a diamond bracelet or a substantial pendant in this range is shown on Christmas jewelry gifts.

Because a gift at this level is a considered purchase, it is worth trying a few options side by side rather than choosing from a photo alone. Metal color and stone cut can look different in person than they do on screen, so seeing the piece before you commit is worth the extra step, even if it means planning a second visit to the showroom before you finally decide.