Need the perfect gift for someone special? Consider a gift of colored gemstone jewelry. It's elegant, affordable and available in an infinite array of colors and combinations. Not sure where to start? Follow these guidelines by The American Gem Trade Association:

1) COLOR Ask the recipient his/her favorite color. Whatever the color, there will be a gemstone in that hue.
2) AVAILABILITY There is a gemstone to fit every budget in whatever color is desired. A knowledgeable jewelry store staff can show buyers all the possibilities and answer questions about price and selection.
3) QUALITY Colored gemstones are judged by their beauty and rarity. The term semi-precious is misleading, as it suggests some gemstones have inferior value. Years ago, most people considered ruby, emerald and sapphire to be precious gemstones and all others to be semi-precious. In truth, some of the semi-precious gemstones are more rare and precious than diamonds.

JEWELRY IMAGES COURTESY LEEBRANT JEWELERS