Personalized

• Creating unique jewelry is as simple as working with your local jeweler to design a one-of-a-kind piece. You need no special talent to create a piece that is specially made for a loved one. Many couples design their own engagement rings. Some even include stones or metal from vintage pieces, such as a mother's or grandmother's jewelry collection.
  
  You can design jewelry as a gift for less formal occasions, as well. Some jewelers offer the opportunity to create friendship or personal bracelets from beads that symbolize hobbies, religious faith or career interests. Engraving is another way to create a unique piece because it permanently marks your personal message.
  
  

Homemade

• Some of life's memorable gifts are homemade. Beads, wire and clay can be used to create necklaces, bracelets, earrings and charms made by hand. Some homemade jewelry is elaborate and as finely crafted as pieces purchased from a professional jeweler. Other pieces are simple and basic, but because they are homemade, they have special meaning. A child's gift of strung macaroni beads is just as meaningful to his mother as the diamond bracelet her husband gave her for their anniversary. Many home crafters create unique pieces that are sold at craft fairs and given as gifts to friends.
  
  

Birthstones

• A simple way to turn a basic piece of jewelry into something personal is to add a birthstone. Birthstones are gems symbolizing the month in which a person was born. Each calendar month is represented by a different stone including emeralds, pearls, diamonds, topaz and alexandrite.
  
  Birthstone gifts are available in all types of jewelry and might include multiple stones. A mother can wear a ring with the stones of her children or a godparent might wear a necklace with the birthstone of her godchild. People also wear jewelry with their own birthstone.
  
  

Religious Pieces

• If you are shopping for a gift for a loved one who is a faithful devotee of a particular religion, consider a piece of jewelry symbolizing her beliefs. Christians often wear crosses or crucifix necklaces, while those of the Jewish faith opt for Star of David charms.
  
  Other religions feature amulet charms that usually hang from chains. Amulets are meant to offer protection from danger and evil spirits.
  
  Unique religious pieces do not have to be items that are worn as traditional jewelry. Rosaries and prayer beads are used during prayer rituals and provide comfort to users.