Jewelry Gifts in Three Styles

Being asked to round up jewelry gift ideas is like being asked to collect beautiful needles from an endless haystack. It can be done, but, man, it's not easy.

So let's start with basics. Step One in jewelry gift giving is determining what kind of jewelry is best for your recipient. One woman's treasure is another woman's travesty. You want to get the style right.

If your gal is a smart dresser, consider jewelry that might be called wearable. Some fiber jewelry is as much article of clothing as accessory. In this category, I love the work of Susan Sanders, whose silk and felt pieces are one part scarf, two parts necklace. There's also the trim, geometric felt work of Jennifer Fecker to consider.

Or let's say you're buying for somebody who loves to make a fashion statement - a risk taker with no style fears. In this edgy category, it's hard to beat Emiko Oye's LEGO-based constructions.

Or maybe you are making your own statement with your handmade purchase; maybe you want your jewelry gift to convey a depth of feeling for someone. In that case, you need something elegant - a piece that conveys timelessness and the commitment signified by precious metals and serious gemstones. Take a look at the work of Tom Turner, which blends classic and contemporary style in the finest of materials. (Turner is an ACC trustee, BTW.)

Having sifted through just a fraction of that haystack, those are my picks for wearable, edgy, and elegant. What are yours?

This holiday season we're rounding up the perfect handmade crafts for the people in your life - foodies, hosts, entertainers, men, stylish girlfriends, kids, jewelry junkies, and those who love to learn. Check out all of our handmade gift ideas.