Jewelry doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate to be memorable. Personalized jewelry can be as treasured as any diamond ring. All it takes is a little bit of thought, and a few choice customizations. So if you’re looking to deliver a one-of-a-kind accessory that shows you truly get the person wearing it, here are design suggestions for three perennially popular forms of custom jewelry:

Nameplate Necklaces

Rather than opt for a predesigned “I Love You Mom!,” personalize your nameplate necklace with something that truly resonates with its recipient. Luckily, nameplate necklaces are one of the most forgiving forms of custom jewelry in terms of how long a message you can fit. Here are some reliable sources of inspiration:

• Famous quotes
• Inside jokes
• Meaningful dates, such as a wedding anniversary or a beloved pet’s birthday
• Monograms

Finally, consider the following:

• Are they a man or a woman? For a man, opt for a thicker chain. Conversely, give the necklace a delicate, feminine feel with a long and thin chain.
• Which font matches their personality? If they prefer frilly things, choose a flowy, script-based font. If they favor a sleek, modern look, choose block letters instead.
• What’s their favorite colors? Think about how your personalized jewelry will fit into their current wardrobe, and select a color accordingly.

Class Ring

If you’re surprising a recent graduate with a class ring, make sure you work these three elements into your design:

1. Their name
2. Year of commencement
3. A stone with their school’s color

Finally, choose your materials carefully. Solid or fine metals such as gold, sterling silver, or stainless steel resist tarnishing and require little maintenance over time. They also tend to age well, which helps your custom jewelry stay fashionable for years to come.

Birthstone Jewelry

As with any piece of custom jewelry, birthstone jewelry should always complement the recipient’s sense of style. So while the birthstone itself is predetermined, you’ll still have several important design decisions to make. Here are the three major aspects to consider:

• Pick the Form: Take a look at classic jewelry styles that have been around for decades (or centuries). Stud earrings and delicate necklaces, for example, pair easily with a wide variety of wardrobes, and won’t go out of style.
• Pick the Material: As with a class ring, focus on solid or fine metals such as gold, sterling silver, or stainless steel. They require less maintenance and stay stylish longer.
• Pick the Style: Your choice of adornments should reflect the wearer’s personality—as well as the occasions they’ll be wearing your personalized jewelry. Elegant, understated flourishes tend to be a safe bet, as they can be worn to both casual and formal events.