It’s just like you’ve seen on TV commercials: Diamonds are forever. Make that gold too. The economy hasn’t been very nice to many shoppers this year, but even jewelry selections around Kitsap can be surprisingly affordable. So you can spend a little, or spend a lot, but either way if your goal this Christmas is to make someone feel like a million bucks — to borrow from this old but tried cliché — jewelry is your currency.

Recent political events have made red, white and blue popular colors — which means diamonds, sapphires and rubies are high on the list. Ben Bridge Jewelers in Kitsap Mall even has some American flag pieces. You’ll also find gorgeous diamond pendants for $99 and charms starting at $39.

If you have a family member who wears a medical ID bracelet, why not turn it into something more stylish? Choose a gold bracelet for men or women, buy a medical charm, and Ben Bridge will solder it for you along with making the engravings.

White gold is a perfect match for someone who loves precious metals but can’t stand the thought of golden color. Or, for that picky person who can’t ever make up her mind if white or yellow is the way to go, check out the Omega reversible chain (Fred Meyer Jewelers, $179-$499).

If you can splurge on that special woman in your life, the best way to make her feel fabulous is with a right-hand ring. The left hand is for love, but the right one “lives for the moment” —so goes the Ben Bridge saying. It’s not just a fleeting moment either: with 14-karat white gold and various diamonds, the rings that start around $700-$800 will definitely keep stealing attention. Jewelers say the right-hand ring is a sign of success for women, and many will buy one themselves — why not be a step ahead, and surprise her?

You will get double appreciation if you capture the person’s uniqueness through a custom-made piece, and Blue Heron Jewelry in Poulsbo says if you bring your order in by Dec. 10, Master Jeweler Leo Fried will fix you up in time for Christmas.

Fried, a renowned local artist, displays exclusive craftsmanship with a reputation that travels well beyond Kitsap. Every piece he creates is a work of art, and a family keepsake you can pass on to the next generation.

If you don’t make the Dec. 10 deadline, or would like to find something unique but don’t have the creative vision to think it up, you can buy one of a kind pieces displayed at the store, created with the exquisite grace and detail that are Fried’s signature.

Some quick ideas from Blue Heron include a 14-karat “ferry” pendant ($215) and a Starfire ring ($120) with a swirly design, perfect for teens.

Men aren’t forgotten either. Gold cufflinks and tie tacks never go out of style, or if your man is not into suits, you’ll find so many varieties of chains and bracelets for men that after a while even your eyes will sparkle.

Your best personal shopper is the friendly jeweler ready to take some questions then turn them into a perfect gift. All you need to bring along is the mental picture of your special person’s wide smile after opening your present.