Jewelry is one of the top gift categories during this holiday season. I pretty much expect of find at least one small box under my tree or in my stocking, even though my husband constantly jokes about how I couldn't possible need any jewelry since I already have so much.

But when is it not okay and is it ever not okay to give jewelry as a gift?

According to this article, "Monday Manners: Giving the Gift of Giving," it may not always be the right gift depending on the situation:

Friends can buy each other jewelry. Family members can buy each other jewelry. But you need to be really, really careful before you buy jewelry for your significant other. Fun, trendy jewelry is one thing, but I'm talking "fine" jewelry: gemstones, precious metals. Diamonds. Do not get your new girlfriend diamonds. Any gift of jewelry is seen as a sign of serious commitment. It's an investment. Not just in the gift, but in the future: you don't want that girl to flush your three months' salary down the toilet if things don't end well.

I think if you are already counting on someone flushing your diamonds down the john, then obviously, don't buy them something like that. However, I don't think you need to be ready to walk down the isle either.

What do you think? Are diamonds taboo if you aren't super serious?