The jewel on the base is genuinely pretty enough to leave out, which I didn't expect. The S/M size is a comfortable starting point, and the steady hum adds a nice layer without being overwhelming.
The vibrations are gentle but definitely noticeable, and the jewel base looks lovely on my nightstand. S/M was the right size for starting out, though I did need a bit of lube to get it comfortable.
The jeweled base is actually really pretty in person, not cheap-looking at all, and the gentle vibrations surprised me with how nice they feel. The small/medium size was perfect for starting out.