Options (size, e.g.) on static item?

Hi Ray,
I read through some other posts, but didn't see an exact match for this question.
A client's website has most of the "for sale items" in a database, but the client wants to add a single item that has multiple options: rings either in gold or white gold at one price, sterling at another price. The rings have size options and the sterling has birthstone options (the sizes and birthstones do not affect the price of the item). My query is not how to set up a drop down menu on a static page, but the method of sending that info for client selections to Paypal/credit card check out using eCart. Basically the client needs to know and not lose the ring size or birthstone selected when the order is processed... I don't know where to start on passing this information on through the shopping cart...

Is this possible to do with a static cart item? Or do I need to use a database?
Is there a tutorial on a how to use a multi-option order form for a single item?

Thanks,
Jeff