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Jewelry - A Guide to Choosing Just the Right Jewelry
by Rebecca Matsen
Choosing your jewelry is no different than choosing your wardrobe. The most important
factor
is to stick within your comfort zone and your personal fashion style. That
said it never hurts to step out of the box once in awhile. What's most important
is that your jewelry matches up with your outfit. Your jewelry is the finishing
touch on your total look. Make your fashion statement count!
You need to determine
what you want your jewelry to do. Do you want it front and center stage? Do
you want it to compliment? Do you want it to be subtle? The occasion or event you'll
be wearing your jewelry to is also important - make certain it is fitting.
A sexy oversized choker might be perfect for a night on the town but may not
be fitting for the boardroom. Although you may have a favorite designer. There's
really no need to stick with just one designer. In fact there's no need for
the pieces to actually be designer. There are plenty of wonderful pieces on
the market that are unsigned but certainly make a fashion statement. Mix and
match your jewelry to give it character and a little pizzazz!
Costume Jewelry,
both signed and unsigned, is an affordable way to complete your look. Costume
Jewelry can be bought for a low price and has plenty of life. Heck we see
costume jewelry back to the 1920s still in excellent condition. What's great
with costume jewelry is the fact that you can use it, get tired of it, put
it away or give it away and have still gotten good value for your money.
Designer pieces tend to cost a little more, last a lot longer, and they usually follow more
traditional lines so you can wear them for more than one or two seasons.
Sterling
Silver is affordable and very versatile. If you don't want to spend the money
for sterling, then purchase some silver plate pieces. Silver is a must have
to any wardrobe! You can go from dainty and delicate to large and noticeable.
It can be dressed up or down and is acceptable for any event or occasion.
We always recommend
that you have some gold plate or gold tone pieces in your wardrobe
basics also. 10-14k gold may be a bit too pricey for many but gold plated
jewelry is quite affordable and will give you good value for the cost. Gold
like silver can be dressed up or dressed down and is perfect for a very
classy look.
When
purchasing rings you can have great fun - again the choices are endless
from large and overwhelming to dainty and feminine. The length and size of
your fingers plays an important role in what will look good. For example
long skinny fingers don't look good with huge oversized rings, yet a woman
that has long thicker fingers they look exquisite. Long nails? Short
nails? it all makes a difference. Play a little to
see what you like and what looks good. Also determine where you will be wearing
these rings. For example if you are working around fine fabrics you wont want
any rings that have sharp edges that could snag. Your rings are also part of
your total statement.
When purchasing necklaces be certain you know your neck
size so that you get a good fit. This is very important when purchasing on
line as you don't get a chance to try it on. If your neck is average in size then
a 16" necklace will look great, however if you have a somewhat larger than
average neck then a 16" necklace could be too tight. Measure the length of
some of your favorite necklaces you already own. This will give you a good
indication of what length you prefer. Opera necklaces which are over 30" are
terrific. They can be double wrapped, knotted, or whatever else your imagination
comes up with. When choosing colored necklaces make sure its a color that
compliments your skin tone. It may match your outfit fabulously but if it
doesn't match or compliment your skin tone your look could be lost.
When purchasing
bracelets you'll need to decide where you're going to wear them, and how noticeable
you want them to be. The availability of size and shape is endless - you can
go from large bangle bracelets to dainty gem bracelets. If it is a slip on
bracelet be sure that it will fit over your hand. Make certain to measure
your wrist as the fit of a bracelet is very important. If it is too large it will
look sloppy and may even slide off, while a bracelet that is too small can
constrict your wrist movement.
When
purchasing earrings - the shapes and styles are endless - from dangles to
chandeliers to hoops to studs to buttons. From enamel to beads to gems to
metal to wood. Size of the earrings is very important to the statement
your making. The larger the earring the more noticeable and the more
incorporated they become into your total look. Large earrings aren't for
everyone - depending on your face size and shape they may actually detract
rather than attract. Experiment and find what looks best on you.
Your jewelry
choices are endless - no matter what your tastes, your likes, and your
dislikes. You'll be able to complete your look just the way you want it
with little effort. So be sure to make your fashion statement!
Rebecca Matsen
is a fashion consultant for estate jewelry international and the owner of
Estate Jewelry International
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