Jewelry Information
Building a Basic Jewelry Wardrobe
Whether you're accessorizing for work or play, having the right jewelry
can go a long way in helping you project an image of confidence and individual
style. But how do you develop that style when you're building your jewelry
wardrobe from scratch?
According to the experts, developing your own style means "knowing yourself": what you like and dislike. To determine this, ask yourself "What is my ideal?" and "What turns my head?" Decide if that means contemporary or classic jewelry styles; streamlined or detailed; colored stones or white diamonds.
Also, listen to style-related comments from others. What outfits or accessories do people compliment you on? This will give you important clues about the kind of jewelry that looks best on you.
Next, make sure what you've selected fits your personality and lifestyle. For instance, if you spend a lot of time doing activities outdoors, consider simple earrings that won't dangle too far and get in the way. Comfort is a must. If something is either physically or psychologically uncomfortable to wear, you'll have trouble projecting the kind of confidence and competence integral to developing a personal style.
As for the jewelry itself, stick with the basics in the beginning. The rule of thumb is to always buy the best-quality basics you can afford, so you can add matching pieces later. In gold jewelry, such basics should include a gold chain necklace, classic hoop or button earrings, and a link bracelet. Additions could include slide-on pendants or drops to create different looks with your necklace and earrings. In diamond jewelry, classic stud earrings or a solitaire pendant should be among your first purchases.
Experts advise that you begin with classic shapes that look appropriate with a variety of outfits, and then add pieces that offer versatility of wear or a fashion touch, such as different colors or finishes.
And don't overlook the importance of selecting jewelry that suits your body type. For instance, your height and bone structure play a big role in determining the kind of jewelry that looks best on you. A smaller, petite woman would be better served with necklace lengths that fall below the breast but above the waist to elongate her figure. Meanwhile, a tall, thin woman may want to select a choker that cuts the line of the neck and de-emphasizes her height. And a full-figured woman should stay away from jewelry that's too small or delicate.
Equally important to style are face shapes. The four basic are oval, round, rectangular and heart-shaped. If your face is oval, triangular-shaped earrings are especially flattering. A round shape should seek elongated, dangling styles that draw the eyes down, rather than around. For a rectangular face, try jewelry that adds width, camouflaging the length of the face. And for heart-shaped faces, look for earrings that are wider at the bottom, because style can soften a pointed chin look.
And don't forget to consider your hand type if you're purchasing rings. If you're long-fingered, wider bands will look especially good on you. If you're short-fingered, thinner bands and stone shapes such as marquise or pear that elongate the hand would be a good choice.
Understanding
Jewelry Components
Which settings are most durable? Which jewelry clasps are most
secure and easiest to manipulate? How long is a choker necklace?
A good understanding of jewelry terms and jewelry components makes it
so much easier to buy the "right" jewelry when you shop for jewelry
online and off.
Measuring Necklaces
The clasp that holds a necklace in place can add three-fourths of
an inch, or even more, to its length. When you're shopping online read
descriptions carefully to find out if clasp lengths are included in the
overall length given for each necklace.
Choose a Necklace Length
Most necklaces measure one of several standard lengths, but even
when lengths vary you can use the standards to help visualize how a necklace
will fit.
Standard Necklace Lengths
Most necklaces you'll find in jewelry stores measure one of several
standard lengths, but even when lengths vary you can use the standards
to help visualize how a necklace will fit.
If your overall build is larger or smaller than what's considered "average," necklaces will fit you differently. Let the lengths of necklaces you already own be your guide to new favorites, or go shopping and try on necklaces of different lengths.
Adjustable Necklaces
Some necklaces have extra links at one end so that the clasp on the
other end can attach in different places to adjust the necklace length.
Adjustable necklaces are versatile, since you can change their appearance
to suit your ensemble, and the decorative chains that are often used
for end adjustments look attractive as they dangle at the back of
your neck. These necklaces are good choices when you're giving a
gift and aren't sure which length to buy.
Short Necklaces
* Short, fifteen or sixteen inch
necklaces are called chokers. They rest just above the collarbone,
accenting your neckline.
* Even shorter necklaces are called collars.
They wrap snugly around your neck.
Longer Necklaces
* A princess necklace usually measures
about eighteen inches and. hangs just below the collarbone.
* Twenty-four
inch long necklaces are sometimes referred to as matinee length necklaces.
They hang much lower of course, extending to the breast area.
* An
opera length is even longer--28 or more inches.
* Ropes are very long
necklaces that can be worn as-is or wrapped to create a two-stranded
choker.
* Lariats are another type of very long necklace, but they
are unattached at one end so that you can tie and knot them in different
ways to suit your style.
| * jewelry home * jewelry history * jewelry information * jewelry links * jewelry glossary * |