A jewelry collection is similar to a wardrobe. Although you may own various dresses or outfits designated for special occasions, essential clothing articles give you simple options that are appropriate and powerful in just about any situation. The same is true of jewelry: it’s wise to accrue staples before you expand into trendy pieces. Focusing on simplicity initially – rather than buying numerous pieces you love but that lack versatility – will prepare you well for job interviews, dates, and any other scenarios.
Shopping for essentials might be your first project, but then it’s time to expand. Adding flair and personality to your jewelry lineup allows you to express yourself without saying a word.
O creative director Adam Glassman offers a few quick recommendations for how to accessorize well with jewelry, while Anna Villaruel of The Chic Fashionista provides guidelines on jewelry essentials so you have the perfect accent for every outfit.
Accessorizing well – 5 tips from O magazine
1. Allow your necklace to be more than a necklace.
Make sure your necklace isn’t just an adornment but creates the desired optical effect. Ideally, it should end right beneath your bust. That length will make you look thinner and taller.
2. Don’t always hold back.
Many fashionistas sing the praises of a “statement necklace” or “statement bracelet.” Adam agrees, suggesting that you consider a “disarmingly bold” jewelry piece (such as a three-stone white gold cubic zirconia ring).
3. Try working within limits.
Less is often more, so it’s not always necessary to keep adding more embellishments to your look. If you have a particularly captivating piece, such as an eye-catching bracelet, you could wear it solo: no need for supporting players.
4. Work toward earring compatibility.
Take into account the size of the earrings just as you do the length of necklaces (see #1). If you have a face that has similar width and height (i.e., that exhibits a square or circular shape), pendants are a strong choice. Studs and drops – as long as the latter aren’t too long – harmonize well with a face that is oval and/or has lengthier features. Hoops are an excellent choice for anyone.
5. Find rings that suit you.
Rings can serve a similar purpose to necklaces and earrings (#1 and #4): beautification of your body that goes beyond simple decoration. Narrow rings effectively lengthen your fingers and make them look more slender, while wider ones do the opposite and are best worn by women with long and thin digits.
Picking out the essentials – 3 fundamentals from Chic Fashionista
1. Commit to simplicity.
Anna acknowledges that it’s not always easy to focus on plain styles, but the best jewelry essentials are selected for their simplicity. Their uncomplicated nature will enable matching with all types of clothing styles, rather than distracting or clashing.
In other words, erring on the side of simplicity enhances the versatility of your core collection. Whenever you find yourself in a situation that has a classy dress code or an event with a sophisticated expectation (such as a formal personal gathering or a visit to conservative relatives), you are always prepared.
The grace and elegance of an unassuming jewelry piece, such as a short necklace with high end cubic zirconia, will solidify your appearance. That foundation gives you more leeway with your dress or top, creating a bit more stylistic and expressive potential.
Classic precious metals – such as platinum and gold – can be paired with subtle, dainty stones. You can also incorporate neutral colors such as brown, white, and black.
The shape of your jewelry pieces should be chosen for their timeless beauty rather than their symbolic significance. Pieces that are square or round are preferable to stars and hearts when you are selecting staple items.
2. Don’t excessively constrain your budget.
You especially want your essentials to be long-lasting: these items are specifically intended to be worn for years. You may be able to find fashion jewelry that is inexpensive, but you will probably find that it tarnishes rapidly. Anna specifically recommends stud earrings made of diamonds or the best cubic zirconia, or a bracelet crafted with 14K white gold (the standard for our bracelet catalog).
3. Stretch yourself beyond the core pieces.
Once you have your staples in line, expand into territory that is more stylish but also provides a similar degree of versatility. Once you have pearl stud earrings, add to your collection with pearl earrings in a dangle design. If a crystal pendant necklace is one of your core pieces, look into a long pendant necklace made of the best quality cubic zirconia.
Your source for essentials & expansion
Jewelry options on the market are incredibly broad and diverse. The same is true specifically of cubic zirconia. At Birkat Elyon, like Anna, we want all of our creations to last. That’s why we only use the ultimate high-end cubic zirconia – Russian Formula. We never machine-cut, instead cutting and polishing every stone by hand. Experience the Birkat Elyon difference.
By Kent Roberts