Jewelry isn’t just a way to enhance an outfit and look feminine. It can help women express themselves as “unique, confident, passionate, and interesting people,” according to one online author. Pieces that serve this purpose are referred to as statement jewelry. When you use adornments to communicate boldness and character, you will simultaneously fulfill an additional purpose: unifying the elements of an outfit. While carefully matching an outfit allows general coherence, a statement necklace or earrings serve as a focal point, essentially unifying what you wear in a different way.
Although the term statement jewelry may sound trendy or novel, jewelry has actually been used to express beauty and power for millennia. Amazingly, Guido Gregorietti of the Encyclopaedia Britannica reports that prehistoric humans are believed to have fashioned eye-catching natural elements into decorations even before they began to wear clothing. Now precious metals are a standard in jewelry, but in the beginning of the artform, colorful stones, fish teeth, shells, feathers, and animal hides were used as embellishments. Even carvings made from mammoth tusks and reindeer antlers were worn as early statement jewelry pieces.
Nadine of YouQueen provided a list of tips last year to make the most out of statement jewelry. Nadine’s advice is particularly helpful because, unlike many pieces written on the topic of jewelry, hers is fundamentally concerned with the entire look – including your outfit, makeup, and even hairstyle. Here are her recommendations to express yourself through bold pieces without making those around you want to call the proverbial fashion police.
The power of one
It’s easy to create clutter around a single item, and you really want to clear the way to let your statement jewelry shine. Nadine recommends choosing just one piece of expressive jewelry out of your collection rather than combining multiple items, especially ones that are near each other on the body: bracelets and rings that are both expressive can create a “busy” impression, as can bold earrings and necklaces worn together.
She also notes that just because you are wearing a particularly flashy or unique item as an outfit’s central component does not mean your outfit is free from coordination concerns. Make sure that you don’t incorporate designs that clash.
Simplicity & clothing
Just as you don’t want to wear numerous statement pieces at the same time, it’s also wise to keep your garment choices simple when wearing elaborate jewelry. Sequined items and complex patterns can compete with the statement piece, says Nadine, making the entire outfit look unfocused, confused, and over-the-top.
She specifically advises that a versatile, catch-all outfit should be worn, such as a little black dress or jeans with a plain white top. Neutrally colored clothing is especially critical when your statement piece is exceptionally colorful. Make sure that any additional accessories are supporting rather than contradicting your statement piece: they should be small and of a matching metal or color to the central item.
Rules for statement earrings
Like any captivating piece, statement earrings will quickly grab the attention of anyone you encounter. Especially when earrings are more on the ostentatious side – as with cubic zirconia chandelier earrings – always remember that they should be framing your face. It is preferable for a woman with longer features to wear lengthier dangle earrings, while ornate ones that stay closer to the lobe are better for those with shorter features.
Nadine also recommends that, as with your clothing, your hair should not be excessively big or otherwise vying for attention with the statement piece. She notes that “loose waves or poker-straight hair” creates an equilibrium with your expressive jewelry so that the overall look remains classy and elegant.
Finally, your cosmetic appearance deserves consideration as well. It is easy to overdo makeup when you are wearing statement jewelry, so always remember to keep it basic and unobtrusive.
Guidelines for statement necklaces
Although any type of jewelry can fall within the “statement” category, probably the most common piece for expressive purposes is an elaborate necklace. The primary guideline to keep in mind when selecting your necklace is that it should be properly paired with the neckline of your clothing. Ideal necklines are the following:
- V-neck
- scoop-neck
- off-the-shoulder
- strapless.
On the other hand, designs that do not work as well with bold necklaces are as follows:
- halter tops
- collars
- anything with ornate detail near the face.
Nadine suggests that a turtleneck garment of a single color matches fantastically with an expressive necklace, as long as it fits you well and doesn’t contain any distracting elements.
Choosing jewelry that makes a strong statement
One crucial element of statement jewelry that is not mentioned by Nadine is excellent craftsmanship. Since the item is intended as the centerpiece of your outfit, you want it to look its best both now and for years to come. All of Birkat Elyon’s creations are designed completely from top-grade Russian Formula cubic zirconia, cut and polished by hand.
By Kent Roberts