Jewelry has the ability to add beauty and style to you and to any outfit you wear. Whether it’s costume jewelry or fine jewelry, it’s a wearer’s delight as it further highlights your personality with the look it adds to your outfit. You’re all dressed up and on your way out when you look in the mirror and realize… something’s missing. The outfit is impeccable and the shoes are perfect, and then you realize: a beautiful bib necklace will make you look even better in that dress! Whether you’re out on a date with someone sweet or dressing to impress a potential boss, you can wear statement jewelry to transform your wardrobe.
“Jewelry has the power to be the little thing that makes you feel unique.” —Elizabeth Taylor
The human love affair with all things shiny has a long history. Jewelry has always been a fashion statement.
Some of the oldest jewelry was found in Egypt. Necklaces, dangling earrings, and thick, cylindrical rings dominated Egyptian jewelry boxes.
The Romans also loved their jewelry, but they preferred rings. These rings were made with heavy stones for winter and lighter, more delicate materials for summer. Regardless of composition, the important feature of Roman jewelry was history, not value. As is the case today, in ancient Rome, a trinket could command a higher price if it had an illustrious history behind it.
Coco Chanel began creating her own elaborate jewelry in the 1920s, using crystal or colored glass in different sizes as the Egyptians did. Coco is often credited with popularizing the concept of “costume jewelry”, creating seasonal items that mixed real and imitation stones and pearls.
Vivenne Becker, a veteran of antique jewelry, talks about “The Cocktail Style” in her book Fabulous Costume Jewellery: History of Fantasy and Fashion in Jewels. Popular during the 1930s and 1940s, this era of jewelry was all about large jeweled rings, multi-strand pearl necklaces, and extensive use of gold and rose gold metal. She describes the “cocktail jewelry” as “bubbly and whimsical, like the alcoholic concoctions for which she takes her name. They were assertive and bossy jewels to show off.”
While making a statement in the ’50s meant donning a charm bracelet, jewelry in the ’60s had a little more punch. Designer Paco Rabanne fully embraced statement jewelry, experimenting with cheap materials like plastic and PVC and using bright colors. He said: “I made jewelry for the alternative side of the women’s personality, for their madness.”
It’s a crime to talk about statement jewelry without mentioning the woman whose accessories always have something to say: Madeleine Albright. In her book, she tells the stories behind some of her favorite pins. In one story, she remembers the first brooch she wore to send an intentional political message. The brooch was a gold snake wrapped around a branch, which she wore after the Iraqi press referred to her as a “peerless snake.” Dr. Albright still likes to collect pins, although she mentions that she receives many as gifts.
Modern jewelry is big, bold, and filled with many elements from previous decades. Today, we love pieces that embody the glitz and glamor of the ’30s and ’40s, and the colors and materials of the ’60s. Above all, we love jewelry’s timeless ability to command attention.
Fashion trends are constantly evolving, but jewelry remains a go-to accessory for women. Nothing can make an outfit shine like jewelry. It also makes the perfect statement for self-expression.
Jewelry changes the way your outfit ‘works’. Whether you wear an extravagant ring, a simple necklace, a statement bracelet or subtle earrings, your choice of jewelry has the power to elevate your look to a whole new level. In fact, fashion designers and jewelers have long been working together to create various styles. Furthermore, gemstones are no longer simply decorations, they are works of art. Jewelry is definitely a big part of fashion. Here are some reasons why:
New look every day
Do you love your white shirt and end up wearing it too often? It’s okay! Make her look different every time with different jewelry! For a formal look, pair it with gold studs or drop earrings; For a bohemian look, throw on some chunky bangles and stacked rings, or go casual and relaxed with tassels and pom-pom earrings. You can also wear your pieces to match your mood.
sparks conversations
Certain pieces are called conversation starters for a reason. Bold or quirky, intricate or chunky, these pieces of jewelry naturally attract attention and spark friendly conversation.
accentuate your personality
Jewelry is a great way to express yourself, so select pieces that match your personal style and personality. It also allows your creativity and individualism to shine through and speak for themselves.
The most important question is probably how to choose jewelry that complements your look, your mood and your personality. Also, how to combine the pieces so that they improve your wardrobe. Here are some tips and tricks to help you dazzle!
Jewelry Styling Tips
. Define the focus of your look: jewelry or clothes?
When you start dressing, decide on this first. A simple outfit can be transformed into something spectacular with the right jewelry or a statement piece. If the focus is on your clothes and it’s bold, choose small, subtle pieces as highlights, like the Bliss Solo Stone bracelet with mother of pearl.
layer and stack
Experiment by layering your necklaces and stacking your earrings, rings and bracelets! Mixing different lengths, shapes, textures, and colors and seeing what works is so much fun! Layering necklaces of different lengths can bring focus to your face. You can also stack rings in different gem colors or pair ear cuffs with hoop earrings for an interesting look. Mixing your jewelry on your wrist can create a friendly jingle as you move your arm.
Experiment mixing metals
Wear a silver necklace? As a general rule, you do not have to combine it with other silver jewelry. Contrast the color of your pendant with your chain, or stack rings with different colors of metal or gemstones. Try the same with your bangles and bracelets. If it looks good and makes you feel confident, go for it!
Don’t follow trends blindly
Develop your own style. Whatever accessory you choose, get it, flaunt it and feel confident wearing it. Choose jewelry that goes with your style, looks good on you and complements your color and, above all, your personality.
don’t overdo it
When you’re into jewelry, sometimes it’s easy to accessorize too much. So just be careful to make sure you don’t overdo your look. For example, if you’re drawing attention to your cleavage with a statement choker or layered necklace, don’t stack too many bracelets that compete for attention. Or, if you’re wearing bold drop earrings, then a simple matching necklace should suffice, or even no necklace at all.
How to combine jewelry with your outfit
If you’ve ever wondered which jewelry to pair with which outfit, then this is for you! Follow these handy tips:
selection of jewelry
Consider where you are going and what you are going to do when selecting your jewelry. If you’re getting dressed for work and will be using your keyboard most of the day, avoid jingling bangles and dangling bracelets. Wear the longest, most elegant earrings for formal events and parties and the most extravagant pieces for casual outings.
Choose jewelry that
complement your skin tone
Jewelry is a great way to highlight your skin tone. Warm skin tones pair well with yellow, so gold is a good choice. Silver and white gold illuminate natural tones.
Match busy patterns with
simple jewelry
You get a messy, statement look when you pair an ornate print with ornate, statement jewelry.
Instead, consider simple, solid pieces.
highlight your face with
earrings
If you want to be the center of attention on your face, then put on a pair of statement earrings. Go for the flashy and sparkly ones that make your eyes sparkle! Also, keep your face shape in mind when choosing your earrings. For example, studs and triangle earrings look best on an oval face.
– ToI
