Jewelry can be much more than just decorative accessories; they hold the power to convey personal style and enhance one’s overall appearance. From the origins of jewelry in the Mediterranean civilizations of 3000 BC to Audrey Hepburn’s iconic necklace in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, jewelry has been a testament to the role of aesthetics in cultures, media, and personal style.
This is why, regardless of whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or just trying to add to your jewelry collection, you must choose the right type of jewelry. The type that not only showcases your style, but also suits you and is in tune with current fashion trends. In this article, we’ll offer tips for choosing the kind of jewelry that truly elevates your style.
1. Choose the metal
You may have come across jewelry in many different varieties of metals, including gold, sterling silver, platinum, and various alloys. You can choose a metal based on taste or more practical considerations, like durability and budget.
One of the most popular metals used is gold, one reason being how infinitely more soft and malleable it is. Gold is also resistant to rust and tarnish. However, it may be prone to scratching depending on how pure it is. Sterling silver is an affordable choice in terms of white metals, but it tends to tarnish very quickly and requires professional polishing at least once a year. Metals like platinum are a superb choice for pieces with diamonds or other stones, making them an excellent alternative for weddings and engagements. However, it tends to be very pricey.
However, if you’re looking for higher durability and affordability, titanium is the right choice for many different kinds of everyday jewelry. Considered to be lightweight and hypoallergenic, titanium for piercings is an especially popular choice. Titanium is also known for being more comfortable in piercing holes.
2. Consider gemstones and colors
Gemstones have always been a lot of people’s go-to choice for jewelry. This notion is bolstered by a study, which uncovered that gemstone pieces continue to maintain their popularity among jewelry buyers.
Color consideration is really important when choosing jewelry that has gemstones in it. You can match the gemstone to your outfit, like donning a pair of ruby earrings to accompany your red dress. Onyx jewelry can also pair well with a monochromatic look, adding a touch of class. You can also contrast your outfit with your jewelry to make your whole look more visually interesting. Using bright gemstones to lend a pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit is a popular choice.
However, if color coordination is not your cup of tea, you can always opt for more classic combinations. Consider stones like sapphire or emeralds, visit Rare Colors official for beautiful coordination. Nothing screams sophistication like an emerald green necklace with a white maxi dress. You can also never go amiss with a string of pearls.
3. Make a focal point
When choosing jewelry, decide where you want to draw people’s eyes. This can be a preferred body part, like your neck, ears, or hands. If you want your necklace to be the point of focus, then accompany it with more subtle earrings so as not to detract from the necklace. The length of the necklace can also be significant here; for example, longer necklaces with crew-necked clothing are really en vogue.
Similarly, when making the bracelet your statement piece, choose rings that will not take the focus away, or skip them altogether! This also applies to your overall look. If you tend to wear bold outfits, minimalist jewelry is your thing because the contrast highlights the pieces. But if you tend to dress more simply, choose the kind of jewelry that complements the outfit and brings it to life.
4. Consider trends and timelessness
We all dream of owning trendy pieces right from the catalogs of our favorite magazines. Trends can be fun and inspiring, and admittedly, all of us have followed trends at some point. But it is never a good idea to follow trends mindlessly regardless of personal taste. The key is to find pieces that speak to our style and are timeless.
When choosing the kind of jewelry to wear, always consider your coloring, frame, and general sense of style. One important rule in terms of color scheme is to always wear warmer gold jewelry with warmer colors and silver-colored jewelry with color tones. This applies to skin tone and clothes. Blues and purples usually indicate cooler tones, while reds and oranges usually indicate warmer tones.
Consider your face shape when choosing the kind of earrings. Teardrop earrings are a timeless choice for round faces. Slim strap necklaces can also make your face appear slimmer. For more squared faces, small and round earrings work best. If you have a slim neck, you have more flexibility when it comes to necklace length. A close-fitting choker-style necklace highlights your slender neck and draws attention to your collarbones. For those with shorter necks, longer and slimmer necklaces can create the illusion of a longer neck.
5. Consider the occasion
Last but not least, what is the occasion? When choosing jewelry, keep the level of formality in mind. Certain kinds of jewelry may be too informal for a formal event, like bohemian beaded jewelry and charm bracelets. For everyday kind of errands, low-key jewelry like studs are more suitable. If you’re going out for an outing with the girls, choose oversized and colorful pieces. Layering jewelry is also a great option here. Gold bangles with a sundress are also a classic choice for a summer outing.
For more formal occasions, go for fancy jewelry that is not too over-the-top or flashy. You might want to skip the necklace if you’re wearing a strapless dress. Rather, let the chandelier earrings be the focus. Sleeveless dresses can work well with chunky bangles or cuff bracelets.
Finally, glittery or shiny jewelry is a big no for a more professional situation or an office setup. Opt for more sleek and tidy looks, like small, understated studs and delicate chains.
Conclusion
The type of jewelry you choose to buy and wear should also depend on your taste. We have all seen pieces that look great on our friends but don’t suit us. Similarly, we all own various jewelry pieces; some are pretty and timeless, and others are trendy mass-produced pieces. This is why having the type of jewelry in your collection that speaks to you is crucial. So, follow this guide and choose the kind of jewelry that has the power to enhance your individuality and make a lasting impression.