Stylish and Elegant Jewelry
Women have used jewelry for thousands of years to display their wealth and social status, call attention to their best features, and boost their confidence. Investing in a few well-chosen pieces of stylish and elegant jewelry is still one of the most effective ways to get the most out of your wardrobe. Daytime and work clothes can be given a real lift by coordinating or contrasting pieces of jewelry, while evening wear cries out for a little sparkle to add extra zest.
If you have short hair or wear your hair off your face, earrings are a must-have. Every woman's jewelry box should contain a few pairs of earrings in both drop and stud styles, and if your ears are not pierced there are plenty of elegant clip-on styles available. Earrings can be a relatively inexpensive way of ringing the changes, as attractive earrings can be bought for just a few dollars. If you can afford them, invest in some real diamond earrings as a wardrobe basic; if not, cubic zirconias have as much sparkle as diamonds--although not as much depth--and are very affordable. Pearl earrings look gorgeous next to both fair and dark skin, and with the advent of cultured pearls some gorgeous, inexpensive designs have come on the market. If your hair is long, consider big, bold hoop or drop earrings to make you stand out in the crowd.
Necklaces are probably the most popular jewelry choice, as they really express your individuality. Although many women prefer fine chains and small pendants, these work best on very young women; as we age, bigger and bolder is often a good rule of thumb. Everyday business wear, often in solid and/or dark colors, can be given a real boost by adding an eye-catching necklace or two (there's no rule that says you have to wear just one necklace at a time!) The plainer your clothes, the more daring you can be with your choice of necklace. If you're wearing a top that has busy or bright colors, then a solid gold or silver necklace may look better.
Bracelets can be used to draw attention to slim, elegant wrists (smaller bracelets may work better on a slim wrist) or to disguise a chunkier wrist (in this situation, bigger bracelets are best). If your wrist size is smaller or larger than average, bracelet size can be an issue; in these cases, shopping at stores catering for petite or plus sizes is the best solution. Many online vendors also now offer a range of bracelet sizes, and custom sizing is becoming more common. If you use your hands a lot in conversation or at work, bracelets will enhance your look tremendously.