Just as every woman needs a pair-- or twenty-- of jeans, a couple of sets of black shoes (at least: ballet flats, thongs, kittycat heels and stilettos), a mixed drink gown, a few basic skirts, a trendy business match, a cardigan sweater.
I could go on however you get my point. Just as every lady requires these style staples, she requires a couple of jewelry basics-- 7 really-- with which to accessorize her attire.
Like a custom-made paint job on a streamlined Harley, accessories customize your style and inform the world that you care enough to go the additional mile for appearance's sake.
Why not make an excellent first impression with a look that is polished, put together, and says that you pay attention to design and information? Here are 7 jewelry staples no well-dressed woman should be without.
Diamond studs are classy, timeless and easy enough to be used with other jewelry and any style of hair or dress. As for shape, round studs will constantly be in style, however princess cut designs are popular-- and timeless too.
Be warned that quality diamond studs can be pricey. Diamonds has a gorgeous set of 1/2 carat tw diamond studs with screw backs for $600; Tiffany & Co. sells a lovely set of.
22 total carat weight diamonds set it platinum for $875. Can't manage these beauties? My sparkly CZ look-alikes do the job, and expense under $40. And I don't need to worry about losing-- or insuring them.
Pearl studs Like diamond studs, pearl studs can be worn with every style of gown, and with all types of jewelry.
Unlike diamond studs, pearl studs are surprisingly affordable, specifically when you choose freshwater pearls, which today can measure up to the appeal of their saltwater cousins.
When wearing pearls, keep in mind that the gems are typically associated with a demure, ladylike credibility, so they're ideal for a job interview, wedding or other formal setting.
Naturally, classic pearls are ideal for daytime and casual occasions as well, and give the wearer an ageless, womanly look that is really polished.
When purchasing pearl studs, select akoya cultured pearls or their even more affordable freshwater equivalents, which are just as lovely. For the best look, choose pearls that are 6mm or greater in size.
JR Dunn sells Mikimoto akoya cultured pearls in 6mm round white for $340; offers round white freshwater cultured pearls in 7mm for $38.
Dangle earrings I like hangs for their drama, and since their normal hook backs make them simple to get on and off. However lots of hangs aren't for everyday; they'll keep an eye out of place with shorts and a tank, for instance.
If you're going a bit more formal, however, you have numerous alternatives with this earring style. If you desire your dangle earrings to become a jewelry staple, look for a traditional, elegant style in a neutral color, such as an all metal design or one that ends in a cultured pearl. For your staple piece, don't pick anything adorable or fashionable; stay away from hearts, stars, zodiac signs and skulls.
(If you want to go trendy that's fine, just buy something affordable.) As for what to choose, I prefer a dangle that hangs an inch or 2 listed below the earlobe to truly make a declaration.
White gold and yellow gold chains, chandeliers or bars are timeless favorites. Of course, wardrobe and hairdo will play a role here too. , if your hair is extremely long you can get away with more remarkable-- and longer-- designs.. Keep in mind, though, if you use a significant earring it's best to skip the locket and let the earrings speak for themselves.
Silver or gold hoop earrings Numerous designs of hoop earrings can be considered jewelry staples, from little diamond-encrusted loops to big, J.Lo-style hoops. Small gold, silver, pearl, diamond or cz hoops go with whatever and are constantly in style. Look for hoop earrings with a back that's easy to fasten and won't easily fall or flex out.
As for the pendant, a single bezel set diamond on a white gold chain looks amazing, classic and crisp. As with studs, you can get a gorgeous solitaire pendant made with a CZ, or, for a twist, try a pearl.
Pearl strand When selecting a traditional pearl hair, try to find an 18-inch princess length in a timeless velvety white. This length is extremely flexible, and the color is timeless. Both akoya cultured pearls and freshwater cultured pearls fit the bill, although akoyas will be more costly.
Other aspects to remember: pearl size counts. After the 7.5-8.0 mm mark, rates rise dramatically, however a 6.5 mm strand is budget friendly and charming. Take a look at luster and surface area. Pearls ought to have a high radiance, or surface sheen, meaning they reflect light well.
They ought to also be free from apparent blemishes. Take notice of harmony. Ensure the pearls are the same size, the same color and have a consistent radiance-- the warm glow that appears to come from within the pearl. To check that the pearls are consistently round, roll the hair on a table. Matched pearls will roll efficiently.
You believe pearl hairs are too Barbara Bush? A Tin Cup pendant, where the pearls are equally spaced on a chain, is a gorgeous alternative.
A Classic Watch Lots of alternatives here, but if you're going to select simply one watch it needs to be classic, functional and trendy. I like a waterproof oversize sterling silver watch or a classic tank watch, both of which will look great with whatever other than formalwear (then you can tuck it in your clutch).
A stainless steel band will use better than leather, and is typically water-resistant, but try it on in case it feels too heavy or overwhelms your wrist. Stick with a timeless white or soft watch confront with numbers that are easy to check out for more you can read
(Vibrant colors are pretty, however sidetracking.) A glow-in-the-dark face is a plus. As for brands, Swiss Army has some terrific styles that wear well and don't break the bank. A Tag Heuer or Rolex is constantly great too if you have the ways.
When you have your seven fundamental jewelry staples, it's time to play. If you're so inclined, there are so numerous other classics you can add to your jewelry box.
A diamond tennis bracelet, a beautiful Tahitian pearl bracelet, an oversize pearl cocktail ring, or a signature piece in your birthstone all look great.
Depending on your design character and budget, you can select a lot of other extras to keep up with style patterns, but keep these on the affordable side as they likely won't stand the test of time. For a statement-making piece, choose a large-scale cocktail ring in a vibrant color.
Or, if you like today's layered appearance, pick numerous chain pendants in your preferred metal in varying lengths, and layer them with pearl hairs or extra-large turquoise, wood or mother-of-pearl beaded lockets.
Wide mother-of-pearl, wood or metal cuffs constantly look terrific, and stackable bangles, specifically customized charm bracelets, are constantly fun. (Do invest more on beauty bracelets, as you'll most likely hang on to these.).
Still stuck on what to use? You can always go with my preferred and most valued piece of jewelry: a handcrafted, hand painted macaroni locket made for me by my four-year-old child.
