You are here: Home / Archives for Jewelry

How to Wear Chunky Jewelry with Your Wardrobe

Gold Plated Jewelry

Image via Wikipedia

The key to fashion isn’t just about wearing what you like, it’s about adapting your personal style to the latest fads and fashions and knowing how to wear them right. This idea is never more visible than when it comes to chunky jewelry. This fashion statement is very popular but it’s also hard to pull off for most women. There are plenty of people who make mistakes and their appearance looks off kilter. Here are some tips to wearing chunky jewelry.

Bold

Chunky Jewelry is a bold fashion statement. While pearls have an understated elegance to them, chunky jewelry is about being noticed, so make sure that your use of chunky jewelry is right for the occasion. You might want to avoid such statements for more formal or traditional affairs. Use it with more casual wear. It’s a great addition to the summer wardrobe.

Matching

Unless you are planning on using chunky jewelry with Halloween costumes, you are better off using it in a way where each piece has the same theme. So if you are going to use metallic chunky jewelry, then you would want to stick with that theme, whether it be on broaches, bracelets or necklaces. The more disjointed your pieces are, the more it will make your outfit look disjointed. Of course, matching the pieces with complimentary colors in your wardrobe is a great way to make the piece pop.

Chunky jewelry is a style that has been in vogue for a few years, so don’t expect it to go anywhere. If you use the jewelry right, it can really make you stand out from the crowd.

 

Filed Under: Jewelry, Shopping Tagged With: , ,

How To Wear Chunky Jewelry The Right Way

 

Chevron bead and Indian glass bead strings 

Image via Wikipedia

Whether you prefer chunky jewelry styles featuring colorful glass or acrylic beads or big, thick metallic pieces, there is a right and a wrong way to wear this fashion trend. While the number of options makes it tempting to collect and accessorize with these attractive pieces, keep the following tips in mind to work chunky jewelry to your best advantage.

 

 

 

Remember that large beads, bold colors and boxy shapes are dramatic and attract attention. They should serve as a focal point and not as an accent like a simple gold chain. If you choose a chunky necklace, make sure that it stands out against the color of your top and compliments it well. For example, color-on-color does not do nearly as much for bold pieces as opposite or complimentary colors do. White jewelry with a black outfit or red jewelry with a black and white ensemble is much more effective.

 

Metallic pieces coordinate with nearly everything, but jewelry styles should not compete with loud patterns or styling details. Wide bracelets and geometric pendants and beads work well with simple tops and jackets with clean style lines. They tend to clash with florals, plaids, and busy, ultra-feminine details such as ruffles and lace.

 

Keep chunky jewelry to a minimum to avoid a heavy, overloaded look. Too many bracelets at once look more like a collection than a fashion statement. Combining chunky bracelets, necklaces and brooches creates a disorganized and slipshod look that is dated and unflattering.  Pick one stellar piece to highlight instead. It looks much more sophisticated and polished, and your fashion sense score will soar.

Filed Under: Fashion, Jewelry Tagged With: , ,

How to Become a Jewelry Designer

There are some pretty fab professions out there in the horizon for you to explore, and one of them clearly is a glamorous undertaking in and of itself — that would be jewelry designing. What you’ve got on your hands is an art form detailed way back into the very beginnings of time with ancient goldsmiths and metalwork. The best part? It’s a billion-dollar industry. So you can’t go wrong.

One easy step into an online college, and you’re good to go. Some of the courses you would need to take involve such processes as melting, chain creating, ring sizing, finishing, polishing, and even jewelry repair. Those are the basics.

Acquiring a portfolio is important as well — because it is an art form. Creativity is crucial, and you have the freedom to put your own personal touches into your craft while keeping in mind the basics you’ve learned.

In addition, wax design, casting, and stone setting is essential to designing. You’re basically required to get your hands dirty. You have the creative side to the business, and then there’s the gritty side.

And then, finally, the sky’s the limit for you — what kind of work do you want to do? You can work by trade, or work in your very own store. Even still, you can work in your own shop and deal with retail stores with your name as the brand! Anything’s possible.

It all comes down to you. What do you want to do? The decision is yours, and the diamonds are forever!

 

Filed Under: Fashion, Jewelry Tagged With: , ,

How to Get Quality Jewelry for Less

Gold Plated Jewelry 

Image via Wikipedia

When it comes to the final touches of a great outfit, many women think about their jewelry. Being able to get quality jewelry for less than you can get it at major department stores and other similar store is easy when you know where to go. If you are looking for something elegant or chunky and trendy, then there is definitely a few places that you can go to get a good deal.

A great website to help you find quality jewelry at great prices is Offers.com. This site has a lot of great deal on many different items, but the section that you will love the most is jewelry. Whether it is fine jewelry, costume jewelry, or everyday jewelry, there are plenty of options.

Some of the greatest colors this season are at different ends of the spectrum. Pastels and pinks are great for the spring, but as it turns to the summer season, bold and bright jewelry is in. Offers.com is the place to go when you are looking for a variety of colors and styles of trendy jewelry. There is nothing like enjoying bargain fashion.

It is great to shop on Offers.com when you want to know what goes with what because there are several great pictures where you can see how you can mix and match different looks and styles. If you are truly adventurous, you can create something that is all your own. Whatever it is that you are looking for, you are sure to find great deals online that make it more possible than ever to find quality jewelry for less.

Filed Under: Fashion, Jewelry Tagged With: , ,

Getting the Best Gems for Your Loved Ones

To be happy is one of the most beloved and cherished things that we all long for as human beings. Although it is unfortunate to know that happiness is a feeling that has eluded many because of the fact that a lot of people are mired in poverty and financial problems, you can still put a smile on the face of your loved ones. A very good way to do that is to give them a valuable gift, and what gift can be more valuable than a gem?

It is almost certain that whoever you give a gift of gem to will shout in ecstacy or cry out of joy and happiness. This is to show that giving gems as a gift is something that not a few people treasure, and giving is a deed that has to be encouraged. But to get the highest level of the effect that you intend to get by giving such a valuable gift, it is very important that you do it right and properly too. In other words, you must strive to get the very best of gems as whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

To do this may not be as difficult as you think, it can be quite easy, as long as follow the following tips. The first thing that you must know is the favorite color of your loved one. This is very important as some people attach a lot of importance to colors. You may be doing more harm or even wasting your money if you buy a red bracelet for you daughter knowing that she hates red with a passion. Choose the color that you know the recipient will value and not one that will cause nightmares. Another thing is to ensure that whatever gem you buy is of the correct quality.

Filed Under: Jewelry Tagged With: , ,

How to Make a Statement with a Necklace

A necklace pendant shown next to a loop of its...

Image via Wikipedia

Necklaces have been adorned as an important accessory for centuries and were prevalent in many ancient civilizations. During these times, necklaces were exclusively owned by the rich and by royalty. In fact, royal Egyptians thought so highly of their necklaces that when they died, they often took the jewelry with them.

Today, necklaces are not so exclusive but they are just as important to your wardrobe and how you make a statement. Sure, they are fun pieces of jewelry but they also tie your whole outfit together. Here are some tips to help you maximize the impact your necklaces make on your presence:

  • Choose a necklace that complements your neckline. For example, consider one with a large pendant for a scooped-neck shirt and a chunky style for a boat neck shirt.
  • Pick a necklace with complementing colors. Although they do not necessarily need to match, you should not pick clashing colors. The exception is if you are wearing all-white or all-black. In such cases, you have more freedom to go crazy with color.
  • Do not wear a necklace in a suggestive manner. For instance, a necklace should not flow down into your chest if you are wearing an extreme low-cut shirt. This appears tacky, not complementary.
  • Wear a simpler necklace if you are wearing a particularly loud outfit. If you are wearing a multi-colored pattern dress for example, think about wearing a simple plain yellow gold or silver necklace.
  • Do not refrain from other pieces of jewelry with your necklace. Just make sure that they complement each other.
  • Avoid distracting pieces in the workplace or at job interviews. You want to make a statement, but not so much so that people lose interest in you as a person.
Filed Under: Fashion, Jewelry Tagged With: , ,

Costume Jewelry: When Passing Up the Jeweler Makes Sense

Costume jewelry is increasing in popularity, due to its versatility and small impact on your wallet. Costume jewelry retail stores are making a presence in malls and shopping centers where traditional jewelry stores were once prevalent. This is not to say that you should never shop at a jewelry store. However, there are times when buying costume jewelry is more appropriate.

Jewelry is not just a way to accessorize; it can make or break your outfit. For this reason, women wear different pieces of jewelry with certain outfits to tie them together. This can get expensive, considering the amount of jewelry you need to coordinate with every outfit. Even if you use some jewelry with multiple outfits, you will likely have many pieces. For this reason, costume jewelry is more economical. Costume jewelry also comes in different colored chains, textures, beads, and stones.

The reason why costume jewelry is less expensive is because the materials are of less quality than high-end brands. Think sterling silver over white gold and clear plastic or glass imitations of diamonds. Although the materials are cheaper, the pieces are often quite fashionable and do not look cheap.

This is not to say that costume jewelry is of finer quality. In fact, you will opt for expensive jewelry for special occasions, such as a wedding band or engagement ring. The key is to economize and think what type of jewelry is most appropriate for the occasion. You can also mix and match your fine jewelry with costume pieces. You do not have to completely rule out the jeweler. But let’s face it; the average person doesn’t have the means to wear several different pieces of fine jewelry head-to-toe with different outfits.

Filed Under: Fashion, Jewelry Tagged With: , ,

Tips for Picking out the Perfect Wedding Band

KVS70 Kihlasormus, hopea, valkokulta, safiiri,...

Image by TAIGAKORU via Flickr

The engagement ring is one of the most important pieces of jewelry you will wear. Some rings come with a matching band that your future husband slips on your finger during your wedding ceremony. Most rings, however, do not have accompanying bands. This leaves brides-to-be with missions to find a matching wedding band. The type depends on your style and how large your engagement ring is. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Pick out a comparable material. Your engagement ring is likely made of yellow or white gold, platinum, or silver. Gold is the most versatile and popular material. Platinum is the most difficult to match up and is also the most pricey. If your engagement ring is silver, a white gold band will make it clash.
  • Decide what style of band you want. If you have a glitzy, jeweled engagement ring, you might opt for a plain band. Or you might want a band that has gems around its entirety. Just refrain from keeping it too busy.
  • Another option is to engrave a plain band. This way there is a little more something to the band than just the metal itself.
  • Price is another deciding factor. You do not want to go too cheap, since you will be wearing your band for the rest of your life. Make sure to shop around and find something you will love that is at the right price.

Don’t forget your future hubby’s band! This is another important piece of jewelry to purchase for your wedding. Although jewelry is typically a woman’s forte, you want to ensure that your fiancé will have a band he will actually want to wear everyday. Consider how the band:

  • Fits his personal style. He might pick out a plain metal band or even one with gem stones, depending on his tastes.
  • Complements your set. Although you do not have to have identical sets, having ones that go together will give you the sense of unity. Think about having the same metal, or having similar gem stones.

Filed Under: Fashion, Jewelry Tagged With: , ,

Matching Your Jewelry is no Longer a Requirement

Andhra Pradesh Royal Hearings 1st Century BCE

Image via Wikipedia

For several years, women had to have matching jewelry from earrings to necklaces and bracelets. If you did not have a matching necklace with your earrings, you would wear either one or the other. Times have changed. Not only is wearing non-matching jewelry, acceptable, it is fashionable. However, there are a few limitations to the rule. You do not want to look like a jewelry display case. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Wear jewelry of the same metal. Whether it be sterling silver, while gold, or yellow gold, the pieces should have the same base. Yellow and white gold obviously clashes. Sterling silver and white gold clash just the same. In fact, wearing a white gold piece with a sterling silver one makes the latter look cheap. The exception to the rule is mixed jewelry that intentionally has yellow and white gold together.
  • Do not wear all bold pieces. Instead, choose one piece to be the focus and complement it with the rest of your accessories. Do you want to wear a crazy necklace? Wear coordinating, but not necessarily matching, earrings and/or a bracelet. Make sure that your coordinating pieces do not try to out-do the necklace.
  • Coordinate with similar colors. Do not wear an orange bracelet, a blue necklace and a purple set of earrings, unless you are cheering on a sports team. The idea of jewelry is to make a statement while coordinating your outfit together.
  • All pieces should make a statement in unison. Avoid wearing an African-inspired necklace with a traditional slinky bracelet and Asian-inspired earrings. Your appearance will be all over the place. Stick to one theme to appear well-put-together.
  • Finally, do not wear anything that does not represent you. Although chunky jewelry is the trend, it just may not be you. So do not feel forced to wear it, let alone purchase it. Also, if you prefer matching jewelry, that is fashionably acceptable too so work it!
Filed Under: Fashion, Jewelry Tagged With: , ,

Facts about Jewelry Appraisals

My amateurish attempt to photograph a diamond ...

Image via Wikipedia

You may have just spent a lot of time and money on a certain piece of jewelry, such as an engagement ring. Jewelers often recommend appraising your jewelry for your protection. But what does “appraisal” mean and why is it necessary? There are a few benefits to appraisal that can make future situations less complicated.

An appraisal is a process in which a professional appraiser determines how much a particular piece of jewelry is worth. If you have single gemstones, these can also be appraised. The most common reason why people obtain appraisals is because they need the amount reported to their insurance company. This is beneficial in the event that the piece is lost, stolen or destroyed during an act of God.

Appraisals are also important in the event you get divorced. This may not be pleasant to think about, especially if you are appraising a wedding band. However, this is just another benefit you gain from appraising the piece for other reasons. Appraisals also help settle future estate matters.

You might also want to appraise a prospective piece before buying. This way, you know what the jewelry is really worth and how much a store is up-selling the retail price. In some cases, you might want to hold off on a particular piece until the price goes down.

The jewelry store you originally buy a piece from might have on-site appraisal services. While this service is good in theory, you may receive biased information. This is certainly the case if you are obtaining an appraisal prior to purchasing jewelry. Instead, shop around for an appraiser. Seek a lab that has certified and educated professionals. You might consider asking friends and family members for references.

Keep in mind that appraisal services do come at a cost. The costs vary by appraiser. Generally, if the price seems too good to be true, then you are not dealing with a professional appraiser. Also, you might consider appraising your piece every few years since values in gold and gemstones fluctuate over time.

Filed Under: Fashion, Jewelry Tagged With: , ,
« Older Posts

To the Top