Diamonds • Precious Gemstones • Jewelry • Gemology

When you were a little girl, chances are at some point you acquired a boxed jewelry ensemble - necklace, bracelet, ring or earrings - and you were thrilled because it MATCHED!

Now you’re a big girl and the trend today is to mix and match your jewelry to create your own unique ensemble. Match your mix through a conscious pairing of sizes, styles, and colors that are not only right for each other, but also right for your wardrobe and body type.

Your jewelry can work magic

A few good pieces can make your small wardrobe seem like a walk-in closet

  • It can make basics look trendy

  • It can add a splash of color to monotones

  • It can draw focus to your best features

However, your jewelry can make or break your style. Before you begin building an ensemble, consider these four fashion rules

1. Location. Fashion magazines are good for ideas but what is glamorous in New York may be considered glitzy in Kansas. In fact, in some cases, what’s trendy in New York may be already trite in Hollywood.
2. Age. What looks cute on your kids may look childish on you. On the other hand, what looks good on grandma may make you look like a grandma!
3. Be class conscious. Paste and precious just don’t mix. In fact, fine jewelry takes on the characteristics of fashion jewelry when paired in one ensemble
4. Cream always rises to the top. Always buy the best quality jewelry you can afford.

Make your favorite piece of jewelry the “star” of your collection adding new pieces in “supporting roles”.

• If gold is your favorite color, do add a couple of silver pieces for contrast (and vice versa).
• Layering chains, bangle bracelets or even large pendants can bring old pieces back to life and add extraordinary style to a well-used wardrobe.
• Balance bright colors like reds and oranges with the addition of some lighter neutral colors. Even the glitz of hot pink cools when paired with chocolate brown.
• Be careful when matching colors. Light changes the color of gems from place to place. For example, reds that look great together under fluorescents may clash in the sunlight or under incandescent light.
• Use contrasting shapes to match your ensemble to your body type. If you’re short and round, make your ensemble angular. If you’re tall and thin, go for wider pieces and styles that will cut your height.

Extra tip: See our article Jewelry That Fits.

Choose a style and build a jewelry ensemble around it to create a total look.

Haute Coutère (high fashion) Jewelry

Very chic - très unique! Haute Coutère is characterized by one-of-a-kind, modern design in exotic shapes and bold colors and uncommon blends. The perfect category for an ensemble built around unusual gems like tiger-eye, concave facets, and custom settings. Just be sure to co-ordinate pieces in this style.

Elegant Look for Jewelry

Co-coordinating textures is very important to Elegant Styles. The look is more fitted than Haute yet less complicated than Classic styling. The perfect look for pairings of precious metals with diamonds. The result should be well-fitted, yet with simple lines that spell sophistication.

Dramatic Look for Jewelry

Looking for the glitz? Go for the dramatic. Larger than life colors, such as bold and vibrant reds and royal blues, accented with black and accessorized with ensembles of gold, silver, or bronze. Black jewelry, like onyx or a black strand of pearls, adds even more impact to this look.

Classic Look for Jewelry

Beige, navy, deep reds, blues, and black are the classic wardrobe colors. The look is corporate and conservative. Lines are simple and tailored. Accessorize with pearl ensembles, cameos, or a hint of gold at the neckline.

Extra Tips:

1. You can turn that heirloom brooch into a pendant by simply looping the pin through a chain.
2. If those lovely cameo earrings pinch, hook one of them onto a chain, being sure (in both cases) that your chain is strong enough to support the weight of the gem.

Demure Jewelry

Not quite as conservative as the Classic look, the Demure look is totally feminine. Pastels and soft blends, ruffles and lace make a cameo a perfect accessory. Chains and pendants should look fragile. Use colored gems like amethyst, aquamarine, and topaz to bring focus to your eyes or to set off colors in soft prints.

Western Jewelry (Country, Casual)

The look is earthy and natural. Turquoise and other semi-precious stones in nature’s colors. This is a great look for heavier pieces and ensembles.