Lasting Impressions
The internet is filled with advice on how to wear jewelry to match your outfit. This is because jewelry is often looked at as an accessory, something that complements your ensemble rather than an independent part that deserves its own spotlight. But let’s be honest, some jewelry pieces are too gorgeous to play second fiddle to an outfit, no matter how glamorous your clothing may be. Besides, some of us love our jewelry so much that we want others to see and appreciate it. So how can you make your jewelry the first thing someone notices without being tacky about it? Here are some ideas.
Pick a Statement Piece
The way to create a good and lasting impression is to draw someone’s eye to something they will remember for a long time. You will not be able to create this lasting effect if you wear too many pieces. If anything, someone might remember how topsy-turvy your look came off.
It is important to decide which of your pieces you want to shine a spotlight on. It does not have to be a flashy piece. Even something simple like this very feminine Tiffany Victoria ring with Marquise diamonds in the shape of a butterfly is delicately dramatic.
If you are not afraid to be bold and even raise a few eyebrows with your jewelry, then you should absolutely wear something like this metallic gold cuff with white pearls from Chanel, featuring a micro size of the brand’s classic 2.55 handbag.
Create Some Space
Your statement piece should not be hidden regardless of the body part you are wearing it on. If you have a gorgeous hair comb that you want to showcase, sweep your hair to one side and clip the pin on the side where your neck is exposed.
If your earrings are the piece you want to make a statement, push your hair back or tie it in a ponytail so that they feature front and center. See what this model did with the 18k white Gold Chandelier Earrings by Etho Maria.
If you must wear a long-sleeved blouse or sweater with a statement bracelet, make sure the sleeve length is such that you do not have to constantly flick your wrist for your jewelry to be visible.
When it comes to creating a lasting impression using just one statement piece, layering is not your friend. However, if you want to showcase different but related pieces, such as necklaces, then make sure you do not layer more than three pieces at a go. Pre-layered jewelry like the Color by the Yard Sprinkle Necklace from Tiffany & Co. might just do the trick.
Tone It Down
If you want your jewelry to stand out, you need to think of your outfit as the backdrop to a picture. Colors like white, black, and nude provide a neutral background so that a piece of jewelry stands on its own merit. This way you can try out bolder, more colorful jewelry, like this Sterling Silver Necklace with Ming Pearls by Honora.
If you love color, high contrast complementary colors may just be the perfect backdrop to a vibrant piece of jewelry. An orange dress or blouse will let the Hemis necklace from Cartier’s [Sur]naturel Collection take its deserved center stage.
Subvert Expectations
There is no better way to create a lasting impression than by wearing your jewelry in unexpected ways. You can easily make a long necklace into a belt or a body chain.
Or channel Princess Diana by wearing a gorgeous necklace as a headband. The vintage Bvlgari Tubogas Cabochon Sapphire Necklace will give you ancient Egyptian elegance if worn as a headband.
Asymmetrical earrings or earrings with mismatched shapes are sure to capture attention and remain in people’s memories for a while. Gucci’s Double G and Flower earrings might be small but will definitely create the desired impression.
About The Author
Debbie Azar is the Co-Founder and President of Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, and a distinguished leader in the global diamond and jewelry industry. As an executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries, her entrepreneurial skills and vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide, establishing 13 leading-edge gemological facilities on four continents. She currently serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Responsible Jewellery Council, and Jewelers for Children, and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York. She has been featured in Forbes, Daily Mail, Good Morning America, Bloomberg, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, Fox5, CBS2, BOLDTV, Varney&Co, The Street, and NASDAQ, among others.
