Avoid too much sparkle during the day and remember the more sparkle and embellishment on your outfit the less you need in your jewellery. The aim of the game is to have your jewellery complement you – if all people notice is your jewellery, you are wearing too much!
Costume jewllery or
investment?
Costume jewellery is the better option if you are looking for a fashion piece and don't mind wearing it for only one season. These days, more and more costume jewellery is looking like the real thing – so you'll be able to find some great pieces.
Why not try fooling your friends by mixing a costume piece with one of your real investment pieces?
They'll never know the difference!
When choosing real investment jewellery opt for pieces that tend to be more classic – pearls will never go out of fashion! You'll be able to wear them year after year without them ever dating.
Remember that jewellery collections change from season to season, so if you want those earrings to match your investment necklace, it's best to purchase them both at the same time.
Yellow or white?
The key to choosing metals is to wear colours that complement your natural colouring and create a harmonious look. Because jewellery is worn directly on the skin, the most important thing to look at is your skin tone.
If you have a warm skin tone (golden and/or freckles), like Julia Roberts or Charlie Dimmock, choose yellow metals such as gold, brass or copper. Silver, white gold and other white metals will complement you if you have a cool (rosy pink) complexion, such as Catherine Zeta Jones or Dame Judi Dench.
Mixed metals that have both yellow and white are great investment pieces as they can be teamed up with almost any solid-metal jewellery you already have. They also work for both daytime and evening looks.
If you want to pair different pieces with different metallic jewellery it's best to stay within the same family. For example, a bronze pendant with copper earrings or a silver bangle with a chunky gunmetal necklace.
Choosing earrings
Large, dangly earrings look wonderful on long necks and are a great way to dress up an outfit and make a statement. Those with smaller faces and/or necks should stay away from larger earrings as they will overpower the face; opt instead for smaller earrings and studs which are less likely to date.
If you are wearing very large, OTT earrings remember to keep the necklace and bracelet to a minimum (and vice versa). Make one piece the sole focus.
Choosing necklaces
Longer necklaces are the perfect way to elongate a short neck – stay away from chokers which should be left for those with long necks. If you have a long neck and a flat chest, the more the better!
However, if you have a double chin or a shorter neck, beware of piling it on. Opt instead for length which will create a flattering V neckline. Those with larger busts should make sure that the necklace finishes either above or below the bust line.
If the necklace is large and colourful, make sure it is in your right colours as you're going to be wearing it (obviously!) very close to your face.
Choosing bracelets
Your bone structure is key to determining what types of bracelets suit you. If you're on the smaller side go for smaller, dainty chains that won't take over your wrists! If you have a larger bone structure, try bangles, chunky bracelets or multiple bracelets together.
Be it a piece of costume jewellery or your mother's antique pearls, all jewellery benefits from special care.
Caring for your
jewellery
* Don't wear jewellery in the bath or shower, where it can come into contact with oils.
* Never wear jewellery while you are swimming – chlorine and salt water can cause damage.
* Fasten chains and store them flat to prevent ravelling.
* Use silver 'dip' type cleaning solutions on most silver jewellery – but make sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly. Do not use on gold or costume jewellery.
* Most other jewellery can be washed in a warm solution of washing-up liquid, using a soft toothbrush to brush lightly around the settings. Finish off by rinsing and patting dry.
* Never wash porous stones (ie. turquoise, pearls, opals) – have them professionally cleaned.
