What is fashion jewelry? It is the black leather cuff or fiery red bangle or sky blue beaded necklace that will take a good-looking outfit up to spectacular. While often lacking the expensive gold and diamonds that characterizes "fine jewelry," "fashion jewelry" features the creative elements that add interest to everyday clothes. Read this fashion jewelry buying guide for tips on how to buy and wear these great accessories.
When you're tossing clothes and accessories on the bed trying to put together a knock-'em-off-their-feet outfit, and you need just one more bit of sparkle or punch of color, throw some fashion jewelry into the mix.
Fashion jewelry includes the must-have jewelry of the moment and the unique designs that accentuate personal style. Fashion necklaces, bracelets and earrings can reflect the latest trends or vintage designs that outlast the whims of fashion. Fashion jewelry is available under many designer brand names, too.
Most important, fashion jewelry is designed to be worn with just about anything. Sure, there are special occasions that call for formal pearl strands and diamond earrings, but for those times when you want people to notice your stylish creativity, there's fashion jewelry.
Fashion jewelry is crafted from a variety of materials which lend themselves to interesting textures and patterns. Consider the different design elements when adding it to your outfits.
Make a statement
Sometimes you want your jewelry to be the focus of your look. Wearing an oversized pendant or chunky earring is a great way to accessorize a conservative blouse and pair of slacks. When you want to show off an extra large, very bright or just very noticeable necklace or choker, keep the rest of your outfit simple to heighten the visual impact.
Add the finishing touch
All right, you've chosen a shirt, jeans and those cute shoes you bought yesterday, but your outfit is still boring. Boring is the most dreadful of words to the fashion-conscious; fortunately, you have plenty of fashion jewelry to make that outfit shine. A large bangle adds a splash of color to a garment, and petite crystal earrings create some sparkling light around the face. Whenever you update your wardrobe with new clothes, handbags and other accessories, look for inexpensive jewelry to expand the style options of each outfit.
Express yourself
Whatever the image you want to present to the world, jewelry exists to help you construct the look. Layers of beads in multiple colors and sizes display a Bohemian sensibility. Put up your hair, wear some vintage pattern earrings and add a pretty charm bracelet to create an aura of romance. Of course, if you just love the color orange, you can find some orange fashion jewelry to elevate your mood when you dress for a rainy day. After all, isn't self-expression the fun part of fashion?
What is the difference between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry?
The biggest difference between fine jewelry and fashion jewelry is materials:
In general, fine jewelry is made of the precious metals -- gold, silver and platinum -- and decorated with diamonds, pearls and the highest quality gemstones. However, fine jewelry can also feature other high-quality metals such as titanium and stainless steel, and some manmade materials such as glass and ceramic beads.
Fashion jewelry is made of, well, anything that can be turned into jewelry, including wood, leather, fabric, glass, resin, copper, brass and plastic. Beads of every kind are a mainstay of fashion jewelry. However, fashionjewelry can feature gemstones and some precious metals; for example, pewter and goldplated items are popular in men's and women's jewelry.
What should I do with outdated fashion jewelry?
First, ask yourself: "Is it truly outdated or am I just tired of it?" After all, you wore those great earrings all summer, and now it is time to find a new "favorite pair." Before you toss old jewelry into the trash, consider these options:
Start with the basics
No matter how many pairs of fun fashion earrings you own, sometimes only classic yellow gold hoops complete the outfit. Create a versatile jewelry wardrobe by gathering a few basic pieces of traditional jewelry, and then increase your options with stylish and sexy earrings, bracelets and necklaces. You'll always have jewelry to match and enhance your clothing. To find more ideas on creating a basic jewelry collection, read our jewelry wardrobe buying guide.
Try something new
Fashion jewellery includes many styles, and when you are browsing through all the eclectic bracelets, beaded fashion necklaces and glamorous rings, it is easy to dismiss all the embellishment as "not my style." Maybe you are in a fashion rut: too many black shirts, too much sterling silver jewellery. If it is time to shake up your fashion, don't shy away from styles and colors you've never tried.
Fashion jewelry is meant to be affordable, and the prices are even better at Overstock.com. So, shop online at Overstock.com and take a chance on an unusual piece of jewelry -- you may find that you look fabulous in purple beads.
