Jewelry Wardrobe Buying Guide

All that glitters

Gold has made and lost many fortunes over the centuries, but you just need to dig into your jewelry box to find this dazzling yellow metal. From simple gold chains to ornate fashion rings, gold jewelry is an essential fashion accessory. Of course, gold isn't the only metal for jewelry, and the fashion industry has embraced several alternative metals in recent years, such as stainless steel. Update your metal jewelry collection with these ideas:

• White gold everything: Many consumers today prefer the subtle shimmer of white gold jewelry to yellow gold's intense color. White gold earrings, rings and necklaces provide a sleek design to match today's sophisticated fashions.


• Gold hoop earrings: Hoops are always in fashion and a gal can't have too many pairs of this yellow gold classic.


• Stainless steel: Chains, pendants and bracelets are a few of the stainless steel options for men and women. Rings are also popular, as are designs mixed with black rubber and leather.


• Titanium and tungsten carbide: Men especially are drawn to the clean lines and handsome designs of titanium and tungsten carbide jewelry; men's wedding bands made of these industrial metals are a current favorite.

And glows

There was a time when a young lady could expect to receive a strand of pearls on her 16th birthday. A cultured pearl necklace remains a classic jewelry accessory, even if today's teen would rather wear black pearls on a belly ring. If you love a classic sense of style, wear a double- or triple-strand pearl necklace with a little black dress. To accessorize a wedding dress, pair a white pearl strand with pearl stud earrings.

For some women, the basic pearl strand necklace can seem a bit dated. Not to worry; pearl jewelry can match any style trend. Try these ideas:

• Spring color: A freshwater pearl necklace with pink or green pearls and multicolor gemstones adds a flirty look to pretty blouses or dresses.


• Warm color: A growing trend features chocolate pearls with a golden brown color. Chocolate brown pearls are found in strands, dangling earrings, earring studs and pendants.


• Drama: A black Tahitian pearl bracelet adds some exotic style to nights on the town.


• Jazz: Look to the flapper era for a snazzier look and wear an extra-long endless strand of pearls--worn as a single rope or wrapped into multiple strands of differing lengths.

Add some ice

While updating your jewelry wardrobe, don't forget the wisdom of the Divas: diamonds are a material girl's best friend. Yes, young or old, every woman needs some diamonds in her jewelry box. Even simple diamond jewelry adds sparkle to any outfit. Take a moment to read the diamond buying guide and then reward yourself with this most precious of gemstones. Better yet, convince your significant other that diamonds are the perfect gift.

• A good beginning: Start with a pair of diamond stud earrings and a diamond solitaire necklace. Yellow gold is the traditional setting, but white gold or platinum will give you a more contemporary look.


• The new classic: Add a diamond right-hand ring to your repertoire. Women of past generations often owned an elaborate cocktail ring to wear for fancy parties. The diamond right-hand ring updates the cocktail ring with sophisticated designs for today's woman.


• Variations: Fancy color diamonds in dazzling yellow, pink and blue tones impact fashions with a trendy splash of color.

The new basic jewelry wardrobe

Every woman needs a wardrobe of classic clothes to get her through those "what will I wear" moments. Add a few fabulous pieces of jewelry to that wardrobe and you'll always have the right accessories:

• Earrings: All women need diamond studs to complement dressy clothes and hoop earrings to accessorize more casual apparel.


• Bracelets: A few bangles in white gold, yellow gold and/or sterling silver are great accessories. Slender and wide bangles are great for jazzing up plain blouses or sweaters.


• Necklaces: Choose at least one necklace with a pendant or multiple strands to add interest to open necklines.


• Watches: A women's watch with a white gold bracelet or good leather strap makes you look sharp, smart and stylish at the office.


• Extras: Add a few slender chains in white and yellow gold and/or silver to wear alone or with pendants. Also, a great ring with diamonds or vibrantly colorful gemstones is always eye catching.

Guys need jewelry, too

Long gone are the days when men's jewelry was limited to gold chains and pinky rings. Options have increased and men now have a variety of jewelry styles to choose from. A few pieces will help any man achieve a sharp-dressed style:

• Cufflinks: Keep at least one pair for formal wear. Even if he will never wear a tuxedo, a man needs some good dress shirts, and the best have French cuff sleeves which require cufflinks.


• Bracelets: Add a men's bracelet in one of the alternative metals such as stainless steel or titanium to your collection.


• Watches: Men's watches feature a variety of sophisticated styles, and you'll want at least one dress watch and one sport watch.


• Earrings: If you wear earrings, consider a diamond stud for fancier affairs.


• Extras: Choose a sleek ring, a classic Figaro chain in sterling silver or gold and more watches to enhance your accessories.

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