Jewelry Lovers

Is an art in and of itself. The right pieces are a terrific fashion investment and will live in your wardrobe forever. Cheap and glitzy or real and elegant, the right piece can pull together your entire look.

Golden oldies, fabulous fakes can be inexpensive and just plain great! Big, bold pins, wild, dangling earrings, colorful bracelets, beads bright and sparkly or subtle and mysterious: Because they’re inexpensive, you can jazz up an old look for pennies, indulge yourself without going broke. Where to look? Department stores, of course, but what about thrift/junk shops, flea markets, street vendors, Mom’s old jewelry box in the attic? Or, if you’re at all creative, take a class and learn to make your own one-of-a-kind pieces.

When hunting for old pieces—often more unusual and offbeat finds can be had that way—it’s good to know just what you’re buying.

• Victorian. Look for delicate filigree; symmetrical designs; oval, circle, and square shapes. Common materials: gold with garnets, turquoise, seed pearls, opal, coral—even diamonds. Expensive, but truly pieces to wear and love forever!

• Art Nouveau. You’ll find flowers, figures, flowing hair, and women’s faces made of silver, gold, glass, and enamel.

• Art Deco. Runs to geometric patterns, sun rays, fountains, running deer, made of silver, enamel and marcasite (a mineral), as well as paste and glass.

• Thirties. Pieces are characterized by neat, delicate patterns or big, “overdone” ones. You’ll see a lot of costume gold here, along with seed pearls and Bakelite, an early form of plastic.

• Forties. A decade known for its extravagant, bold shapes and funky, Carmen Miranda-style flowers and fruits. Look for heavy costume gold, brilliant paste stones such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires that are great for all-out razzle-dazzle!

• Fifties. The look is elegant and classic: Grace Kelly circle pins, old-fashioned charm bracelets, a single strand of pearls. You’ll also find lots of abstract shapes and designs, the same bold expressions found in painting of the period. Rhinestones, chrome, costume gold, sterling silver, copper, and plastic are all popular.

Earrings—the Face-Maker

If you have but a single item of jewelry in which to indulge, let it be your earrings. Because of their proximity to your face, nothing works harder to pull you together, play up your best features. How to tell which pair is right for you?

The shape of your face will determine the best look for you. For example, if your face is square, choose round or soft-edged styles, to play down angularity. Round face? Opt for angular or geometric- shaped earrings to minimize roundness, create the illusion of angles. Triangular face? Add width to chin area with wide-bottom hoops or dangling shapes. Oval? Lucky you—they’re all winners!

Color is important too. Go for a shade that accentuates your eyes as well as your clothes. Sapphire and aquamarine look wonderful with blue eyes; emerald or hazel tones are meant for green; topaz or gray work well with brown. Metal earrings can be keyed to your skin tone too. Cool, blue undertones? Silver, platinum, or white gold are best. Gold or reddish toned skin? Best bets are gold, bronze, copper.

What You Should Know About Pierced Ears

Ear-piercing takes only a moment and is really quite painless. To avoid infection or complications, have it done in sterile conditions, preferably by a doctor. “Trainer earrings” are recommended for the first six weeks. They should be twisted several times daily to prevent holes from closing up. Cleanliness is a must: Wash earlobes with warm water and soap. Sterilize by wetting a cotton puff with rubbing alcohol and applying to lobes.

Just for the Fun of it

Jewelry actually encourages experimentation, creativity, and fun. For instance, did you ever think of wearing your favorite, gutsy pin …

On a wool felt beret?

On the lapel of your winter melton coat?

Pinned to a big silk scarf knotted around your neck? On an all-black velvet dress?

Or what about trying …

Two or more unmatched earrings?

Ropes and ropes of faux pearls?

An anklet?

Glittery, dangling earrings … with jeans?

A long strand of great-looking beads knotted around your waist? Your mom’s high-school charm bracelet?

Now what innovative new looks can you create? Maybe one of them will be a real trend-setter!

Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend

Diamonds, gemstones, and real gold are precious treasures you will want to cherish forever. They may be too costly for you to think of owning right now, but as a gift for a birthday, graduation, or from a very special beau, you might easily receive a fine piece of your own. Think of it as your first, and plan to start collecting as the years go by.

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