Articles/Things to know

How to wear costume jewellery

The 5 golden steps of wearing costume jewellery

Step 1: Always go easy when wearing big and bold pieces. If you're wearing large bangles or necklaces, don't wear delicate jewellery at the same time. Try to stick to solid coloured clothes, also keep our garments simple rather than frills or prints. Big and bold jewellery should be the main point of your outfit.

Step 2: Wear matching rings only. But if you're wearing a big, large ring (cocktail ring), better don't wear other, smaller rings too, except for your wedding ring.

Step 3: Mix metals but not styles. It's nice and trendy to wear gold and silver jewellery together, but keep to the same style. For example, wear two delicate necklaces of different metals rather than a delicate and a thick chain together.

Step 4: Choose the right length. A necklace that falls just below the collarbone blends in well with a plunging neckline. A chain that falls below the bust goes better with a high neckline. Chokers go nicely with strapless dresses. Don’t wear a necklace that falls to the top of the bust with a plunging neckline.

Step 5: Don’t be afraid of colour. Colour (and possibly even a larger size) will make your piece unique, whether you choose a pearl, stone or a beaded necklace with a splash of red, blue or – very trendy – turquoise etc. It doesn’t matter if the stones are real or faux. It’s even better if the piece of jewellery has a little sparkle.

…more tips, help and advice:

Necklaces and pendants

When it comes to choosing a necklace to wear with a certain outfit there are a few rules and guidelines you should consider.

The Statement Piece

The latest trend in jewellery is bold. A bold piece can make an instant impression which needs you to be truly comfortable with drawing attention to yourself. The more confident you are the more opulent you can afford to be - and you easily could mix this kind of necklace with luscious clothes. Keep everything balanced with a statement necklace, and avoid bold earrings or rings (also shown above in the 5 golden steps of wearing costume jewellery).

Different types of jewellery can be used for different events. Just feel free to wear jewellery anytime and anywhere to boost your image and to enhance your general appearance.

The Charm Necklace

There is a massive demand for charm jewellery, and this craze shows no signs of diminishing. Bohemian-style pendant necklaces with charms, semiprecious stones and faux pearls are still a key look and a convenient way to wear a necklace without feeling too formal or dressed up. It’s also worth mentioning at how many items of clothing they’re a really good match, anything from a simple plain coloured t-shirt to the little black dress. White, beige, black or solid colours would create a fabulous backdrop for your jewellery.

Bracelets

In wearing bracelets, always remember the rule: don't wear it too tightly around your wrist, nor letting them slide through your arms.

Generally spoken regarding the bracelet’s style you can do as you like. If it’s made of some segments without a centre stone, crystal or charm, wear it loose on your arm. However, if your bracelet is designed with stones or crystals centring it, don’t let it dangle on your arm.

Rings 

Rings are the piece of jewellery which is much preferred by many women both for its aesthetic value and symbolic meaning. Slim rings (with or without crystals) are usually worn on a ring-finger. Only put on 2 or more rings on the same finger if they go well together or come as a multiple set. But don’t wear a bunch of large rings at once.

Earrings

If you’re quite tall and if you can count yourself lucky of having a beautiful fine neck, don’t hesitate to wear long dangling earrings. If you are not too high, you rather should wear decent and/or smaller earrings. You’ll always be well turned out with fashionable studs or classic loop earrings.

Like any other jewellery, it’s recommended to wear earrings only well aligned to a selected event. Neither wearing up-market crystal studs at the beach or BBQ party nor wearing leisure-inspired and casual earrings during a red carpet event.

Tips & Warnings

Avoid wearing too much jewellery. Heaps of jewellery attached on your body can be cluttered and confusing and can destroy your look. You can wear many accessories for as long as it complements well with your outfit. Don't mix too large jewellery with small ones, e. g. thick necklace and tiny stud earring, this would truly look clumsy.

The liberty of your own decision is well within the limits of good taste. Experiment - and decide what works best for you. These days anything goes. So, for a less formal and a more up-to-date look, feel free to mix different metals and stones on your charm necklace, or combine a number of different necklaces in a pretty melange.

Always put your jewellery on after putting on make-up and hair products. Handle crystals, pearls, stones and metal pieces as little as possible.

And, finally, work out how to combine different pieces of jewellery. If you have a jewellery set, consisting of a bracelet, ring, necklace and earrings, follow the proven principle “earrings + bracelet”, “necklace + ring”.