What every woman needs in her jewelry box: style advice from the pros
First, they say, when you're building up your jewelry collection, consider your lifestyle and budget, as well as your skin tone. Warm tones pair best with gold, while cool tones pop with silver or platinum. Then, from head to toe (or, rather, ears to fingers), choose from the following pieces to ensure you’re equipped for any accessorizing challenge.
Statement earrings
Having a pair of oversized statement earrings will pull attention to your face and jawbone. Gold flower earrings ($7.99) from Cost Plus World Market have a lovely texture and hang at a wonderful height, close to the face, while still having an exaggerated, interesting shape. (And you can't argue with the price.)
Natural stone earrings
Seattle boasts many talented jewelry designers who use organic elements in their work. The texture and color of natural stones, woods and gemstones pair beautifully with the casual fabrics we often wear in the Emerald City. Local label Dotted Line Jewels, for example, creates eye-catching jewelry, like the gold-filled, wire-wrapped earrings in an enchanting, teardrop shape, accented with prehnite briolettes ($110).
Classic hoops
Simple, understated hoops are a great, everyday piece of jewelry that you can balance with a larger necklace or other bold pieces. Macy’s is a great resource for classic hoop and stud sets ($70) that can often be bought on sale. If you already have a small simple pair, invest in hoop earrings with a bit more personality. The intricate, handcrafted Lois Hill Classic Large Woven Hoop earrings ($158), available at Nordstrom.com, are a great investment. The Silver Sea Fan hoops ($550) by Annette Ferdinandsen, available at Twist in Pacific Place, are standouts that will add intrigue for years to come.
Statement ring
Choosing a bold, statement ring is a great way to show some personality and adds interest to your hands. Local designer Kimberly Baker's hand-carved, rock-n-roll Wolfette ring ($220 in sterling silver) is a lovely high-impact piece that carries some weight and wears well with denim. Though Madrona jewelry store Hitchcock is closed until early November (for the owner's maternity leave), keep it on your list as a great resource for all types of statement jewelry, including stunning, oversized druzy quartz rings ($239).
Bangle bracelet
Choosing a big bangle, or layers of several thinner bangles, is a great way to add an interesting shape to a delicate wrist. You can push a larger bangle up on your forearm or bicep for a great, modern styling twist. Vintage bangles are available at Pacific Galleries, or layer two or three Hex bracelets ($40) by local jewelry designer Sarah Loertscher, available at Belltown's Fancy, for an interesting effect.
Statement watch
A large statement watch will add a great bit of masculine styling to any look. Belltown men's and women's boutique Kuhlman is a great resource for watches, like the Shutter by Nixon ($110), that will add a little punch to your day-to-day look.
Meaningful, layering pendants
Layering a few smaller pendants or amulets that are meaningful to you is a great way to add a bit of interest at your neckline. Alexander’s Bead Bazaar on Roosevelt Way is a great resource for charms or beads that you can wear alone or string together to create a dramatic, self-expressive effect. Or, make a wish on the white-gold "a belief" charm, which hangs on a silk thread necklace ($52). The idea is to bring good energy to the wish you are focusing on, until the thread breaks and your wish is fulfilled.
Statement necklace
Pairing a sheath dress or shapely little black dress with a bold necklace is a great look. Local jewelry sources Rhinestone Rosie and Abaloria have interesting one-of-a-kind statement necklaces, like the Olivia Necklace ($390) by Abaloria, that will take any outfit to a whole new level.
Pearls
Whether a woman is 16 or 60, pearls are always a chic choice. If you’re looking for youthful styling, layer them at any length. Going demure? Choose a short strand. If it’s your first strand of pearls, start with a creamy white strand, like the Celebrity necklace ($119) by Fifth Avenue Collection. If you’ve got a classic strand and are looking for a new set of pearls, try the modern Rose Pearl Necklace ($39.50) at Ann Taylor Loft.
Versatile layering necklace
A must this year is a strand of beads that you can easily layer on top of a variety of dresses and tops to create a flattering, lengthening effect. Nordstrom.com has a wide selection of long layering necklaces under $100 to choose from, including the Metallic Bead Extra Long Necklace ($58), a great, hand-strung piece with faceted beads that can dress up a casual look or go glam for evening.
Special occasion pendant
A special occasion pendant that can be passed down from generation to generation as an heirloom piece is a lovely piece of jewelry to own. The 18-karat-gold Paloma Picassa X pendant necklace ($700) from Tiffany and Co., which is designed to signify a kiss, balances sentiment and style perfectly in a classically appealing design. Copyright © The Seattle Times Company
Brett Renville Photography
Large, gold flower earrings make a statement, and are just $7.99 at Cost Plus World Market.
We invite you to comment on this blog post and share your thoughts on what's important in your jewelry box!
