Don't make expensive mistakes

Choosing jewelry can be fun and exciting. But, it can be a little daunting too, especially if you're looking at big ticket pieces! This article is to help you choose the perfect item, whether it is for you or a present for someone else.

Silver or Gold?
Generally speaking, if you have a skin color that suits warm tones then you would be better off wearing gold or gold colored items. People with pink complexions or who are very pale should wear silver or silver colored (including titanium or white gold). Very dark people can look equally stunning in either silver or gold.

Your physique
If you are a larger person, chunky jewelry will suit you best. Small, dainty jewels are likely to look lost.

On the other hand, if you are a small person, wearing lots of chunky, bold jewelry could make you look like Mr T!

Think about your lifestyle
When selecting your jewelry you need to consider your way of living and what the item is for:

If you intend to wear your jewelry most of the time and you're an active, sporty person....large drop earrings are just going to bother you. If you're picking something to wear on a special occasion, a substantial claw-set ring would be perfect.

Rings
Rings look great on well maintaned hands. If you bite your nails, maybe you could use buying a beautiful ring as an incentive to stop the habit!

Some people like to wear just the one ring whereas others like to wear a few per hand. The decision is up to you, but try not to go over the top...usually less is more.

Bracelets & Bangles
Bracelets and bangles can look wonderful, but again less is usually more unless you have very thin arms. If your arms are somewhat large you may be better to steer clear bracelets as they can be uncomfortable if they're too tight. Most bracelets are a standard size of 7" although it is possible to find 8" length bracelets too.

Necklaces
If you have a long neck you'll find that shorter necklaces look sensational. Try chokers (16") or Princess (18"-20"). If you have a shorter neck, go for longer length necklaces, maybe try either opera length (30"-36") or a lariat (a long-strand, open-ended necklace usually looped in a knot or used with a slide so the two ends hang free).

Earrings
When selecting earrings you should to consider your face shape. People with round faces should go for angular shaped earrings, drop earrings also look good.
People with square and diamond shaped faces look fantastic in round studs and also dangly earrings.
People with oblong shaped faces should avoid dangly earrings as it can make their faces look over-long.
People with triangle shaped faces can wear all styles (lucky you!).

For Brides

Selecting Bridal Jewelry To Suit Your Dress And Veil

When trying on jewelry for your wedding day it isn't practical to wear your dress in the jewelers! Instead, try to wear a top that is the same color as your gown. If you can, select a top that also has the same (or similar) neckline.
If you are planning to wear your hair up then make sure it is up when you try on the jewelry in the store.

First, your necklace. If your gown has a lot of intricate detail in the bodice, you'll be better selecting a simple design for the necklace otherwise your gown and jewelry will end up competing with one another. If you have a very plain dress, try something with a large stone or pendant for a dramatic look.

Pearls are an obvious choice, but you can always try something different, even with a splash of color to perk things up a little.

If you are wearing your hair up, choosing drop earrings can look stunning. But, simple, sparkling diamond studs are hard to beat.

If you are wearing a veil, you need to treat it as a separate piece of jewelry, especially any clips or headbands that help to hold the veil in place. Try to make sure your jewelry matches for example selecting pearls as a central theme to make sure it all goes together well.

The best advice is to select one accessory that you can't be without and make that the focal piece. Tie other accessories in using color or style as a theme.

Spoil yourself!