Fashion Accessories

Fashion jewelry accessories are an important part of many peoples’ styles, and for good reason. First of all fashion jewelry is good looking and affordable, and secondly it is easy to take care of. However if you are like many other people out there, then you probably have questions as to the best way to wear these jewelry accessories. Since these accessories can be anything from earrings, to necklaces, to anklets, there is a lot of room for confusion.

Earrings

When wearing fashion jewelry accessories such as earrings, there are some things to consider before investing your money. The shape of your face should help you to determine which size and length earrings you should be wearing. For instance, oval shaped faces look great with long, bigger earrings while egg shaped faces look better with studs most of the time. This doesn’t mean that an oval face can’t wear long earrings, it just means that everyday wear is best left simple and small.

Necklaces

Long necklaces used to be all the rage, but this isn’t the case anymore when it comes to fashion jewelry accessories. Keep the chain or the pendant (whichever hangs the lowest) right above your shirt line for a crisp, clean look. For low cut dresses and tops, necklaces can hang a little lower but try to avoid chains that hang farther than your shirt, as it will get lost and chances are you aren’t portraying the look that you were going for in the first place. Both small and large pendants are in style, so this aspect really just depends on your specific preferences.

Bracelets

There are numerous kinds of bracelets to choose from, including chains, bands and even ribbons. There are also multiple color schemes to choose from, but be careful here. The more colors you incorporate into your fashion jewelry accessories, the messier your look can get. This is because multiple colors draw the eye all over the place, but using the same color scheme can help to keep an overall clean look that doesn’t distract the eye when someone is looking at you and talking to you.

Other Jewelry Accessories

Anklets and other jewelry should be worn as you feel fit, but keep in mind that you want to keep the color neutral, just like bracelets in order to create a complete, smooth look. And with fashion jewelry accessories in general, consider choosing colors that go well with your skin tone and eye color. Blues, greens, and grays go well with light skin tones and hazel, green and blue eyes. Brown eyed people and darker toned skin can get away with these colors, but can also pull off brown, yellow, red and even orange colored jewelry very well too.

If you own some unique piece of jewelry, like a handmade necklace by a jewelry artist (especially if you’re the artist), you will want to make it the star of your outfit. Here are simple ways to help you find the perfect backdrop for your showpiece.

Don’t let your showpiece and your outfit fight for attention

I was once talking to a woman I met at a bead show. It took ten long minutes before I noticed she was wearing a gorgeous necklace that could have easily come from an art gallery.

Why did it take me so long to see it? Because every other piece of her outfit was carefully matched to that necklace.

A garden themed necklace paired with matching garden themed dress, bracelets, earrings and even shoes. Her designer necklace just blended right in.

Had she worn a simple outfit and plain basic hoop earrings that necklace would have made quite a statement.

Choose a simple but complimentary backdrop as your outfit

Your outfit does not have to be solid black or white although these two neutrals give the most drama.

Olives, tans, ecrus and blue–greys give off a more organic feel and, of course, pastels will lend a feminine touch.

Think of some of your favorite art pieces and consider the color combinations.

A sage green background will give a serene feel when paired with a stunning pink floral necklace. Or how about an orange and turquoise or red and aqua combination? Absolutely fun!

Should you avoid prints?

If it clashes or blends in with your accessory, then yes. That doesn’t mean that you can not wear prints. You just need to be aware of the scale. By that I mean co–ordinate the sizes of the patterns. If your piece has intricate patterns, try to keep other patterns away from it, although subtle, tone–on–tone patterns may be effective.

Bolder pieces may stand out very well against small prints, but be sure strong colors do not drown it out.

A necklace by any other name…

Is not just another necklace. A chain of colorful beads can easily be turned into a festive wrapped bracelet and give your jeans and t-shirt some pop. If you make your own, think of your wrist and waist size when considering the measurements.

You can also wear your jewelry in non–traditional ways. Just as a chain can become a belt or a bracelet, several bracelets clasped together can become a very unique piece.

The key here is to experiment with your piece of art and your outfits.

You’ve finally purchased, or better yet, made that art–to–wear. Now, go show it off and let it take center stage.

Part 1 – The History

The Victorian Era started when Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837. It spanned over 60 years from 1837 to 1901. Jewelry designs from this era were coined as Victorian Style Jewelry. All throughout this era the designs were influenced by the life of Queen Victoria. The era started with a romantic period when young Queen Victoria ascended the throne and married Prince Albert. Jewelry designs in this period were mostly symbols of love like hearts, love knots, clasped hands, anchor and so on. Lockets that could hold a picture or a lock of hair were very popular. Gold was limited, so filigree work can be seen in the jewelry pieces of this period. Bright colored gemstones were used to reflect the happiness of Queen Victoria.

In 1861 Prince Albert died. Queen Victoria was devastated and mourned for over 20 years. During this period jewelry designs became more heavy and dark. Black onyx and garnet were used along with black enamel. Around 1890′s the

Queen finally came out of her mourning. Jewelry designs became flashy and trendy. Diamonds were used in abundance. Symbols of life, like flowers and butterflies were incorporated in jewelry designs. Travel and sports were popular leisure activities. They influenced the jewelry designs towards the end of the Victorian era.

Part 2 – Modern Era

The Victorian era ended in 1901 with the death of Queen Victoria but the fascination for it did not. Over the last century Victorian designs have been reincarnated in gold, and precious stones set in filigree work. These Victorian pieces of jewelry have become a collector’s item. Their ornate design with huge gemstones makes them unique.

However in the last decade or so Victorian Styles have influenced the fashion jewelry world. The Modern Era Victorian Style Jewelry is very affordable thanks to the fashion jewelry designers. They have incorporated Victorian styles in everyday wear. Today Victorian style jewelry pieces are made in gold or silver plated metal with semi precious and natural stones. Some are also using simulated gemstones to represent the colors of precious stones.Large pearls are also being set in Victorian designs. Some modern era jewelry pieces are given a Victorian finish to give a vintage effect. Although today’s Victorian style jewelry are made in precious metals or stones, designers have managed to capture the essence of the Victorian era.