never wear. It may have been cloths, shoes, or jewelry but it is
always disappointing. Choices can be so overwhelming that you buy
something that seems like a good idea at the time but than you get
home and you wonder why you bought it. Art jewelry comes in many
styles. Murano glass jewelry, semi precious stone jewelry (including
amber and Larimar), shell jewelry, and sterling silver, are just a few
of the types available. Sometimes choosing just one piece or even a
few pieces can be overwhelming so here are a few guidelines that can
help.
1. Consider the size.
When you are walking in a cute downtown and you see a great piece of
art jewelry in the window you may just have to go into the shop. You
try it on and it looks great but than you start second guessing
yourself. Is it to big or to small? Try on the piece (or hold it up if
it is earrings). If the piece looks good on you it is not to big. Same
goes if you think it is to small. If you are shopping online you can
answer this question by reading the measurements of the piece. Get out
a ruler and a piece of paper and make the shape of the piece on the
paper using the size measurements given. Cut out the shape and than
you can hold it up. If the website does not give measurements you may
not want the piece unless you are not picky about size. Keep in mind
that just because something appears large or small on your screen does
not mean it looks that size at every monitor setting. It can be very
disappointing when that large amber pendant is the size of a dime or
that small delicate bracelet is 2 inches wide.
2. Consider the color.
If the art jewelry piece is metal or it is set in metal think about
what color it is. If it is silver and all your other jewelry is gold
you may not wear it and the reverse is also true. If it is a necklace
but you own no matching earrings ask yourself how often you will wear
the necklace with mismatching earrings. Mixing metals may not bother
you but be truthful with yourself. If you have never liked this look
before you probably will not start to. However if it is a piece that
you plan on wearing without other jewelry it may not matter as much.
So think about if you would wear the piece alone or with other jewelry
and consider what jewelry you could wear with it. Also if the main
part of the piece contains no metal (like several Murano glass
pendants) ask if the piece is available without the chain or on a
different chain. Other options for pendants can also be to put them on
different ribbons, cotton cords, or leather cords. Besides jewelry you
will need to consider what clothing to wear with the piece. Besides
the metal consider colors in the stone, glass, wood, or other
materials when you think about what clothing to wear with the piece.
Many people try to match colors in clothing exactly to their jewelry.
This can be a great look but it is not the only look. You can wear
lots of art jewelry pieces with black or white. Also you can wear art
jewelry with coordinating colors. Blue earrings might look great with
a purple sweater. Or pale green might look great with brown. Also
shades of a color are ok. If your sweater is dark blue it is okay to
wear a pale blue (like larimar) even if it is not an exact match.
Wearing different tones of the same color can often add interest to a
monotone outfit. If you are shopping online there are other
considerations to consider. Often colors can look different on
monitors than in real life. Also sometimes natural stones can have
variations within the same color. The description accompanying the
piece will often give a better idea to a true color than the picture.
If the picture looks red on your monitor but the description says it
is orange consider if you would like it in orange. Another thing to do
would be to check the web retailer's return policy. If you can return
it because you are dissatisfied with the jewelry for any reason you
could send it back if the color is different than expected. Just make
sure to pay attention to the number of days you have to return
something.
3. Consider if it is practical for your lifestyle.
Considering if a piece will work with your lifestyle is often a large
determining factor in how often you will wear a piece. Necklaces that
go around the front of the neck and than drape down your back are
wonderful for backless dresses. If you have a formal event coming up
these can be quite beautiful. If you have not been to a formal event
for many years it may be less practical. There are other less dramatic
examples of to consider like long earrings for mothers with babies who
like to pull on them. With earrings you should also consider weight.
Lots of times larger earrings can be surprisingly light so it is
always worth picking up a pair of earrings to see how heavy they are.
Again if you are shopping online this is a great thing to call the
store and ask or to check the return policy.
Art jewelry can be gorgeous and fun. Hopefully these guidelines will
help you buy great pieces of handmade jewelry you will wear and look
beautiful in. Jewelry is fun but only if it leaves your jewelry box.
No comments:
Post a Comment