Priyanka Sarkar tells you what not to do…
This more than a year-long work from home situation has left most of our jewelry closet specially the ones containing our favorite occasion or statement pieces, tightly shut and covered. My own calling needs me to be involved with jewelry, its making, its material, shape at all times but thanks to my personal paranoia with the virus, I literally stuck to utter basics and necessities when going out. That means no extra accessories that could possibly catch whatever it is out there that could spell doom to us all. But, I’ll admit — I missed glamming up my look with the jewels. After all, jewelry truly is the exclamation mark to one’s wardrobe which has a direct link to mood and the overall look.
We draw meanings from the pieces we wear to amplify how we perceive ourselves. In short, the jewelry we choose becomes a form of a statement that expresses our unique sense of self. In modern times jewelry has become primarily a fashion statement, helping individuals to differentiate themselves from others and to develop their personal brand.
Jewelry has romantic, symbolic and sentimental meanings attached to it. While its expense is a practical drawback, it also leaves no doubt as to the recipient’s value to the other person. Its lack of utility, other than serving as an ornament, can be an advantage in a personal gift, making it even more glamorous and festive. In fact, there are scientifically proven pros and cons of the metal too- whether its gold, silver, brass, copper, zync or bronze, each has its own impact and story. It’s probably a good subject to write about in my next story!!
But how do we know what works best for us while making that choice? Simple- assess your temperament and then take your pick. Here are some examples and their perception in onlooker’s eyes. These will surely help you choose your tribe. Remember looking chic is always an available option.Its childish if you are grown up! Yes, layering is in but remember the trick is in balance.
Stay away from cute shapes in bright or pastel colors. That means no hearts and nothing that looks like a children’s toy or fantasy creature. If you want to wear a heart and stay contemporary, wear it classy, instead!
Beaded necklaces are for the mature. If you are in your twenty’s or thirty’s, then stay away from them but if you insist, then Stick to pieces that use beads only as accents, and prioritize small beads over large- or medium-size beads, which are more likely to age your look. Also, the use of pearls and semi-precious stones instead of glass and plastic will go a long way to making your beaded jewelry look more expensive.
Stay away from those little dangle earrings that are so popular at craft fairs and mall kiosks. A simple drop earring with clean lines looks much richer than a cluster of roundish beads held together with twisted bits of craft wire.
The metal is too bright and shiny. A lot of cheap jewelry is made with inexpensive alloys, or even plastic that’s just painted and coated to look like metal. Polished gold, silver, and bronze are shiny, but not that shiny. Choose slightly darker metals over really light-colored, bright metals. A little richness and a slightly darker tone add weight to a piece, which makes it look more expensive. Don’t think that fake distressing is fooling anyone either. The weird black junk that cheap brands smear on their jewelry to make it look antique usually just ends up making it look cheap. Shop conscious and choose sustainable metal fashion in jewelry.
Opt for semi-precious or non- precious stones over the plastic ones. If you really like the look of large stones, go for semi-precious or non-precious stones over those cheap plastic crystals. The fact is, a beautiful piece of quartz or polished granite looks a lot more sophisticated than a big fake crystal fondly called American diamond or Zirconia.
The statement necklace is saying all the wrong things.
A lot of people think that throwing a big statement necklace on an otherwise boring outfit will make it look stylish and sophisticated, but they’re wrong. Those giant beaded and bedazzled bibs might be hugely popular, but most of them are too busy and colorful to ever look particularly chic. They’re just so “Look at me! I’m a giant necklace!” Unless you have a distinct, well placed, well balanced design which resonates and lifts your persona. For a safer side or if you are unsure, opt for pendant brooches or classic chain with a distinct pendant. You won’t go wrong with them, ever!
Ditch the statement necklace for a cool pendant or choker or lariat. Or do a whole layered thing with small, delicate necklaces. Or wear an ear cuff. Or a bangle. Anything! The age of the giant multi-colored jeweled statement necklace is over. It’s time to move on.
Feel confident and beautiful. Be remembered and know that you are treasured. Stay mindful, shop consciously and invest in pieces that you can cherish for long sustainably.
THE GOOD :
There is jewelry for every occasion and for every person
THE BAD :
80% of jewelry created worldwide is for women , yet we still never have enough jewelry.
THE TRENDY:
Your personality is your style. Embrace it , nurture it and cherish it.
Article written by Priyanka Sarkar – A designer by heart and training, a retailer by mind, an omnipreneur by choice who loves to word her experiences. Priyanka is the Chief Executive and Designer of House Of Biori, a contemporary brand of unique and ethically crafted jewelry and accessories created by artisans in sustainable communities. Visit www.houseofbiori.com for more details.