12 Jewelry Tips for both the Devoted and the Hopeless Jewelry Collector
Easy advice for all things jewelry: choosing, wearing, refashioning and loving your jewelry collection.


Top 12 jewelry tips:


1. Cut up those layered gold chains.
The trend is moving toward 'statement' jewelry...that's one standout necklace. Maybe it's a dramatic medallion. Or a rich textured chain. If you have a long layered necklace, you can clip off some of the chains to turn it into a solitary piece. Use a wire cutter to cut near the clasp.

2. Less is more.
National Jeweler is recommending wearing bolder, larger pieces that are gem- and color-intensive. Check your jewelry collection for dramatic pieces. Then wear only one or 2 at a time: an oversized cocktail ring or dangly earrings. Whatever you choose, be sure they make an impression.

3. Look for versatile pieces.
A long necklace with a clasp can be worn several ways: as a single strand, as a triple strand choker, even as a bracelet.

4. Earn a compliment.
Pay attention to which piece of jewelry wins you a compliment. If your best friend, or a neighbor, or a stranger compliments you on a necklace, wear it more often. Jewelry is meant to enhance your look. It should catch someone's attention. Same goes for what you like...if you find yourself giving a compliment, remember the piece. You can keep that in mind when shopping.

5. Buy what you love.
If you're out shopping and something catches your eye instantly, respect that instinct. That first reaction is powerful. You really like a piece when you feel that emotion of "I want that." If you love it, buy it. You'll love it every time you put it on.

6. Try it on!
That being said, try on jewelry before purchasing. Be sure it's comfortable. Is it the right length? Can you work the clasp? Does it stay on? That test run is important because if a piece doesn't fit, you won't wear it.

7. Stack your bracelets.
Women's Wear Daily declared the bracelet THE piece for this season. Wear any style you like: thin, thick, cuff, beaded, silver, gold, bronze. Many trendsetters are stacking them. Often it's the same style stacked together. Or it's the same color in a few different styles. Or it's a group in complimentary colors. Any way you want to wear a bracelet, you'll be a fashionista.

8. Give up the watch!
If you don't wear bracelets, your excuse is "but I wear a watch so I can't wear a bracelet!" So wear bracelets on your other wrist. Or buy bracelets that are thin and will coordinate with your watch (same metal, same color). Better yet, give up your watch. You carry a cell phone...get the time from that. Or ask a handsome stranger for the time.

9. Buy jewelry in neutral colors.
They'll go with most of your wardrobe...giving you versatility. Greys, camels, frosts, blacks are all good choices. They go with everything. Or look for a multi-colored piece. Something with 10 hues in autumnal colors will look good with a lot.

10. Repair your favorite pieces.
If it's an expensive piece, take it back to the store you purchased it from. If it's from a local designer, call them...most local artists will do repairs for free...they want you to be able to wear their creations. If it's a costume piece, you can visit a craft store or a bead store. They might offer repairs. Or you can buy supplies to re-string a necklace or replace a clasp.

11. Ask Grandma for her jewelry.
So many retro and vintage styles are back in fashion. Take a look at your mom's, aunt's or grandmother's jewelry box. Look for enamel bracelets, Swarovski crystal necklaces, oversized earrings...all in vogue now. You can also find great vintage jewelry at estate sales, antique fairs and thrift stores.

12. Store your jewelry in an air tight container.
Oxygen is what makes sterling silver tarnish. So when you're not wearing your jewelry put it in your jewelry box. Or you can even use a small ziplock bag. One from a grocery store is fine, or The Container Store has small bags in heavy plastic that are the perfect size for jewelry. To prevent tangling, store one necklace in one ziplock bag. Leave the clasp sticking out a bit from the zipper. That way the chain won't tangle.

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