| duction | | | | Before actually making a purchase, take the time |
| A woman's fashion arsenal can include a great | | | | to educate yourself on jewelry. Information on |
| many things. From trendy accessories to that | | | | topics such as metals, precious or semi-precious |
| go-to black dress, building a wardrobe requires a | | | | gems, pearls, prices and local retailers will make |
| great many things. Chief among them is jewelry. | | | | purchasing jewelry all that much more |
| The right kind of jewelry can define one's | | | | comfortable. Being an educated consumer will also |
| personal style and provide versatility to an outfit | | | | produce greater satisfaction and enjoyment of |
| in an instant. With so many choices out there | | | | your jewelry. |
| today, it's important to know what the basics are | | | | Step Four: |
| for building a personalized and long-lasting jewelry | | | | Be clear about your budget. After educating |
| wardrobe. | | | | yourself on the finer points of jewelry, keep in |
| Step One: | | | | mind there are many price points. It's easy |
| "Know thyself" is perhaps one of the first rules in | | | | enough to get in over your head with a beautiful |
| building a jewelry wardrobe. Experts recommend | | | | bauble you "just had to have." However, it may |
| knowing what your likes and dislikes are before | | | | be enough to break the bank. Again, that's why |
| making any purchases. What turns your head? | | | | it's so important to understand the differences |
| What types of styles seem to suit you most? | | | | between stone and metal qualities. Bigger is not |
| Determine the jewelry styles for which you are | | | | always better. Establish your budget, do your |
| most drawn. Choices range from classic to | | | | homework, and make the best purchase you can |
| contemporary, romantic to "artsy." Do you love | | | | afford. |
| the streamlined look, a sterling silver finish, colored | | | | Step Five: |
| gems or white diamonds? Also, listen to | | | | When establishing your jewelry wardrobe, start |
| comments from others on your choices to | | | | with the basics first. Always buy the best quality |
| provide clues about the types of jewelry that | | | | you can afford. Matching pieces can then be |
| suits you most. Your lifestyle should also inform | | | | added later when your budget allows. For |
| your choices. Jewelry that is uncomfortable or | | | | instance, consider gold jewelry. Choose a basic |
| gets in the way may indicate the need to | | | | gold chain necklace, hoop earrings and a tasteful |
| re-examine your choices. | | | | gold bracelet. When it comes to diamonds, classic |
| Step Two: | | | | stud earrings are a beautiful no-fail choice. They |
| Also consider body type before making a jewelry | | | | also make a great graduation, birthday or first-job |
| purchase. Jewelry should suit your body type, not | | | | gift. Again, purchase what you can afford and |
| work against it. Height and bone structure provide | | | | make an upgrade to a larger carat when your |
| clues as to the type of jewelry which will look | | | | finances are more established. |
| best on you. When it comes to necklaces, tall | | | | Step Six: |
| women often choose choker-style necklaces | | | | In addition to necklaces and earrings, invest in a |
| which help to de-emphasize height. On the other | | | | classic ring, such as a right-hand ring or another |
| hand, a petite woman should choose a length that | | | | style. Always consider hand type before making a |
| falls below the breast but above the waist. This | | | | purchase. Wide bands work well with long-fingered |
| gives the impression of a long waist. Full-figured | | | | women. For those who are short fingered, choose |
| women should avoid small or dainty-sized jewelry. | | | | thinner bands and stones in the marquise or pear |
| Step Three: | | | | shape, which give the appearance of elongation. |