valentine’s day is just around the corner
The 80’s were a time of big hair, broad shoulder and amazing bling. Thank goodness they were because otherwise I might have forever thought jewellery was not really for me. As Iris Apfel has shown us the maxim of Chanel’s “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” does not need apply to your jewellery.
You do not need to be subtle or modest when it comes to styling with jewellery. Boldness in jewellery is back. From the brocade and medals of the military to the crosses worn by church folk you will find that you can add and layer many pieces before you hit, maybe too much.
THE TRENDS
The runways of 2021 and 2022 have been dominated by statement earrings, necklaces, and cuffs.
This jewellery trend, being led by Schiaparelli whose ‘Golden Lung Necklace’ seen at Cannes in 2021 and Saturn-shaped earrings worn by Adele for her one night only concert at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angles confirmed statement pieces are back.
Having said that for those of us that are not particularly svelte or a billionaire finding pieces that do not feel lost on you can be a challenge.
For most women, the most treasured (and expensive) piece of jewellery they will own is their engagement ring. This does not need to be the case.
Remember always you have ten digits why waste that opportunity!!
Training loved ones to gift the ‘gift of jewellery’ or at least a gift card to a favourite jeweller can help you start your own fine jewellery collection.
To start though you need to find your style but remember your style will evolve and jewellery is adaptable.
TRY OUT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
Jewellery trends, like everything else, come and go so to start look for pieces (that you can afford) that make you happy. Vintage and second hand dealers may be a good option but so too are the purveyors of costume jewellery for example Collette and Lovisa or the more expensive Mimco or Oroton.
For a modest outlay, costume jewellery allows you to start to ‘play with ideas’. If you are lucky enough to have been gifted pieces from within the family, do not be put off by the era they may have come from. Retro is always in and often it is about finding the right outfit of way of wearing a piece. For example, can you wrap that amber bead necklace around your wrist and make it work as part of your look? Pieces that may seem ‘too old’ or ‘out of date now’ should be constantly revisited for their potential as you and your tastes change. A collection like Iris Apfel’s is not made overnight.
Do not worry too much about the suggestions that you cannot wear silver and gold together. Quality silver pieces will outlast costume gold ones and can be remade to update them whereas costume jewellery will rarely be able to be remodelled. You will find as your collection grows that mixing and matching will make the whole of your collection go further. Think amazing African beads with a fine gold chain. Or a fine silver chain with a gold charm. Try and avoid jewellery franchises. You will be paying more over time and why would you want to wear what everyone else has? If buying from these franchises, be selective. Pick pieces because they work with something completely different from what the chain offers.
WHERE TO SHOP
So where to go? In Canberra we are blessed with many fine jewellers who are jewellery designers and makers. One of my favourites is Diamond Boutique owned by Olivia Hutchinson who is a qualified gemmologist and valuer. I first used their services for repairs. As we learnt from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, you should never be afraid to go into a jeweller store no matter how fancy. The good ones though are those who do not bat an eye when you arrive with your random collection of repairs including very cheap costume jewellery – though they will be honest about the cost of repairs so you can make a call.
Jewellery only comes alive when it is being worn and jewellers love to see their pieces worn. Another feature of a terrific jeweller is they let their customers play knowing that by creating this relaxed and comfortable environment you will come back. For the jeweller, one day one of those clients may come with amazing loose stones and ask them to create something special or give a forever home to something they have created – a win-win.
Diamond Boutique carries vintage and second-hand jewellery and are specialists in custom made design jewellery. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so this is the perfect time to visit and see what is in store or what can be created for you.
Bottlegreen and Yellow offers a Styling Accessories Package that is perfect if you are looking to explore how to integrate much loved heirloom jewellery into your look or want advice on styling with jewellery. Contact us for a chat.
