One
of my biggest passions is to make and collect jewelry. Although
I work mostly in gold, silver, precious and semi-precious
stones, I often use inexpensive materials to get the look
I’m trying to achieve. Whether it involves big "bling"
or a simple object found on the beach, my favorite part
of the process is to map out a design that brings a light
to the eyes of the one who will wear the piece. What does
all this have to do with beauty and fitness? Simply this
— the right choice in jewelry can give you an instant
lift.
Just like a picture frame enhances a simple
photo, a pendant or necklace in the right color and shape
can frame your face and bring out your best. Think back
to the things you wear that you treasure. Maybe it’s
a pair of earrings of a shimmery pink color that wakes up
your skin tone. Maybe it’s a gemstone pendant in exactly
the color of your eyes. Adding these kinds of pieces to
your collection of jewelry can even be inexpensive and lots
of fun, especially when traveling.
Here are some tips on how to build a stash
of jewelry that you wear over and over, just because it
always looks great on you:
Most people look better in one tone of
metal than others. Do you prefer the whiteness of silver
or white gold or do you look better in the warm colors of
yellow gold? If you’re not sure, hold one of each next
to your face and you’ll probably notice that one looks
better than the other. There are lots of wonderful ways
to hang your jewelry around your neck that doesn’t
include precious metals. I often use leather or rubber to
display more casual jewelry. Inexpensive beads are readily
available. You can string your own or find beautiful strands
in craft stores.
The length of your necklace can effect
how the piece looks. Hold a necklace up to your neckline
and experiment. The length should make your neck look graceful
and smooth. Does a choker look better than a longer length?
Or does a choker cut you off and shorten your neck? A glance
in the mirror is usually enough to determine the most flattering
length.
The pearl is a marvelous enhancement to
any complexion. They come in white, pink, or silvery tones.
Pearls can wake up your skin on a day when you need a little
extra color boost and makeup isn’t doing the trick.
Choosing a gemstone simply because it’s
your birthstone can be an expensive mistake. Think instead
about your eye color and choose a stone that brings out
that color. Green or hazel eyes look great with emeralds
or green tone beads. Blue eyes look wonderful in ice blue
gemstones, turquoise, blue opals, or blue/turquoise beads.
Brown eyes shine in earth tones like smoky topaz or amber.
Do I even need to mention the subject of diamonds? There
is a reason they’ve been called a girl’s best
friend. If your budget says Austrian crystals instead, you’re
in luck — they’re beautiful and affordable.
Rings can complement your hands, no matter
what size or shape they are. Before choosing a ring, look
at the space between your knuckle and the place where your
finger joins your hand. If you have a small space, choose
a ring with a skinny band. If you have lots of room, opt
for a wider band that will be in harmony with the size of
your fingers. If you’re active, think about choosing
a setting that is lower and more protected.
Some days, we just need a little bit extra
to help us look our best. Maybe stress or lack of sleep
has stolen that elusive inner glow. On those days, I find
that the right choice in jewelry works a whole lot better
than slathering on extra makeup.
- Pam Brooks
