Ever since the first primitive necklaces of shells and bone, the aesthetic appeal of jewelry has captivated us. Jewelry has evolved over thousands of years to include an extraordinary variety of precious metals, beautiful gems and other natural materials. The right jewelry can put the perfect finishing touch on a favorite outfit, express your personal style or even start a conversation.
With such a large selection of available options, shopping for jewelry can be time consuming and even a little confusing. Not sure about how to find your ring size? Keep reading, and you’ll find many of the answers you’re looking for right here.
Types of Jewelry
Earrings
Whether it’s a simple pair of studs or flashy dangles, earrings come in a wide assortment of designs to complement any outfit, from a gorgeous evening gown to your favorite cashmere sweater. Below are some of the most popular options:Stud Earrings are a versatile choice and work well with almost any outfit. Pearl studs and diamond studs are popular examples, but many different gemstones are available. Most have a base of gold, sterling silver or plated metal. Because they are small, stud earrings are a great choice for professionals or anyone who prefers a minimal look.
Hoop Earrings have been a popular style for years. Thickness and diameter vary widely. Oversized hoop earrings are generally best for more casual outfits. Small- to medium-sized hoops pair well with dressier attire.
Dangle earrings, also called drop earrings, combine an anchor with a pendant or other ornament that hangs beneath the earlobe. The anchor itself may be an ornamented stud or a simple hook. Dangle earrings offer the most variety of any earring style. Drop earrings vary widely in size, shape and material, from a single, oval-shaped pearl to ornate pendants with multiple gemstones.
Clip-on earrings are designed to be worn by people who don’t have pierced ears. Clip mechanisms vary depending on the manufacturer, but most simply slide over the bottom of the earlobe and tighten with a small hinge. The sensation of wearing clip-on earrings can take some getting used to, but most people will grow accustomed to it fairly quickly.
Ear cuffs (these are my favorites!!) are another type of earring that can be worn without a piercing. Unlike clip-ons, ear cuffs are not worn on the lobe but rather higher up on the ear, usually on the upper auricle. Some people choose to wear a single cuff earring, and ear cuffs can also be worn along with clip-ons or regular earrings.
Necklaces
The necklace is most likely the oldest form of jewelry, and today there is a virtually endless array of beautiful necklaces, from the classic pearl necklace to opulent, multi-layered designs. Most necklaces fall into six categories:Chokers are the smallest and tightest of all necklaces, and usually range from about 14 to 16 inches in length.
Princess necklaces are the next size up, ranging from about 16 to 20 inches in length.
Matinee necklaces range from about 20 to 25 inches in length.
Opera necklaces range from about 25 to 35 inches in length.
Rope necklaces generally include anything beyond 35 inches in length.
Lariat necklaces are very long and designed to be worn doubled or tripled, giving a similar appearance to a coiled lasso.
The necklace length you choose is simply a matter of personal preference, although some lengths tend to look better with certain types of necklines. It’s usually a good idea to have several length options, allowing you to experiment with different looks.
Bracelets
Like necklaces, bracelets vary widely in material and style, from simple braided twine to ornate designs. Below are a few popular varieties:Tennis bracelets are segmented bracelets crafted of gold or silver that attach around the wrist with a clasp. Typically, each segment includes a single gemstone. Diamond tennis bracelets are the most popular variety, but other gems are available.
Charm bracelets are a special type of chain bracelet with fairly wide links. These links allow for a variety of small charms to be attached. Charm bracelets and charms make thoughtful gifts, especially for young people. Over time, more charms can be added to commemorate life events or special memories. Some women even pass on their charm bracelets from mother to daughter, adding new charms with each generation.
Bangles are rigid, circular bracelets that slide over the wrist, rather than attaching with a clasp. This design allows bangles to hang somewhat loosely around the lower arm and wrist. Many people like to wear multiple bangles at a time.
Rings
The ring is among the oldest and most important pieces of jewelry in human history. Rings can be worn as a symbol of commitment, engagement, matrimony, rank, achievement or simply as a stylish accent. Rings vary widely in size, shape and ornamentation, from very basic metallic bands to richly decorated pieces. Of course, not all rings are worn on the fingers. Toe rings are also very popular.
How to Size a Ring
Unlike other types of jewelry, you’ll need to know your ring size before you buy. If you don’t already know your ring size or you think it may have changed, we recommend visiting a jeweler to be sized. However, if you prefer to measure your ring size at home, you can. Just be aware that the results may not be quite as accurate.
To measure your ring size at home, use scissors to cut a narrow strip of paper about 4 inches long. Next, wrap the paper around your finger at the location you plan to wear the ring, usually about halfway between the bottom of your knuckle and the base of your finger. Tighten the paper until it’s fairly snug, but not tight. Carefully mark the overlap point with a pen. Using a ruler with centimeter marks, measure the length. Next, convert from centimeters to millimeters by multiplying your measurement by 10. Finally, compare your diameter measurement to the Official International Ring Size Conversion Chart. You may need to round up or down, depending on your measurement.Note: If you have wide knuckles, tape the piece of paper together around your finger and see if it will slide over your knuckle. If it won’t, you’ll need to increase the diameter slightly.
I hope you enjoyed this history lesson on jewelry. Questions? Schedule your consultation and I can figure all of this out for you!
Happy Dressing!!
