Jewelry Expansion

I'm a pretty basic dresser, but I think I look nice most of the time. As far as accessories go, I own a few simple silver necklaces (like the classic Tiffany silver bean) some silver hoop earrings of different sizes, and a swiss army watch (small, with black leather band). I'm now 30, and I'd like to try to branch out a bit with some more adult/interesting accessories, but I have no idea where to start. I do have a budget, and my biggest challenge is figuring out the difference between a good find and a piece of junk in the less expensive jewelry department. I don't want to buy pieces that make people think I'm trying to look like an 18-year-old. Also, I'm petite - about 5'1" and 118 pounds, so I don't want to overdo it with my small frame.

Any thoughts?


I asked around among my friends for ideas for you.

The classic dressers said that they had a standard wardrobe of good jewelry, and never added anything that wasn't first quality (like your Tiffany piece.) They found that a coordinated group of jewelry accessories was all that they needed. This included, on one end, simple "diamond on a short chain" pendants, and, on the other, large colored stones reset into modern settings. All of them recommended buying the costliest pieces that you can afford. Good jewelry can be reset, redesigned, and recycled. (I have a lapel pin made from the links removed from a watch band.)

More creative types buy trendy pieces of all varieties, and mix costume jewelry in for a new look. They liked moving on and discarding pieces as they go. They use shell, wooden and plastic pieces to add punch to their outfits.

So, what fits your style?

For some specific advice, since you are petite, consider a silver cuff bracelet. Or maybe some *diamond* studs? (They can be good cubic zirconia with white gold posts.) Don't buy too much at once. Add one beautiful piece at a time, and see where that leads you.

Pres (with help from Bebe and others.)