Times, fashion trends and approaches to creating images change. Nevertheless, there are things that are not subject to the unstoppable flight of years. These are the requirements for a basic wardrobe that makes up the main palette for creating an image.
With a clothing wardrobe, everything is more or less clear: jeans, a sweatshirt, a white T-shirt and blouse, a neutral skirt, a jacket and an evening dress. But images are not created by clothes alone: a true lady’s wardrobe should also contain basic jewelry that can both complement and radically change the look.
Fashion for jewelry is a fickle lady. It is, of course, possible to indulge all her fleeting whims, but it is incredibly troublesome and, needless to say, expensive. It makes sense to collect a dozen basic pieces of jewelry in a box, with which you can create a variety of outfits. But wait, why only jewelry? Nowadays, a wide variety of jewelry is in fashion, which can easily cope with similar tasks.
It is reasonable to form a jewelry wardrobe according to the principle of “a pair for each creature.” That is, you must have at least two necklaces, a ring, a bracelet and two pairs of earrings. One decoration should be minimalistic, the second should be visually catchy. And yes: don’t forget about at least one brooch!
Basic chain
In 2022, the list of basic jewelry opens with a thin chain of simple weaving. This is truly an irreplaceable thing for every woman for many decades in a row. In splendid isolation, it goes perfectly with all everyday looks, including sports ones.
Full weight gold chains in the SUNLIGHT catalog
Add a pendant with a pearl to the chain - and you are ready for a romantic date, a small pendant - you can go to work, a large medallion - and you will shine at an evening event.
Large chains made of yellow metal are currently trending. As a rule, they are not made of gold - they are very expensive. But a thick gold-plated chain of short length will also look natural in tandem with a thin chain with a pendant made of pure gold. And in general: the more chains of different lengths, the better!
All about jewelry
All about jewelryWhy do we wear jewelry? Scientists claim that back in the Stone Age, our ancestors wore bone amulets on their bodies and clothes. The ancient Egyptians used gold, carnelian, malachite and colored glass to make a variety of jewelry for both the living and the dead. The death masks of the pharaohs are a clear confirmation of this. With the development of crafts and the beginning of the mining of precious metals and stones, jewelry became a measure of a person’s wealth, prosperity and social status. In addition, at all times they were credited with magical properties. It was believed that a ring or pendant with a certain stone or pattern could protect its owner from the evil eye, damage, disease and other troubles. Well, with the help of jewelry one could attract good luck in business, love and fidelity, and material well-being. Few could afford to purchase a ring or necklace, the more the jeweler’s art was valued. This profession was something akin to the skill of an alchemist.
Nowadays, jewelry has not lost its relevance; both women and men wear them with pleasure. But in order for the jewelry to show itself, you need to be able to wear it correctly. How to choose “your” rings and bracelets? Which stones are daytime and which are evening? Does purple gold exist? Does age affect chain length? You will find answers to these questions, as well as other interesting facts, below.
Precious metals include gold, silver and platinum group metals: rhodium, iridium, palladium, platinum. Any product made of these metals in our country is subject to stamping with a state hallmark, which is applied to the decoration in the form of an imprint. The hallmark on a piece of jewelry indicates the quantitative content of gold or other precious metal in the alloy. For example, the so common 585 gold standard means that 1 gram of a product of this standard contains only 585 milligrams of pure gold, and the rest is an alloy or alloy of silver, copper, palladium or nickel. Well, 999 standard means pure gold, without any impurities.
In Russia, the following standards are established for silver: 750, 800, 875, 916, 925 and 960 samples; for gold - 375, 500, 583, 585, 750, 958, 999; for platinum - 950; for palladium - 500 or 850.
White gold is made by mixing yellow gold and platinum, palladium or silver. Red or red gold is made by adding copper. Rose gold is also obtained from copper alloys, but in a different proportion. In addition, in the world of jewelry, there are quite exotic alloys of gold: blue (with indium additives), green (with potassium), violet (with aluminum). These non-ductile and brittle alloys are also called metallides and are used only as decoration, and not as an independent product.
All stones used in jewelry are divided into groups:
- jewelry stones: Group 1: diamonds (diamonds), blue sapphires, rubies, emeralds Group 2: other sapphires, black opals, alexandrites Group 3: other opals, aquamarines, topazes, green and yellow-green garnets Group 4: citrines, chrysolites, zircons, amethysts, turquoise, moonstones
- jewelry and ornamental stones: group 1: amber, malachite, lapis lazuli, jades, some garnets, rock crystal group 2: amazonites, agates, rhodonites
- ornamental stones: jets, quartzites, jasper, selenites, colored marble and others.
It may also be noted that coral, pearl, amber, bone and jet are of organic origin, while all other stones are minerals.
All jewelry is divided into rings, chains, pendants, earrings, brooches, beads, bracelets and necklaces. Let's take a closer look at all these types of jewelry.
Rings
Rings are probably the most popular jewelry for women, but rings from time immemorial were intended for men. Wedding rings occupy a special place. In addition to aesthetic satisfaction, they also have a sacred meaning - they cement the union of two loving people. The variety of precious rings is great: gold and silver, platinum and with precious stones, of different designs, shapes and sizes.
By the way, determining your ring size is very easy. Take a thick string or a strip of paper 0.5 mm wide and wrap it around the finger on which you plan to wear the ring. The fit should be tight. Mark the point of contact, cut the strip or thread and measure it in millimeters. Then use the table below, which shows ring sizes for residents of Russia. If the coverage of your finger in millimeters does not correspond to the values in the table, choose the closest possible figure, adjusted upward.
As we can see from the table, in Russia the diameter of the ring in millimeters approximately corresponds to its size. In European jewelry stores, to determine the size of your ring, you only need the circumference of your finger.
When choosing a ring with a stone, you should consider the combination of colors. For example, the more colorless the diamond (namely, the quality of the stone is determined by the absence of any yellowish impurities), the lighter the metal of the ring should be. The best diamonds (whose color group is not higher than 3) are combined only with white gold or platinum. Like, for example, Cristell diamond rings starting at RUB 10,035. Well, worse diamonds will look good with yellow or red gold.
Cristell diamond ring
Blue and green stones such as emeralds and sapphires are considered daystones and can only be paired with white gold. Evening stones, that is, those that are dazzlingly beautiful under electric lighting, are better suited to yellow and red gold. These are rubies, garnets, citrines and other stones of red, yellow, orange and purple. There is an exception: pink sapphires are worn only with white metal.
As for wedding rings, experts advise you to familiarize yourself with the assortment in online stores before purchasing. Depending on your taste, you can choose not only the usual smooth yellow gold rings, but also platinum ones, decorated with intricate carvings or precious stones. You should also keep in mind that you should not go to a jewelry store to try on rings in the morning, after physical work (including sports), or in extreme heat or cold. If you have long, thin fingers, opt for a wide ring. For those with short fingers, it is better to purchase thin and elegant wedding rings.
Chains
These jewelry are very popular. You are unlikely to get by with just one chain, so the range of products offered is very wide. Thus, the cheapest gold “anchor” chain 40 cm long is offered in online stores at a price of 2,100 rubles. Well, the luxurious double chain “Nonna” with diamond cutting on two edges will cost 7,100 rubles.
"Anchor" chain, gold
Before choosing, determine the desired length of the chain that will highlight your advantages. A short chain will focus on the neck, a medium one on the décolleté, and a long chain will draw attention to the chest of its owner. The woman's age also matters. You need to be especially careful with so-called “collars”, that is, short chains in several rows, close to the base of the neck. Older women, as well as those with a double chin or excess weight should avoid such models. In addition, ladies at the age of elegance are supposed to wear more expensive and elaborate jewelry, and a thin chain with a cross will also decorate a young girl. By the way, the pendant should be combined with the thickness and type of weaving of the chain and create a single ensemble.
If you are faced with a choice: hollow or solid chain, then keep in mind that hollow chains are cheaper and weigh less. However, they are more likely to break or become deformed. Sometimes it can be difficult to repair such a product. Chains of overly complex weaving also suffer from the same problem. Repairing them can be expensive, and in particularly difficult cases, repairs can only be carried out by the manufacturer of the product.
Chain “Nonna”, gold
Pendants
A pendant is a pendant that hangs on a chain. Images of icons, crosses, letters of the alphabet, signs of the Zodiac, or simply fantasy jewelry can be used as a pendant. By the way, it is not customary to show crosses and icons to others, because in this case they are used to protect against the evil eye, damage and other troubles. Pendants are made from precious and semi-precious metals, stones, leather, glass, wood and so on. A medallion can also be worn as a pendant - a special decoration used to store memorabilia or photographs.
Gold pendant “Zodiac Signs”
Earrings
Earrings, along with rings, are one of the most ancient human jewelry. For thousands of years, jewelers have used a wide variety of metals and stones to create similar jewelry for both ladies and men. The earrings differ significantly only in one way:
- requiring piercing (rings, half rings, studs, dangling earrings);
- not requiring puncture (clips, magnetic clips).
Many earrings are also not jewelry and are costume jewelry made from wood, plastic, steel, glass, and so on. For example, the “Irises” earrings, priced from 250 rubles, are made of wood and covered with enamel.
Of course, there are times when jewelry is inappropriate, such as anniversaries, receptions, social events and other special occasions. In this case, you can dazzle everyone with the sparkle of Classico diamond earrings starting from 469,400 rubles, which will highlight the most luxurious evening outfit.
Classico diamond earrings
Brooches
Once upon a time, these jewelry performed a very useful function - they held clothes together. Well, in our time, their value is exclusively aesthetic, so the choice of brooches is determined mainly by fashion trends and the style of your image. The only rule for wearing brooches is that the shape of this decoration should match the outline of your handbag or shoes.
Like earrings, brooches can be made using either precious metals and stones or the most ordinary plastic or wood. You have the right to make your own choice, based only on personal preferences.
Brooch with Swarovski crystals
Beads
These women's jewelry are made from precious, semi-precious and ornamental stones. Beads vary in size and shape of the beads and usually bear the name of the stone from which they are made. For example, garnet beads can be purchased in online stores for a price starting from 125 rubles.
Garnet beads
Bracelets
This hand decoration is similar to a chain and differs from it only in length. Bracelets can be made from precious metals using stones, or from leather, wood, or plastic. In addition to the hands, sometimes bracelets are also worn on the feet. Most often - as an addition to a beach outfit or a highlight in ethnic style. One thing is important: the bracelet should suit your style and be combined with the rest of your jewelry.
There are hard and soft bracelets. Rigid hand decorations are a ring or half-ring, a bracket or a zigzag. They can be closed or have a clasp. Soft bracelets can be chain, hinged or glider.
A correctly selected bracelet can not only complement your look and make it complete, but also hide imperfections on your hands. For example, ladies with full wrists are recommended to wear solid bracelets of medium thickness. They visually make the handle thinner and more feminine. Well, it’s better to hide too thin, bony wrists under a bracelet of several rings or a chain bracelet with pendants.
Bracelet with diamonds TTF-Luxury
Necklace
A gold necklace with rubies, emeralds or diamonds is the highest level in jewelry craftsmanship, an unusually beautiful and expensive product. Such things belonged to extremely wealthy people and were passed down from generation to generation. Nowadays you can find more democratic necklaces, no matter how paradoxical it may sound. Moschino jewelry, for example, is characterized by a stylish design, made of gold-plated steel and decorated with Swarovski crystals.
Moschino necklace
Well, for those who want to start their own collection of family jewelry, we can advise you to purchase a gold necklace with blue sapphires. This is not only a true work of art, but also a reliable investment.
string of pearls
The list of basic jewelry for women would be incomplete if we did not mention a string of pearls, which should be in every stylish girl's jewelry box. This decoration perfectly complements most evening dresses, and especially those created on the basis of the notorious “little black dresses”.
An elegant choker made of small freshwater pearls is ideal for a young girl, and long beads, a multi-tiered necklace or a lariat made of large pearls (of course, artificial ones, because such impressive natural “tears of the sea” are rare and incredibly expensive) are ideal for an older lady.
You can wear pearl beads in any way you like: in several tiers, tied in a knot, or complemented with a large medallion. Some fashionistas even wear similar jewelry on their belts!
Pearl necklaces are back in fashion!
If you prefer natural pearls, you can opt for the baroque option. Pearls of the most intricate shapes and colors fit organically not only into evening, but also everyday looks precisely because of their attractive “irregularity”.
TOP trends
Jewelry 2021: main fashion trends
Crumpled metal, baroque pearls, layering, demi fine, accentuation, bicolor, upcycling - the most noticeable trends in jewelry in recent years
Synthetic Diamonds Go Mainstream
The demi-fine jewelry category (aka bridge jewelry) is growing
The men's jewelry market is reviving
Neutral ring
If you are married, this role can easily be assigned to the wedding ring. If not, you can choose a discreet ring of a similar design. For example, a ring with a “fork” or “wave” and a path of small stones (diamonds, cubic zirconia, etc.). This is a great addition to your office look.
As an interesting everyday option, we can recommend the time-tested “week”, which is a set of 5-10 simple ring-rims. They can be worn in various combinations, used as phalangeal rings and scattered across the fingers in any order.
Accent ring
The accent ring can be anything, depending on what bow it is intended for. Please note: overly flashy rings are not used to create sports and office outfits.
Ahead of the rest, of course, are the so-called cocktail rings. These are always very bright and large jewelry with intricate designs. Transparent and translucent stones (large single ones or a scattering of small ones) are welcome. The main thing is that this decoration looks “expensive and rich”.
One small touch - and the look is subtly transformed from neutral to pronounced evening. And a well-groomed hand with a bright ring holding a glass of cocktail or champagne looks truly irresistible!
Cocktail rings became incredibly popular in the 1920s in the United States, during Prohibition. Visitors to underground bars thus signaled to potential boyfriends that they were open to new romantic acquaintances.
If you want to create a somewhat aggressive bow, you can choose a brass knuckle ring (mono-ring) or an armor ring that covers several phalanges of the fingers at once. These decorations, of course, are not basic, but if you go to biker parties more often than parties, then you need them more than cocktail options.
A ring with a large semi-precious stone will add charm to your look
Secrets of the stones
- Amber is an organic stone made from fossilized tree resin. To qualify as amber, it must be at least a million years old. However, there are a lot of reconstituted resin jewelry available, and they are quite cheap too. If the price seems too good to be true, it's not amber.
Astronomers have found the reason why aurora appears on Jupiter
How to wash, rinse and dry a blanket without a washing machine: complete instructions
Pancake dessert with matcha tea: roll the pancakes and fill with cream
- Amber may be more than 120 million years old.
- Amethyst is just a variety of quartz, but its beautiful purple color has made this semi-precious stone popular and is often used for jewelry. Pink, smoky quartz and citrine are also very popular.
- Emeralds were mined by the Egyptians as early as 3500 BC. e.
- Jade is sometimes called the "stone of heaven."
- A large quality ruby is worth more than a similar sized diamond.
- In Indian language, ruby is called isratnaraj, which means “king of gems”.
- The most popular color for sapphires is blue, but these stones are also found in other shades.
- Turquoise is found in only a few places on the planet. The largest deposit is located in the southwestern United States. This stone is associated with traditional Native American jewelry.
Spring garden treatment: when is the best time to get rid of pests
It is easier to remove toxins if you eat broccoli and other simple foods
Why the cat doesn’t go to the owner when he calls him: two reasons for this behavior
- What is organic stone? It appeared thanks to living organisms, and not during natural geological processes. Organic stones include pearls, corals and amber.
Studs
If you have pierced earlobes, your basic jewelry wardrobe should definitely include miniature, laconic earrings. The ideal option is stud earrings with pearls, diamonds or other stones. They go well with all office looks and are also suitable for romantic rendezvous.
Moreover: stud earrings look perfect with evening outfits in combination with rich necklaces. They simply decorate the earlobes without drawing attention away from the richly decorated décolleté area. Believe me, large earrings in this case are an excess that smacks of bad taste!
Volume earrings
So, voluminous earrings are not needed in your wardrobe? No and again no: they are also in trend, but when creating evening looks, large earrings should play an accent role. In combination with luxurious chandelier earrings, cuffs or tassels, a free neckline area looks ideal. However, an invisible necklace with a stone or pearl is allowed, but nothing more.
Large earrings made from natural materials are also good for creating everyday looks in the boho style. What can you choose? Anything you like: tassel earrings, large conga rings, all kinds of improvisations made of beads, jewelry with a pronounced marine theme - there are a lot of options.
Large mono earrings remain trendy. If you want to create the image of an independent, freedom-loving rebel, you can decorate one ear with a large earring and the other with a miniature stud!
Don't want to get your ears pierced? No problem: you have a huge number of clips at your disposal, including those imitating both laconic studs and large conga rings!
Silver earrings will highlight the neck and décolleté area
Chain bracelet
A neutral chain bracelet is ideal as a basic decoration for the wrist; it plays well with all looks, including the most formal ones. If you want to add some excitement to your outfit, you can hang a variety of pendants on your bracelet, selected in accordance with your own mood and worldview. By the way, these same pendants can also be used for a neck chain.
Modular Pandora bracelets are ideal for creating interesting everyday looks. And for boho lovers, you can simply weave all kinds of baubles from threads or beads or decorate your wrist with leather and textile laces - this is now in trend. Of course, as part of daytime city outfits.
Accent bracelet
If you are going to a theater premiere or a pretentious presentation and choose a dress with open arms, you will probably need a visually highlighted bracelet. If you leave your décolleté area to be boring without a necklace, then a large bracelet (jewelry or imitation) is a must.
Any bright jewelry will sparkle with a neutral dress. Vintage versions and bracelets with national flavor are especially popular.
And during the day you don’t have to be shy at all: it’s permissible to wear complex multi-layer bracelets, including several headbands of varying thicknesses made of contrasting materials.
Stylish C-shaped bracelets
Brand development
Why should designers participate in competitions and how to choose the right one? Expert Irina Slesareva spoke about jewelry competitions as a strategy (bonus - list of main competitions)
Advertising a jewelry workshop: how to promote your jewelry brand?
On the relationship between collection design and brand positioning
Legal stages of opening an online jewelry store (and a detailed instructional article from the Fashion Factory school website) And also an article dated November 2022 on the tinkoff journal website from the founder of the urban island brand with detailed instructions and personal experience.
Brooch pin
The unforgettable Coco Chanel believed that every stylish lady should have a brooch in her wardrobe. The great creator of jewelry fashion preferred fairly large brooches with stones and pearls. Nowadays such jewelry is worn mainly by mature ladies, and as part of evening outfits.
But a small brooch-pin with pearls, beads or a composition of beads will not hurt any self-respecting girl. Pin it to the lapel of your jacket - and the dull office look turns into a mysteriously romantic one without going beyond the boundaries of style. They also use brooches to pin neckerchiefs, wear them on shawl collars of sweaters and coats, and even complement evening looks in the absence of jewelry on the neck. In a word, a magnificent decoration for all occasions.
There doesn't have to be a lot of expensive jewelry. A basic set in the form of a chain, pendant, ring and earrings is enough. Everything else can be successfully replaced by incredibly diverse and much more affordable jewelry!
10.12.21
Stuart Dynasty Sapphire
This sapphire, which was the property of Queen Mary Stuart, has an amazing history (although its original owners were Scots). The legend said that if a sapphire is combined with another strong gem belonging to a noble family in one product, then the powers that own the stones will gain incredible power, harmony and peace. Maria did not believe the legend and ended her days on the chopping block. But Queen Victoria took the fairy tale seriously and inserted a sapphire with a gem called “The Black Prince” into her crown. By combining two powerful stones, Victoria provided Great Britain with the unshakable authority, strength and harmony that it enjoys to this day.
