Jewelry guidance

I am looking for some suggestions on how to add necklaces as a completer piece to my outfits. I am a size 4 40 years young (but I do look 30.) I don't have the budget for David Webb type stuff, but don't want to wear jewelry that looks cheap. How do I find a good balance between stuff that is costume, but not junk?

5 years ago

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from The Cat

Anonymous

What looks cheap is in the eye of the beholder. If you think it looks cheap and too trendy, then don't buy it! Pieces sold by mall/chain stores like H&M , Zara etc are usually not the greatest and price is often a good indicator of quality , at least in my experience . I have a lot of jewellery and love to collect it and wear it. I've had great luck at BR, CM and Anthropology. My best $ for value pieces come from Jenny Bird (Canadian line) . I also like to buy from Canadian designers and seek out new lines from independent boutiques. I don't think your age and clothing size have anything to do with what you choose.

5 years ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Part of your choices depend on your personal preferences. Do you want bold jewelry or subtle? For your jewelry to stand out and be the star of your outfit or a nice touch? Or some of both? Do you want to wear the same pieces every day or change it up?

5 years ago

Active Member

Barbara Diane I want it to a completer piece, a finishing piece. I am happy changing it up.

5 years ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Do you want to layer necklaces of different lengths? Or wear one?

My necklaces range in style, length, thickness, material, and whether I wear one or more. I have a dainty silver chain with a small curved silver tube on it from Nordstrom, a cut crystal or glass pendant that hangs from a chain I bought at a closing sale at a local boutique, semi precious beads, etc. I usually prefer something handmade or distinctive to something I see everywhere, but the Nordstrom thin chain was a!much worn exception. I also have purchased items at yard sales and craft shows. And I make some.

I tend to wear .925 or higher silver as I prefer the look and can often find it for the same price.

5 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

Have you looked at Etsy? I’ve found a few things there. I like sterling silver, and hammered. I’ve bought some earrings and also a chain that I like.

ETA: Never mind - I just looked up David Webb - holy cow! I do like the bracelets with baby frogs, but at nearly $20k, they’re definitely out of my price range!

5 years ago

SarahD8

Veteran

I think another relevant question is whether you would rather your jewelry be trendy, or highly individual. If the latter, go vintage! Vintage costume jewelry can be very nice quality and you can also get some screaming deals on real stuff. I've bought a number of vintage jewelry pieces on Etsy -- and some new/artisan made pieces, as well.

5 years ago

binkle

Veteran

I'm of the school, "If you're going to wear a necklace, wear a NECKLACE." I have a delicate gold chain with a heart charm - which I wear as a personal item, not a fashion item or completer. If I use a necklace (instead of a scarf), I personally like substantial pearls - round and baroque mixed for the Chanel look, with silk blouses or as a contrast to tees and jeans. I also have a necklace of big (fake) tortoise-shell beads (sort of flat ovals) that look good in the fall with knits and tweeds. Or, instead of a necklace, a big brooch.

When you said, "David Webb," my immediate thought was, "Kenneth Jay Lane" - THE quality costume jewelry designer. Similar shapes, colors, themes as David Webb but affordable! (Affordable being relative of course). From classic pearls (a la Jackie O and Barbara Bush), to natural, animal, deco, nautical, quirky themes. His pieces are sold at major retailers, but you'll see his full range on his own website. He's been around for many decades - there's probably a ton of vintage on resale. Take a little time to explore his website.
https://kennethjaylane.com/collections/necklaces-1

Carolee used to be the best in costume pearls - 30 years ago, alas. Looks like the brand has been resurrected somewhat - there's a limited selection on their website, I can't speak to the quality now.
https://www.carolee.com/

Miriam Haskell, an old costume jewelry brand, has also been resurrected - very unique with pearls, crystals, filigree (and expensive $400-600 for necklaces - each piece hand-made to order).
http://www.miriamhaskell.com/

Alexis Bittar is very modern and fun.
https://www.alexisbittar.com/discover-new

5 years ago

abc

Veteran

Ill say this. Probably 5 years ago I bought a pendant (?) necklace at Rack. Tory Burch brand. I really didn’t care what brand it was, but it was the right length and substantial. I remember checking out paying $100 for a necklace thinking, have I lost my mind?
5 years and 100+ wears later it was worth every penny. Still going strong. My favorite piece of costume jewelry ever. And I get compliments on it nearly every time I wear it. Dresses up, dresses down.
I hope you find your jewelry unicorn.

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5 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Em, you size and size of your features and personality can come into play. I love big statement jewelry but what I want overwhelms me. Local artists at art fairs are a good place to look. My favorite is a big link necklace in an acrylic that matches my eye glasses. It has gotten lots of compliments. It is a big piece but does not overwhelm. Even better DGD can teeth on it safely and without any damage.

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by Joy

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5 years ago

Shannon1970

Active Member

Silpada seems to have quite a lot of reasonably priced pieces that are good quality. I and several friends have been buying them for years. I always look for .925 silver, because it’s genuine, durable, and shinier. WHBM and Loft have pretty things too. The best place to find jewelry (and any other fashion related items) is on Poshmark. If you haven’t checked it out yet, give it a try. You won’t believe the deals that you can get!

5 years ago

megan gray

Member

It is important to know not the age itself, but the size of your clothes. If you have a pear-shaped figure, then it is better to focus on thin chains. The necklace will be an advantage in your case. An elongated necklace with a top or a dress with a V-neck also perfectly stretches and slims the face. On the contrary, if you have a too long elongated face, then rounded ornaments, shorter and elongated in width, will help to visually reduce the length. Jewelry can be selected as an addition to clothing (for example, for a golden-gray dress, you choose a golden-gray necklace) or as a contrast (for a black dress, you choose bright gold beads). Contrast is currently more relevant in European fashion combinations. I know about agape jewelry studio and can advise you on jewelry from this brand. They make stunning necklaces.

3 years ago

davidblut125

Member

Megan, If you knew how well I understand you. I once ordered a ring for my wife for her size 18, but I didn’t guess because we lived in one country, and the order came from another. I had to make a tightening so that she could wear the jewelry normally. In this regard, I like white gold or pure yellow most of all, since there are fewer impurities in it; I think this is an absolutely ideal metal for creating various applications. My grandmother had a gold ring that bent in her hands and we were able to melt it, or rather, make a new piece of jewelry. Now this ring is worn by my daughter, and I make my wife only to order, since every year her fingers change in size, which is also very difficult for choosing an ideal ring.

3 years ago

ANewMindset

Active Member

I think you might like Julie Vos. https://www.julievos.com/

I have 2 pairs of her earrings - great quality - and unique.

3 years ago

slim cat

Veteran

I shop sales most of the time - Macy’s, Rack, BR, Lucky Brand, Express. Usually I’m lucky to find something that speaks to me / could be fashion jewelry, could be simple silver chain /.

3 years ago