What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to spoil yourself by buying a lovely piece of jewelry? Fortunately, no matter the depth of your pocket or the shape of your face, there is jewelry to suit every budget and every shaped face. Choosing jewelry that enhances your look can be tricky, but when doing so, keep the following in mind.

If warm colors go well with your skin tone, choose jewelry in shades of yellow or gold. If cool colors suit you better, then choose white metals such as silver, platinum or white gold.

Another element to consider when selecting jewelry is your personality. Are you a romantic gal, or is elegance more your style? Are you drawn more to the natural or bohemian look, or more to western or dramatic designs? As a rule, most of us are multifaceted and our wardrobe, and thus our jewelry too should reflect this aspect of ourselves.

Here are some basic guidelines to further help you choose jewelry well, based on the shape of your face and length of your neck:

Face Shape

• Diamond
  • No to diamond or rectangular shapes
  • Yes to curved earrings
  • More width and less length

• Square

  • No to square shapes
  • Yes to straight and curved earrings
  • More length, less width

• Oblong

  • Yes to circular shapes
  • No to dangle or drop earrings
  • More width, less length

• Triangle

  • No to triangular shapes
  • Yes to square or circular earrings
  • More length than width, rounded base

• Round

  • No to circular earrings
  • Yes to drops or to square earrings
  • More length, less width

Neck

• Long
  • A short necklace with several strands, e.g. swagged pearls

• Short

  • Long necklaces

• Swan

  • Everything looks marvelous! Lucky you!

Arms

• Thin
  • Lots of bracelets

• Thick

  • No bracelets
  • Small rings

If you have lovely, well-manicured hands, wear ONE beautiful ring. If your neck is your best asset, make a necklace the focus, but wear tiny earrings. Do not wear yellow earrings with a white metal necklace unless it includes yellow and white metals (my personal preference!)

Remember, make a statement not a showcase and focus only on one piece of jewelry. More is NOT better!

Just as you take care of your clothes, you need to take care of your jewelry. Polish your silver pieces and check clasps and mountings regularly and carefully to avoid losing precious pieces.

In French, there is a saying, “Dis-moi quels bijoux tu portes et je te dirai qui tu es.” “Tell me what type of jewelry you wear and I will tell you who you are!” Thus, it is important to remember the jewelry you wear is an integral part of your image so choose pieces that improve it and that are appropriate to your environment. As I keep repeating in this space, your image is your first non-verbal communication and your first business card. So wear and choose your jewelry well and enjoy it!

Happy Valentine’s Day!