How many of us have purchased a trendy piece of jewelry, and after a few wears it’s no longer of interest?  Are your jewelry drawers filled with these trendy pieces?  This can be true for some of my clients too!  One reason these pieces are no longer desirable is that one or more of the design elements is inconsistent with your unique design pattern.  Like clothing, jewelry is an expression of your true self.  Let’s discuss how one can figure out what designs work for you. 

I asked Marilyn Weller, an Image Consultant for over 30 years, jewelry designer for the last 15 years, and friend, to chime in on the subject.  Marilyn and I have collaborated on several pieces for many of my styling clients.  She draws from her expansive color design background to integrate stone color and shape, design complexity, sparkle, texture, scale, length and rhythm of design.  With all elements of design harmonized, she creates pieces that will be timeless, flattering, and easy to incorporate into everyday dressing.

Marilyn tailors her jewelry designs into two types.  

• The first type is inherent to the person. 
• The second type is inherent to the season or palette.  

“When I design pieces inherent to an individual I look for several components: the shapes found in the face, curved, angled or both; the apparent body size; the scale of their facial features; and the consistency of features, all small, all large or mixed.  Additionally, establishing balancing points will influence the appropriate length of a necklace.” 

The ultimate goal is feeling comfortable in your jewelry – making sure it does not wear you.  As we know, trends come and go – some will work and some will not.  

One of the past trends in jewelry was large statement necklaces and long simple chains with a pendant.  

A current trend is layering necklaces of different lengths and designs, like a chain necklace with a paperclip necklace and a beaded necklace.

If you’re interested in either of these trends, I recommend  spending a modest amount, as you may lose interest when the next trend arrives.  

Reflecting on my own jewelry purchases, I remember my first gold chain with a tiny round pendant.  It was so small that it got lost in my outfit.  Many years later, I applied what I knew about scale, and it became pretty apparent why it didn’t work and it’s been sitting in my jewelry drawer ever since!

Four tips to consider when purchasing a piece of jewelry:

• Assess your face – do you see curved lines, straight lines, or both?
• What is the scale of your facial features – large, small, or both?

• Observe your natural coloring (skin-tone, hair color and eye color) and contrast level – high, medium or low contrast.

• Do you have texture and pattern in your skin and hair?

Whether you, a friend, or a relative are interested in a piece of inherent jewelry, Marilyn’s designs are high-quality and will always be relevant to your style. She uses semi-precious gemstones from around the world to create unique pieces of art.  Custom pieces are easiest to design when one has an accurate color palette. If getting a one-of-a-kind “go-to piece” of jewelry is on your list, let’s talk color palette too!  Email me at info@JennyBailey.co