Abrams - How to wear jewelry: 55 styles

Table of
CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

T hroughout the ages, jewelry has served as symbolic totems and as a creative outlet to embellish appearance. From ancient Egyptian amulets believed to ward off evil to the infamous ropes of pearls favored by Coco Chanel, the function and style of jewelry has evolved, but its glittering presence has remained steadfast.

HOW TO WEAR JEWELRY presents a range of styles for everyoneopulent costume showstoppers; whimsical, barely there pieces; traditional pieces set in classic materialsand offers inventive ways to wear necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, rings, and more. Whether youre a seasoned bauble hoarder or a novice ready to kick-start a collection, consider this a guide to inspire your bijoux for years to come.

SIMPLY CLASSIC

E legant pearls, tasteful diamond touches, and a few well-chosen pieces for the wrist classic jewelry never goes out of style. Its no wonder single strands of pearls and sets of diamond earrings have been coveted standby items for generations; they quickly elevate and refine any look.

SIGNATURE PIECES

PEARL NECKLACES // DIAMOND STUDS // PEARL BROOCHES // GOLD BANGLES AND CUFFS // TENNIS BRACELETS // CHARM BRACELETS // SIGNET RINGS

CURATED COSTUME

M ore is more and nothing is off-limitsincluding sparkling bracelets, stacks of large geometric rings, clusters of heirloom pins, and maxed-out chunky necklaces. But dont mistake the magpie approach for lowbrow or lazyevery costume piece is carefully selected, and when worn together, the combination transforms into an artful work worthy of appreciation.

SIGNATURE PIECES

COCKTAIL RINGS // LARGE COLLAR NECKLACES // OVERSIZE BROOCHES // MULTI-STRAND NECKLACES WITH SEMIPRECIOUS STONES // STACKABLE BANGLES

ARTFULLY MINDED

G eometric pendants, abstract drop earrings, angular ringsthese are the jewelry pieces that could be considered modern art in their own rights. Its these bold pieces that add the final touch to a black-on-black ensemble or bring additional depth to a colorful outfit. When the pieces are carefully selected, the artfully minded jewelry wearer becomes a bona fide curator.

SIGNATURE PIECES

GEOMETRIC PENDANTS AND RINGS // SQUARE BANGLES // ABSTRACT PINS // MARBLE MOTIFS // CUBIC-CUT GEMSTONES

UPDATED HEIRLOOM

A ged rings that bear engraved monograms, gemstone pieces that have been passed down for generations, breathtaking antique finds that have been unearthed at flea marketsthese priceless heritage pieces are full of character. Whether your heirloom jewelry is worn on its own or incorporated in with modern pieces, nothing makes an outfit more timeless than antiques.

SIGNATURE PIECES

ANTIQUE RINGS AND NECKLACES // MOURNING JEWELRY // GEMSTONES (onyx, moonstone, and turquoise) // GOLD LOCKETS // VINTAGE BROOCHES

DIY CHIC

N ecklaces strung with homemade beads, friendship bracelets woven with care, and custom rings soldered in small studios the best kinds of jewelry are the ones that are handcrafted with love by the jewelers who designed them. With the resurgence of DIY jewelry and one-of-a-kind designs available in stores and online, these artisanal accessories might just become the new classics.

SIGNATURE PIECES

WOVEN NECKLACES AND BRACELETS // CAST-METAL EARRINGS // WOODEN BANGLES AND BROOCHES // GLASS- AND CLAY-BEAD NECKLACES // FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS

MODERN BOHEMIAN

T he modern bohemian invokes whimsy through an eclectic mix of jewelry that is as free-spirited as it is chic. Playfully combining a range of global influencesfrom a touch of brightly colored turquoise or a dappling of oxidized silver to yards of multicolor beaded necklacesthese pieces create a perfect picture of a stylish bohemian.

SIGNATURE PIECES

WESTERN AND TRIBAL MOTIFS // TURQUOISE AND BEADED NECKLACES // LEATHER AND SILVER CUFFS // CRYSTAL PENDANTS // HEADBANDS

Necklaces are true finishing pieces. A colorful statement necklace adds character and interest to simple outfits; considered gold chains and ropes of pearls imbue elegance; multi-layered strands of beads, box chains, and pendants hint to personality and taste.

Here are the most common necklace styles to know:

CHAIN a long series of metal links that serves as a foundation for necklaces and can be worn solo or with a pendant