I wonder how people choose jewelry? Really curious. I know how I choose
jewelry... well... I choose what I would like to make. I also design a
piece of jewelry according to my desire. This way of making decision
trained my mind to estimate what goes with what and why I need to make
one thing and not another. I cannot make something, try it out and say:
"Ah... oh well, now I will make something else and see if looks better". That would be such a waste of time and material!
Choosing
jewelry can be fun (and it often is!) If you do not really know what
you want, you go to a store or a craft fair, or an art festival and try
things out. Maybe something will jump at you, maybe not... If this is
what you are after, it is fair enough. Go ahead and have fun!
However,
if you are determined to get something, it helps to estimate beforehand
what you are going to be looking at. This way you won't waste your time
and you will (most likely) find what is going to make you happy with
your choice.
Think of a wedding ring... You know exactly what
you want! It should be almost the same with any other jewelry if it has a
purpose: jewelry for your
red dress,
purple dress, jewelry for your
prom dress,
jewelry to wear in an
office, etc.
1)
Does your jewelry have a purpose? (occasion or an outfit). If it is a
piece of jewelry for an outfit+occasion (not just an outfit), it should
be appropriate for it, of course. The size definitely depends on your
answer. Color also depends on your outfit:
black dress,
navy dress,
white shirt, disco dance or
beach wedding, etc.
2) A ring, earrings, a
bracelet, a pendant or a necklace? If you needed a necklace and found a
great pendant... maybe it can be made into a necklace by putting it on a
strand of beads.
3) Is it going to just compliment an outfit or
the outfit is supposed to compliment the jewelry? :) It is very much
possible to showcase a bold piece of jewelry with a neutral outfit. I
often do exactly that as I LOVE jewelry that stands out!
4) Will
you be wearing it often? This will help to make a decision on the price.
If you love fashion and 1-season-jewelry, it is ok to go cheap. If it
is for wearing every day, or once a week for the next 5 years, do not go
too cheap. You do not need something that will brake soon and good
quality comes with a higher price. Nobody can produce a well made piece
of jewelry in 5 minutes. It requires spending time in order to produce
something that will last.
5) If it is not a one-season-piece,
think "time". Do you have kids or/and grandkids? Will they enjoy going
through your jewelry box in future and possibly wanting to wear what
they find there? Is it going to make an interesting vintage piece in 20
years from now? You do not have to consider that, but maybe you like the
idea now :)
It is a long article, but deciding what jewelery you
need to look at is not that difficult. I really just needed to write:
"Think of color, quality and size." :)
UPD. A few days later I remembered one more
important tip
UPD2. Now there is an
infographic for your pin board.