How Much Jewelry Is Too Much?
Today, you’ll find an unprecedented breadth of precious jewelry and costume bling. I have found some of my favorite sparkly stretch bracelets on the street for as little as $1.50 each. Except when I’m knocking around in sweats, I’m always in earrings and rarely without a thick bracelet, a crystal necklace or a snappy cocktail ring.
My clothes tend to be solid and simple—a black cashmere sweater, an open-collar white shirt, a solid wool sheath dress—making it easier for me to wear both a necklace and earrings (not matched sets). I favor styles with transparent crystal beads that add texture without bulk.
I study my jewelry in front of my webcam to judge proportions—the sizes and lengths of necklaces and earrings—and to figure out which look better with certain sunglasses and hairstyles. Unlike a mirror, a webcam allows you to take snapshots and even make short videos that you can scrutinize, leaving a record you can refer to again.
I now say yes to gold and silver jewelry worn together, while pearls are now my preferred necklace with denim or black leather. When you’ve developed an eye for jewelry, you can group necklaces together à la Coco Chanel, who popularized the notion of layering pearls with chains and strands of rock crystal.