Jewelry, worn correctly can frame and accentuate your features. Take into consideration the size of your features, body type and bone structure. These elements will determine the size of the jewelry pieces that will look best on you.  Earrings brighten up your face and add sparkle to your eyes, making your face and neck look slimmer. Experiment with different sizes of jewelry until you find the sizes that are the most flattering. If you’re wearing one bold piece of jewelry, don’t wear big prints. Instead, opt for solid colors, you will look much more chic.

Wearing more than one show stopping piece of jewelry at one time will usually not work.
Stick to one unique or classic piece that makes a fashion statement. Try an embellished cuff or an elaborate necklace and if it looks great, finish there.

The accessories that you spend the most money on should be classic pieces that can be worn from season to season. Invest in pieces that are more timeless than trendy. Pearls are always a good choice. They are classic and timeless and flatter all skin types. Wear your pearls with evening wear, daytime dresses or a fabulous pair of jeans.

Mix interesting pieces together, different textures, shapes and sizes. Mix classic jewelry with
vintage pieces, pricey high quality gemstones  with costume jewelry. Try different accessory combinations to give each outfit added drama. Allow yourself enough time to accessorize and experiment with the finishing touches each outfit requires. When wearing a lot of jewelry group them together instead of little pieces here and there. Do you remember that woman that wore ten, not so impressive rings on each of her fingers (and depending where you grew up, toes?) …Need I say more?

Jewelry tips from the new book Pulling It All Together… Paul Wharton with Cynthia Wilson. Available in stores and on www.paulwhartonstyle.com in 2012. Find Unto-Other’s Jewelry at Charm Boutique in Georgetown and www.unto-others.com.