10 Common Jewelry Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

What makes the perfect outfit isn’t always the in-season skirt or the new it-girl dress - it’s often our accessories - whether it be bracelets, necklaces or rings - that truly bring life to an outfit. And while we firmly believe that fashion is subjective, it is possible to make mistakes when adding jewelry pieces to your outfit.

So, what are some common jewelry mistakes, and how can you avoid them? Let’s take a look.

Over-accessorizing

Mistake: One of the most common jewelry mistakes is wearing too much at once - more isn’t always better! Over-accessorizing can make your outfit look cluttered and take away from the individual pieces' beauty; it can also make your outfit look chaotic and poorly thought out.

Solution: The key is balance. If you're wearing a statement necklace, skip the big earrings and opt for something subtle or none at all. Remember, sometimes less is more, and a single, well-chosen piece can make a stronger impact than several competing ones.

Ignoring the Occasion

Mistake: Wearing jewelry that doesn’t suit the occasion can be something of a faux pas. For example, flashy, noisy jewelry might not be appropriate for a solemn or formal event, nor might it be the best choice for a laid-back, minimalist wedding. Think of the photos!

Solution: It’s simple good manners to always consider the event or environment you’re dressing for. Choose simpler, more classic pieces for formal or professional settings, and save your bold and trendy items for casual outings or parties.

Not Matching Jewelry with Necklines

Mistake: One common oversight when styling an outfit is not coordinating your jewelry with the neckline of your top or dress. The wrong necklace can clash with or obscure the neckline, disrupting the outfit's overall harmony.

Solution: For V-necks, choose a necklace that mirrors the V shape, while shorter necklaces or chokers work well with a crew neck. For strapless or off-the-shoulder tops, this is the time to bring out the statement necklace! Don’t forget, the necklace should complement, not compete with, your neckline, and ensure you opt for jewelry with quality jewelry findings - this will ensure your pieces stay in place and the clasps aren’t visible.

Neglecting Jewelry Care

Mistake: Jewelry, like any other accessory, needs care and maintenance. Neglecting your favorite pieces can lead to tarnishing, damage, or loss of shine, making even the most exquisite pieces look lackluster.

Solution: Regularly clean your jewelry according to its material, and store it properly to avoid scratches and damage. Be mindful of wearing jewelry during activities that could harm it, like swimming or exercising, or even taking a shower.

Forgetting to Coordinate Metals

Mistake: Mixing too many different metal types in one outfit can lead to a disjointed look, and while mixing metals can be stylish when done right, it’s easy to overdo it.

Solution: If you’re unsure, stick to one metal type per outfit. For a more advanced style, you can mix metals, but do so with intention; keep the style and design of the pieces similar for a cohesive look, and consider your outfit's overall color palette.

Wearing Inappropriate Size or Scale

Mistake: Jewelry that is too big or too small for your frame can throw off your overall look, and in some cases, potentially your balance! Oversized pieces might overwhelm petite frames, while too small pieces might get lost on larger frames.

Solution: For a more balanced and harmonious look, opt for jewelry that is somewhat proportional to your body size and shape. For instance, if you have a petite frame, opt for delicate pieces, and if you’re taller or have a larger frame, you can be bold enough to carry off bigger, bolder pieces more effectively.

Not Considering Personal Style

Mistake: We’ve all fallen victim to fashion trends at some point, and we’ve all ended up out and wearing jewelry that doesn’t really reflect our personal style. While not a faux pas per say, choosing something that doesn’t suit your overall style can make you look uncomfortable and out of place.

Solution: Stick to pieces that resonate with your personal aesthetic, especially for important occasions. Your sibling’s wedding isn’t the best occasion to try out a new aesthetic persona! While it’s fine to experiment, ensure that your jewelry choices feel like an extension of your personality and style preferences, especially when you’re going somewhere important.

Ignoring Skin Tone

Mistake: If you’re interested in color theory, you’ll likely already know that not all jewelry colors complement every skin tone. While there’s nothing wrong with wearing certain metals, choosing the wrong color can make your skin look washed out, and can clash with your natural hues.

Solution: Identify jewelry that complements your skin’s undertone. For warm undertones, golds and copper tones work well, while silver and platinum are flattering for cooler undertones. If you have a neutral undertone, you might be able to wear a variety of metals and colors. And if you’re not sure what an undertone is, check your veins: blue veins indicate a cool undertone, while green signifies warm undertones. Neutral undertones might resemble a mix of green and blue, so check in natural daylight to make sure.

Forgetting the Power of Versatility

Mistake: Investing in pieces that are not versatile, or only suitable for specific occasions can limit your options and wearability.

Solution: When purchasing jewelry, consider its versatility, especially if you’re paying a lot for the piece. Rather than opting for the giant statement necklace, look for pieces that can easily transition from day to night or work to casual. Classic designs and pieces that can be mixed and matched offer greater flexibility and value for money.

Disregarding Comfort

Mistake: Wearing jewelry that is uncomfortable, like heavy earrings or tight bracelets, can not only be irritating but also affect your posture and mood.

Solution: We stand by the principle that comfort should never be sacrificed for style. Choose jewelry that you can wear comfortably for extended periods, and pay attention to weight, material, and fit. If you have sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic materials, like high carat gold.