Although clothing can be found in virtually every style in our modern society, putting together a unique look can still be difficult. Fine designer jewelry is great for special occasions and daily wear, but fashion jewelry steps in when it is time to take your outfit up a notch. A fantastic long bead necklace or a tough leather cuff bracelet changes an ensemble and adds your personality to the mix. With so many jewelry trends changing and evolving every day, it can be difficult to decide which fashion jewelry you need. Use our tips to choose jewelry for your collection.
Questions about Fashion Jewelry:
How much fashion jewelry do I need?
As much as you need to express yourself, some women choose just a few key fashion accessories to wear with their fine jewelry, while others love to collect fashion designer jewelry in every category. Several necklaces, a few bangle and cuff bracelets, a handful of dangling earrings and one or two cocktail rings will get you through the week in style. Men typically wear less jewelry, but a nice ring, a fashionable bracelet and a cool chain necklace will all add to your collection.
What is the difference between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry?
The biggest difference between fine jewelry and fashion jewelry is materials. In general, fine jewelry is made of the precious metals -- gold, silver and platinum -- and decorated with diamonds, pearls and the highest quality gemstones. Fashion jewelry is made of, well, anything that can be turned into jewelry, including wood, leather, fabric, glass, resin, copper, brass and plastic. Beads of every kind are a mainstay of fashion accessories. Fashion jewelry may also feature gemstones and precious metals.
What should I do with outdated fashion jewelry?
First, ask yourself: "Is it truly outdated or am I just tired of it?" After all, you wore those great earrings all summer, and now it is time to find a new favorite pair. Before you toss old jewelry into the trash, consider these options:
Retire that fashion bracelet or necklace for a season or two. You may learn to love it again if you just avoid it for a while.
Trade your fashion jewelry with friends or sell it in a consignment shop or on an auctions site.
Recycle any fashion jewelry made of gold that you'll never wear again. There are plenty of gold redemption programs that buy gold.
Keep it in storage for a few years -- your daughters and granddaughters will have so much fun experimenting with your old fashion jewelry.