| Just as every woman needs a pair-or twenty-of | | | | Remember, though, if you wear a dramatic earring |
| jeans, a few pairs of black shoes (at the very least: | | | | it's best to skip the necklace and let the earrings |
| ballet flats, thongs, kitten heels and stilettos), a | | | | speak for themselves. |
| cocktail dress, a few basic skirts, a chic business suit, | | | | Silver or gold hoop earrings Several styles of hoop |
| a cardigan sweater...I could go on but you get my | | | | earrings can be considered jewelry staples, from |
| point. Just as every woman needs these fashion | | | | small diamond-encrusted loops to gargantuan, |
| staples, she needs a few jewelry basics-seven | | | | J.Lo-style hoops. It all depends on what you like, so |
| actually-with which to accessorize her outfits. | | | | choose hoops that fit your personality. Keep in mind, |
| Like a custom paint job on a sleek Harley, | | | | though, that oversize hoops can overpower short |
| accessories personalize your style and tell the world | | | | hair, an updo, or a face with small features, so take |
| that you care enough to go the extra mile for | | | | in the overall picture before you step out. Small gold, |
| appearance's sake. And we all know that appearance | | | | silver, diamond, pearl or CZ hoops go with everything |
| counts. Within the first three seconds of taking you | | | | and are always in style. Look for hoop earrings with a |
| in, people make judgments about you that you | | | | back that's easy to fasten and won't readily bend or |
| usually cannot reverse. So why not make a good | | | | fall out. And don't wear gigantic hoops to a job |
| first impression with a look that is polished, put | | | | interview or other professional setting, unless you |
| together, and says that you pay attention to style | | | | work at Vogue. |
| and detail? Still with me? Good. Here are seven | | | | Diamond solitaire pendant There's not enough room |
| jewelry staples no well-dressed woman should be | | | | here to write about the five Cs of diamond quality, |
| without. Choose any one of them to accessorize in a | | | | but, if you're interested, there are a ton of sites out |
| snap, and to ensure that snap judgments made | | | | there where you can read about how to choose a |
| about you reflect who you really are. | | | | diamond. As for the pendant, a single bezel set |
| Diamond studs Anyone can pull off this classic | | | | diamond on a white gold chain looks amazing, crisp |
| accessory. Diamond studs are elegant, timeless and | | | | and classic. Choose an 18-inch length with a secure |
| simple enough to be worn with other jewelry and | | | | clasp (I prefer lobster claw here) and make sure the |
| any style of hair or dress. Look for clear, sparkling | | | | chain is sturdy, yet thin and unobtrusive. It's the |
| gems with at least 1/2 carat total weight, set in | | | | diamond that you want to showcase here, not the |
| white gold or platinum (not yellow gold) to show off | | | | chain. As with studs, you can get a gorgeous solitaire |
| their colorlessness. As for shape, round studs will | | | | pendant made with a CZ, or, for a twist, try a pearl. |
| always be in style, but princess cut styles are | | | | Pearl strand When choosing a classic pearl strand, |
| popular-and classic too. Look for screw backs to help | | | | look for an 18-inch princess length in a classic creamy |
| ensure that you won't lose your investment, and | | | | white. This length is very versatile, and the color is |
| make sure the setting is secure (I prefer four prongs | | | | timeless. Both akoya cultured pearls and freshwater |
| to three). | | | | cultured pearls fit the bill, although akoyas will be |
| Be warned that quality diamond studs can be pricey. | | | | more expensive. Other factors to keep in mind: pearl |
| Blue has a beautiful pair of 1/2 carat tw diamond | | | | size counts. After the 7.5-8.0 mm mark, prices rise |
| studs with screw backs for $600; Tiffany & Co. | | | | dramatically, but a 6.5mm strand is lovely and |
| sells a beautiful pair of .22 total carat weight | | | | affordable. Look at luster and surface. Pearls should |
| diamonds set it platinum for $875. Can't afford these | | | | have a high luster, or surface sheen, meaning they |
| beauties? My sparkly CZ look-alikes get the job done, | | | | reflect light well. They should also be free from |
| and cost under $40. And I don't have to worry about | | | | obvious blemishes. Pay attention to uniformity. Make |
| losing-or insuring them. | | | | sure the pearls are the same size, the same color |
| Pearl studs Like diamond studs, pearl studs can be | | | | and have a uniform luster-the warm glow that |
| worn with every style of dress, and with all types of | | | | appears to come from within the pearl. To check |
| jewelry. Unlike diamond studs, pearl studs are | | | | that the pearls are uniformly round, roll the strand on |
| surprisingly affordable, especially when you choose | | | | a table. Matched pearls will roll smoothly. |
| freshwater pearls, which today can rival the beauty | | | | So you think pearl strands are too Barbara Bush? A |
| of their saltwater cousins. Look for round white | | | | Tin Cup necklace, where the pearls are evenly |
| gems that are well-matched; these are classics and | | | | spaced on a chain, is a gorgeous alternative. |
| won't go out of style. Beware of purchasing | | | | A Classic Timepiece Lots of options here, but if |
| button-shaped (flattened) pearls when you think | | | | you're going to choose just one watch it has to be |
| you're getting round. Choose a back that is | | | | classic, functional and stylish. I like a water-resistant |
| comfortable, secure and comprised of a metal your | | | | oversize sterling silver watch or a classic tank watch, |
| skin can tolerate, such as white gold, yellow gold or | | | | both of which will look good with everything except |
| platinum. | | | | formalwear (then you can tuck it in your clutch). A |
| When wearing pearls, keep in mind that the gems | | | | stainless steel band will wear better than leather, and |
| are typically associated with a demure, ladylike | | | | is usually water-resistant, but try it on in case it feels |
| reputation, so they're perfect for a job interview, | | | | too heavy or overwhelms your wrist. Stick with a |
| wedding or other formal setting. Of course, classic | | | | classic white or muted watch face with numbers that |
| pearls are perfect for daytime and casual events as | | | | are easy to read. (Bold colors are pretty, but |
| well, and give the wearer a timeless, feminine look | | | | distracting.) A glow-in-the-dark face is a plus. As for |
| that is very polished. | | | | brands, Swiss Army has some great styles that wear |
| When buying pearl studs, choose akoya cultured | | | | well and don't break the bank. If you have the |
| pearls or their far more affordable freshwater | | | | means, a Tag Heuer or Rolex is always nice too. |
| counterparts, which are just as beautiful. For the best | | | | When you have your seven basic jewelry staples, it's |
| look, choose pearls that are 6mm or greater in size. | | | | time to play. There are so many other classics you |
| JR Dunn sells Mikimoto akoya cultured pearls in 6mm | | | | can add to your jewelry box if you're so inclined. A |
| round white for $340; sells round white freshwater | | | | diamond tennis bracelet, a beautiful Tahitian pearl |
| cultured pearls in 7mm for $38. | | | | bracelet, an oversize pearl cocktail ring, or a signature |
| Dangle earrings I love dangles for their drama, and | | | | piece in your birthstone all look terrific. Depending on |
| because their typical hook backs make them easy to | | | | your style personality and budget, you can choose |
| get on and off. But many dangles aren't for | | | | plenty of other extras to keep up with fashion |
| everyday; they'll look out of place with shorts and a | | | | trends, but keep these on the inexpensive side as |
| tank, for example. If you're going a bit more formal, | | | | they likely won't stand the test of time. For a |
| though, you have many options with this earring | | | | statement-making piece, choose an oversize cocktail |
| style. Keep in mind that if you want your dangle | | | | ring in a bold color. Or, if you like today's layered look, |
| earrings to become a jewelry staple, look for a | | | | pick several chain necklaces in your favorite metal in |
| classic, elegant design in a neutral color, such as an all | | | | varying lengths, and layer them with pearl strands or |
| metal style or one that ends in a cultured pearl, for | | | | oversized turquoise, wood or mother-of-pearl beaded |
| example. For your staple piece, don't choose anything | | | | necklaces. Wide wood, mother-of-pearl or metal |
| trendy or cute; steer clear of hearts, stars, zodiac | | | | cuffs always look terrific, and stackable bangles, |
| signs and skulls. (If you want to go trendy that's fine, | | | | especially personalized charm bracelets, are always |
| just buy something inexpensive.) As for what to | | | | fun. (Do spend more on charm bracelets, as you'll |
| choose, I prefer a dangle that hangs an inch or two | | | | probably hang on to these.) |
| below the earlobe to really make a statement. White | | | | Still stuck on what to wear? You can always go with |
| gold and yellow gold bars, chains or chandeliers are | | | | my favorite and most valued piece of jewelry: a |
| timeless favorites. Of course, hairstyle and wardrobe | | | | handcrafted, hand painted macaroni necklace made |
| will play a role here too. If your hair is very long you | | | | for me by my four-year-old son. |
| can get away with more dramatic-and longer-styles. | | | | |