7 Jewelry Don’ts!

While I am certainly not one for “rules” in the jewelry and fashion arena, there are still a few things that drive me crazy. So I’m here to share my “just don’t do it!” list for you.

1. Total lack of jewelry

Aside from sleeping or working out, you should always give some thought to your jewelry ensemble. Heck, even when I donned my “going to the grocery store” outfit today I still carefully selected a nice pair of earrings, a few slim stacking rings and my watch. I mean really, who knows who you’re going to meet when you’re out — from your boss to your arch-enemy to your potential soul mate? You want to make a great impression, right?! Make an effort, girlfriend!

2. Matchy-matchy jewelry

I know that decades ago you had to match your bag to your belt to your earrings. But seriously, these days are long gone. As Stacy and Clinton always said, “Things have to go, not match.” So when you’re confronted with the matching set of bracelet, earrings and necklace, please take a pause. Even if you do purchase it, consider splitting the set to mix and match the pieces with other items.

matchy matchy sets
3. Over-doing holiday jewelry

It’s true that during my 8 year stint as a third-grade teacher I had quite the elaborate collection of holiday jewelry. And if you’re a teacher or grandmother, I totally get it. But for the average Jane-about-town, there’s really no need for the elaborate holiday get-up. (case in point: battery-powered jewelry) There are so many tasteful ways to wear holiday jewelry (perhaps your grandmother’s vintage brooch on your coat during December) This is what not to do.

Christmas jewelry
4. Excessively noisy jewelry

Unless you work from home, nobody wants to hear the banging of your bracelet stack or necklace with the bells on it all day. It’s annoying to everyone around you, so please be aware of this. A musical tinkle from bracelets are just fine, but if someone can hear you from another room, then take heed.

5. Earrings that are too heavy

We’ve all done it — worn earrings that are too heavy for our pierced ears. And if you do it enough, then your hole will eventually lengthen and tear a bit. Continuing to wear heavy earrings just isn’t a good look. I suggest either looking into the cosmetic procedure which will minimize your piercing, or select earrings that are lighter or in a style that won’t highlight the sagging hole.

heavy earrings
6. Wearing jewelry that you don’t like.

I’m sorry, but life is way too short to wear jewelry that you don’t like, let alone love. I don’t care if it was a gift from your aunt from France or your best friend who lives next door. Be true to your personal style and wear what you love and what makes you feel fabulous. Period.

7. Ankle bracelets worn under hose

While I think ankle bracelets are “on the edge” in the first place (unless you’re a total bohemian princess and it’s integral to your personal style), then tread lightly. Wearing one on its own can sometimes be OK, but if you wear it under hose, then it’s just all wrong.

ankle bracelet with hose
I’m sure some of you may take umbrage to these rules, and I’d love to hear from you. And perhaps you have some “don’ts” of your own? Do tell!

12 thoughts on “7 Jewelry Don’ts!”

    1. I appreciate your comment, Anna! I know it’s so hard for many to break the match-matchy thing, but here’s hoping that they learn. πŸ˜‰

  1. Boy, matchy-matchy definitely was in while I was younger but I like the eclectic look of today’s jewelry. We would never mix metals but it really looks terrific. What is hard for me is to put jewelry on when going to the grocery store for a carton of milk. It’s called being lazy πŸ™‚

  2. An interesting article and I have to agree with you, especially the Christmas jewelry and clothing – overdone for sure. Thanks, Amy

  3. So happy that I am not in violation. Glad you gave the teachers of the world a way out. Nothing cuter.than first graders telling you what the.teacher wore to school today.

  4. Ha! I saw the ankle-bracelet-under-hose violation while riding BART the other day- I almost died!

    Thanks for including this one on the list; it’s certainly the most heinous. πŸ™‚

  5. I love making jewellery sets so am all for matchy matchy. I make a necklace, matching bracelet stack or earrings.

    It’s all well and good to say there are no rules, and unless you get a style consultation and find out the best sized jewellery and personality in shape and colour for your balance and skin tone then if you love jewellery, and I mean LOVE jewellery, then matchy matchy will not be a problem. It isn’t for me and I’ve never had a bad word about my jewellery.

    I don’t care whether it’s matchy matchy or not, I love jewellery and there are absolutely no rules where I’m concerned.

    I even wear xmas and halloween jewellery, the more, the bigger the better.

    1. Thanks so much for your comment! Though these are guidelines I use for myself and my clients, I think that everyone certainly has their own perspective and personal style.

  6. I read your blogs all the time and find them educational as well as instructive
    – and fun. I left the house yesterday, thought about your advice about wearing
    minimal jewelry, makeup, etc., before leaving the house but didn’t actually
    follow your advice. Would you believe that I ended up being interviewed for a
    TV story!! From now on I’m leaving the house looking better than I did
    yesterday πŸ™‚ Thanks, Amy!!

    1. Wow–I can’t believe that one, Melodee!! So what were you interviewed about? How exciting! And yes…this just goes to show that it’s always important to put in a bit of effort because you never know what the day will bring. πŸ™‚

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