Heading for an elegant evening out? It doesn’t matter how beautiful your dress – no formal outfit is quite complete without some show-stopping jewellery to finish it off. As they say, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and an evening at a lavish awards ceremony or a gala dinner is the perfect excuse to adorn yourself with all the sparkling pieces you adore.
The right pieces of jewellery can transform a simple outfit into something that is memorable for all the right reasons, and in fact, it is often more impactful to approach things in this way so that you really let your accessories do the talking. Less, as they say, is always more – so opt for a simple, understated dress if you want to go to town elsewhere.
Of course, every occasion calls for its own accent pieces of jewellery, so if you have an important event coming up then it’s the perfect excuse to do a bit of shopping. One of our favourite spots for impressive diamond pieces? London’s Hatton Garden Diamonds, which does some amazing one-offs that are just perfect for formal and casual events.
Buying a piece of jewellery can mean a hefty investment, but make the right choice and not only can you ensure that you’re the belle of the ball for your special event, but you could also be thanking yourself in years to come.
Unsure where to get started when shopping for that special piece of luxury jewellery? We’ve pulled together this quick guide.
Understand Your Options
From watches to rings and earrings, necklaces to bracelets, the options are endless when it comes to fine pieces of jewellery, so the first thing you need to do is decide on what kind of piece you’re looking for. A statement necklace can add impact to a one-colour outfit, whilst a daintier one will complement a range of necklines. If you’re going for high-necked dress though, then consider accessorizing with a stunning pair of earrings or some bracelets instead.
Consider Your Outfit
A busy dress with loud prints can overpower your jewellery, but with a simpler outfit, you can really have some fun. Get creative with some bold and unusual pieces of jewellery – though try to stick to one or two key pieces, as it can be all too easy to go overboard and ruin the desired effect.
With an embellished outfit, opt for some simple stud earrings. If you want to combine colours within your outfit – for example, if you’re wearing a red dress with black shoes – you can choose black jewellery to create a more put-together look.
Create a Fusion
If you’re up for a more daring look, try mixing up various metals to create a unique fusion. Playing with the texture and size of your pieces can also make for an edgier look; combine necklaces of different lengths or bracelets of variable widths to add an extra dose of personality to your look. Stacking a selection of different rings and bracelets, rather than wearing just one of each, can also make for a more modern look.
Consider Your Neckline
If you want to wear a show-stopping necklace, it is essential to consider your neckline to ensure your necklace really stands out. The right piece of jewellery must enhance and accentuate your dress – the wrong necklace may become a distraction and take away from the overall look.
With deep V necklines, try wearing a long pendant that sits just above your cleavage. Meanwhile, a statement or short necklace may look beautiful with sweetheart necklines, while crew necklines lend themselves well to statement pieces and layered necklaces.
Let your centerpiece do the talking
Select a centrepiece for your outfit and keep everything else minimal. For instance, if you want a sparkling pair of earrings to become the focal point, then avoid bold, clashing pieces elsewhere.
If a necklace is a centerpiece, minimal rings, bracelet and stud earrings will complete your look – or, if you’re wearing a special bracelet or watch, give the necklace and earrings a miss.
Don’t blend in – stand out
Luxury jewellery is designed to be seen, so don’t do your expensive pieces an injustice by allowing them to blend into the background. Never choose jewellery in the same or a similar hue to your dress – set it against a contrasting backdrop instead to really let it stand out. Metal jewellery is a safe bet, and will show up against almost any shades.
On the other hand, neutral dresses or dark coloured outfits can make it all too easy to go unnoticed. This is where you can really let your jewellery pieces shine, and get their fair share of the spotlight.
The right piece of jewellery can transform your outfit from zero to hero in minutes – so take the opportunity to show your diamonds and pearls off, and enjoy every minute of doing it.
