PERSONAL JEWELLERY STYLING

Welcome to April! This is going to be a busy month
for me, with lots of workshops to run, plus the wonderful
BIG BEAD SHOW at Sandown Park on Saturday 21st,
which is a must for bead addicts in the South East of
England and anyone who can travel to it!

Also, I'll be designing new kits and demonstrating on
CREATE and CRAFT TV on Thursday 26th at 5pm
with some beautiful BEADS DIRECT materials!

So, instead of a tutorial, I thought I would write about
PERSONAL JEWELLERY STYLING
(with lots of wire jewellery inspiration thrown in!).

Firstly, I will start with a disclaimer ... what I'm about
to say, is definitely not 'set in stone', but merely a guide
to help the decision and designing process! My advice
is to always wear what YOU feel comfortable and happy in!

Jewellery should be a reflection of your personality and
should instantly make a statement about you! (Having
said that, pearls and diamonds generally do suit all women!).

Accessorizing with handmade, wire jewellery is a great
way to not only show off your skills, but your individuality!
It's amazing how it can enhance your appearance and
flatter you when you know how ...

Body type, facial structure, eye and hair colour, length
and cut of hair, as well as clothing, obviously also play a
vital role! When I'm designing wedding tiaras, hair accessories
and jewellery, I often start by looking at the facial shape
of my client. With special occasion pieces, the 'red carpet'
rule, is simply to make sure to wear only ONE dominant
piece - if your earrings are big and bold, keep your necklace
simple, or visa versa!

An oval face is ideal for most types of jewellery because it's
symmetrical. However, I would avoid short, chunky large bead
choker necklaces near a very round face, or even large hoop
earrings.

Large circular earrings

Dangly Lapis Lazuli Earrings

Instead, I would opt for longer necklaces, layered and teardrop shapes,
or tapering cascade earrings to elongate the face (just as, vertical striped
clothing is more flattering than horizontal on a larger framed person).

Heart-shaped faces look best with earrings that are wider at the base,
to balance a narrow chin, such as teardrop or chandelier shapes.

Circular and short drop earrings work well on oblong thin faces,
appearing to create a fuller effect and can also make square
faces appear less angular.

Skin colour and tone also plays a significant role, as warm/yellow
tones look great in gold, pewter, copper and earth tone gems and
beads.

A cool pinkinsh skin tone is better with silver, accented
with beads or gemstones in pink, purple, green, blue ...

Whilst darker toned skin, goes with every metal and all
bright colours!

One of the most important aspects for choosing or designing
jewellery, is that it creates a pleasing sense of visual balance
when worn.  For a generous figure, smaller pieces can get
lost, or make the body appear larger. For example, small stud
earrings on large frame will not be as flattering as an elegant
drop bead. It's all about proportion!

The opposite is the same. As large, clunky pieces can overpower
a petite frame, or even wearing too much jewellery can over-
whelm it! Therefore, a small frame looks more balanced with
thinner chains, or stacked pieces. 2 or 3 strands look less heavy than
one.

I'm definitely not advocating this as a 'black and white' rule,
as big, bold jewels worn correctly, can look absolutely stunning
on a small frame, if the personality can carry it off!

Remember to accentuate positive physical features, for
example, statement rings will draw attention to beautiful
manicured nails.

A short neck can look longer with dangly earrings (although
they should not hang past the shoulders!) and long necklaces
will draw the eye downward, elongating the neckline.

By concentrating on your assets, you'll draw attention away from
other parts you don't like!

We are visual animals, so if you're feeling a bit lack lustre after
an illness, overwork (or possibly the U.K. winter!), wearing a
statement piece, a dash of positive colour, a design that reflects
your personality (especially if you have created it yourself!),
will act as a powerful tonic for the day!

Ultimately, it's about wearing what YOU feel comfortable in,
and if you know what flatters you in Style, Shape and Colour ...
that can only be a bonus!

Remember, jewellery is wearable art ... express yourself!
So, go on! Brighten up your day (and everyone else's), by wearing some
handmade WIRE JEWELLERY!