High Class Jewelry

You don't need a fortune to put together a high class jewelry wardrobe. Many pieces of fashion jewelry are designed to look just the real thing, at a fraction of the price. If you purchase classic pieces at the best quality you can afford, you should end up with a collection of quality pieces that will go with a number of outfits.

Silver, gold, and pearl jewelry are always classic. The secret to being "classy" as opposed to "flashy" is knowing how much is too much. You usually can't go wrong with delicate chains, hoops, and studs. As with most things in life, moderation is best.

Swarovski crystals and beads have become immensely popular in fashion jewelry for their sparkle. Gone are the days when simple paste jewels and rhinestones were acceptable. Semi-precious beads used in bracelets, earrings, and necklaces are becoming more popular as well. And elegant jewelry choices include natural materials of any kind, such as coral, amber, shell, wood, and bone.

This is not to say that you should go overboard with your jewelry. If you like big pieces, you will need to choose smaller pieces to go with them, so you are only wearing one big piece at a time. As an example, if you are wearing a chunky necklace, you should choose delicate earrings to go with it. The focal point will be on the large piece, and you won't have several large pieces all competing for attention at the same time.

Try to stay away from trends

Trends come and go so quickly, you will end up with a drawer full of pieces that are out of style. The exception to this is if you can get the pieces very inexpensively. Save most of your money for the classic pieces from which you'll get years of wear.

If you like wearing patterns, keep in mind the "two plains and a fancy" rule: Solid color top and bottom, patterned jacket; solid jacket and skirt or pants, patterned top. This applies to jewelry in much the same way. If you are wearing a patterned dress or top, wear a plain necklace. If you're in solids, go ahead and wear that fancy, multi-colored necklace.

The most important thing to remember about what defines high class jewelry is that it looks good in any situation: at work, on a date, on a shopping trip with the girls, or meeting an important dignitary.

Sterling silver has become very affordable in recent years. It provides a rich look, and you need never take it off - it will not turn your finger green or lose its luster.

Gold can be quite expensive, on the other hand. While gold plating is a very popular option among jewelry manufacturers, the plating will flake or rub off, leaving you with something that looks like it came out of a gumball machine. A much better option is gold-filled jewelry. Because the gold is mixed with the base metal, it will not rub off, flake off, or lose its luster. In fact, gold-filled pieces from the 19th Century still look good today.

Of course, the epitome of class is the pearl. Few other pieces of jewelry can make a woman feel as elegant as a simple strand of pearls. And pearls go with anything, from a sweater and jeans, to the little black dress. If you cannot afford the "real thing," some very nice fashion glass pearls are available that provide the look without the price tag.

So when you're shopping for high class jewelry, keep in mind that you do have options to fit your budget.