Jewelry Style Guide

Jewelry Style Guide

Making the final decision on your custom jewelry can be stressful. Long or short? How will it look with my hair? What about my dress? To make things a little easier for you, I've pulled together a few helpful hints. If your dress requires a custom jewelry length, I am happy to make adjustments, just let me know what you need.

Necklace Lengths

Collar Length

Generally 12 to 13 inches in length, this style goes well with off-the-shoulder and V-neck looks. It's possible o wear this with more casual styles, but it's really at its best on more formal occasions.

Choker Length

Designed to show off a long graceful neck, this style runs 14 to 16 inches and is seen in single or mulitple strands.

Princess Length

This is the most popular necklace length, ranging between 17 to 19 inches. The neckline of your dress should fall well above or below this style, never in between.

Matinee Length

Perect for high or very low necklines. This style is 20 to 24 inches long and adds simple elegance to any outfit.

Opera Length

Bring dramatic flair to your formal gown or blouse with an opera-length necklace. At 28 to 34 inches, it draws the eyes down to your chest and away from your neck.

Rope Length

At more than 45 inches, this length is a show-stopper. This length draws attention down the length of your body. You may decide to wrap these once or twice if you decide shorter is better.

Earring Styles
When choosing earrings, first consider the setting - your hair and face.

Hair Styles

Updo

This is the most versatile hairstyle. Perfect for almost any style earring.

Long hair
The elegant drape of a long drop earring or enchanting chandelier earring work equally well with long, loose hairstyles.

Short hair
Short, delicate earrings work best for short styles.

Face Shape

Oval Face
If you have an oval face shape you are able to wear almost any style earring.

Long/Rectangle Face
Short earrings flatter a long face. Wearing long earrings will make your face appear even longer.

Round Face
Long, slender earrings will help to elongate the look of a round face.

Heart Face
For a heart-shaped face the wide base of a triangular-shaped earring creates balance.

Square Face
Round or hoop earrings are both great complements to a square jaw.

Check Your Neckline
The neckline of your dress can determine which necklace style will work best with your dress and make a personal style statement.

Round
A princess length necklace is especially flattering on a long, slender neck. A y-style or long lariat necklace helps a shorter neck look longer.

Strapless
Chokers or princess lengths will keep a strapless look simple and accentuate your shoulders, while a bare neck and sensational earrings will guarantee a dramatic effect. This style also works well with lariat, multiple layers or y-style necklaces.

V-Neck
While a y-style necklace perfectly follows the shape of this neckline, you can bring attention to the v-neck of your gown by wearing a choker or princess length necklace.

Halter Top
Try wearing a pendant, y-style or even a lariat with a halter neckline. You might also consider baring your neck and wearing large, glamorous chandelier earrings all alone.

Open Back
The lariat is the right accent to any dress that bares your back.

Square Top
A princess length necklace is the perfect complement to the classic look of a square neckline.

Scoop Neck
The scooped shape of a princess length necklace reflects the scoop of this neckline. Make a statement by layering several strands.

Barb's Gem Creations

Original Crystal & Gemstone Jewelry Designs