Let’s Talk About Jewelry, Shall We?
Look, I’ve been in this game for over two decades. I’ve seen trends come and go, and honestly, some of them make me wanna scream. But jewelry? It’s a whole different beast. I’ve worked with designers, sat through countless fashion shows, and even tried to DIY some pieces (let’s not talk about that last part).
I remember back in ’98, I was working at a tiny magazine in Chicago, and this designer, let’s call her Marcus, came in with these chunky necklaces. I was like, “Whoa, that’s a lotta bling.” And she said, “Honey, this is the future.” Well, she was half right. It was the future for, like, six months.
But here’s the thing about jewelry trends. They’re not like clothing. You can’t just toss a necklace in the back of your closet and forget about it. No, these things have a way of haunting you. I still have a pair of earrings from a photoshoot in ’05 that I can’t bring myself to throw out. They’re hideous, but they’re mine.
What’s Hot, What’s Not
Okay, so let’s talk about what’s actually worth investing in. And no, I’m not talking about those stupid bracelets that “tell your fortune” or whatever. Been there, bought that, regretted it.
I was having coffee with a colleague named Dave last Tuesday, and he was going on about how “minimalism is the way to go.” And I was like, “Dave, have you seen the state of the world? We need a little sparkle, a little something to make us feel alive.” He just shook his head and said, “You’re hopeless, Sarah.” But you know what? I’m not. I’m practical.
Take pearls, for example. They’ve been around forever, and for good reason. They’re classic, they’re elegant, and they go with pretty much everything. I’ve got a strand from my grandmother that I wear all the time. It’s not about the trend; it’s about the story.
But then there are the trends that just make me scratch my head. Like, why are we suddenly seeing so much jewelry made out of recycled materials? Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for saving the planet, but have you seen some of that stuff? It’s like they took a trip to the dumpster and came back with a new collection. I mean, come on.
The Dos and Don’ts of Jewelry
Look, I could write a whole book on this, but I’ll try to keep it short. First off, do not, I repeat, do not mix metals. It’s like mixing patterns—it just doesn’t work. Unless you’re going for that “I just got hit by a truck” look, stick to one metal.
And for the love of all that is holy, please, please, please stop wearing those ridiculous rings that are so big they could double as weapons. I saw a girl at a conference in Austin last month, and I swear, her ring could have taken out an eye. It was like she was trying to make a statement, but all she was really saying was “I have no idea how to accessorize.”
Now, let’s talk about layering. I love a good layered necklace. It’s like a little surprise party for your neck. But there’s a fine line between looking chic and looking like you raided a craft fair. Start with one or two delicate chains, and build from there. And for goodness’ sake, make sure they’re all the same length. Nothing says “I gave up” like a necklace that’s way longer than the rest.
And while we’re on the subject, let’s talk about the product comparison review guide. Okay, I know that doesn’t sound like it’s related, but hear me out. Just like with jewelry, you need to know what you’re getting into before you make a purchase. Do your research, read reviews, and for the love of all that is holy, don’t buy something just because it’s on sale. Trust me, I’ve made that mistake more times than I can count.
A Little Digression: The Time I Tried to Make My Own Jewelry
So, about three months ago, I decided I was gonna try making my own jewelry. I mean, how hard could it be, right? Wrong. I ended up with a mess of beads, some wire that looked like it had been chewed on by a dog, and a serious case of frustration. I showed it to my friend Lisa, and she just burst out laughing. “Sarah,” she said, “you are many things, but a jeweler is not one of them.” And she was right. I stuck to writing about it instead.
But here’s the thing: even though I failed miserably, I learned a lot. Like, I now have a whole new appreciation for the people who actually know what they’re doing. And I also learned that maybe, just maybe, I should stick to the writing and leave the crafting to the pros.
Anyway, the point is, jewelry is a big deal. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good. It’s about telling your story, about expressing yourself. And if you’re gonna do it, do it right. Don’t be afraid to take risks, but also don’t be afraid to ask for help. And for the love of all that is holy, please, please, please stop wearing those ridiculous rings.
Oh, and one more thing. If you’re gonna invest in jewelry, make sure it’s something you love. Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters. Not the trend, not the designer, but the fact that it makes you happy. And if it doesn’t, well, then it’s time to let it go.
About the Author: Sarah Johnson has been a senior magazine editor for over 20 years, covering everything from fashion to food. She’s opinionated, she’s blunt, and she’s not afraid to tell it like it is. When she’s not writing, you can find her hunting for vintage jewelry or trying to convince her cat that yes, she is indeed the boss of the house.
