Jewelry and accessories are more than just an extension of your style, they help you express yourself and your beliefs. From gold bracelets to silver earrings and more, there is a piece of jewelry for everyone that speaks to them. From the tiniest studs to the biggest statement pieces, it all depends on your mood and what type of look you are going for.
Throughout the history of mankind, jewelry has been used as a status symbol. From Mesoamerica to ancient China, different cultures have valued silver, gold, jade, and other precious stones. These gems were also carved into symbols of religious and cultural beliefs. They were worn to attract good luck, protect the wearer, and promote health. They were even a symbol of power and wealth.
Today, women love to accessorize themselves with all kinds of jewelry, whether it is a stack of rings or a simple string of pearls. In the past, men were more reserved when it came to wearing jewelry, but following World War II, they began to sport collar bars and cufflinks. The 1970s saw a revival of more bold jewelry, with men sporting thick gold chains and big rings.
For the past decade, New York-based designer Jameel Mohammed—who started Khiry as an undergraduate—has been hailed as a wunderkind in the jewelry world, having his designs featured in Vogue and worn by celebrities like Serena Williams. He’s just the latest in a long line of designers putting an emphasis on artistic expression through their jewelry. Other names to watch out for are Almasika, a New York-based brand that debuted at the iconic Paris store Colette, and Los Angeles-based jewelry designer Catherine Sarr.
Jewelry and accessories are often thought of as the finishing touches to an outfit, but they can also be the main attraction. From a simple pair of hoop earrings to a layered necklace, it’s all about finding the right balance of jewelry that speaks to you and matches your personal aesthetic.
It’s not always easy to know where to start when it comes to shopping for jewelry, but you can always rely on the old adage that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” A good place to find inspiration is your local jeweler or department store. Most of them have displays with pieces that are similar to what you are looking for, so you can get a feel for how it looks on you. Plus, you can ask for help from a sales associate to get some pointers on what kind of jewelry might work best with your style. And don’t forget to try on a few styles you might be interested in so you can figure out what feels most comfortable and flattering on you.
