Jewelry: Picking Jewelry for Special Occasions

Flower Drop Set in fuchsia and silver.

A teen’s first ball, a prom, or any formal occasion calls for finishing touches such as these.

The teen years are a special time in everyone’s life. Who doesn�t have fond memories of friends, activities, clubs and, most of all, formal occasions such as proms, weddings, homecoming dances, cotillion and holiday parties. After years in the jewelry business, I have had the opportunity to see styles and trends come and go. I am happy to be able to share with you my thoughts on how you can make these formal occasions the most memorable experiences of your life.

Oh, My Aching Feet!
This is not the memory you want of your special occasion. Your dress and shoes are the foundation for not only your accessories, but also how you will remember your night. It is important to consider not only what dress you buy, but where you buy it. You will get more of an individualized look from a small boutique, as well as better advice and assistance with accessorizing.
Many smaller specialty stores also offer alteration services, so it really is one-stop shopping � one less thing to worry about. When trying on dresses, be sure to stand, sit, bend, and twirl to make sure that you are always comfortable. As for your feet, if you are not accustomed to wearing higher heels, prom or cotillion night is not the time to learn. You want to be able to dance the night away, not sit on the sidelines rubbing your tortured tootsies! Once you have your dress and shoes, the fun begins.

Silver Crystal Link Wave Necklace and matching earrings in tanzanite and silver.

Head to Toe... Art or Graffiti?
In order to have a polished look, you must treat yourself as a total “canvas”, not separate pieces that you cut out and paste together, hoping for a masterpiece. It is important to keep your “focal points” at a minimum, so that your overall look is not overwhelming. Focal points include the following:
1. dress and shoes; 2. face and hair style; 3. neckwear; 4. earrings; and 5. bracelet and ring. There is a lot of great jewelry to choose from, and it is tempting to buy the latest fun fad, but does it result in a finished look or a fashion disaster? Keep in mind that this is a special occasion, and while you do want to dress up, this is not playing “dress-up.” Be sure you are wearing clothes, not a costume.

Size Does Matter
When selecting jewelry, keep your overall height and build in mind. A girl who is petite will look overwhelmed by a bulky necklace and large, dangly earrings, and the opposite is true as well. Someone who is taller or with a robust build will, on the other hand, be able to wear larger pieces. Of course, it all depends on the style of your dress. The jewelry you select should complement, not conflict, with your dress style.

Should You “Neck”?
Not all social occasion dresses are “necklace acceptable.” Many styles are already beaded, or studded with rhinestones; to add a big sparkly necklace to an already decorative dress will only diminish the most important aspect — you. There are many small crystal choker styles that are much better suited to dresses that are decorative. However, social occasion dresses that are one color or without any beading or other decorative features are wonderful candidates for adding a bolder necklace. Pay attention to the shape of the dress neckline when selecting a necklace, so that there is no conflict between the two shapes. Remember to keep your individual style in mind.
Crystal jewelry comes in a rainbow of colors — don�t feel trapped by black. Buy the color you love. Austrian crystal jewelry comes in many colors.

Crystal Bead Drop Earrings in crystal and silver.

The Ears Have It
While a necklace is not always appropriate, earrings are a must-have item in order to achieve a finished look. The style you choose will depend on the style of your dress. A higher-necked dress may look better with smaller drop earrings, while an off-the-shoulder look may call for longer dangle earrings. I have noticed that some of the newer sets come with smaller earrings — don�t be fooled into thinking that bigger is always better. It’s the sparkle that is important, especially in romantic lighting.

Hands and Feet
Bracelets are popular — no doubt — for both arms and ankles. While you may be very tempted to wear your much-loved jewelry, this is the night you want to forego your toe rings, ankle bracelets, multiple earrings and any other pieces that you normally wear. That way, your everyday items are not competing with your dressier look. Remember to think carefully before venturing forth into public for your celebration night. Imagine: there you are, gorgeous dress, new shoes (that don�t hurt!), hair just perfect, matching necklace and earring set, picked out just for that dress, and your everyday ankle bracelet.
Another option you might consider is gloves. I have noticed that opera-length (over the elbow) gloves have been very popular lately, and this will certainly set you apart from your friends. A sparkly bracelet over gloves adds a polished and sophisticated look.
Formal occasions should be times you will always cherish. So while you are out shopping for dresses and accessories for your special evening, have a good time! Part of the fun of any formal occasion is trying on dresses and shopping for jewelry. Not sure if the “look” you are going for is right for you? Ask someone you know who you think always looks great. Enlist the help of the shop owner where you buy your dress.

And look through magazines like this one; it�s a great resource for styles, advice, and tips.

Judith F. Neiss has been in the costume jewelry industry for 14 years and is the owner of Sassy South, LTD., a wholesale showroom located in AmericasMart (Atlanta Apparel Mart). Her education is in fine art and she has extensive design experience. She has developed several jewelry and giftware lines over the last thirty years. Judith currently focuses on pageant, prom, bridal, social occasion and basic jewelry, not only as a wholesaler but also as an accessories consultant for fashion shows.