JEWELRY By Judith F. Neiss and Nilsa Algarin

Making a 'Statement'

So... you are going to the prom. You've found the dress of your dreams, but that is only half the story. You're not completely dressed without jewelry - the bigger, the better.

"Statement" jewelry is big jewelry that speaks for itself. It speaks so loudly that few can ignore it. Only one piece of jewelry you wear should be a "statement" piece. If you are wearing big earrings, forgo the necklace. A big necklace, on the other hand, is best worn with small studs. If it's your bracelets that are bold, wear medium-size earrings and no necklace.

After adding accessories to any outfit, always look at yourself in a full-length mirror. If your jewelry seems cluttered, it is time to start over. To make everything look unified, match the tone of your jewelry pieces to your clothing and to each other. If you are wearing a salmon/peach dress, try an iridescent gold necklace, earrings, and bracelet. Be careful when mixing metals. Use pieces that are similar in style tone, and sheen. If you choose a two-tone necklace, then your earrings, bracelet, and watch should match.

Hot statement jewelry for 2004 prom includes ropes of white pearls, glistening gem-rock chokers, intricate big crosses, long drop earrings, multiple bracelets, big hoop earrings, huge silver-swirl hoop earrings that drop from the ear lob to the shoulder, man-sized silver wrist watches, and big black bangle bracelets. The hottest colors are plums and deep pink, teal and gray, blues, yellow-greens, and salmon or peach shades.

Complement Your Face Shape

Jewelry draws the eye. Sparkling earrings can light up your face and bring attention to it. A necklace will attract admiring eyes to your neckline or bust. Drawing interest to these areas will divert attention from figure problems. On the other hand, if you want to draw attention to your figure, skip the necklace and earrings.

Your facial shape should in part dictate the style of the necklace and earrings you choose. Whether your face is oval, rectangular, round, heart-shaped, or square has a lot to do with the necklace and earring combination that will work best for you. As a general rule, your necklace and earring shape should counteract your facial shape, not repeat it. If you have a round face, you should not wear a round necklace or round earrings such as hoops.

Round Faces: Oblong necklaces or ones that fall in a "V" shape flatter round faces. Chokers will not generally help women with round faces unless they have long necks. Women with round faces should avoid large, round earrings or anything chunky that sits on the lobe. Dangles with elongated designs are an exceptional choice for round facial shapes.

Heart-Shaped Faces: Choose an oblong or round necklace if you have a heart-shaped face. When it comes to earrings, almost any earring style will flatter you, except those that are wider at the top than at the bottom.

Oval Faces: Oblong and round necklaces flatter oval faces. Any earring goes with this facial shape: round, button, or hoop earrings. Dangles and triangles are particularly flattering.

Rectangular Faces: Oblong and round necklaces flatter rectangular faces. Round styles and hoops are best. Avoid earrings with straight angles and elongated styles, because these will emphasize the length of the face.

Square Faces: Oblong and round necklaces flatter square faces. Small, oval, or oblong earrings and hoops are best. Beware of large and chunky styles that sit on the ear; they can make your face look wider.

It is also important to pay attention to the length of the necklace. A necklace whose length hits between the collarbone and the bust flatters most figures. Women with short necks, full busts, or round faces should use oblong necklaces that hit mid-chest. Long necklaces (necklaces that fall between the bust and waist) flatter short woman or those women with short necks or short torsos. If you have a large bust or a protruding tummy, choose a necklace that ends above the bust. Chokers are most flattering to women with long necks and angular faces. Women with round and square faces should avoid chokers unless they have long necks. Women with short waists or large busts should also avoid chokers.

Jewelry has an incredible power to make a statement. For this prom season, find that special combination of jewelry that complements your look, accentuates your assets, and, most important, makes you shine!