Newsletter

What's an RJO Jeweler?

An RJO jeweler is a member of the Retail Jewelers Organization, indicating a professional whose reputation for integrity is one of the strongest in the industry. All RJO jewelers will be around long after you've made your purchase, and are available to answer your questions about fine jewelry. Come in and see for yourself.

Combing Gold and Silver

Traditional jewelry fashion wisdom states that you should never mix gold and silver jewelry items. But who wants tradition? If this was the case, your gold wedding band would preclude you from wearing anything but gold accessories.

Choosing to wear only silver or gold will offer you a more traditional, formal look, but in today's fashion world, feel free to combine the two. That's what many of the more important jewelry designers are doing, creating pieces that not only mix the metals in an ensemble, but within the same piece.

By the way, whether it's silver or gold, you don't have to worry about whether your wedding band is appropriate with other jewelry. It's exempt from the typical rules.

Jewelry for the Teen Age

If you're holiday shopping for a teenager, you're no doubt wracking your brain for the perfect gift. And while teens are traditionally difficult to buy for, jewelry has become a hot item for the high school crowd. For this you can thank the stars-Hollywood stars who, by example, are making jewelry one of the hottest teen trends around.

But today's teens aren't content to copy what they see. Instead, they're taking current jewelry and creating their own unique look representative of their distinct personalities. Some of the most popular trends are listed below.

Necklaces: All types of necklaces are being worn, but the most popular is made of sterling silver or nickel, with a small ball "Holiday" edge charm, pendant or small gemstone. Medallions and Chinese characters for words such as "friendship" and "love," strung on a black silk cord, are also popular.

White metals: Silver or white gold rings and necklaces accented with large red, purple, yellow and blue gemstones are extremely hot. Ask for citrine, garnet, amethyst and aquamarine when shopping. Large links for necklaces and a "multi-layered" look for rings will be big hits for the holidays into spring.

Pearls: Young actors Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci have popularized the "floater," a necklace with pearls strung on virtually invisible microfiber to make them look as if they're floating independently around the neck. Cultured pearl colors such as gray, pink, peach and plum will be hot for spring.

Butterflies and bugs: You'll find butterfly shapes and patterns everywhere, from lever-back and dangling earrings to charms and pendants. Colored gemstone bees, ladybugs, dragonflies and other insects are "in" as pins, barrettes and earrings.

What's her size?

Select the Right Jewelry for Your Loved One
While there are no firm rules in selecting the type of jewelry worn, there are guidelines that can help optimize appearance. The first and most important factor for you to consider when buying for your special someone is their overall body size and shape.

Petite (Under 5' 4")
Collar-length or longer necklaces typically look great on petite women. Styles with "V" shapes or that fall below the breasts but above the waist add to an illusion of height.

Bangle bracelets also flatter petite women. Several narrow ones are more flattering than or wide bracelet as they're more proportionate to the wearer's size.

Earring styles that sweep upward pull the viewer's eye up. Full-figured petites look especially good in sharp geometric shapes.

Average (5' 4" - 5' 7")
Necklaces of any length can be worn by women of average height; however, full-figured women should avoid ones that rest on the breast line.

Wide bracelets are more in proportion to women of average height than very narrow ones.

While earring choices are unlimited, they should be made in consideration of face shape and hair styles.

Tall (Over 5' 7")
While nearly any necklace is fine, necklaces made with the same sized stones or pearls look especially good on tall women. Tall, thin women can wear chokers to de-emphasize height by cutting the neckline.

Tall women should refrain from wearing very delicate bracelets which can look out of proportion. Likewise, tall, full-figured women should wear several thin bracelets together or one wide bracelet to offer a more balanced feeling.

For earrings, almost any shape or style is appropriate. And while long, dangling earrings are especially flattering, tiny, lobe-hugging styles tend to look out of place.