How to Choose the Right Jewellery for a Special Occasion

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Getting the jewellery right for a special occasion isn't always as easy as it might look. You need the pieces you wear to complement the outfit and so complete the look as a whole, rather than just being there for the sake of it.

And getting your jewellery and accessories right is the difference between the outfit working flawlessly and being something you put together in a rush. And you need to hit the mark for a special occasion or event. Getting it wrong isn't an option.

Let's take a look at some ways you can make the decision much easier.

Match the Dress Code

One of the easiest ways to narrow down the decision is to consider the dress code of the event you're attending or the impression you need to make if there isn't one.

A black-tie event, for example, calls for something with presence. This means fine metals, genuine stones, pieces with some history and weight to them. While a smart casual dinner party is a different brief, you can definitely go for something more relaxed and less formal.

But if your event is more along the lines of a formal affair, then it's worth looking at antique and vintage pieces, as these tend to fit the bill better than modern jewellery. You can use this antique ring guide at Antique Jewellers to help you understand what type of stone and style can help you elevate your outfit for a formal event.

Consider the Neckline

The neckline of an outfit determines what sits well around the neck and what competes with it. If you're wearing a high necklace or a heavily detailed collar, then the earrings or a bracelet are a better choice here. If you're wearing an open neckline or a low one, then you have the space for a pendant or shortened neckline to sit well.

If you're wearing something strapless or off-shoulder, then you need something to draw attention upwards, so a necklace that sits around your collarbone or earrings can be the right option for this style.

Pick One Statement Piece

The most reliable approach to occasion jewellery is to choose just one piece that does all the work. Everything else should be kept simple.

If you're wearing a striking brooch, for example, then everything else should be understated.

If the necklace is the focus, then don't add a competing bracelet. Small, simple rules that can be effective when applied properly. You don't want to make everything count at once; you simply need one thing that pulls attention and everything else to complement it, not compete with it.

Choose the Right Metal for Your Skin Tone

Certain skin tones suit different metals better. Yellow gold flatters warm and olive skin tones, while cooler skin tones work better with white gold, platinum, and silver tones. Rose gold, however, can be more forgiving. 

This isn't a hard-and-fast rule, and it might take some experimentation to find what you're comfortable with and what suits you the best. It's more a personal preference in the end, and also the colour of your outfit too. But if you're unsure of why a piece isn't working, it could be that it's not right for your skin tone.