Creating a Modern Look with Classic Jewelry

Quick poll: How many of you own a stunning piece of jewelry—something you inherited or were given as a gift—that you may not think to incorporate into your everyday look? Rather than keep this piece hidden in your drawer, you can make it part of your style by simply mixing it with layers of other necklaces and bracelets, which is something I love to do and always keep in mind as I design classic, versatile pieces.

Take grandma’s pearls, for example. Alone they are elegant and perfect for special occasions. However, when I want a more modern or casual look, nothing is prettier in my mind than mixing them with a few long, layered necklaces (delicate gold or silver chains), a white t-shirt, and blue jeans. To complete my outfit, I may pull on a pair of the cowboy boots (can’t go wrong with these).

If you own old charm bracelets that you feel need to be modernized, I would suggest transferring the charms to a new bracelet chain. Or you could put each charm on separate necklaces of all different lengths. Then you could layer them to create a beautiful draping effect, from an 18-inch to 22-inch to 36-inch necklace.

When it comes to layering jewelry, it’s just a matter of taste, the day, and your mood. Some days I prefer to wear only bracelets. Other days, I don’t wear any bracelets at all. Instead I’ll wear four necklaces. I also like to mix metals and materials, such as my vintage plastic bangles with my gold ones and my silver-colored steel watch (worn on my left arm) with gold bracelets (on my right).

Still as much as I love layering (as seen in this photo), I have to agree with the great Coco Chanel who once said something to the effect that before you leave the house, you should always take one thing off.

xox,

M

P.S. We’ve got a fascinating story about a famous pearl called “La Peregrina” that has traveled from the neck of Queen Mary some 500 years ago to actress Elizabeth Taylor’s. Look out for it in this week’s Jewelry column as well as the best scanners for converting slides into digital files (Digital Memories), a timeless recipe for frothy hot chocolate (Cooking Classics), and our newest column about what celebrities collect!