Adding color to your look with birthstones or other gems can deliver a vibrant pop of brightness. However, pairing different stones is not always cut and dried.
In some cases, you could have too many hues competing or choose a jewelry piece that does not match your outfit.
Whether you have your eye on a striking blue sapphire necklace or purple and gray amethyst swirl ring, here are some tips for wearing colored gemstones.
Think In Relation to Your Outfit
You might assume statement bracelets pair well with statement tops yet they often clash, creating too many focal points. As the biggest takeaway, the jewelry you wear should not be an attempt to one-up your clothing.
Whether you wear patterns or solid shades, any gemstones should play a secondary role. On the other hand, if your style is more classic, the colors and design provide some variation.
With this in mind, make sure the colors you select mesh with whatever you’re wearing. Ideally, match or think in relation to the shades on your shirt, pants, jacket and shoes, looking for overlap with the gemstones.
In general, your jewelry shouldn’t introduce a new color – unless it’s an intentional pop against a neutral tone like white, black, navy or charcoal.
Complement Your Hair & Skin Tone
Beyond your clothing, knowing what flatters your hair and skin tone is essential for choosing gemstones. Some colors simply work, while others create too heavy a contrast or make you appear pale. In general:
- Green gemstones flatter light to medium-shade brown hair.
- Lighter, blue-hued stones complement those blond hair and lighter skin tones.
- Orange and more iridescent stones add warmth to dark brown or black hair.
Factor in Symbolism
Is the gemstone making a statement you didn’t intend or have a symbolism you didn’t know about? As birthstone jewelry continues to grow in popularity, think about what month each stone represents before you shop around. Otherwise, you might pick a piece that doesn’t make contextual sense.
Beyond birthstones, certain gems may have cultural or folklore significance: For instance, amethyst was once thought to protect soldiers going into battle, jade has long been associated with love, and turquoise has been thought to foreshadow the future by breaking or turning a different color.
Layering and Matching Stones
Thinking about layering necklaces or bracelets? The same rules apply here. However, not all gemstones work with each other and wearing multiple statement pieces may lack cohesiveness. As such, seek out a centerpiece or more prominent style, consider the rest of your jewelry in relation to that item, and ensure everything stacked or layered complements your skin tone, hair and outfit.
Start your search for colored gemstones at Hannoush Jewelers of Connecticut. Browse online or visit a store location today.
