What's In Your Jewelry Box?

The jewelry in a woman's jewelry box says a lot about her history: a locket for her sixteenth birthday, pearl earrings for high school graduation, the diamond earrings her husband gave her on their anniversary. But it also says a great deal about her style and her interests.

When you're building your jewelry wardrobe, think about the clothes you wear regularly as well as those reserved for special occasions. Build a basic wardrobe of classic fine jewelry, including a strand of pearls, diamond stud earrings, pearl earrings, hoop earrings and a chain necklace in either sterling silver or gold - or even both. Something with your birthstone in it is always nice to have as well.

Once you have these basics in hand, anything goes: fashion jewelry, costume jewelry, fine jewelry with gemstones in all of the colors of the rainbow - whatever strikes your fancy. If you're collecting fine jewelry, think about the colors you wear most often and add colored gemstones that contrast and complement those colors.

When you are buying fine jewelry, make sure you only purchase items that you truly like and can wear with anything. You don't want a jewelry box full of things you bought and only wore once. When you're considering a purchase, try to envision the outfits you will wear with it.

When buying fashion or costume jewelry, you have a bit more leeway since they are much less expensive, and if they break after a few wearings, you won't be heartbroken. When shopping for this type of jewelry, you can purchase items for specific outfits and whimsical designs.

Caring for Your Jewelry

Keep your fine jewelry in a good quality jewelry box with padded sections, and make sure none of the items are touching each other. This can lead to scratches and chips.

Put your jewelry on after you have done everything else: hairspray, makeup, and perfume. The less residue it is exposed to, the fewer times you will have to clean it.

Don't wear delicate items while cleaning, doing yard work, playing sports, or working with messy things such as bread dough or clay. Your jewelry could be damaged or broken.

You can clean most of your jewelry with diluted ammonia and a toothbrush. Pearls, however, should not be cleaned this way. It would be even better to obtain a cleaner specifically made to clean jewelry. Follow the instructions on the container, and your jewelry will stay sparkling for many years to come.