Jewelry offers you beauty that lasts. It also represents your personal statement of style. There are no firm rules of right or wrong jewelry choices. However, just as you consider your personal features and build when choosing clothing fashions, you might also do so when you're selecting jewelry. The purpose of this information is not to set down rules, but to offer general guidelines for selecting jewelry that flatters you!

Regarding earrings, one of my pet peeves is the statement, "My neck is too short." Hogwash. I've seen many a "short" neck do beautifully with a pair of lavish sweeping earrings. It is the attitude that is too restrictive, not the length of the neck.

Remember that the most important rule for buying any jewelry is to buy what you like because its beauty will last a lifetime, and if you love the piece you are wearing that's what really matters.
 

Height and Bone Structure

The first and most important factor for you to consider is your overall body size and shape. To help you apply the fashion guidelines to your specific type, height has been divided into three separate categories, with descriptions of bone structure.
 

Necklaces
Petite women look very nice wearing collar-length or longer necklaces. Styles with V shapes and ones that fall below the breast but above the waist elongate the figure.

Bracelets
Bangles flatter petite women. Several narrow ones are more flattering than one wide one, because they are more in proportion to the petite's overall size.

Earrings
Concentrate on styles that sweep upward, pulling the viewer's eye up. Full-figured petites look especially good in sharp, geometric shapes.
 

Necklaces
The average-height woman can wear necklaces of any length, unless she is full-figured. In that case, she should avoid necklaces that rest on the breast line.

Bracelets
Wide bracelets are more in proportion to the average-height woman than very narrow ones.

Earrings
Earring choices are unlimited and should be considered in connection with face shape and, of course, hair styles. Feel free to select exciting geometric shapes such as triangles, squares and ovals.
 

Necklaces
Almost any length goes well. The thin, tall woman may select chokers that cut the line of the neck and de-emphasize height. Necklaces made of stones or pearls of the same size are especially flattering to the tall woman.

Bracelets
The tall woman has a wide range of bracelet choices as long as she stays away from too-delicate pieces. The full-figured tall woman should wear several thin bracelets together to give a more balanced feeling, or a couple of wide bracelets.

Earrings
Long dangling earrings are especially flattering to tall women. Because there is plenty of space between the ear lobe and shoulder, she can wear any shape earrings except tiny buttons, which look lost.
 

Earrings
Round shapes, button or hoop earrings look well on the oval face, but triangular shapes are especially flattering. Dangling earrings look well, if they are not too long. Earrings that move up the ear or have wings that sweep up minimize a too-thin face or long nose.

Hands

One final area to take into account when buying jewelry is the hand. This is an area of the body that attracts a great deal of attention, because people talk with their hands or otherwise bring attention to them. It is important to select your ring with the same attention as other jewelry, striving to have a ring that flatters your hand. The length of the fingers is the determining factor when purchasing rings. Women with long fingers, like tall women, can handle almost any style. In all cases, rings, like all jewelry, must be selected in proportion to the size of the hand. For example, if the long-fingered hand is also overly thin, oval or round settings are best because they soften the look. Also, wider bands are more flattering than thin ones.

The hands with short fingers look best with settings that remain within the knuckle. The setting or stone that extends past the knuckle only accentuates the hand's shortness and makes it look less elegant. Oval or marquise shape stones elongate the hand and make good choices for short fingers. Round solitaire settings are also good because of their simplicity. If you want a large ring, opt for a dome shape of a high setting that won't overpower the short hand.

Finally, when buying a ring, it is most important to keep comfort in mind. The hand is a working, functioning body area, as opposed to the earlobe, which doesn't put forth any effort. Don't forsake comfort for looks. Measure the length of your knuckle, and buy what allows you to move your finger freely.