Bracelets and Charms add Style

If you take a glance through today's hottest fashion catalogs and magazines, you'll find that costume jewelry has taken center stage.

It has become more than just an accessory to accent outfits; it is now a major part of a woman's wardrobe. Several necklaces fashioned from a mixture of materials such as wood, ceramic, and silver and gold beads may be combined to make a dramatic statement, setting off the neckline and contours of a superbly matched dress or shirt perfectly. Bracelets have become bigger, bolder, and more flashy. Watches, once practical, subtle accessories, perhaps finely crafted of gold or silver, have also become bold jewelry. Watch faces are bigger and adorned with semiprecious gemstones, fired clay tiles carved with various folk symbols, and leather, ribbon, or metal bands.

These days, almost anything goes, but there's a fine line between dramatic and over the top. Not everything makes a successful statement. Before buying some of the more creative necklaces, bracelets, and other costume jewelry items out there, take a close look at your wardrobe. Do you wear classic, ethnic, funky, sporty, or casual outfits?

Like most people, you probably have a mixture of styles and colors. Think about the outfits and combinations you wear most often and ask yourself what would accentuate them the best. Tear pictures of jewelry items that attract you out of your favorite fashion magazines and hold them up beside your favorite clothes. Do they fit, or would the combination be jarring?

Also, think in terms of coordination instead of contrast. A monochromatic outfit in tones of beige and brown might be set off by something in lighter or deeper tones of the same colors. Some black and/or white might also be added. On the other hand, a basic black outfit could be accented with silver and turquoise, green hues, or reds and golds.

When shopping for costume jewelry, don't forget proportion. A necklace that neatly accents the bodice of a six-foot-tall model might hang to your waist if you're five feet five. You don’t want to look ridiculous. However, if you really like the necklace, you can look for something similar in a smaller size or go ahead and buy it but alter it to your size. You could also make your own version.

When considering jewelry, take your personality and tastes into account. If you’re a gypsy woman or free spirit type, you can probably get away with wearing jewelry by the pound. If you’re shy or reserved, you might choose a few pieces that will add refinement and a little drama without going overboard. Wearing too much jewelry could make you feel self-conscious and probably work against you.

Jewelry has become wearable art and a mode of self-expression for both the creator and the wearer. With some self-examination and a little thought as to what suits you best, you’ll be able to find or make jewelry accessories that will make a great statement about who you are.