Sparkle All Season with the Perfect Holiday Jewelry

At no time is a woman’s social calendar more full than it is during the holidays, and that leaves exactly no time for picking out holiday jewelry. The out-of-town family members are flying in, the party invitations are piling up and daily planners everywhere are being relentlessly abused. When you’ve got this many engagements, it can be difficult enough just navigating the social waters. Who should you invite to your dinner party? What should you bring to your mother-in-law’s house? It can all be a bit confusing, but we’d like to help with at least one of the many questions on your mind: “What jewelry should I wear?”

As always, selecting your jewelry is just as important as choosing the rest of your outfit. Follow our guide to learn how you can celebrate the season of sparkle by choosing the right jewelry for any occasion.

The After-Hours Office Party. If your office get-together is scheduled right after work, wear something during the 9-5 that can be transformed after you clock out. Choose dangling silver earrings to add some class to your everyday look. Statement pieces like this polished cobblestone sterling silver link bracelet are a wonderful choice as well. By choosing statement jewelry in silver, you’re sure to get noticed without coming across as ostentatious or over-dressed.

For an after-after-hours party, keep in mind that a full change of outfit is probably in order. If your invitation mentions “formal,” “festive” or “cocktail,” then it’s time to take your daily dress code up a notch. For a refined and professional look, pair silver and pearls with silk and velvet fabrics. Choose one statement piece. Your others will be playing supporting roles.

Dinner with the In-Laws. Dinner with the family of your significant other can be stressful enough without worrying about what to wear. Take a cue from the women in the family by recalling similar events and remembering what jewelry they wore. If the hostess normally serves a four-course dinner in her finest jewels, you should aim for a more formal look than if she’s more of the snowman-sweater type. A great idea is to choose unique pieces that will start conversations, like this sterling silver spiral flower ring.

Hosting a Dinner Party. Taking time on your appearance is a way of showing your guests that you respect them and value their opinions, but “too much look,” as Tim Gunn once said, can come across as condescending or insincere. Your aim should be to entertain your guests and to enjoy their company, not to impress them. Choose necklaces that use semi-precious gems and stones. They’ll delight your guests without making them feel under-dressed. This multi stone necklace will do the trick nicely.

Regardless of what the holidays hold for you, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the time you get to spend with your loved ones. Take some of the stress out of your engagements. Pick out your holiday jewelry early so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy the season in style.