Jewelry Etiquette
People have been wearing jewelry for centuries in order to enhance their overall look or to make a statement of status. While trends come and go, there are still some basic guidelines that are timeless. One of the most important things to remember is that you need to be aware of what is considered proper attire for each situation and choose your jewelry accordingly.
Everyday Jewelry
Some pieces of jewelry are perfectly acceptable to wear all the time. If you are married, one such item is the wedding band. If you like to keep track of time, and you prefer not to use your cell phone for that purpose, a wristwatch is always acceptable. A simple keepsake necklace is another jewelry piece that can be worn most of the time.
Office Jewelry
When you choose jewelry to wear to work, select pieces that aren't too distracting or noisy. You can still show your individuality, but try not to wear anything that might intimidate your colleagues or clients.
Here are some dos and don'ts for office jewelry:
- In a conservative office, it's a good idea to stick to stud earrings that complement or match your outfit.
- In a less conservative office, you can wear stud earrings or small hoops as long as they do not sparkle too brightly, attract too much attention or make too much noise when you move.
- In a more creative environment, larger earrings are acceptable, but it's still a good idea to select those that are not too noisy, or you will likely distract others.
- Try to stay away from wearing noisy bracelets to any type of office or workplace. Stacking bangles or bracelets that clang against your desk when you're at the keyboard can be quite the distraction.
- When you're not sure if you are wearing too much jewelry to the office, go with the fewest pieces possible. A general rule of thumb is that it's okay to wear a watch or bracelet, a ring, a pair of earrings, and a necklace. Anything more than that is probably too much for most work environments.
Jewelry for a Formal Event
A formal event is a time to show how elegant you can be, and this is the time to wear your best jewelry. Although it's acceptable to sparkle all over, it's best to choose one piece of jewelry to emphasize your best feature. For example, if you're wearing your hair up, show off your facial features with some stunning diamond earrings. A statement necklace can also bring an onlookers' eyes up to your face.
Remember that jewelry is supposed to accessorize your outfit. Wearing too much of it, even to a formal event, distracts from the overall look.
Jewelry recommendations for a formal event:
- Pull out the pearls, diamonds, and other precious stones to wear to a formal event.
- Don't overwhelm your appearance with too much jewelry.
- Don't wear more than one oversized piece of jewelry, or you may appear too ostentatious with your look.
- Select one statement piece and downplay the rest of your jewelry.
- Although it is acceptable to wear a set, be careful not to match too identically. A nice contrasting piece of jewelry can highlight your outfit perfectly.
Jewelry for a Traditional Event
Jewelry has been an integral part of Indian culture for thousands of years, and is worn for almost every occasion. Known for being elaborate, intricate, detailed and colorful, Indian jewelry types are bold and eye-catching. Let’s take a look at Indian jewelry types and how to choose the perfect piece for traditional indian events.
Events where it is acceptable to wear traditional indian jewelry:
- Wedding or engagement functions
- A formal party while wearing a traditional indian saree or salwar
- Religious, cultural, or auspicious occasions including but not limited to Diwali, Eid, Dhanteras, Navratri, Karva Chauth, Ritu Kala Samskara/Ritushuddhi, etc.
Different Types of Traditional Jewelry:
Temple Jewelry
The regal look of the temple jewelry which originated in the 9th century forms a valuable part of South India’s cultural heritage. It has gained a lot of popularity among women and is used by classical dancers to add divinity and uniqueness to their look. Women wear it for attaining a graceful appearance at bridal functions or other traditional occasions. However, nowadays the craze for temple jewelry is heightened as it is made available in various forms according to the requirements of the buyers.
Today, the usage of temple jewelry is not limited to certain occasions, but also used by women to boost their style quotient on ordinary days. It is certainly loved by women who yearn to flaunt a completely astonishing look. Wearing the highly creative designs of temple jewelry not only adds to a person’s glamour, but also becomes a status symbol as such jewelry can’t be owned by everyone as it’s quite expensive.
Kundan Jewelry (also known as Jaipuri Jewelry)
Kundan jewelry is one of the most popular types of Indian jewelry, and is especially famous in Rajasthan. It refers to a type of gemstone jewelry, where highly refined gold and 24Karat sealing methods are combined with gorgeous gemstones to create elaborate and intricate pieces. The word ‘kundan’ means pure gold.
What defines kundan jewelry is the layer upon layer of stones and metals that are joined to form beautiful designs. Each stone is mounted in its own metal foil, which frames it, accentuates its shape and separates it from the other stones in the design.
Kundan is typically worn by brides, wedding guests or to any formal function. Many modern Indian women style kundan jewelry with contemporary clothing to give it a chic and modern look.
Meenakari Jewelry
Meenakari refers to an enamel technique that is used in various types of Indian jewelry.The beauty of meenakari is in its vivid, bright colors and smooth, polished appearance. It’s an excellent jewelry style for fun, modern pieces as well as for traditional Indian designs.
When you look at a piece of meenakari jewelry, you might assume at first that it’s all colorful gemstones, but on closer observation, you’ll notice the enamel artwork. Meenakari is typically paired with pearls, diamonds and other colorful gemstones.
Polki Jewelry
Polki jewelry is one of the most notable types and is stunning when crafted properly. Polki features rough, uncut diamonds paired with gold and other gemstones. The diamonds aren’t polished to sparkle, and it’s the raw look that gives Polki jewelry it’s distinct look.
Because Polki jewelry is made of diamonds, it goes without saying that the pieces are typically expensive. It’s a sign of wealth and status to own Polki jewelry and these are typically cherished and passed down the generations as precious heirlooms.