The Ultimate Guide to a Modern Fine Jewelry Collection Part 1 – ESSENTIAL EARRINGS

The Ultimate Guide to a Modern Fine Jewelry Collection Part 1 – ESSENTIAL EARRINGS

Every sophisticated woman needs a fine jewelry wardrobe, and while the basics remain consistent from generation to generation, the rules for how to wear the classics are continually changing. Building a modern fine jewelry wardrobe is a respectable goal for all of us. As jewelry becomes more and more gender-fluid, many of the fine jewelry categories apply equally for men and women in the contemporary fashion world. There is far too much to say about a jewelry wardrobe for one post, so here, we will start with earrings.

“Timeless jewels like tennis bracelets, hoop earrings, and cocktail rings never really go out of style,” says Giuseppe Picchiotti, founder of the PICCHIOTTI heritage brand. “But wearing them in different and contemporary ways can keep your fashion feeling fresh and exciting. Curating a modern jewelry wardrobe requires finding specific earring styles, such as hoops and drops, which allow you to express your own individual sense of style and perfectly accessorize a wide variety of necklines. Most important, your earrings should boost your confidence and make you feel great about yourself.”

Earrings are an essential part of a fine jewelry collection because they allow for personalization based on your hairstyle, your face shape, and your individuality. If you do not have pierced ears, never fear. There are many earrings available without posts, that use clip-backs instead. To complete your modern jewelry wardrobe, there are a few types of earrings that you will need, ensuring that you have the perfect earring for any occasion. See the list below. And remember, the rules have changed! There are no longer social requirements to match your earrings, to wear two earrings (the single statement earring has been a trend on Couture runways for a while now), or to limit yourself regarding the number of piercings or earrings you wear on each ear. As you curate your perfect earring collection, you can also design your own perfect ear – adding additional piercings on the lobe and other parts of the ear or wrapping the entire ear with a bold and dramatic ear cuff.

HOOPS

Hoop earrings come in a wide variety of styles. Investing in a classic pair of basic gold hoops is wise, because they can be worn every day, no matter how casual your attire. For the more demure fashion personalities, try huggie hoops or smaller/shorter styles of hoops. For longer hairstyles, or those with longer necks or oblong face shapes, a larger hoop earring will prove more flattering. At PICCHIOTTI, we recommend a great pair of diamond hoops, especially for the sophisticated connoisseur. Diamond hoop earrings can add a touch of feminine grace to the most masculine of power suits and also dress up designer jeans or add a bit of sparkle to the current trend of the monochrome outfit, as well as the ubiquitous little black dress. Classic diamond hoops tend to be round diamonds, but feel free to expand your search until you find the perfect pair for you. Emerald-cut diamond hoops can help you stand out, while colorful hoops can add a fun flash of color and say something unique about you – reflecting your favorite color or complementing your eyes. If you have multiple pairs of hoops in your jewelry box, experiment with mismatching the hoops – one short, one long or one ruby, one sapphire or even one yellow gold and one white gold for wearing with the mixed metal “neck mess” trend.

STUDS & BUTTONS

Stud earrings are small on-the-lobe earrings, usually with posts, that are perfect for minimalism or understated elegance. Diamond stud earrings or basic pearl stud earrings are classic examples. Every sophisticated woman needs a pair of classic diamond studs and pearl earrings. But there is no need to stick with basic round diamonds or round pearls. A more modern choice might be a baroque or keshi pearl stud earring or an emerald or pear cut diamond stud. PICCHIOTTI’s heart-shaped yellow diamond stud earrings are anything but basic, providing a refreshing alternative in a very classic jewelry category.  With all of the ear curation happening these days, featuring multiple piercings, there is also no need to have a pair. A single stud earring can make a fabulous and refined statement, allowing you to also wear drops or chandeliers without overdoing it.

At PICCHIOTTI, we love a distinctive button earring. Our button earrings are often designed without posts so that they can sit high on the earlobe, beautifully framing the face. If you have earlobe damage, a medium to large button earring can cover the damage on your lobe. Buttons and studs are also great for wearing with shorter necklaces. Collar-length and choker necklaces were dominant for award show season this year, as well as on spring/summer runways. Embracing this elegant red carpet look calls for on-the-lobe earrings that do not interfere with the short necklaces.

DROPS – SHORT & LONG

Every earring collection also needs drops. Even the most classic individuals who prefer on-the-lobe buttons for everyday wear will need a nice pair of drops. Many will need both a short and a long drop. The iconic drop earring is one in which there is a piece connecting the earring to the lobe (a stone with a post or a hook for example) and another piece that dangles gently beneath the lobe.

“What I truly love about drop earrings is the sense of motion,” says Giuseppe. “Drop earrings move with the wearer, capturing the light at various angles and adding dynamism to one’s personal expressions or gestures.”

The short drop earring is essential for any high collars such as turtlenecks or halters and for jeweled or embellished necklines that will not work well with necklaces. The PICCHIOTTI Reversible drop earring is a great wardrobe addition because it easily changes from a gold drop to a diamond drop. Wear the diamond drop for fancier attire or occasions and the gold drop for more basic outfits or daily wear. PICCHIOTTI has created a number of Reversible drop earrings, purposely to add versatility and give more opportunities for wearing.

Short drops are also great for complimenting petite faces such as round, square, or heart shaped faces. For those who prefer symmetry and perfection, try matching the shape of the drop to the shape of the face. For example, round faces might like a perfectly round pearl drop earring. For those with a less traditional sense of style, try baroque pearls drops or less geometric drops that contrast the face shape. For example, someone with a square or heart shaped face who likes more bohemian fashions might try a hexagonal drop or a teardrop or pear-shaped drop.

The longer face shapes such as oblong, oval, and rectangle will work better with longer drop earrings. Longer drop earrings may have more than one element dangling below the ear lobe. Or they may just have a larger single stone element below the lobe. The longer drops are great for longer hairstyles, as well, as they tend be more visible.

STATEMENT EARRINGS – STILETTOS & CHANDELIERS

Every fine jewelry wardrobe needs at least one statement earring. Statement earrings come in a variety of large, bold shapes, but one thing they have in common is size. Either larger or longer, the statement earring is unmissable and can be seen from any direction. Such sizable earrings are great for those with thick, long, or curly hair, and they are also essential for special occasions, perfectly paired with black-tie attire or cocktail dresses.

Stiletto earrings are long thin earrings with a dramatic drop. They contrast a high updo nicely, and they draw attention to the face which is great for low-cut necklines. At PICCHIOTTI, we love a nice stiletto earring and we have versions that are thinner and slightly thicker to appeal to varying personal tastes.  In our newest Waves collection earring, we have combined the long thin line of a stiletto with the broader features of a chandelier by using three thin diamond drops in one earring.

Chandelier earrings are typically wider, bolder, and often more colorful. Every jewelry box needs at least one chandelier style earring. Some outfits, some dresses, some occasions will call for a more powerful accessory to fit the moment. Such earrings give you a chance to truly express yourself. Everyone at the charity event may be wearing a little black dress, but you can stand out from the crowd with a sparkling ruby chandelier earring or sapphire or diamond or multi-color. When choosing a chandelier earring, find one that you particularly love, expressing your unique personality by choosing your favorite color or shape. For those with long hair, be sure to try the earring on with your hair up and down to get a sense for how it will compliment your look regardless of hairstyle.

With chandeliers, it is also important to keep face shape in mind. Wider chandelier styles will work well with square and rectangular shapes.  Longer faces like oblong or oval might opt for lengthier and thinner chandeliers.  Hair color and eye color might be wise to keep in mind, as well. Deep or bright blue gemstones like sapphires and paler shades of turquoise make perfect adornments for blue-eyed beauties. Emeralds or green tourmalines are great for red heads and those with green eyes. Those with lighter hair colors may want to add some bold color gemstones, as opposed to all-diamond styles, so that the earrings really stand out. And those with wardrobes that lean heavily in one color direction (earth tones, for example) might wish to choose earrings in those colors, knowing that there is a good chance the earring will match many of your future fashion ensembles.

There are those who claim you can never have too many earrings. At PICCHIOTTI, we believe only you can answer that. But as you work toward building a contemporary jewelry collection, be sure to include earring essentials like studs or buttons, hoops, drop earrings, and at least one statement earring. Most important, be aware of modern trends, especially as they relate to ways to wear. Feel free to mismatch your earrings or wear a singular earring or curate the perfect ear with loads of spectacular earrings. The quickest and easiest way to freshen up your look might be to just put on a different pair of earrings!

 

Feature image at top – clockwise from upper left – PICCHIOTTI diamond hoop earrings in 18K gold, PICCHIOTTI chandelier ruby and diamond earrings,  PICCHIOTTI Flowers button/stud earrings, model wearing PICCHIOTTI Reversible turquoise, white gem ceramic, and diamond drop earrings

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