Creating a jewelry balance

Did you know your jewelry can pick fights? Crowd too many pieces into one area, and you can throw your whole look off balance.

Here are some tips for keeping things well aligned:

1.  Big earrings OR big necklace: Earrings and necklaces rest in the same general area of your body, so going big for both looks overwhelming. A statement necklace works best with studs or small drops, while a light or small necklace can be worn with chandeliers.

2. Long pendant OR belt: You don't want your accessories clacking against each other, do you? If you're doing a long pendant and belt, make sure there's 3" or more room between them. Or pick a bib style instead.

3. Avoid matchiness: If you have a matched set that includes earrings, necklace, and bracelet, you'll look more contemporary if you break it up and wear each piece separately. Similar metals and colors are fine, but groups with the same design motifs will look a bit dated.

4. Match earrings and bracelet: Another way to avoid matchiness is to wear similar earrings and bracelet with a complementary necklace. The earrings and bracelet are far enough from each other that they won't visually group.

5. Mix your metals: Mixing metals can seem tricky, but there are a few ways to simplify it. Including a piece that already contains mixed metals in its design will help the look make sense. Otherwise be sure to repeat the mix at two points: Earrings and necklace, necklace and bracelet, earrings and bracelet.