Tag Archives: style info

Earrings Style

It’s all about earrings style! In part one of a series of tips about the basics of jewellery wearing we looked at necklaces, and in part two we looked at rings. Today we’re looking at those fabulous fashion items, earrings.

earrings style – lengths

You might have noticed that my earrings come in various shapes and sizes. One of the things that can make a big difference to whether earrings suit you is their length.

My current basic earring designs are anywhere between 3cm and 5cm long.

3cm is good for everyday wear and for people who like a subtler look, and goes well with a heavier bead so that there is less movement and tugging on the earlobe (I hate that pulling stretching feeling!).

5cm skims the jawline on most people (apparently the most flattering look, who knew!); and is great for making a statement. Also good for people with longer hair. The design of my earrings keeps the bead still so that there is still limited pulling on the earlobe – so comfortable it feels like you’re hardly wearing anything!

If you’ve spotted a bead that you love on my website, but don’t like the drop – let me know and I can make you a pair of earrings any length.

style – hooks

I like to design my earrings in different shapes and sizes – and the shape of the earring wire is one of the differences that can affect how comfortable you find your earrings!

I create a number of different earwire shapes. My personal favourite is the oblong. This shape allows the earring to balance comfortably across the hole in the earlobe and provides stability so that the earring doesn’t swing and drag on the lobe.

The curve shape suits some beads better, and is comfortable no matter what size your earlobe.

The hook shape is a modification of the curve shape, the small kick at the end giving slightly more security stopping the earring from coming out of the ear unexpectedly.

Round hoops are a nice earring shape to give more depth to the earring. Square hoops are the same. I usually wear mine with the right angle corner at the centre of the lobe, but you could wear them with the longer side flat through the lobe if you want.

Really, it’s a matter of personal preference. If you find a bead that you love on my website, and would like a different earwire style, let me know – I’d be happy to make your earrings with your preferred style!

style – materials

When deciding what material your earrings should be made from, sterling silver is a good choice. As well as being beautiful, it is usually hypoallergenic, so you avoid allergic reactions and green skin (problems usually brought about by the nickel in inferior quality metal).

I am a bit of a purist, so I like to use natural materials such as stone, glass and ceramic in my earrings. That’s not to say that I won’t one day embrace resin and plastic!

Earring size and shape is really a matter of comfort and personal preference of course. Tell me, what’s your favourite style earrings?

As always, I am happy to create you made to measure silver earrings from any of the beads or gemstones in my collection. If you’re interested, you can contact me about that here! Meanwhile, enjoy a browse through my custom gallery.

Style – Rings

In part one of a series of tips about the basics of jewellery wearing I looked at necklaces. Today I’m going to talk about my favourite pieces of jewellery – rings.

A ring is traditionally a circular, decorative or symbolic ornament worn on fingers, toes, arm or neck – however today’s understood meaning of the word ‘ring’ is one that is worn on the finger. Rings can be made of many materials, but are commonly made from metal. They can be plain, or ornate; simple, or set with many stones. They are made in many different styles, but I’ll be focusing on bezel set gemstone rings as that is what I make!

First, let’s identify some of the basic parts of a ring. It’s good to know these terms, so that when discussing your ring, we’re on the same page:

Next, sizing. When you’re trying to determine the right ring size for you, it is best to have your finger measured professionally by a jeweller. If all else fails, you can use my guide to ring sizing.

When deciding what material your ring should be made from, sterling silver is a good choice – as well as being beautiful, it is usually hypoallergenic, so you avoid allergic reactions and green skin (problems usually brought about by the nickel in inferior quality metal).

Check out this good Wiki article on ring styles which shows many different kinds of rings – I’d never heard of some of these, so I found it very interesting!

Although I am happy to make any size ring, my preference is for large statement pieces. Sometimes people say to me that they can’t wear big rings because they have small hands – I say not so! I’m only 5’2″, and have little hands, and I love wearing a big rock! I don’t find large rings impede my hand, either – as fingers only bend inwards, the ring sits on top of the hand and allows you to do most things as usual. Ring size is really a matter of comfort and personal preference of course. Tell me, what’s your favourite ring?

As always, I am happy to create you a made to measure silver ring from any of the gemstones in my collection. If you’re interested, you can contact me about that here! Meanwhile, enjoy a browse through my custom gallery.

Style – Necklaces

In part one of a series of tips about the basics of jewellery wearing, I’m looking at necklaces. A necklace is a piece of jewellery which (as the name would suggest!) is worn around the neck. If the necklace has a primary hanging feature, it is called a pendant. If the pendant is a small container, that is called a locket.

Necklaces come in various lengths to suit different styles and different occasions. Some standard lengths are:

When you’re trying to determine the right length necklace for you, use a measuring tape to measure your neck. Standard necklace measurements as shown above assume a 35 cm (14 inch) neck, but of course we all vary wildly, so calculate accordingly! Add 5 cm (2 inches) to your neck measurement for a comfortable length for chokers; add 10 cm (4 inches) to it for princess length. Alternatively take a favourite necklace, or use a piece of string to measure around your neck from the desired level; then lay the string or necklace out straight and measure how long it is. That measurement will be the length you’re after.

Choker: suits a garment with a high neckline. Chokers can work well for people with long necks.

Princess: sits just below the throat at the collarbone. This is the most common necklace length, and is a good length for a pendant. This style works with most necklines as it can sit above or on top of the garment.

Matinee: sits below the collarbone and just above the bust. People with larger necks may choose this length for a pendant style necklace too. Matinee length draws attention to the center of the bust area, so bear that in mind when choosing this style. Women with larger busts may want to opt for a longer necklace to create a more balanced look.

Opera: hangs below the bust, and elongates the torso. This length works well with high necklines and evening wear. If you have a fuller bust, an opera length necklace can be an issue as it may not hang properly. You could try a necklace that sits slightly higher on the body, such as a princess length necklace.

Rope: can reach all the way to the waist. A versatile length, in that you can double and layer it, or wear a pendant on it. Looks great for business and evening wear.

When deciding what material your necklace should be made from, sterling silver is a good choice – as well as being beautiful, it is usually hypoallergenic, so you avoid allergic reactions and green skin (problems usually brought about by the nickel in inferior quality metal). Stainless steel can also highlight your pendant choice. Leather or ‘pleather’ (pretend leather) is another good option.

If you are planning to wear a pendant on your necklace, take into account the size and weight of the piece you will be wearing when you choose the necklace you will be suspending it from. This is important both physically to support the weight; and aesthetically to balance the piece.

Bear in mind that in a similar way to sunglasses, a necklace helps to frame your face, so try out different lengths and see what they do for you. A long necklace may flatter a taller frame where a smaller frame might need a shorter style. A good thing to consider is that people’s eyes will stop at the point where your necklace ends. And remember, really, a necklace is a personal choice – with a little trial and error you will work out what suits you and your wardrobe.

I am always happy to create you a made to measure silver necklace, whatever size you require. You can contact me here!

the silver forge

jewellery handcrafted by ruthie gray