Special Occasion Jewelry

The Glam Guide to SPECIAL OCCASION JEWELRY by HeatHer Perry // PHotograPHy by trenton busH

Sometimes an occasion calls for an icy finish. Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or attending a lavish wedding, jewelry is the finishing touch that turns a look into a moment. We consulted expert jewelers to determine what’s trending, what’s timeless and what’s worth the big splurge. Here are some tips:

Bernadette Zacharias Goldmakers Fine Jewelry INDULGE YOUR OUTFIT..

Before you start the bling hunt, take a close look at what you’re wearing. What are the colors and fabric? Is it classic or daring? Consider the occasion you are dressing for before accessorizing.

Bernadette Zacharias, co-owner of Goldmakers Fine Jewelry in Lawrence, attests that party outfits should have an element of celebratory sparkle.

“Sparkly dresses are often best left barenecked with a long coordinating chandelier earring and complementary cocktail ring,” she says. “Another cold weather party look is a black turtleneck with a ballgown skirt or silky trouser, and that calls for a dramatic necklace maybe with a coordinating cuff bracelet.”

Depending on the event, you might want to forgo bright colors or flashy designs that will draw attention away from your face if photographed. Zacharias suggests long, swingy earrings for elegant party pics.

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Donaldson's Jewelers

TREND FORWARD..

Get ahead of the local fashion scene if you want to turn heads. Vogue’s Spring 2023 Jewelry Trends Report emphasizes top styles bursting off the runway: DIY-looking bohemian earrings, body chains and a resurgence of the Y2K punk aesthetic.

Zacharias says the bold appeal of Art Deco never goes out of style: “Think about ‘The Great Gatsby.’ Find inspiration in bubbly champagne and twinkling lights.”

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend for everyday trendsetting, according to Dave and Gloria Horn, new owners of Donaldson’s Jewelers in Topeka.

“Diamond studs and a simple gold necklace are perfect for everyday wear and will go nicely with every outfit. No need to worry about tarnishing or losing its sparkle day to day,” she says.

DRESS IT UP..

It’s also worth considering utility. Pearls work overtime with the ability to dress up a pair of jeans or add elegance to evening wear, according to Jacque Egnatic, owner and bench jeweler of McKibbon Jewelers in Bonner Springs.

“Plain hoop earrings go with everything, but inside-out hoops are a great way to add some style,” she suggests, adding that layered necklaces and stackable bracelets and rings are popular. “The most important thing to keep in mind when purchasing jewelry is to make sure that the mounting and stones work for the occasion that you are purchasing it for. If you are buying an emerald ring, keep in mind that it is a super soft stone and can easily chip or break. Therefore, it’s not a good stone to wear 24/7.”

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The most important thing to keep in mind when purchasing jewelry is to make sure that the mounting and stones work for the occasion that you are purchasing it for.”

– JACQUE EGNATIC McKibbon Jewelers

REPURPOSE..

Restoration is a popular trend at Jeweled Legacy in Shawnee. Owner Renee Huff transformed a father’s cufflinks into his daughter’s new earrings, rehabilitated and copied an heirloom signet ring to gift to two children and pulled stones from a family ring to reset into a wedding band.

“I think COVID gave people more time to reconnect, and people are holding onto that feeling with jewelry,” Huff says.

Pairing jewelry with menswear and suits is an androgynous way to play with nostalgic style.

“I really like full knuckles of big rings with a suit or blazer,” Zacharias says. “Larger, post-style button earrings in brushed gold, paired with one of grandpa’s gold rings, will take the look in another direction with a nod to ’80s power-suiting. This can also be a great opportunity to wear a family brooch that is usually really hard to find a way to wear.”

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MAINTAIN..

It’s just as important to maintain your jewels as it is to hunt them down. Having stones checked at least every six months will ensure they are mounted tightly. And take note of chemicals in everyday products like hairspray, lotion, perfume and cosmetics. They can permanently damage the surface of some delicate gems like pearls and turquoise.

Horn recommends cleaning colorful gems with a soft brush in warm water with mild dish soap.

“Be sure to rinse your jewelry in a glass of water to remove cleaning solutions since you risk losing loose stones – or even an entire piece of jewelry – if you rinse directly in the sink,” she warns.

GIVE GLAM..

When it comes to special occasion gift giving, don’t skimp on quality. The investment ensures that the piece will last longer and stay beautiful over time. Choose jewelry with stones that are cut precisely and symmetrically, and make sure the metal is solid and won’t bend or break easily.

Egnatic recommends birthstone jewelry for a meaningful gift: “It’s always in style, and when picking it as a gift, it gives a more personalized meaning.”

Zacharias encourages monogramed pinkie rings: “They are unisex and easy to personalize.” She adds, “Small, interesting post earrings are really fun for people with extra piercings.”

MOST IMPORTANTLY.....

Be yourself – it’s always in fashion. Prioritize pieces that are authentic and comfortable so you can shine bright no matter what the occasion. n

Unique and personalized gifts such as birthstone jewelry and heirlooms make excellent choices for special occasions.

Barbara Duncan, CFP®

Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor

Debra Clayton, CFP®

Founding Partner

Elizabeth Young, CFP®

Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor

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