The art of using jewelry for self-expression goes beyond fashion; it stands as a language that allows us to articulate our individuality, style preferences, and unique personality. The beauty of our fine pieces transcends aesthetics, proving that jewelry is not just an accessory. For many of us, it’s become a timeless expression of artistry and individuality. Whether bold and daring or subtle and sophisticated, each piece of jewelry can tell stories, encapsulate memories, and speak volumes about individual tastes and values.
What is jewelry for you and how do you wear them? Here, we take a look at the many ways fine jewelry has served us, beyond the sparkle and shine.
Jewelry, in all its different forms, has been an integral part of human culture for centuries. As early as 3,000-400 BC in the Mediterranean and Iran, and eventually the contemporary avant-garde of the 1960s, these adornments transcend time, serving as amulets, symbols of status, cultural identity, as well as forms of personal expression.
Defining Elegance
At the heart of using jewelry for self-expression lies the incorporation of personal symbols. No matter how subtle or prominent they may be, these symbols transform pieces into deeply personalized statements. Pendants, charms, and engraved pieces become visual narratives that are distinctly their own as they hold unique stories and cherished memories.
There have been a lot of iconic jewelry moments in fashion, films, and red carpet events that leave lasting impressions not only because of their display of beauty and elegance, but also because of their compelling stories of love, fame, and cultural significance.
A classic example would be the Heart of the Ocean, a luxurious blue diamond necklace from Titanic (1997). In the movie, Jack gives the necklace to Rose as a gesture of his deep affection, becoming a symbol of love and loss as it connects the characters, Jack and Rose. Rose’s emotional attachment to the necklace amplifies its beauty, becoming a tangible link to her memories of Jack and their time together. The emotional significance held by the piece turns the physical beauty of the jewelry into a cherished memento.
If you find yourself drawn to the idea of encapsulating your memories in a timeless piece, you can start with personalized name necklaces or engraved pendants that allow you to express your personal style and story.
Personalized Name Necklace
₱23,500.00 via karatworld.net
Gold Pendant (GP-7610)
₱10,773.00 via karatworld.net
Making a Bold Statement
For some, certain jewelry pieces become expressions of confidence and individuality, especially for those who are not afraid of making a bold statement. Oversized earrings, chunky bracelets, and statement necklaces are more than just accessories; they are declarations of self-assurance and a fearless approach to personal style.
Coco Chanel’s pearl necklaces continue to be iconic pieces that have left a mark on the world of fashion and jewelry. She often wore layers and layers of pearl necklaces that eventually became her signature look. Known to be the first to combine real and fake pearls, her innovative use of pearls merged tradition with modern elements, ushering in a new era of fashion that goes beyond fads.
Karat World’s latest offering, the Versa Paper Clip, is likewise a statement piece and a design that transcends trends. It is incredibly versatile as it comes with a unique pendant and can be worn in many ways, effortlessly elevating any outfit.
Diamond Chain Pendant (DCP-502)
₱95,000.00 via karatworld.net
Keeping it Simple
On the other hand, as Leonardo Da Vinci once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Delicate and subtle jewelry exudes beauty in a simple yet powerful way. Thin chains, small stud earrings, or minimalist rings convey effortless elegance that speaks volumes about the wearer’s appreciation for simplicity.
Stud earrings have become a popular celebrity accessory because of their minimalistic look. There have been countless instances where the beauty of these small, but impactful, earrings complemented the entire look of a celebrity on the red carpet.
The simplicity of diamond stud earrings makes them perfect to be used as an everyday accessory or paired with more elaborate ensembles. If you’re someone who embraces the principle that “less is more”, you might want to consider adding this exquisite piece to your collection.
Diamond Earrings (DE-1277)
₱169,536.00 via karatworld.net
Beauty in Sustainability
Oftentimes, beauty has been associated with grandeur and excess, sometimes at the expense of environmental and ethical considerations. But recently, there has been a growing awareness about sourcing practices in the jewelry industry, leaving conscious consumers looking for more sustainable options. As such, the rise of sustainable jewelry has shown that ethically-made pieces are not about compromising beauty but redefining it. It proves that beauty can come from ethically sourced diamonds and metals, as well as eco-conscious production processes. In light of that, each piece of jewelry now becomes a reflection of personal values and the wearer’s commitment to both beauty and ethical consciousness.
Many public figures are now increasingly opting for lab-grown diamonds as a way to support ethical practices in the fashion industry. One of Meghan Markle’s favorite jewelry pieces is a pair of earrings from Kimai, a London-based jewelry brand specializing in lab-grown diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories as opposed to traditional mined diamonds and are said to have identical physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. According to the president of Karat World, Felix “Trix” Gorriceta III, there is no difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds’ optical characteristics.
“The difference is there’s no difference. The difference is the price, how it’s made, and its origin. Sustainable diamonds are made in the lab. Natural diamonds are mined,” he says. “There’s a big market who are conscious of conflict-free, sustainable methods behind how products are made. These sustainable diamonds are not mined compared to natural diamonds. Producing this causes less pollution.”
This urged Karat World to create its HEBE collection, which offers pieces with sustainable diamonds.
HEBE Sustainable Diamond Dangling Earrings
₱41,610 via Zalora
HEBE Sustainable Diamond Eternity Ring
₱39,480 via Zalora
Jewelry Jargon
Fine jewelry. These are jewelry made from precious metals and gems, which, unlike fashion or costume jewelry, are known to be the most durable, which makes them the best option to pass on as heirlooms.
White gold. This is pure gold combined with at least one other white metal such as palladium, silver, or nickel, perfect for those who prefer its silvery-white look over yellow or rose gold, as well as those who prefer its substantial feeling due to it being heavier than platinum or silver.
Karat. It is the measurement of the fineness of gold, the ratio of the overall weight to the weight of the quality metal it holds. Despite its higher value, jewelry pieces seldom utilize pure gold due to its softness, malleability, and susceptibility to scratching and marking.
Setting. A jewelry setting is the supporting metal base a diamond or gemstone sits in. Jewelry settings are usually crafted from the identical precious metal as the band, yet they are usually mixed and matched.
Cut. It refers to the proportions of facets in a diamond that determine their brilliance, scintillation, and fire. A “cut” differs from a diamond’s shape in that it affects the sparkle it gives off, and measures a stone’s reflective quality, the styles of which include “emerald” or “oval” cuts which refer to their shapes, as well as the main styles “brilliant cut”, “step cut” and “mixed cut”.
Diamond. It is the most popular gemstone and the hardest naturally occurring substance known. Cubic Zirconia, on the other hand, is a popular and affordable alternative to diamonds. Though they might look similar to one another, diamonds are made of carbon and are more durable than zirconia, while cubic zirconia is made of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2).
Clarity. It measures the purity and rarity of a stone through its visible characteristics, which are determined based on the presence or absence of any inclusions and blemishes.
Luster. It refers to the appearance of a gem’s surface or the shine it gives off when it reflects light, usually described as pearly, greasy, adamantine, and dull, among others.
Solitaire. This refers to a jewelry set with a single gemstone as its main focus, usually a diamond, and popular designs which include rings, pendants, and earrings.
Jewelry Styling Tips by Liz Uy
First, get more mileage out of your investment pieces. Don’t just keep them in the safe, actually wear them. Get creative and don’t be limited by rules. Wear your princess necklace as a tiara at a theme party, for example. A rope necklace can be worn as a belt or a cuff, to give your outfit a stylish twist.
When it comes to piercings, when you have multiple, make use of them. Don’t limit yourself to studs. Wear climbers with hoops and diamonds and danglers all together (as long as your ears can take it!).
As for your arm party, mix and match by wearing a plethora of textures, colors, and styles. One of the most versatile pieces for your wrist, bangles can be mixed and matched with gold and white gold, with or without diamonds.
A general rule of thumb: When it comes to jewelry and outfit styling, it’s all about balance. Wear a bold outfit with classic or dainty jewelry. If you’re wearing a statement outfit, opt for “quiet” jewelry.
Last but not least, for engagement rings, the ultimate rule is to know the person you’re proposing to thoroughly. Knowing what your partner will like in terms of style and design is a definite yes in our book.
