Choosing Jewellery

It's your colour.  You love that stone.  So how do you know that it's going to suit you, or if it's going to match your outfit?

Ultimately, wear something you feel comfortable in.  If you feel awkward, you'll probably look it too.

Heart Shaped Face - A narrow chin wants a necklace that gives width to the jaw, with chunky beads. Earrings that hang to chin level also give width. 
Round Face - Create a slimming look with longer strands, or a focal point/pendant to draw the eye downward.  Angular beads minimize roundness.
Square Face - Give a square or rectangular face curves with focals that bring the eye downward, but on shorter strands.  Use rounds and other organic soft shapes.
Oval Face - Such faces have the flexibility to experiment with various shapes. 

So what about your outfit?

V-necks - Accentuate the drop with bold pendants and dangles.
Round neck - Keep it simple.  A traditional, soft round shaped necklace that is short so it does not compete with the neckline is best. 
Strapless - A bold choker, or a lighter long strand will work best. 
High collar, turtleneck - Choose a long necklace which contrasts against the shirt colour.

Choosing Art

In response to certain observations I have made when showing work and talking to people about my work, I'm going to make a couple of suggestion posts this week about choosing artwork, and choosing jewellery. 

I've noticed that some people when looking at artwork, beit paintings, prints, photography, etc. are looking for work that compliments their decor, or blends in with it.  They consider this above anything, and then narrow down their choices based on what they like, what will fit in terms of size, and if the art holds a deeper meaning for them. 

For me, although understandable, this seems a little backward.  Absolutely, if you're going to display a piece in your home you have to like it, but there is so much more to liking something than just colour.  So what makes you like something?  Think about factors like the medium, technique, brushwork, size, frame, subject matter, location you plan to put it, and don't forget about what the piece means to you.  One of the elements of art is conceptual.  What is the story the piece is telling?  What statement is it making?  Why do you feel like you connect with that piece, with that artist?