Back to School Jewelry

With the end of summer and the new academic year just around the corner, now is the time for parents to perform the annual shopping ritual known as "Back to School." You know -- that frantic, almost crazed "pastime" that finds Mom or Dad desperately whisking their kids through the malls and dropping big dollars in a quest to update school wardrobes with the latest fall fashions and fill backpacks with state-of-the-art school supplies.

The trouble with Back to School wardrobes, however, is that styles change rapidly and clothes wear out -- if the kids don't outgrow them first (which they usually do).

That's what makes fine jewelry such a valuable Back to School accessory, especially for preteen and teenage girls. It lasts; it gives you a lot of "bang for your buck;" it holds its value; it always looks good; and it's versatile enough to go well with a variety of outfits and in a range of different settings.

Like that stiff new pair of Levis, it's best to build a Back to School wardrobe with the basics and add in some fashion later. This means starting with classic earring styles like gold or diamond studs or gold hoops (the latter of which can be "jazzed up" with whimsical charm drops). For necklines, stay with smaller, more delicate versions of traditional favorites like gold rope, herringbone or link necklaces; diamond solitaire pendants; or diamond heart pendants. Classic gold bangle, link, rope or herringbone bracelets complete the ensemble. If gold and diamonds are a little too pricey for you, you can find more affordable versions of many of these styles in sterling silver and colored gemstones.

Charm bracelets are one of those retro styles that are hot right now with young girls as well as their mothers. Meanwhile, birthstone jewelry is always appropriate and can add a splash of color to any youth wardrobe. And don't forget initial jewelry and name jewelry, two popular categories with the school crowd.

Nature themes, romantic themes such as Jewelry.com's whimsical themes are the hallmark of many youth styles. Whether it's gold or silver bracelets featuring the Clover, The New Way To Say I Love You, or delicate heart earrings or pendants, you really can't go wrong in this category.

Last (but certainly not least): for girls that like to be on the "cutting-edge" of fashion and closely follow what their favorite celebs are wearing, two red hot gemstones right now are turquoise and coral. Any student sporting one of these stones is sure to turn heads in the school hallways.