Dear Ladies, today we will give you tips on how to wear diamond jewellery in order for you to avoid making any “faux pas” wearing these beauties of nature. Actually, when choosing which diamond jewellery to wear, it is important to consider social aspects we are going to review together. 

Historical perspective

The first rules of etiquette regarding the proper use of diamond jewellery appeared during the reign of Louis XIV. The nobles at the court were given cards with the general rules of etiquette decided by the king. These rules concerned diamond jewellery:  it could be worn only by married women, and only from the early evening onward. The rules have evolved since then. 

The Age

Jewellery trends for teenagers and young ladies are little bit different than for mature women.

Young ladies: Most young ladies prefer small diamonds instead of larger ones. Indeed, you shall consider that large diamonds are more likely to appear as fake or “too much” on young ladies. The reason is, many people would assume she cannot afford to pay them herself. On the contrary, little diamond pendants, charms and bracelets enhance the slender beauty of the youth.

A young lady wearing delicate jewellery

Mature ladies: Large gemstones are totally appropriate for mature ladies, lucky you! The older a lady is; the larger diamonds she can wear. Nobody will assume she wears fake one.

A tiara, earrings, a necklace and a brooch: it doesn’t seem too much on her. When getting older she may even wear larger diamonds

Matching the fashion style

What you should avoid: Wearing diamond jewellery with a T-shirt, “party” coloured clothes, jeans, tank tops, and other casual items will make the gems appear cheap or fake. In the eventuality that one would still want to enjoy the brilliance of the ornament in a more laidback or casual context, wearing earrings, a bracelet with modestly sized diamonds or a thin ring with a single diamond would show refinement without being inappropriate.

What is appropriate: It’s important to choose an outfit that emphasizes the beauty of the gemstone without overdoing it. In short, you need a simple but high-quality cut, generally a dress, with simple colours such as black or white.

Do not overcast the hostess

Another rule of thumb is to properly match the sizes of the different diamonds you are wearing in order to create social harmony. It is important though to keep in mind that you should ideally wear less and/or smaller diamonds than the hostess of the reception or the formal event since having a “royal” set of diamonds could cast a shadow on the central personality of the evening, which is, needless to say, a bit impolite. 

Diamonds and business

What you should avoid: Diamonds are not usually worn to business meetings. You should keep in mind that massive jewellery with large gems like diamond bracelets, earrings that are too massive, necklaces or brooches are a no go. Ornaments with humoristic shapes are also inappropriate in the circumstance. In business, you emphasize your knowledge, seriousness, and not your glamourous side.

Although this glamourous attire would suit a evening gala, it it not appropriate for business occasions

What is appropriate: Yet if you think that it can highlight how earnest and presentable you are, a “solitaire” ring, pendant and/or earrings (of normal and appropriate size) will be acceptable. Remember: less is more.

Melania Trump wearing two diamond rings with a sober attire for a public occasion

Evening events

The most appropriated moments for wearing ornaments set with diamonds are of course when attending a reception, evening meetings, wedding ceremonies, or cocktail parties. It is at such events that the preciousness of the diamond will emphasize the importance of the occasion.

What you should avoid: in these high-end social events you should choose what you want to emphasize. If you are wearing wonderful ornaments, avoid wearing too sexy dresses or driving attention on your body shape. It would be seen as vulgar.

Here we hardly notice the earrings and the diamond bracelet of this woman, the attention is on her body

What is appropriate: match the beauty of your jewellery with the rank of the event. At a very formal event, such as a gala, you may wear your most beautiful one. At wedding you may as well, if your ornaments don’t overshadow the bride. For cocktail parties, which are more casual than galas, show a more discreet simplicity. 

The attitude

Wearing wonderful diamonds jewellery won’t give you the assurance to be regarded as a refined lady. Look at this one:

You agree with me; this is not a proper attitude. A woman wearing diamonds should behave like a refined lady. Being too casual, vulgar, laughing loudly, eating with poor manners would let people think that lady hasn’t the standards for her ornaments. Large diamonds, big responsibilities.

I hope these advice will help you to always be successful at social events. Follow us for our forthcoming article about Diamonds: the proper etiquette for necklaces, bracelets, rings and special ornaments!