Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So, I have no jewelry. and I want to start getting some basics.  But there is a huge choice and I don't even know where to start.  I mean, necklace, bracelet, ring, maybe an ankle chain.  But big and clunky, small chain, what color, stuff like that, I'm lost.  Help!!!!

About necklaces, make sure the chain is long enough for you and that it is not too thin for it could easily break otherwise.

Like for everything else, make sure whatever you are buying matches other stuff you wear.

Watch out for base metals like copper or brass rings (they can stain your fingers green :P) and earrings with nickel hooks, some people are allergic.

As a maker of jewellery i would say buy handmade! But I don't do that myself so I'm going to say cheap plastic stuff is really fun. ;)

Look online for costume jewelry you can get a bags of it for cheep not great quality but you can pick and choose and start your collection from there

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

 I wear four small silver bracelets of different designs on my left wrist each one signifies a different milestone in my transition, about to get a fifth one to commemorate my name and gender change. I used to wear an ankle bracelet when I was stealth.

Quote from: Peep on November 07, 2015, 10:04:44 AM
Watch out for base metals like copper or brass rings (they can stain your fingers green :P) and earrings with nickel hooks, some people are allergic.

This too. Many people you'd ask for advice will forget to mention those things. They would be common sense.

One test I would do too is just smell the material and if it has any smell just forget about it. I had such items as a kid in form of keys. Hated it to have to wash my hands every time I handled those. Still happens today to find a belt whose pin has that unappealing metallic smell but by now I know how to avoid those. Yea, you will have to give those things a sniff. Including some items labelled as 'stainless steel'.

I look forward to earrings one day.  Not ready to pierce just yet so settling for clip ons, those things leave an interesting pressure mark on the ear lobes for a while after wearing.

Almost feels like it will be another mini transition, since you're supposed to stick with a starter pair for the first few months before getting into the cool dangly ones.

Otherwise, jewelry has been easier to shop for than other stuff while presenting male (guys are always buying stuff for their g/fs). For me at least, my ring size and wrist size is a bit larger than a cis girl, so just need to be careful on sizing, too many good rings out there that only fit on my pinky finger. Inexpensive jewelry really made a nice comeback in the last few years.  I've actually found that local retail places have been a bit better pricewise than some of the online dealers.

My advice is: pick an outfit you own, then match a big necklace to it. From there, you'll find other clothes to wear it with.  FWIW I haven't quite gotten to the everyday jewelry selection yet.

I'd first ask what's your style? Basic to me would be- earrings and necklace to suit...

I like pin-up, and 50s... so my idea of basic is pearls. Pearl studs and single strand pearl necklace.

Slightly more expanded...  diamond studs and small diamond /cubit zirconia necklace for formal to expand upon the pearls

Next would be... hoops earrings and pendant necklace.

Then just escalating into "by outfit" earrings, necklaces, bracelet, watches, rings etc... but the above covers 99% of all outfits I would wear.

I dont wear a lot of jewelry.. I wear a chain around my neck and an ankle bracelet. I also wear a ring on my left ring finger which my boyfriend bought me (not an engagement ring).

In summer a toe ring as well.

My ears are pierced, i have 3 holes in each ear, I have small stud in my nose and my navel is pierced.

All I can say wear a piece that makes someone say "you look amazing" and not an overdone piece that distracts them to focus on it and not you... So only the jewelry looks amazing....

If all else false look at Marilyn Monroe jewelry.

I wouldn't think its about getting something extravagant or to stand out, but would complement an outfit you wear or jewelry to essentially accent or would in a way match the tone of skin. Like for lighter skin I would recommend silver or white gold if you are particular or of course the cheaper alternatives to the style and darker skin is more the "yellow" gold or other as of chain wise for necklaces or bracelets.
I would recommend starting with basically looking at what would go with the outfit, for quick cheap jewelry, or if you want to go big for like every day wear a simple yet soft thin chain for a necklace with something that would represent you, be it a small pendant, birthstone, shark tooth, etc... (for me I have a thin gold necklace that I wear with a Chinese jade cross which is accented with gold tips and a piece which attaches to the necklace). For bracelets maybe look into something that would be in a semblance to what would of course go with the outfit, or for everyday wear maybe something like a charm bracelet or something that would essentially be you. I would recommend staying away from something bulky or blocky, generally giving something thinner than a centimeter width but I would stay away from something too thin if that makes any sense.

Kate <3

I wear a white gold bracelet and a sterling silver charm bracelet on my right arm, a silver anklet, a silver necklace, and silver earrings (2 per ear) daily.  :)

Just find stuff that speaks to you!!!   ;D

With jewelry you need to buy pieces that work with any number of outfits or coordinates you have. Think "everyday". You will end up spending a lot less money. With earrings, no big hoops or and long "dangles".  Small studs or such work great. Again, buy jewelry that is age appropriate and that will not bring undue attention to you.  Flashy rings will draw attention to your hands and if you are stuck with large hands you might want to think hard about that.  Depending upon your top you might want to wear a necklace.  If it is not gold or silver get one with color(s) which works well with your top.  Depending on the size of your hand, you might want to try something I did with a piece of jewelry which helped during transition and even for awhile after I had FFS and SRS.  Go out and buy a "costume" diamond engagement ring and a wedding band.  People notice that.....especially other women.  They see you as being married and that is a form of confirmation for many.  As for men......for the most part, it keeps you from being hit on!

Something you might try:
Just fo gor it and get a couple cheap neutral pieces in gold or silver, nothing too big or standoutish, that catch you eye to help you figure out what you like to wear. A small cross or some symbol that says something about you make a nice everyday necklace. You can build from there.

It take some practice to coordinate colored pieces that go with different outfits. If your'e not careful, next thing you know you have a jewelry box full of stuf you hardly ever wear!

This is one area that is all you. 😊 Each and every woman is different.
Of all my girlfriends, only about a third wear jewelry on a regular basis.  Not including earrings, probably 3/4 of them wear earrings on a regular basis, oh and wedding rings.  I am the only one who almost always has a ring, bracelet or necklace on. Lol, only a few days a year that I go without something on my wrists.

One thing is color. I can throw silver in with anything I have and it's okay. My best friend looks great in gold and I just can't wear it. I have a lot of blue stuff too.

Second, as has already been mentioned, smell. Maybe it doesn't bother some people but, Ick! Ick! Ick! You can keep them clean so they don't smell or leave a mark but who wants to bother with that?

I am always shopping for jewelry though I rarely buy it. It seems the best pieces I have are from tiny little shops in out of the way places, or arts and crafts festivals. I have an unusual amount of dragonflies. When I was eleven I had a really bad year that I went almost feral. The neighbor's farm had a large pond that I would lounge around all day some days reading. When my aunt wanted me home she would call them and ask if the little dragonfly was hovering around the pond or if they would send the little dragonfly home. The name stuck the whole year until the state took me and placed me in a home. So I have so many dragonflies. 😊 Actually, I never pass a nice one up.

Earrings for me are a little different than my friends. I have a lot of different types but unless I wear my hair up no one can see my studs or small hoops. And the dangly ones have to be pretty heavy to actually dangle. So, don't laugh, I often wear earrings just for me since no one notices them most of the time anyway. I truly love earrings that tinkle or jingle or clink, LOVE them. Like right now I have a pair on that have 7 tiny jingle bells on each, Oh My God have I been waiting to wear them. Can only wear jingle bells a certain time of the year don't ya know.  😉

Anyway, I could go on and on but it really is personal preference + age + coloring = your style. Like clothing you will have things that you wear all the time and things that are all the way on the end that should probably go to the salvation army. Start cheap, find what works for you and have fun. 😊😊

I don't over do it with jewelry, I wear a pendant necklace, stud earrings in my pierced ears, drop earrings on nights out. 3 rings, my wedding and engagement ring and an eternity ring that hubby bought me on our first wedding anniversary. 2 bracelets and a watch, the watch face is so tiny I can't see the time lol, but it's only for show, similar to a wrist bracelet. I also wear an ankle bracelet and toe rings on both feet when I wear sandals or flip flops in the summer.

I would start online doing a ton of research then spend a lot of time on someplace like ebay just doing a TON of windowshopping.  Im sure you're far from aware of all they styles and options you have (I know I'm always finding new things im unfamiliar with when I do this).

Figure out what you like and hate, get a few pieces, and mix and match jewelry with other jewelry pieces and outfits.  It should help to cultivate a deeper understanding of your personal style and aesthetics

Michelle, your mention of "jingle" earrings made me smile  :) , I actually was thinking about that!  So, I guess they really do exist.  Have to look for some. 
     Usually I just wear some nice smaller bracelets, silver rope and a black/silver "be brave" one.  Sometimes a small colored rope one to match an outfit, but never the large stuff.  Charmin Charlies has some interesting color stuff that's inexpensive, experiment and let your jewelry say something about YOU.  When you can afford it and feel ready you can spend some $ on a good piece of jewelry store quality metal or real gem.  I also always wear earrings (love hoops) and a simple chain with a stone.  Saw a set of blue Topaz (my birthstone)/silver/ small diamond chip surround that was just gorgeous.  Small, elegant studs for ears and pendant about 1/2" dia. on nice silver chain.  Have to ask Santa!  Toni 

  Hey, extraaction , I see that you are new here. So please let me say, Welcome To Susan's Place! Come on in and take a good look around.  Perhaps I can even get you to hop on over to the Introductions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,8.0.html) Thread and  create a post to tell us a little bit more about yourself so we can get to know you a little better and greet you properly.

  Also I'll add some links and information below that can help you get more out of our site. Please take time to become familiar with them especially the RED one as we are always getting questions that are answered there.

Laurie
Global Moderator

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html)	Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html)	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.)
Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html)	Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,82221.0.html)	Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866)

 If you are like me, and break out in hives from cheap metals, your options are limited. Gold and platinum are very costly. Silver or titanium are a safe bet. Of course, titanium is much stronger, and less likely to break or tarnish. If you want to go cheap, certain stainless steels are an option. Make sure they are labelled hypoallergenic.
Ring sizes for trans women are difficult to find. I would advise purchasing a ring sizing set, so you know what size to buy.

Here's an important tip regarding jewelry: Don't think of it separately. Jewelry should simply be one component of your overall look, which includes your clothes, hairstyle and makeup. People who get caught up in things like jewelry end up looking gaudy or odd.

The easiest way to learn how to do jewelry or clothes dressing is to scrutinize people who do it well. I study pictures online of "street style" as well as celebrity street/airport looks for ideas on how to integrate my looks. This is very easy to do and recommend it. With a little shopping around you can find economical clones of most anything you see.

That said, the best use of jewelry is usually very subtle. Most women who do style well only wear one or two less noticeable jewelry items that support an outfit. Usually it's just the earrings. The main areas are earrings, necklace, bracelet and, sometimes, pins or hair ornaments. Wearing more than two of these at once is probably too much. Keep it simple.

Your eyes are your best source of tutorial for this, though. Look around at what other people wear.

Quote from: FinallyMichelle on November 11, 2017, 01:08:21 PM
One thing is color. I can throw silver in with anything I have and it's okay. My best friend looks great in gold and I just can't wear it. I have a lot of blue stuff too.

This is because your skin has cool undertones.  Women with cool undertones look great with silver or white-gold jewelry and cool-colored stones (blues and purples).  Your friend has warm undertones so that's why she looks great in gold jewelry. She'll also look good with copper metals and warm colored stones like oranges and yellows.

It's important to understand what your natural skin tone is (cool or warm) and wear silver or gold jewelry to match. This also applies for colored stones, color of clothing, and makeup too. Understanding your natural skin undertone is the key to wearing the right jewelry (and everything else you wear).