Jewel up the dull winter mood - here's how

NEW DELHI: Does the winter season end up making you feel dull? Pep up your mood by dressing in bright colours and glam up the look with statement jewellery pieces - a wrist cuff, a pair of striking earrings or studs. Opting for fusion isn't a bad idea either, designers suggest.

"Options for wearing jewellery during winter are minimal because you are laden with many layers on to you," says Sumit Sawhney of Apala Innovative Jewelry.

But who says you can't experiment?

"Women can still flaunt their jewellery pieces with overcoats and jackets. Longer neckpieces go remarkably well with pullovers and jackets, while multi-layered chains in stone and gold give a very elegant look. Since you already have a lot of volume on to you, stick to minimal accessories that become a focal point. For a bolder look, you can go for big bold studs to complement your turtle necks," Sawhney told IANS.

Ladies can add a dash of glamour with big chunky chandelier earrings or a flashy brooch - they are "bang on trend" and easy to flaunt, says Tarang Arora, CEO of jewellery brand Amrapali.

Designer Neety Singh, however, warns against use of heavy neckpieces.

"Since one is mostly covered till the neck, it is not the best time to flaunt neckpeices. Effective earrings, rings and cuffs in jewel colours look dramatic with blacks, greys and browns," said Singh.

"Do not mix coloured jewellery with coloured clothing! With coloured clothing, it is best to stick to classic diamond studs and bands," added the designer, who recently launched her winter collection in pure 18- and 22- carat gold, incorporating diamonds, platinum, rubies, emeralds, pearls and other semi-precious gemstones.

According to Arora, rainbow colours are dominating 2012-13 winter, and therefore investing in stone-studded and Navratna jewellery, also keeping the wedding season in mind, is a great idea.

The gems do well to accentuate the fusion look - a mix of Indian and western sensibilities.

A lot of women end up in western wear during winter or even wear jackets and coats over saris and suits. What does one do then?

"Yellow gold jadau jewellery goes very well with the vibrant colours of Indian outfits. And Victorian jewellery, a combination of gold and silver studded with diamonds, looks great with western outfits," Arora told IANS.

Singh said: "Delhi is synonymous with shawls with jeans and sweaters! Jaquard or thick woollen jackets and bandhgalas with trousers and jeans is a perfect example... Polki, silver or gold goes beautifully with the look."

Wise investment too must be kept in mind while purchasing jewellery for winter.

"Always believe in one statement piece over small trinkets. One piece added every year (winter), not inspired by trends, but that which would go into becoming heirloom is what one should stretch for. A classic pair of emerald or ruby earrings or an effective large ring or even a single strand of polki is a good idea and will never go out of fashion," said Singh.

The focus should be on getting jewellery that "complements different looks ranging from ethnic to contemporary and fusion," concluded Sawhney.