What Color Jewelry Goes With Black Dress?

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When you think of a black dress, you know it is a versatile clothing item that can be worn for many occasions.

Whether you are going to a formal event or a more casual get-together, a black dress is always an option.

From funeral to night dinner, from graduation ceremony to cocktail reception, a black dress is a good starting point.

But what about the jewelry you wear with your black dress? Is there a certain color that goes best with black? What is enough and what is not okay?

That little black dress, or a big one for those who fancy, is a blank canvas. It welcomes all gems and jewelry metals. Yet, not all at the same time!

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Pearls, pearls and more pearls

One basic and sure choice for black dress is pearls.

Pearls are elegant and classic. They can dress up or dress down a black dress depending on the style of the pearls and the rest of the jewelry you choose to wear with them.

For a more formal look, choose a strand of pearls or pearl earrings with diamond accents.
For a turtle-neck or round neck, a choke pearl necklace is perfect. For a more casual look, try a single pearl statement necklace or bracelet.

If this was not enough, let us appeal to the testimony of Jackie Kennedy: “Pearls are always appropriate.” A pearl necklace is a staple in every jewelry collection that can match with many outfits.

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Black dresses and diamonds are forever

You’ve found the perfect little black dress for a special occasion, but what jewelry should you wear with it? You don’t want your jewelry to compete with your dress, so it’s best to keep it simple.

A pair of diamond stud earrings or a delicate pendant necklace are always good choices. If you like strapless dresses or backless dresses, a statement ring or pretty bracelet can add just the right amount of sparkle.

In case you can’t find your preferred design, check diamond substitutes like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They are close in hardness and moissanite exhibits even more fire than a similar diamond!

Colorless diamonds would be our first choice, but you may go with black diamonds too. You also have alternatives like black sapphire, black spinel, black opal or black onyx.

These latter gem jewelry are more affordable too. Your options are vast as many black gem jewelry are available.

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Black dress with colorful gems

The good news is that almost any color of jewelry goes great with a black dress. If you want to add a pop of color, then go for something bright and bold like red or yellow.

Red ruby statement earrings matching the color of your high heels can be the magnificent last touch for the night.

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A pair of citrine statement earrings and necklace would look classy and not overcrowd your look.

Or, if you want to keep things more subdued, then opt for jewelry in softer hues like pink, light blue or purple.

Check morganite pieces for pink gem jewelry. For purple and blue gemstones, you can look at aquamarine, tourmaline and topaz variants.

And of course, if you want to play it safe, then stick with classic metals like sterling or argentium silver, white gold and yellow gold. These metals are fertile materials for statement pieces.

Such a choice will stand out and finalize your look perfectly. For example, take a silver statement necklace; it will be fine and elegant for many occasions.

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Which color jewelry should you avoid with black dress?

The first type of jewelry you should avoid is gem jewelry with very dark colors other than black.

A very dark brown or blue is going to tickle the eye and take away from your dress.

Leave brown tourmaline, brown topaz and enstatite for another day.

Don’t wear navy blue tone gems like dark blue lolite or blue topaz.

Another mistake with black dress going overboard with colors. One is good, two can be acceptable, but three is getting into a serious danger zone.

Don’t mix orange gem necklace and yellow gold pieces with your red ruby sterling stud earrings just because you love them separately. Keep it simple and do not trigger confusion.

Seven colors are wonderful on the rainbow, but less so as a choice for jewelry with a black dress. Going crazy with colors is the path to ruining your appearance.

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Conclusion: How to style a black dress

The black dress has been a classic for decades. It saved many days and nights and will continue to do so.

When considering what kinds of jewelry to wear with a black dress, there are many factors to take into account. The type of event you are attending, the style of your dress, your hair and your personal preferences all play a role in choosing the perfect pieces of jewelry.

There is no doubt that formal occasions like an opening reception or graduation ceremony ask for a different style than a causal event like a friends meeting.

The rule of thumb is, for more serious events, to keep the number of pieces low and save the colors for fun and cheerful events.

There is a plethora of options for jewelry as the black dress is a fertile ground suitable for many combinations.

In this post, we underlined simple and elegant options like pearl necklaces to more colorful items like red gems which will go lovely with accessories red shoes and belt.

No matter what your style, there is sure to be jewelry that will complement your black dress perfectly!