The dark, schoolgirl-esque look of the Fall 2013 collection of Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz (at times, paired with masculine shoes) gave the line an air of scholarly chic, balanced by a touch of whimsy around the collar. Some clever runway stylist punched up some of those serious looks with ironic oversize slogan or word-motif necklaces (such as “Help” and “Cool”), adding just the right element of frivolity to otherwise sober statements. When clients come into your store in similarly serious attire, suggest they lighten up looks by wearing a jewel that does the talking for them. From silly to solemn, a well-placed accessory can communicate messages of all types for the wearer without them having to utter a syllable.
Foxy ring in silver, $34; Dogeared
Sterling stackable word rings, $40 apiece; Jessica Elliot
Awesome necklace in sterling, $54; Baroni Designs
Single necklace in sterling, $72; Dogeared
Pinky-Finger Swear rings (size 4.5 and adjustable; larger sizes available) in silver and 14k gold, $240 and $670; Vargas Goteo
Silver Human bracelet, $360; Efva Attling
Gangsta necklace in silver, $400; Wendy Brandes
Hope necklace in 14k gold with 0.06 ct. t.w. diamonds, $590; Zoe Chicco
Star necklace in 14k gold, $900; Lana Jewelry
Whatever necklace in silver with 1.25 ct. t.w. diamonds, $1,500; Jessica Kagan Cushman/Berlin Gothic
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