Many of us who have been in the business for a long time think we know a lot about jewelry and how to sell it. But that’s only part of the story. Helping customers select the right pieces for their outfits—and showing them how to put them together to punch up the impact takes a special kind of know-how. Just flip through the pages of any fashion magazine and you’ll know what I’m talking about. Behind those glossy photos are teams of skilled stylists who know how to do the all-important accessorizing that polishes up a look. To learn the tricks of the accessorizing trade that can help you boost sales, we spoke to Baltimore-based fashion consultant Zoniba Washington, who has styled shoots for top fashion publications including People Style Watch and InStyle. Here she tells us what she thinks are the key jewelry accessories for fall—with her insider know-how on how to wear them.

Layered necklaces

Aim for a graduated effect.

Pendants dangling from graceful chains, wide chokers, and bold collar necklaces were all over the runways, says Washington. But this season, it’s all about layering and mastering the skill of grouping a few necklaces to work together.
Styling tip Aim for a graduated effect, teaming different necklaces that fall at different points on the body. For example, at the collar bone, mid-length, and a longer pendant that hits at or right below the chest.
Master the look Layer on a trio of delicate gold chains, each embellished with a dainty adornment such as a diamond or a small charm. Or pair an oversized statement necklace with a long, slightly chunky chain. For a striking collar effect, you can nest a couple of short chunky necklaces on top of each other close to the neck.

Stacking rings
Stack them up on one finger or split them up over a few, says Washington.
Styling tip Do keep the finer pieces on the outskirts of the hand, says Washington. “Wear a solitaire or a multi gemstone piece on the middle finger. But don’t put a ring with a large gemstone on the index finger; it looks awkward.”
Master the look Team a delicate pave band, a wavy gold ring, and a solitaire gemstone.

Mixing metals

Men can stack up too.

Mixing silver and gold jewelry used to be a no-no. But not any more, says Washington. It’s a cool look.
Styling tip Anything goes, for example, teaming yellow gold, with pinkish rose gold and silver; just make sure each piece has the same amount of warmth, says Washington.
Master the look Washington likes to pair a chunky gold watch with a unique mix of bangles, including a couple in silver and a thicker jade bracelet or a vintage piece. Or stack a couple of chunky silver or gold chain friendship bracelets with very thin bangles. “Whatever anchors the grouping should be thick and chunky,” says Washington.

Daytime diamonds

Shown: Tacari’s Dew Drop Cuff with Pave Diamonds in pink, gold, and silver wire.

Diamonds used to be kept locked up and worn on special occasions, but today women want jewelry that’s more accessible and everyday wearable, says Washington. The trick is to choose sparkly pieces that are minimal and versatile enough to wear with anything—for work as well as with jeans.
Styling tip “Very fine diamond bangles and bar bangles are big right now,” says Washington. They can stand alone or be layered in with other stacking bracelets.
Master the look For minimal, everyday diamond jewelry, Washington suggests a very thin diamond band that can be stacked or not, a long dog tag necklace with pave diamonds and/or a delicate gold chain necklace with a solitaire or a single pearl embellished with diamonds. “Play around with what works,” she says.

Meaningful messages
People are not into wearing designer logos like they once were, says Washington. They’re looking for pieces that mean something to them.
Styling tip Think customization. More people would rather wear something personal, say, an engraved locket on a long chain, says Washington. It’s on trend too—a great way to soften a suit, or team with this season’s high neck blouses.
Master the look To personalize a gemstone ring, Washington suggests choosing several stones with the first letter of each spelling out something meaningful to the wearer.