Jewels Plus

Cool weather brings thoughts of warm fuzzy sweaters, evenings by the fire, hot cocoa, and of course, holiday parties. Every year women attend an average of 3 holiday parties, where they get glammed up and adorn themselves with sparkly accessories. This year, when you're getting dressed for an event, whether it's a neighborhood party, a work get-together or a friendly gift exchange, instead of spending a lot on a new outfit, put out a tried and true favorite and compliment it with the perfect pair of earrings. Here are our tips for getting through this holiday season in style and on a budget:

Consider clip on earrings – Clip earrings can typically be a lot cheaper than their pierced counterparts. And anyone can wear them. The best part is that some designs can be very heavy, and clip earrings are really the best choice, as they don't weigh down your earlobes. Black rhinestones are hot this year, while yellow gold is a tried and true favorite.

Clusters are hot – If you're not the statement necklace type of girl, you'll be happy to know that statement earrings are big (literally!). Clusters of rhinestones, chandelier drop or overlay clip earrings are your best bet for adding interest and keeping the attention focused above your collarbone.

Season specific – Take advantage of the sights and sounds of the season with pierced or clip on earrings that are inspired from the elements of nature and the holidays. Acorns, feathers and leaves remind you of fall, while snowflakes and bows are great for winter. With new modern designs, these classics are re-born and can be a token accessory for seasons to come.

Colored stones – Jewel tones and rich colors are great this time of the year. In the form of earrings, they are great for adding a burst of color to a monotone outfit. And don't be afraid to step out of the box and ditch classic ruby and emerald, in favor of amethyst, midnight blue or golden yellow. Look for Cubic Zirconia as a safe bet for quality pieces that don't cost a lot. In clip earrings or pierced, you'll find a variety of options from which to choose.

With fall in full swing, winter is just around the corner. That means holiday gift giving preparations are just on the horizon. Many men are seeking out affordable alternatives to pricey jewelry, but of course, they still want to give meaningful beautiful gifts that will be appreciated and worn for years to come. Here are a couple of suggestions for jewelry that will have your special someone smiling from ear to ear.

Jewelry sets – It's always nice to receive a jewelry set, because it's the complete look. Choose from pearls, rhinestones, beads or metal. You can give jewelry sets that are meant for special occasions, or jewelry sets that are meant for everyday wear. When presenting it to the recipient, you can give the earrings, then the necklace or vice versa. You can even give one for Christmas and one for Valentines Day to get the most mileage out of your purchase. In the end, she'll love a complete set.

CZ jewelry – Every woman loves to get all dolled up and CZ jewelry is a great (and affordable way to do so). If you plan on giving CZ jewelry as a gift, find out her birthstone or favorite color. You should be able to easily find something she'll love. If you aren't sure of ring size, or if she has clip on earrings, opt for CZ jewelry in the form of a great necklace or bracelet, as these pieces are universal.

Sterling silver bracelets – This is a great way to give a gift that she'll hold close to her heart. Sterling silver bracelets is perfect for engraving with a special message. Or, you can choose to get an initial, locket, or charm bracelet that suits your lady's style. Sterling silver jewelry is considered classic, so you can be sure that she'll get her wear out of it, plus it holds its value well.