Business Luncheons
There are occasions when a business woman must pay special attention to her jewels. She must seek to convey the impression of dignity and good sense and avoid the frivolous.
At a business luncheon, whether it consists of two persons or a small group, the business to be transacted is of less immediate significance than the friendly spirit of good will the occasion should engender. A woman—with her sex still not wholly accepted as on a par with men in the business world, especially in what are referred to as the upper echelons—must feel at ease, and create a good impression. This is made easier by her knowledge that she is pleasant to look upon, impeccably dressed and adorned. Simple jewelry is best, with gold plainly visible though not oversize. A simple necklace of pearls is highly appropriate, with not more than one precious stone upon the hands.
The Charity Luncheon
At least once in every year the woman who does not work—along with many who do—may be called upon to attend a charity luncheon. The woman attending such a luncheon may be grouped at table with her close friends, but she will meet or at least be seen by many others. The occasion, therefore, calls for a degree of elegance. The jewels should be well matched; pearls are to be preferred.
If a woman possesses a distinctive jewel, one that might be considered a conversation piece, this is the occasion for wearing it. Especially is this true if the entire table is not taken by close friends. There should be no such display of diamonds as to make distinctions invidious; but a well-designed jewel or an attractive parure offers a pleasant opening for conversation, and mutual interest in conversation makes for friendly ease among strangers at the table.
Opening Night
Opening nights at the theatre are always gala occasions. A premiere of a great ballet company is perhaps even more festive. Most elegant of all is the first night at the horse show, or the opening of the season at the opera. For such events, one appears in one’s most elaborate jewels.
The more festive the occasion, unfortunately, the greater the opportunity for faux pas. Cartoons of the “Keeping Up With the Joneses” variety often show a woman who does not distinguish between wearing the best jewelry and wearing the most. An observant eye at the openings will note that such caricatures have their counterparts in real life.
Every woman of taste—regardless of wealth or social status—is a collector of jewelry. Whether the pieces she has gathered be costume jewels or precious ones, each woman who knows the importance of appearance has her treasure chest. And those who can afford individual workmanship, and jewels constructed in personal design, select their jeweler at least as carefully as their decorator or their milliner.