Adapt this season's jewelry look to your personal style

When it comes to buying jewelry, it can be tempting to simply follow the latest trends. Whether it's elaborate, dangly earrings or chunky rings that are in fashion, it's important to choose pieces that are not only in vogue but also those that flatter your particular personal attributes. Luckily, the natural versatility of many pieces of jewelry means that it's simple for men and women to work this season's look to their innate style - you just have to know what rules to follow.

Jewelry trends for women this Spring/Summer 2007 concentrate on ornate brooches, big bold earrings, metallic jewelry and charm bracelets. Furthermore, purple is set to be this season's jewelry color, but yellow gold and black jewelry are also set to be big. However, in the presence of such imposing jewelry pieces and styles, it's crucial to remember the cardinal rule of jewelry wearing: adopt only one statement piece; or, more specifically, make sure you don't let your jewelry pieces compete with one another. Actress Salma Hayek is a prime example of how to wear statement pieces of jewelry, as she tends to wear just one prominent piece as opposed to many. Conversely, Betty from the hit TV show Ugly Betty is a definite example of how not to wear statement pieces of jewelry!

Moreover, make sure you pay attention to your face shape and hair style when buying earrings this season. Large earrings should only be worn by women who have long, slender necks; this type of neck is also ideal for wearing long, dangly earrings - another key aspect to this season's earring fashion. Women with more petite necks, on the other hand, will find it best to adapt to this season's jewelry trends by wearing smaller earrings.

While layering jewelry is all the rage with today's fashion trends, it's important to first establish whether you have the correct body shape for this particular jewelry look. For instance, big cocktail rings are back in fashion once again - but if you have short fingers, make sure you avoid wearing more than two rings on one hand. Additionally, stay away from rings that eclipse your hands.

Ultimately, it's vital not to let your jewelry clash with the clothes you're wearing. This season's ornate brooches are worn on the left-side, 15cm below the shoulder - but if you're adopting the brooch look, don't choose to wear a sparkly piece with your animal print top. Instead, pair bright brooches with your more sedate pieces of clothing, to inject a cheeky twinkle into a sophisticated outfit. Moreover, keep diamond brooches away from demin or leather jackets - and wearing a brooch with a casual knitted jumper or a tracksuit top is just asking for an appearance on What Not to Wear!

Metallic colors are also a prominent feature of jewelry in Spring/Summer 2007 - experiment wearing metallic necklaces with high-necked and low-cut dresses. Just remember not to wear too much metal - a metallic bag and a silver dress won't take too kindly to your new metallic pendant.

Finally, don't ignore this season's feminine jewelry; with flowers, butterflies and a variety of pretty shapes being featured by many jewelry specialists, you'll be able to pair these pieces with a range of delicate summer dresses and summer clothing. What's more, if you're going on holiday, don't be afraid to take some throwaway accessories with you - fake jewelry is just as credible as real jewelry and will save you the hassle of worrying about losing your most expensive item!

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist who travels extensively.