With all the 'to do' and publicity about the movie "Blood Diamond," which shows how profits from illicit diamond gem trade were used to fuel bloody civil wars and fund terrorists, some designers thought it was time to get upfront about diamonds and their appropriateness in the workplace.

Denise Solay, one of America’s leading jewelry designers, is glad to see that the diamond industry has taken some important steps to get this problem under control. But she has some serious concerns about diamonds in any case.

Diamonds usually say more about what someone else thinks a woman is worth than who she is. They don’t speak to a woman's professionalism, sophistication, creativity or intelligence.

"Of course diamonds can be elegant for evening," says Denise Solay, one of America’s leading jewelry designers, "But I believe they are totally inappropriate for the workplace. A modest engagement and/or wedding ring, or even a pair of diamond stud earrings, are usually acceptable. But, recently, many women have even opted not to wear any diamond ring that’s too noticeable to the office."

 

"As businesswomen, the way we dress and present ourselves is so much more complex than it is for men, because we have so many more choices, and therefore so many more chances to get it wrong."

From crowns, tiaras, scepters, and medals to epaulets and collar symbols of rank, jewelry has traditionally projected a sense of authority, sophistication, creativity and intelligence. It can influence the perception of employers, co-workers, clients and even strangers.

Denise Solay has built her jewelry design business on the following concepts:

1) Jewelry projects authority, creativity and sophistication – essential qualities of leadership. And, businesswomen can use the power of jewelry to take control of their image and project who they are, and how they would like to be perceived."

2) Many businesswomen today, are uncomfortable about deciding which jewelry is right for the office and which will be perceived as frivolous. A bold, statement necklace and/or earrings are definitely appropriate. They are feminine and interesting and project authority.

3) And, If a woman dresses like an "ordinary person" she'll be perceived as an ordinary person.

Sure diamonds can be beautiful, but, there are dozens of other much more exciting, semi-precious stones that can frame the face and bring attention to your eyes.... the windows on ones intelligence.

For example, Aquamarine are believed to express courage, self expression, compassion and tolerance. Onyx is believed to to give the wearer strength. It helps us approach any task with self confidence and cope with fears and worries. Amethyst was known as the stone of royalty.

In addition, Solay feels that precious metals such as platinum and gold are best for more festive occasions. Not the workplace. There is a subtle impression of “frivolity” about those metals, while silver is seen as clean and precise.

SOURCE: Denise Solay, one of America’s leading jewelry designers. 

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