Readers often ask “what is a color that is flattering to anyone and everyone?” I never believed there was one because people are so very different and millions of colors, shades, tones, tints, and intensities abound in fabrics and beads. I decided to learn what others have to say about this, and lo and behold, the Real Simple website has an interesting feature on the subject… complete with photos!

It is the photos that make the article worth devoting a column to: four photos show four differently colored women in what Real Simple calls “The 4 Universally Flattering Clothing Colors.” The pictures do support the thesis, though four skin/hair colorings is a small sampling. However, I applaud Real Simple for the photos: these kind of claims are usually accompanied by no support photos and just a written description of a color, which is of no help to anyone.

I’ve made swatches of the four colors (and a light and dark version of two). They are in my PDF article that corresponds to this blog post.

Please read the Real Simple article. And tell me what you think.

My opinion? For those of us who make jewelry to sell to the ubiquitous Unseen Customer, these four colors provide a launch pad and give us a little more confidence that our color selections will fit someone.

The most promising colors are Eggplant and Indian Teal: they are muted versions of appealing, sophisticated colors. I would use them first when making jewelry for my Unseen Customer.

True Red is the wildcard. A strong, striking color, it looks fantastic on many people. The article quotes Bill Blass as saying “When in doubt, wear red.” It lends power and allure to the wearer. But everyone? I’m wondering how the palest, blondest woman would stand up to it.

I find Mellow Rose questionable, as I know many women and men whose faces would look washed out by this pale, gentle tint (including mine).

I’d like to hear your thoughts: color@margiedeeb.com

Read more Margie’s Muse in the archives.

I’m in the process of writing my 5th book, The Beader’s Guide to Jewelry Design. Because I want to make it invaluable, I’ve been soliciting feedback from my newsletter subscriber list and Facebook. I asked about the challenges you face as a jewelry designer in several arenas: color, composition, style, durability, wearability, and more.

Rosanne Andreas responded “…working with iris/metal beads is a color challenge.” Since the topic of last month’s Margie’s Muse column was “Escape the Dark Metallic Iris Trap,” I’d like to explore some of the most aesthetic approach to incorporating metallic iris beads in jewelry.

First, let’s visually dissect the metallic iris bead. When we look at the bead we are seeing three things simultaneously: the actual base color of the bead, a coaing on the surface much like shifting oil slick colors, and a reflective “hot spot” (a bright white dot reflecting the source of illumination right back to us). Each bead is like a little planet with its own surface (the original color), atmosphere (the AB finish), and sun (the hot spot). Keep in mind that all of this is taking place on every single bead. Visually, these are active, busy beads.

The most common mistake is…

Click here to read the entire column

Today’s question(s): What are your thoughts about a set of jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelets) that closely? As a jewelry designer, how much do you want your earrings to match your necklace and bracelet? As a jewelry wearer, how much do you want your earrings to match your necklace and bracelet? If you steer away from matchy-matchy, how much do you vary the design of each piece?

Thanks, Co-authors, for helping me write “The Beader’s Guide to Jewelry Design.”

What unusual JEWELRY DESIGN requests have you received? 

Thanks, Co-authors, for helping me write “The Beader’s Guide to Jewelry Design.”

I will ask 1 question at a time (per newsletter or Facebook post).

Today’s question is: What are the most typical requests you receive when asked to design jewelry for others?

Please keep your answers brief. You can respond to me on Facebook (my preference): http://www.facebook.com/margiedeebpage

or eMail your answers to: design@margiedeeb.com