What Jewelry Should I Wear to an Interview?

We've been getting a great deal of inquiries regarding the age old question, "What is safe to wear to an interview?"  ...particularly of course, "What jewelry should I wear to an interview."  Well, I do love selecting jewelry and while I'm certainly not a hiring manager by career, I certainly have met my share of them.  I'll try to share some of their opinions and recommendations here as well.

Firstly, I want to mention that I'm usually the last person to tell you to downplay your individuality, however, I like the science of definitive answers...and even I know that too many variables can make analyzing results impossible.  In other words, interviews are one time its better to play it neutral.  Also, bear in mind that this question and answer "session" is just as applicable to males as it is to females, especially today so no matter who you are feel free to read on!


Women's Interview Jewelry

Go for it:
-Keep it simple.
-Select matching pieces.
-Wear your engagement or wedding ring if you'd like.
-A very subtle tennis bracelet is okay, diamonds or cz's are okay as are pearls. Remember to wear pearls that appear to be of great quality and when in doubt, go round and smooth instead of freshwater or baroque.
-When in doubt, leave the bracelet out.
-Hiring managers have noted that wearing a simple quality watch is okay for women during an interview.
-Non-descript stud earrings.  Earrings can be hypnotic, you'll usually want the interviewer focusing on you.
-If and only if you're interviewing for a job in the fashion, design, or retail industries, you can sometimes "get away with" a very short dangle earring, but when in doubt, keep it to a stud, or go sans earrings.
-Wear a quality pearl necklace if you'd like.
-Wear a small diamond or cz pendant if you'd like on a subtle white or yellow gold chain.  Just make sure they don't hang too low (just below the collar bone is fine).
-Hiring managers have mentioned that a simple quality chain necklace alone (keep it short and under a few millimeters in thickness is usually okay.


Avoid:
-Jewelry that appears inexpensive, shoddy, or cheap. If it cost you less than $20 it probably does appear too cheap to wear to an upper level interview.  If you want to know if you have an exception to that rule - email us a picture!
-Rings other than your wedding or engagement ring.
-Long necklaces as usually only top stylists will know when this can be pulled off.
-Non-Mainstream piercings (nose, multiple ear piercings, eyebrow etc.)
-Jewelry that makes noise by dangling and clanging especially bracelets.
-Brightly colored jewelry.
-Ankle Bracelets - believe it or not, I've seen it attempted over stocking.
-Earrings other than studs.

Mens' Interview Jewelry

Go for It:
-Keep it very minimal
-Wear cufflinks if you feel comfortable wearing them.
-Wear a quality watch if you'd like.

Avoid:
-Everything that a female should avoid.
-Non-Mainstream piercings (nose, multiple ear piercings, eyebrow etc.)
-Rings other than engagement or wedding ring.
-Earrings.

Women:
I'd also like to address "statement necklaces."  Yes, these have become widely accepted as mainstream office attire over the last fear years, however, knowing if you're interviewer will "get-it" is tricky.  For this reason, save the statement necklaces for after you've been given the job.

...and what jewelry would "I," a "jewelry person" wear to an interview?  Although I love to have fun with my jewelry and of course, ususually want to have it be seen, I'll be the first to tell you, an interview is, likely obviously, not the place to do that.  No worries, fellow jewelry enthusiasts, I'm sure you can find it in yourself to make it through without for the hour...even if you have to desperately reach for your car mirror ornaments to adorn yourself with the second you pull out of the parking lot.  Besides, you can still wear some jewelry, and in fact, some jewelry is recommended for females.  Put simply, I wear very small stud earrings and a subtle very tiny diamond necklace on a white gold chain.  I don't believe I've lost a job over it yet, but I have received compliments from friends in human resources for my choice of interview attire. 

The advice above largely applies to corporate, office, or public service jobs.  Remember, there are exceptions to all rules.  Certain industries such as the music and fashion industries, may allow some flexibility in interview jewelry.  Just remember to always look your well kempt best - that means shower and shine whatever jewelry you are wearing - also remember that cheap jewelry rarely looks good for any interview.

Let us know if you have received any feedback or have any other experiences with interview jewelry!