Bracelets

A bracelet is a great present for yourself or for a girlfriend. If it's someone you loathe, but are obliged to give to, like a hateful sister-in-law, just buy her the wrong shape. She will be delighted. The subtlety of its inappropriateness will be lost on her.

Bracelets are the only piece of jewellery that can look great en masse.

It doesn't look cheap to have 20 bangles on your arm, just as long as they are all from the same family. Think of an Indian lady, beautiful in her sari, her arms ringed by scores of thin gold bangles; they look wonderful. Then think of an arm dripping with clunky gold charm bracelets, various-sized chains and the odd bangle, and the image isn't quite so pleasing.

Unless gold and silver is in the same bracelet as a design feature, don't put these two metals together. They try to outshine each other and end up looking lacklustre.

Buy lots of the same cheap bracelet and wear them all together for a lush look.
Secondhand and charity shops are brilliant foraging grounds for retro pieces.

You've guessed it: small bones are better off with delicate bracelets whereas bigger wrists are able to carry off something much chunkier.
A bracelet worn with a watch can be pretty as long as it doesn't overpower the timepiece and looks like it never need come off.
Wearing two identical cuffs on each arm is a sophisticated method of achieving instant style.