Necklaces --especially antique necklaces--are the perfect foil to a low-cut dress and the perfect way to dress up a simple blouse--as flamboyantly or unobtrusively elegant as you wish them to be.

Actually, among savvy dressers and savvy investors, Georgian, Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro necklaces are making big comebacks. Already long gold antique chains are in high demand - not only for their gold content or the beauty and originality of their design or their rarity, but because they simply look good and make you look better.

Personally, I love the play of movement a necklace allows between the neck and throat, drawing the eye away from the face downwards, often passing a brooch along the way or flashing a hello to a pair of earrings above. I look for those special antique pieces that will unconsciously draw every eye in the room, announcing the beautifully dressed lady.

--Brenda