Is jewelry an accessory?
That’s the burning question I plug into Google this early am.
Well first, let’s define the term. An fashion accessory (according to vat of all knowledge Wikipedia) is an item used to contribute, in a secondary manner, to the wearer’s outfit. They are often used to complete an outfit and chosen to specifically complement the wearer’s look. The term came into use in the 19th century.
Jewelry contributing in a secondary manner to the wearer’s outfit? We think not. Jewelry can easily steal the show of an outfit…certainly not a mere supporting player.
Over my coffee, I dig a little deeper and find that accessories can be loosely categorized into two general areas:
…those that are carried and those that are worn. Traditional carried accessories include purses and handbags, eyewear, hand fans, parasols and umbrellas, wallets, canes, and ceremonial swords. Accessories that are worn may include jackets, boots and shoes, cravats, ties, hats, bonnets, belts and suspenders, gloves, muffs, jewelry, watches, sashes, shawls, scarves, socks, and stockings.
What? Jewelry after muffs? And what the heck is a cravat anyway?
Well we’ll have to beg to disagree on this one. Jewelry certainly exceeds the definition of a simple “accessory”. Though I would occasionally like to borrow the term “accessorize” because it sounds so jazzy…and on that note:
