Working from home doesn’t mean you have to skip jewelry—but the rules for Zoom are different than in-person offices. The right pieces make you look polished on camera and feel put-together, without distracting from your message. Here’s what to wear (and what to skip):
Focus on “Camera-Visible” Pieces
On Zoom, only the top third of your body is visible—so focus on jewelry that shows up in this frame:
- Earrings: Pearl studs (6mm) or small gemstone hoops (5mm) are perfect. They’re noticeable but not overwhelming, and they don’t jingle (a major plus for audio quality). Skip long dangly earrings—they can swing out of frame or cause glare.
- Necklaces: Choose a 16–18-inch chain (sits at the collarbone, which is visible on camera). A pearl pendant or tiny gemstone necklace adds polish without cluttering your neckline.
- Bracelets: If you gesture a lot (common in meetings), a thin pearl bracelet or silver band is a nice touch. Skip thick cuffs—they can look bulky on camera.
Avoid Glare (Critical for Zoom)
Shiny metals (like polished gold or bright silver) can reflect light and cause glare, which is distracting for your audience. Opt for:
- Matte sterling silver: It reflects light softly, without glare.
- Freshwater pearls: Their soft sheen looks great on camera.
- Muted gemstones: Pale amethyst, peridot, or topaz—avoid bright, shiny stones (like cubic zirconia).
Keep It Simple (1–2 Pieces Max)
On Zoom, less is more. One or two pieces are enough to look polished—any more than that can feel cluttered on a small screen. For example:
- Option 1: Pearl studs + 16-inch pearl necklace
- Option 2: Small gemstone hoops + thin silver chain
- Option 3: Pearl bracelet + pearl studs (great if you’re wearing a turtleneck)
What to Skip:
- Rings (they’re usually out of frame)
- Oversized statement pieces (they dominate the screen)
- Jingly jewelry (it disrupts audio)
Bonus Tip: Match Jewelry to Your Background
If your Zoom background is neutral (white, gray), add a subtle pop of color (like a peridot pendant). If your background is busy (bookshelves, art), stick to neutral pieces (pearls, silver) to keep the focus on you.
