Q. I enjoy showing my personality with jewelry accessories. Can it diminish my credibility in business?

A. Now that depends on how you show your personality. Are we talking nose rings and tongue jewelry or simple necklaces? There’s nothing wrong with wearing jewelry accessories, as long as you don’t go overboard to the point where people in a business environment focus more on your jewelry than your actions and capabilities.
Showing your personality with simple diamond studs will never be an issue. But wearing earring hoops the size of a bracelet can be a problem – unless you work for a costume jewelry business.
Would you trust a doctor wearing big bodacious jewelry? Or would you feel more assured if the only thing you noticed when he or she walked in the room was a white lab coat and a stethoscope? I could care less what they wear on their off-time. But personally, in that situation, the last thing I want to see is a lot of jewelry. You can only make a first impression once.
Dawn Waldrop, author of the book, “Best Impressions: How to gain Professionalism, Promotion and Profit,” agrees with me. That says a lot, considering this national speaker is a huge fan of tattoos. But that’s a topic for another day. Trust me she’s an image consultant who believes in limits.
When it comes to jewelry, Waldrop said most people fall into one of four personality categories: Natural, Classic, Romantic or Dramatic.
The Naturals usually wear little to no jewelry. The Classics choose simple pieces and are conservative in style and in the number of items they wear. However, the Romantics and Dramatics love jewelry. Romantics love to wear many intricate pieces and the Dramatics love bold large pieces of jewelry.
“If too many pieces are worn, jewelry can be a credibility robber. First: keep your jewelry that you wear to work separate from your weekend or evening jewelry,” she said. “Choose a nice watch you will only wear on the job. It will last you longer and always look professional. You want jewelry to complete your professional look not be the focal point”
No matter your personality, keep it simple. And less is better.