A simple outfit can be transformed in a second by one of two things - great shoes or gorgeous jewellery. A flash of sparkle can deliver a polished and glamorous finish, whatever your style.

Jewellery design has been building on its foundations, especially in the past five years, giving women the opportunity to buy into bling - whether that's an 18-carat white gold design or a diamanté high-street copy.

Take Swarovski: the company has made a global success out of affordable crystals that are beautifully designed and gift-wrapped, just as you would expect any Cartier or Tiffany piece to be.

Similarly, Links of London, Thomas Sabo and his signature Chakras collections, and Pandora's charm bracelets, remain firm favourites. They are affordable but still have that special something.

It is also becoming more usual than ever for women to treat themselves to a piece or two of fine jewellery. And when they do, they are not waiting for a special occasion to wear it. Instead of being hidden away in safes, fine jewellery
is being worn for daytime as well as the evening.

New designers are reaching out to exclusive boutiques to stock their designs. Exclusivity tempts shoppers to buy, whatever their tastes. Jamie Jewellery is a prime example of this. The stunning designs can be bought on www.notonthehighstreet.com, and at high-fashion boutiques around London, or by appointment only at Jamie Reuben's studio in north London.

According to Ms Reuben, more women than ever are seeking customised designs and one-off pieces to give a serious "wow" factor to their personal look.

Fine jewellery is no longer just for the older generation and gifting to batmitzvah girls, it's becoming a must-have finish to an outfit. The biggest trend since statement necklaces is the matching suite. Boucheron, which has built its reputation on creating matching suites for its clientele, believes it allows women to create a story with their jewellery and a customised look that gets them recognised by what adorns their neck, wrists and ears.

Key pieces of fine jewellery for the season ahead include winged ear cuffs, geometric designs and pre-stacked rings that hover on the finger.

Statement jewellery continues to shine in stores more often associated with underwear, such as Marks and Spencer, but other high-street chains, including Topshop with its Freedom jewellery line, and Primark, are also offering stunning ranges of oversized rings and big, bold necklaces. It seems the designer copies have something to offer all ages, from teenagers to grandmothers.

Whatever jewellery you opt for, whether it's fine or fake, it's got to be high shine all the way - because what woman doesn't love to sparkle?