So it may be true that Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria is striking no matter what jewelry she wears ? in fact she could probably clip a pair of old sneakers to her ears and get away with it ? but we believe that's because she knows how to make those tennis treads look their best, and not the other way around. Keep a few simple ideas in mind and you'll see that you can make the most of your jewelry too.

1. Stick With a Hairstyle

Have you ever seen Eva unclip an intricate updo mid-red carpet? Or gather her locks into a ponytail halfway through a Spurs game? Neither have we. Nor do we expect to anytime soon, due to a fact that the rest of us fidgety, hairclip-toting ladies seem to have forgotten: If you settle on a hairstyle before you leave the house not only will your hair-free hands convey confidence and allow you to hold a cocktail (or two), you will have the underrated advantage of choosing jewelry for that hairstyle in front of a mirror. While we're at it, we'll go ahead and say that when your hair is down, feel free to wear something a little more shiny and showy, so that it is not lost underneath the tresses. On the other hand, err on the simpler side when your ears and neckline are exposed. Too much bling will take away from the real gem (you).

2. Go Big and Beautiful

Eva's prominent cheekbones and oval face shape create negative space along her chinbone where long dangles and big hoops can hang free. Here, bigger earrings give length to her face (where smaller ones would have the opposite effect), but there is a risk in that any large piece of jewelry inevitably draws a lot of attention. Thus, we doubt that Eva ever just throws any old earrings in before she leaves the house. Rather, the earrings she chooses have three things in common: they are confident, graceful and of earthy stones like chalcedony and citrine?qualities that many would also attribute to Eva herself. This combination results in accessories that complement, not overwhelm, the face they hang from.

3. Simple Is Striking

Recently, Eva was photographed wearing a chunky Green Quartz and layered gold chain pendant necklace. Single pendant necklaces provide an opportunity for personalization that other necklaces don't because gemstones come in all shapes, colors and sizes. So if green makes your skin look paler, choose garnet or topaz instead. If you prefer a stand alone, sterling silver chain, go for it. The point is not to emulate Eva exactly, but to embrace the elements that make her style work ? the grace of a single, visible stone, enhanced but not overwhelmed by a delicate chain, will only be outdone by your own radiant face.

4. The Engagement Bling

Just to be clear, we don't expect that many of our readers are about to receive a ring made of 148 diamonds, or for that matter, marry an NBA star. But we do expect you to feel like a celebrity during your engagement, and we believe the trick is making the ring as personal as Tony and Eva did. Eva's darker skin tone cries out for diamonds, so it makes sense that the ring would boast so many. Another option is to choose a light metal, like sterling silver or platinum, for a band that will provide contrast to her finger. If your skin is already pale enough, then flank the diamond with a couple of small, darker gemstones and a gold band. This will make the diamond pop, no matter its size.

To take it one step further, Tony's personal message was engraved inside the shank of the ring. We like a comparable, but less pricey italicized inscription on the inside of the band. Think of it as a private message that your finger can read day after day.