Jewelry completes your look. While they are often viewed as fashion accessories, they actually do more than that. They bring out your personality and boost confidence. However, starting a jewelry collection can be quite daunting.
With thousands of choices out there, it is easy for anyone to feel confused and overwhelmed. While there are no hard and fast rules on how to do it, there are ways to simplify the process, get all the essentials, and help you enjoy the process.
Anatomy of a Necklace & Jewelry Collection: Tips for Buying
Here are some pointers to build your jewelry collection.
- Make sure you take a purposeful approach in building your collection. Do not feel pressured to buy everything.
- Quality over quantity.
- Remember that there is no deadline for this, so take your time.
- Consider your personality; get the pieces that you actually would want to wear.
- Be versatile and flexible. Make sure you can style jewelry for different looks and different occasions.
- It’s good to stick with the classics. But don’t be afraid to try something new.
Here are some staples of a good and versatile jewelry collection.
Anatomy of a necklace collection
Chain Necklace
Chain necklaces never go out of style. There is nothing more versatile than this and there are tons of options to choose from to fit any outfit. The biggest question when it comes to chain necklaces however, is choosing between solid gold and gold plated.
Obviously, the former is far more expensive than the latter. Also, plated gold fades over time and will expose the metal underneath, which means you may have to bring it to a jeweler and have it re-plated.
Solid gold is far more durable and will never fade. However, they can feel heavy on your neck. If you want a lighter (and more affordable) necklace, then you can opt for a hollow chain necklace.
Also, consider the link type. Box chain and wheat chain links are easier on the skin and clothes and far more durable. They do not twist like flat, herringbone, and omega type links. Round snake chain may look luxurious but they are prone to catch your hair and clothes, causing kinks and damages that may be difficult to repair.
Statement Necklace
Want to grab attention and make heads turn? Wear a statement necklace and spice up your look. Statement necklaces look great when paired with solid-colored blouses and dresses, both for casual and formal environments. The great thing about this is there are so many designs and styles to choose from, such as, bold and large, intricate details, single color, colorful, beads, and gemstones.
Pendant Necklace
The best way to grow your collection is to have pieces with sentimental value or significant meaning for you. A delicate pendant necklace can be perfect for this, they are unobtrusive and elegant even for casual everyday outfits. You can choose the pendant of your birthstone, the initials of your loved ones, among others.
Dainty Necklace
Whether short or long, a dainty necklace is a staple and an absolute must-have for any jewelry box. If you are tall and slim, then a long dainty necklace will look great on you. If you are shorter, your best choice to accentuate your stature is a shorter necklace.
Anatomy of an earrings collection
Diamond Stud Earrings
Elegant, timeless, and understated, diamond stud earrings sparkle and shine to any outfit. Medium-sized (0.30 to 0.75 carat per stone) is the best, as you can wear them with almost anything. Also, choose colour G to H, with a clarity of VS2-SI1, they sparkle so much better.
Hoop Earrings
Simple and versatile, oversized gold hoop earrings are fabulous casual and summer accessories. You can choose light weight designs for comfort. Mid-sized chubby hoops are great for everyday glam look. Colored hoops, pear-adorned, or embellished with diamonds look amazing for after-dark elegant look.
Drop Earrings
If you want to mix fun and classic, then get a pair of drop earrings. They are the epitome of glamour and great for special occasions. They dangle low and they come in so many great designs (even intricately designs), colors, and even bright and sparkly stones to pair with any outfit.
Anatomy of a bracelet collection
Bold Dangles
Bold dangles are another versatile piece you can wear day or night, dressed down or dressed up. You can wear them on their own or pair it with fabulous earrings.
Some dangle styles you can choose include one solid material, made with mixed materials, wide surface, stiff and circular, with or without designs.
Tennis Bracelet
Relatively simple, unassuming, but classic and elegant, tennis bracelets, or more commonly known as river bracelets, are popular as gifts. They are made popular by professional tennis player and fashion icon Chris Evert, when she lost her diamond bracelet during a match in the 1987 US Open.
Tennis bracelets look even more stunning when embellished with diamonds. Thus, when buying this jewelry, pay attention to the metal used and the quality of the diamonds. They come in various metals such as sterling silver, gold, rose gold, yellow gold, or platinum.
Anatomy of a ring collection
Cocktail Rings
Looking for a single piece that can make a statement? Well, that is exactly what cocktail rings are for. They are large and usually worn at the right hand, either on the ring or index finger, to draw attention when you sip a drink from your glass – hence the name cocktail ring. Thus, they are perfect for evening events. For casual looks that stand out, you can finish the tee, relaxed blazer, and jeans combo with a cocktail ring.
Traditional design features colored gemstones with diamond accents. Nowadays they come in many different materials, gemstones, and designs. You can choose whatever color and metal combination you like.
Classic Watch
No jewelry collection can be completed without a classic watch. Watch is the ultimate everyday accessory, and in most cases, the finishing piece to complete any looks with minimal effort.
You can never go wrong with the classic clean design of a metal bracelet. They look timeless and professional, yet sturdy and reliable. For an elegant look, you can choose rectangular or square dials. They are perfect for evening events. Round dials are good for every day outfits, as they work with almost any looks.
If you cannot choose between yellow gold, white, pink straps, then refer to the color of your favorite handbag. If your tote comes with gold touches, then pick a gold watch. Still cannot decide? Choose two tone straps. Stay away from too colorful watches, as they may compete against your outfit.
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