One of the best things about having a large fine jewelry collection is being able to enjoy the wide variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. Whether you choose earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, men and women around the world use pieces of jewelry as a form of self-expression to showcase their style and personality. There is so much variety in both the vintage and brand-new markets that you can build a jewelry box with lots of unique and special items.
Having said this, though, within any trendy and eclectic jewelry collection, there are a few pieces that you absolutely must have. We think eight classic jewelry pieces should be the backbone of any collection and here they are:
Statement Diamond Stud Earrings
Everyone who loves to wear earrings needs a go-to pair of stud earrings. There is something effortlessly classic about studs and simple gemstone studs are the most classic of all with diamonds taking the top spot. You don’t have to have a colored stone in your jewelry to make an impact: just look at any piece of Cartier or Tiffany’s jewelry and you will see how sensational a clear diamond can be.
Diamond stud earrings in particular are beautiful when paired with simple outfits that allow the jewels to be the star of the show. For example, they are perfect when worn with a classic little black dress.
You never need to worry about diamond stud earrings going out of style because such an elegant and versatile design can never find itself clashing with contemporary fashion!
You can’t go wrong with a pair like these 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings.
Gold Hoop Earrings
Staying with earrings for a moment, another must-have accessory is a pair of classic gold hoops. The great thing about gold hoops is that you can be bold and opt for a much larger size than you might be comfortable with in other areas of jewelry simply because a hoop earring offers a lot of ‘space’ along with its metal.
Gold hoops in particular are a neutral color that is easily paired with both casual and formal looks, which makes them ideal for everyday wear that we are focused on in this article.
Another benefit of hoop earrings in general is that they suit all types of hair cut and hair lengths and hoops come in a huge range of sizes and styles from large gypsy hoops to sexy huggies.
If you want a pair of gold hoops but prefer a statement pair rather than a simple minimalist loop, these Hoop With Line-Through 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Earring In Satin Finish certainly stand out.
Signature Chain Necklace
There is nothing quite like finding the perfect pendant necklace or chain necklace to become one of your signature pieces. The great thing about chain necklaces is with countless options in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and sterling silver, you will certainly find a type that suits your style
Whether you want something chunky, something with mixed metals, something dainty, or something classic and refined, the possibilities are endless within the chain necklace genre. There is an amazing array of link styles including rope, twisted, herringbone, Figaro, Cuban, and box.
A chain necklace or pendant necklace as a statement piece in your collection that looks just as good with a simple t-shirt as it does with a more formal dress outfit is a prize indeed.
Keep things simple and classic with this 925 Sterling Silver Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace.
Pearls
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that pearl jewelry is old-fashioned. Contemporary jewelers have never fallen out of love with pearls and there are also some fabulous antique and secondhand pieces of pearl jewelry available. Do you know anyone who doesn’t admire the beautiful pearl drop earrings that Kate, Duchess of Cambridge wears that were once the property of Diana, Princess of Wales?
Many people associate pearl earrings and pearl necklaces with special occasions only, but they can also be worn in a more casual everyday wear kind of way when paired with the right outfits. A pair of pearl studs look equally as fabulous with a white Tee and jeans as with a red cocktail dress.
For as long as we can remember, pearls have been seen by most as a smart investment piece, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t also be used as a modern, funky part of your everyday wardrobe as well. From cool pearl chokers to vintage pearl necklaces, there is something in the genre to satisfy the personal styles of everyone.
They are the kind of pieces that you can buy as a modern accessory, and still pass on decades from now as a genuine heirloom!
You can enjoy the best of both worlds with this 925 Sterling Silver Cultured Pearl String Necklace.
Eye Catching Rings
One area where you can make an interesting impact with your jewelry choices is on your hands. When it comes to attention-grabbing, the bigger, more colorful, and chunky, the better! There is of course lots of room in your collection for traditional silver and gold rings, but make sure that you don’t forget to include statement rings and cocktail rings that are nothing but fun. You have to wear your engagement ring every day but you can happily wear a diamond ring on the other hand.
If you want to be even more eye-catching with your ring style, then stacking rings is always an interesting look and conversation starter.
Sometimes people get scared when picking rings and always end up with something muted and more traditional than they were originally seeking, so don’t be afraid to be big and bold with your ring choices!
Something like this Diamonds Grace Vintage Inspired 925 Silver Wide Band Ladies Ring is certainly eye-catching thanks to its larger-than-usual design.
Any Nameplate Piece
Did you know that the classic Sex & The City New York style nameplate necklaces are back on trend in a big way? We couldn’t be happier about it!
They might seem a little bit cliche as a jewelry staple, but in the 21st century, we love nostalgia and retro, particularly looking back to the 80s and 90s, and there is nothing more 90s than a nameplate necklace just like Carrie Bradshaw wore in that iconic TV show.
All you need is a simple gold nameplate, or perhaps a necklace that displays a single solid gold initial, and it can be incorporated into so many different everyday looks that it will probably end up being the most used item in your collection.
A letter name pendant like this is exactly what we are talking about!
Adjustable Tennis Bracelet
A classic diamond tennis bracelet is the best arm accessory. It might sound like a diamond bracelet is too valuable or sophisticated for everyday wear, but when presented in the form of a tennis bracelet, the diamonds somehow feel more casual and accessible.
Some women have trouble with the heaviest or most decorative part of a bracelet slipping around to become invisible on the underside of the wrist, but that problem doesn’t happen with a tennis bracelet. You can adjust it to fit exactly how you want it to.
Experiment with mixed metals with this 14k Yellow and White Gold Diamond Tennis Bracelet.
Bangle
And finally, another type of bracelet that suits everyday wear is a bangle. Bangles can be worn as a single item or in multiples - layering or stacking bangles and bracelets is one of the hottest trends in jewelry in the past few years. Again, a huge variety in design and style means you gain the versatility you need to find what you consider to be a classic piece.
Bangles are also incredibly robust thanks to their solid, all round design, which means that you don’t have to worry about too much wear and tear like you would with more delicate bracelets that contain clasps and links.
This textured Milano bangle bracelet is the perfect example of a dainty piece of jewelry that works well on its own or with other bracelets.
Choosing a Classic Piece of Jewelry
What it essentially means when a jewelry item is described as classic is that it is a design that continues to be popular through the decades. they are timeless pieces that are also foundational pieces. How you interpret that in making your own choices to build your collection is personal. Think of lifetime value and your lifestyle. It is only classic to you if you love it and it is a go-to piece.
