You know you have those pieces of jewelry you turn to time and time again. The ones that make you feel instantly stylish and put together, no matter the occasion. We all have our favorites that we feel lost without. If you’re looking to build up your jewelry collection with classic, versatile pieces you’ll love for years to come, here are 10 timeless jewelry must-haves every woman should own. These staples will take you from day to night, work to weekend, and everywhere in between. Invest in these jewelry essentials and you’ll be set for life.
Diamond Stud Earrings: A Girl’s Best Friend
Diamond stud earrings are a timeless classic that belong in every jewelry collection. A pair of high-quality diamond studs can make a style statement while still being versatile enough to wear every day.
When buying diamond studs, focus on the 4 C’s: color, clarity, cut and carat weight. For stud earrings, you’ll want diamonds that are colorless or nearly colorless, with a minimum clarity rating of SI or better. The cut should be “excellent” to maximize the stone’s sparkle. A carat weight of 1/2 to 3/4 of a carat total is a good size that balances size and affordability.
A Strand of Pearls: Classic and Elegant Jewelry
A strand of pearls is a timeless classic that every woman should have in her jewelry box. Since ancient times, pearls have represented sophistication and elegance. Whether dressed up or down, pearls can compliment any outfit and make you feel instantly glamorous.
Pearls come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small seed pearls to large baroque pearls. For a first piece of pearl jewelry, a simple yet chic pearl strand is ideal. Look for pearls with a luminous glow and surface free of blemishes. The most popular and affordable are cultured freshwater pearls, which can be quite large and nearly flawless.
A Gold Bracelet: Simple but Sophisticated
A gold bracelet is a timeless piece of jewelry that every woman should own. Gold bracelets come in a variety of styles, from chunky bangles to delicate chains. No matter what your personal style is, there’s gold bracelets to suit you.
Simplicity is Key
Keep it simple. A basic gold chain or bangle bracelet in 14K or 18K yellow or rose gold is sophisticated and elegant. Gold bracelets do not require any gemstones or embellishments to make a statement. The warm glow of gold is striking on its own. For a minimal and polished look, choose a thin gold chain bracelet. For something bolder, opt for a wider chain or a chunky open bangle style.
Styling a Gold Bracelet
A gold bracelet pairs well with both casual and formal outfits. For everyday, wear a gold chain bracelet with jeans and a t-shirt or a bangle bracelet with a casual sundress. For evening, a gold bracelet is the perfect accent for a cocktail dress or gown. Stacking multiple gold bracelets in different widths and styles is also a stylish option for day or night. Mix and match chains, bangles and cuffs for an on-trend stacked bracelet look.
Care and Maintenance
Gold bracelets require some care to keep them looking their best. Gently wipe your gold bracelet with a soft, damp cloth to remove any dirt or oils. For chain bracelets, periodically check the clasp to ensure it is securely fastened. Store your gold bracelets in a lined jewelry box or pouch when not wearing them to prevent scratches and tangles. For bangle bracelets, apply a drop of jojoba oil or mineral oil inside the bangle every 6 months or so to keep it sliding on easily.
A Gemstone Ring: Making a Bold Statement
A gemstone ring is a timeless piece of jewelry that makes a bold statement. Whether you prefer diamonds, rubies, emeralds or sapphires, a colorful gemstone ring is eye-catching and says you have a sense of style.
Size and Setting
When choosing a gemstone ring, consider the size and type of setting you want. A solitaire setting focuses all the attention on a single, prominent gemstone. A three-stone ring incorporates three gemstones, usually representing the past, present and future. For maximum sparkle, choose a halo setting which surrounds the center gemstone with a circle of smaller stones.
Gemstone Shapes
Oval, round and cushion-cut stones are traditional and complement most ring styles. Square or emerald-cut stones have an elegant, art deco feel. If you want something unique, consider a pear-shaped, heart-shaped or marquise stone.
Metal Choice
Yellow or rose gold provides a warm, vintage glow that enhances warmer-colored gemstones like rubies or sapphires. White gold or platinum offers a more modern look that makes diamonds and lighter stones sparkle. For the most versatility, choose a neutral metal like white gold that pairs well with any gemstone color.
A gemstone ring means you can have a unique, dazzling accessory that holds its value well over time. With the variety of stones, sizes, shapes and settings available, you can find a ring that fits your personal style and makes a statement about who you are. A gemstone ring is a timeless adornment every woman should consider for her jewelry collection.
A Charm Bracelet: Unique and Personalized
A charm bracelet is a timeless piece of jewelry that is unique to you. Charms collected over the years serve as mementos of important life events, hobbies, places you’ve been, and people who are special to you.
Personalized Reminders
Each charm on your bracelet tells a story or represents some aspect of your life. A tiny Eiffel Tower charm could remind you of your dream trip to Paris. A gemstone charm may have been a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday. Little trinkets that signify inside jokes with close friends make you smile whenever you see them dangling from your wrist.
A Gift that Keeps on Giving
A charm bracelet also makes a thoughtful gift. Friends and family can add charms to commemorate special occasions or simply because they saw something that made them think of you. Each new charm is an opportunity to add another chapter to the story of your life that the bracelet tells.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 10 timeless jewelry pieces that belong in every stylish women’s collection. Whether you prefer gold or silver, gemstones or pearls, these classic staples will never go out of fashion and are sure to make a statement for years to come. Invest in quality pieces that reflect your personal style and you’ll always have the perfect accessory for any occasion. While trends come and go, elegance and sophistication are forever. Build your jewelry wardrobe slowly over time and before you know it, you’ll have an enviable collection of heirloom pieces to cherish and pass down to the next generation of glamorous ladies in your life. What are you waiting for? Start shopping and build the jewelry box of your dreams!