I've always admired people who seem effortlessly put-together, and I realized a big part of that is having a curated collection of jewelry you can just throw on and go. For years, I struggled to find pieces that were both stylish and durable enough for daily wear. It's taken some trial and error, but I'm excited to share what I've learned about building a jewelry wardrobe that works for me.
Recently, I decided to invest in my first solid gold piece. I chose a delicate necklace with a unique diamond shape that I could wear every day. I wanted something that would be subtle yet eye-catching, and that would last. The initial excitement quickly faded when I realized I didn't have much else to pair it with. I was basically starting from scratch. I wanted a jewelry collection that was both timeless and versatile, pieces I could wear to work, to dinner, or just running errands. I needed to find jewelry that could stand up to daily wear and tear without tarnishing or breaking. And, like most people, I wanted to achieve this without breaking the bank.
I remember one time buying a set of beautiful gold-plated rings, only to have the plating wear off within a few weeks. It was so frustrating! I realized then that I needed to be more strategic about my purchases and focus on quality over quantity.
One of the first things I did was experiment with different styles. I didn’t want to spend a ton of money figuring out what I liked, so I grabbed a few packs of those cheap, minimalist earrings from a local store. This helped me understand what shapes and sizes looked best on me before investing in higher-quality options. For example, I quickly learned that I'm not a fan of spherical studs, but I love the look of small, geometric shapes.
I also discovered that I really value jewelry made with fine metals. I was so tired of my gold-plated rings chipping and losing stones. Now, I try to look for pieces that are 100% gold or have quality gold plating, especially for necklaces or items that don't get as much wear. I've had good luck with brands that offer affordable fine jewelry.
I also wanted to add some variety to my collection, and that's when I stumbled across some really cool men's jewelry. Don't let the label fool you! Many of these pieces are unisex and can add an edgy touch to any outfit. For example, I've been eyeing this Men's Beaded Necklace from Blingcharming. It's a men's choker necklace, but I think it would look amazing layered with my other necklaces. I love the idea of mixing and matching different textures and styles to create a unique look. The key is to find pieces that resonate with your personal style and make you feel confident.
I'm not usually one for necklaces, but I've found that this particular piece from Blingcharming is the perfect length for layering. It sits comfortably on my collarbone and doesn't get tangled with my other necklaces. The beads are also a really nice weight, so it doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. I've even received compliments on it from both men and women, which is always a good sign!
I also made a conscious effort to build a basic jewelry wardrobe last year, and it was surprisingly rewarding. I prioritized getting high-quality daily wear items, like the same pair of simple studs for my three lobe piercings, rings that actually fit well, and necklaces in different lengths. It made getting ready in the morning so much easier!
Personally, I'm a huge fan of pearls. I have three different sizes of pearl earrings that I typically wear by themselves. Sometimes I'll change those up for more flashy earrings, but that's typically if I have to go to a party or have an event. Otherwise, I'd say invest in a nice pair of whatever type of jewelry you like best. I like pearls because they are classic and can be dressed up or down.
Here are some things I learned along the way that might help you: