I've always been fascinated by jewelry, those little sparkling treasures that can tell a story and add a personal touch to any outfit. But building a collection that truly reflects your style and lasts a lifetime can feel daunting. So, I decided to share my journey and what I've learned along the way. I hope my experiences can help you curate your own collection of cherished pieces.
I remember always wondering if diamond studs were really the classic everyone claimed them to be. I mean, are they actually a staple? I started thinking about other pieces that could become part of my own lifelong jewelry collection. It led me down a path of discovery, realizing that jewelry is so much more than just expensive stones and precious metals.
Sometimes, I feel like my jewelry is fancier than I am! I'm mostly a jeans and t-shirt kind of person. But, I do wear my diamond studs almost every day. I got them one Christmas. My mom didn't really have "buy diamond earrings" money, but she somehow made it happen. Her friend worked in the fine jewelry department at a local store and gave her a discount. Those earrings are more than just diamonds; they're a reminder of my mom's love and sacrifice.
Then, a friend told me a touching story. His best friend got him a class ring for the year he would have graduated. He'd been outed as gay and disowned by his family, so he never finished school. His friend used his own money to buy the ring because he wanted him to have something to remember their years together. Now, in his thirties, he treasures that ring more than anything. It's a symbol of friendship and resilience.
I also went through a "classic" phase, trying to emulate a certain style. But I quickly realized it didn't suit me at all. I basically never wear my diamond or pearl studs because they just don’t feel right on me. I felt like I was wearing someone else's style, not expressing my own. This led me to explore what did feel right.
What I discovered is that the "classics" are different for everyone. If you don’t like clear stones like diamonds, a garnet or a ruby or a citrine stud is perfectly fine! Don’t like studs? Wear a hoop. Don’t like hoops, wear a small dangle. The most important thing is to choose pieces that you love and that reflect your personality.
I had a pair of small silver-tone costume earrings with a subtle crystal dangle that caught the light just right. I wore them constantly until they eventually broke. They weren't expensive or fancy, but they made me feel confident and put-together. It taught me that the value of jewelry isn't always about the price tag.
For me, three "classics" that I wear all the time are a dangly square (plastic) tortoiseshell earring, a pair of large thin gold hoops, and a pair of clay earrings. They might not be what everyone considers "fine jewelry," but they are timeless for me because they fit my style and make me happy.
Speaking of gold hoops, a few years ago, I received a really nice pair as a gift. I still love them for both day and night! You can really tell the quality by how well they’ve lasted. At the time, I thought maybe I should have picked something more blingy or fun, but I still love my hoops now, especially since I have quite a minimalist style. They're versatile and add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
After experimenting, I've curated a jewelry box that truly reflects my style. Here are some of my essentials and some tips based on my experiences:
Recently, I've been loving statement necklaces. I was browsing BlingCharming.com and came across the most beautiful necklace that I think would be a great addition to any jewelry collection. It's called the Elegant Crystal Cuff Wave Collar Necklace Waterdrop Pendant Open Choker Necklace. It's delicate, eye-catching, and can elevate any outfit.