I've always thought that having a small but meaningful jewelry collection is a super sophisticated thing to curate.
Over time I've been able to collect a few pieces that I wear on a daily basis and are truly meaningful.
Loooong gone are the days of statement necklaces in every color - but who else remembers those days fondly?
This post is going to cover my collection, what I look for in quality jewelry, and what piece I have my eye on next.
I think there's a lot of potential when you look at different areas of your life (especially the areas where it's easy to collect unused items) to segment them into capsule collections.
If you're not familiar with this term, it was popularized a few years ago in reference to wardrobes. The concept centers around the idea of less but better. Fewer items in your closet, your dresser, or in this case your jewelry box but ones that you reach for consistently. It's about being intentional about purchases and traditionally staying away from trends and focusing on classics that will stand the test of time.
I've been implementing this idea across so many areas of my life over the past 4-5 years - from my kitchen utensils to my wardrobe – and I realized a while ago it was something that I had subconsciously done in the area of my everyday jewelry. My day-to-day pieces are few - I don't wear much jewelry - but they are from brands that create truly beautiful, quality pieces.
Brands I Shop for Quality Jewelry
- Mejuri – long loved as a quality jewelry maker, Mejuri definitely constitutes about 60% of my jewelry at the moment. They have beautiful, classic pieces that stand the test of time.
- AuRate – The majority of my stacking rings are from AuRate and I love browsing their site to see what new and beautiful items they're coming out with. They sell both fine jewelry and engagement jewelry if anyone is looking for wedding or engagement rings in the near future.
- Etsy – surprisingly, Etsy is a treasure trove of beautiful, handmade jewelry. I actually bought my wedding band off of Etsy - for only $15 - and 5 years later it's still going strong ( although it is likely something I'll upgrade soon).
- Vintage shops – shopping for vintage pieces is always a fun activity. Some of the most unique jewelry pieces I've found came from vintage stores. A lot of vintage shops in our area carry designer jewelry that's been made into one of a kind pieces.
Mejuri Coastal Red Agate Bracelet
Perfect for summer into fall, this beautiful beaded bracelet is almost more sophisticated on than it looks in a jewelry box.
It's the perfect accessory to add to a stack of bracelets or to wear solo with a neutral outfit if you want to add in some color.
Shop Here
Simple, Everyday Necklace
I love wearing this simple 14K gold necklace on a daily basis - in fact I often go for weeks without taking it off. It's simple, easy to style, and since most of my other jewelry in my collection is gold it works with everything I want to style.
There are a few tips I have if you want a classic necklace to wear on daily basis:
- make sure it's actually gold not just gold plated. Gold plated items will tarnish quickly from water, oil, and sweat and are known to affect the color of your skin over time.
- keep it dainty. Don't opt for an everyday necklace with a large pendant on it or a chunky chain.
- keep it short. I find a shorter necklace is much easier to style with every type of outfit - from my athleisure to fancy outfits.
My Daily Rings
AuRate Rings
I wear pretty consistently a collection of two different stacking rings on my right hand that are linked up at the top of the post.
Both are from a beautiful brand called AuRate and make the perfect, dainty pieces that add just a little touch of sophistication to any outfit.
There are so many different brands that make beautiful, stacking rings like this and they truly can make an outfit.
My Wedding Rings
My engagement ring is by far and away the most precious piece of jewelry I own. The diamond in the ring is a family heirloom that was passed on to me and given to Lee to make into a ring.
Before proposing, he went to a special jewelers in Tennessee to create the perfect ring. Long ago I decided I wanted a yellow gold solitaire ring and the ring he designed is absolutely perfect.
No capsule collection is truly ever finished so I have my eye on a couple pieces to add to my jewelry collection over the next few years.
Cartier Love Bracelet
For our 10th anniversary, Lee and I have already decided we're going to both get the Cartier Love Bracelets.
They're extremely special and can only be taken off with a screwdriver, but I think they make the perfect anniversary milestone gift.
I'd love to add this Mejuri Signet Ring to my collection.
