Foundational Jewelry - How to start your collection
Foundational Jewelry to invest in #1
A diamond necklace or pendant. This could be a solitaire an antique mounting, a filigree multi-diamond pendant or a diamonds by the yard (bezel set and spaced on a chain). Whatever form it takes it should look like you! This is a piece that works with everything - from black cocktail dress to white t-shirt and jeans. Layered or worn solo this necklace should add sparkle and joy to the things you wear.
Foundational Jewelry to invest in #2
A gold chain bracelet. The color should look good on your skin. It should fit comfortably and you need to be able to get it on and off yourself. You want this to make a statement but still feel natural to your aesthetic. Personally, I wear two English heart padlock bracelets on wide curb chains. This is not going to be an inexpensive purchase but when you find the right one don't let it go!
Foundational Jewelry to invest in #3
Webster’s defines a signet ring as “a finger ring with a signet, seal or monogram” but that does not begin to describe the rich tradition of the style! Going back to ancient Mesopotamia, small cylinders fashioned with family identifiers were set in wire and worn on the hand for the marking of legal documents. In many cases, the ring was sent as pledge of loyalty or promise. Signets have meaning and make a statement. They come in many sizes, shapes and weights. Things to think about before starting your hunt for a signet ring; which finger are you going to wear it on (this will influence how large a ring you want), color of gold, shape, stone or monogram? Please do not limit yourself to your own initials - as no one else knows all your family names!
Foundational Jewelry to invest in #4
A gold chain is a truly versatile piece of jewelry. Do you love a dainty, thin box chain that never comes off your neck? Or a wonderful Etruscan revival collar? I
personally believe you should have 3 gold chains that fill different roles in your jewelry box.
1. A thin, 15, 16 or 18 inch (depending on your neck) chain
that looks pretty alone or with small charms and pendants
2. A long chain. This should minimally be 24 inches and have
enough weight to support larger pendants, watches or lockets. An extra long - guard/muff chain - that is able to be doubled up for flair
3. A chunky watch chain