Best pieces to start a luxury jewelery collection with?

[dryad_love]

Hi all,

What are your dream luxury/designer pieces you'd go for to start a jewellery collection with if you were a newbie?

I've always loved jewellery but only recently getting into fine jewellery. Want to start building a tasteful collection through my 30s and beyond. Most of my collection right now is at 2 extremes— one is the F21/HM/Zara kind and the other is heirloom pieces that are too ornate and fussy to wear on a daily basis. Style-wise, I like modern, feminine and artsy things. Long earrings, delicate necklaces and bracelets as well as statement pieces are my jam. Any suggestions on where to begin?

 

[papertiger]

Maybe start a list of possibles.

Unless you know exactly what to buy just look for one piece and slowly add.

Tiffany DBTY sounds like it would be nice for your "long earrings, delicate necklaces and bracelet" side, maybe even their coloured stone BTY, and perhaps look Buccellati Hawaii, just about any Carolina Bucci or Roberto Coin for statement. When I think statement - I think Italian ha ha.

 

[palmbeachpink]

absolutly agree w/papertiger -- also, Temple St. Clair + Sydney Evan + Marco Bicego + Ariel Gordon (she is very, very delicate + feminine) - two stores that have different designers to browse are Ylang 23 + Audry Rose - for modern + artsy (in silver + gold designs) there is a Mexican designer, Lusasul.com; love her silver bloody heart necklace, looks better in photos than name sounds and on thy endless list

of course Tiffany, Cartier + VCA but above are a tad more outside the box and have sales

for simple basics, have a few pairs of Ross Simons earrings + huggies that must be 20+ years old that are great + look new - Ross Simons has been around 50/75 years + believe made in Rhode Island - have not bought there in a long time but when looking for small rose gold hoops recently, they popped up in search but no clue if quality is the same as years ago

quality over quantity is key

 

[880]

Try everything before you buy and be openminded. This forum is very brand heavy with emphasis on Cartier, VCA, Tiffany with some Roberto coin,Yurman, pomellato, etc. don’t forget vintage where you can get some deals. And art jewelry. And have fun

 

[EvaH]

I would say focus on finding:
- a great pair of gold studs (focus on the weight in grams and get full gold at least 18ct+ or 750/ooo)
- a great pair of pearl earrings (I would go with either antique or a brand which specialises in pearls like Yoko London)
- a great pair of diamonds studs (I would go with antique or private jeweller NOT a brand -> you pay for the brand, not the quality of the stone)
- a sturdy watch (ideally from a watch maker, it doesn't have to break the bank or a classic Cartier/Hermes if you want more mainstream brands)
- a bracelet: tennis, cuff, bangle whichever fits your lifestyle more

You can also throw a cocktail ring in your favourite stone precious or semi precious if you want but agree with above: quality over quantity!

 

[880]

Most of my collection right now is at 2 extremes— one is the F21/HM/Zara kind and the other is heirloom pieces that are too ornate and fussy to wear on a daily basis. Style-wise, I like modern, feminine and artsy things. Long earrings, delicate necklaces and bracelets as well as statement pieces are my jam.

Don’t discount developing a good relationship with a jeweler and asking whether your heirloom pieces can be restyled into a lighter, airier and more modern look. I firmly believe in utilizing what is in your jewelry box before branching out. In NYC, with a good jeweler and a good tailor, miracles can happen and it’s relatively inexpensive compared to buying high quality new or even estate pieces. However, ive been told by other tpfers located elsewhere (maybe in Europe) that reimagining a piece is expensive, so perhaps it depends on where you are in addition to how much time and energy you have. . . Heavy center stone cocktail rings can be lightened with halos and split shanks and eternity bands; old fashioned dangly earrings can be reset into light as gossamer earrings; and any jeweler can fashion a diamonds by the yard look; pearls can be strung and separated by chain, gemstones, or surrounded by torsades; extra clasps. . . Having said that, pls don’t take apart your heirlooms if you might use them in a few years. . . and feel tremendous regret bc they are irreplaceable.

also, I started with a good deal on large south sea pearls many years ago, but if I was buying pearls for the first time today, I might consider going cheaper and larger. I just learned of something called Edison pearls which I believe are large pearls cultivated in mussels in fun colors (like grey and black and champagne and pink in addition to white) and there are relatively inexpensive semi baroque, fireball and others. @SmokieDragon has a large Edison strand that she said she could post in the pearl thread this weekend that I cannot wait to see.

a capsule collection may be different for each individual. Everyone has different priorities. @papertiger gave me great advice similar to that above In post #82 in the following thread https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...ura-david-webb-schlumberger-etc.926026/page-6. Her advice was so good, I jotted it down on a piece of paper and took it with me shopping. Basically, her points were:
1. put all brands you like in a folder
2. think hard about what category of jewelry you wear (she specifically noted that she likes stuff that is easy to do up and feels secure)*
3. don’t buy starter pieces
4. educate yourself about what can rally be worn everyday
5. aftercare (I kind of interpreted this to avoid pink gold but that’s just my interpretation)
* I was interested in a black jade cuff, but the SA said, well, it’s important to put it on while you are sitting on a bed or soft surface and take it off the same way. . . and not put it on in the bathroom where it can shatter when you drop it ) And DH burst out laughing. So I kind of crossed that one off the list

apologies for the length of this post!

watches depreciate like rocks esp without box and papers. Fashionphile has some good deals on preloved Cartier. Richmonte (owns a bunch of luxury brands like Cartier and Lange) also bought watchfinders a reseller website, Whihc I have not used, but it might be a resource.

 

[JessicaRabbit1]

It is really hard to say. I would look at what you already have and what outfits/styles you feel are missing from your collection. If you have an idea of how (i.e. what style and what to match them) and where (work, dinners, balls etc) then its easier to start.
An example would be you have a lot of fun jewellery which is good for clubbing or fun days out with your girls. You want something sophisticated that can be worn at all events, and can be classic to stay in fashion. From this i'd say something like diamond stud earrings or a tennis bracelet.
You have to figure out where you are (point a), and where you want to go (point b) then design a rout to get there (item c). this will help you reduce wastage and be able to fit items into your stayle so they get worn .\wishing you the best of luck xx

 

[RT1]

Don’t discount developing a good relationship with a jeweler and asking whether your heirloom pieces can be restyled into a lighter, airier and more modern look. I firmly believe in utilizing what is in your jewelry box before branching out. In NYC, with a good jeweler and a good tailor, miracles can happen and it’s relatively inexpensive compared to buying high quality new or even estate pieces. However, ive been told by other tpfers located elsewhere (maybe in Europe) that reimagining a piece is expensive, so perhaps it depends on where you are in addition to how much time and energy you have. . . Heavy center stone cocktail rings can be lightened with halos and split shanks and eternity bands; old fashioned dangly earrings can be reset into light as gossamer earrings; and any jeweler can fashion a diamonds by the yard look; pearls can be strung and separated by chain, gemstones, or surrounded by torsades; extra clasps. . . Having said that, pls don’t take apart your heirlooms if you might use them in a few years. . . and feel tremendous regret bc they are irreplaceable.

also, I started with a good deal on large south sea pearls many years ago, but if I was buying pearls for the first time today, I might consider going cheaper and larger. I just learned of something called Edison pearls which I believe are large pearls cultivated in mussels in fun colors (like grey and black and champagne and pink in addition to white) and there are relatively inexpensive semi baroque, fireball and others. @SmokieDragon has a large Edison strand that she said she could post in the pearl thread this weekend that I cannot wait to see.

a capsule collection may be different for each individual. Everyone has different priorities. @papertiger gave me great advice similar to that above In post #82 in the following thread https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...ura-david-webb-schlumberger-etc.926026/page-6. Her advice was so good, I jotted it down on a piece of paper and took it with me shopping. Basically, her points were:
1. put all brands you like in a folder
2. think hard about what category of jewelry you wear (she specifically noted that she likes stuff that is easy to do up and feels secure)*
3. don’t buy starter pieces
4. educate yourself about what can rally be worn everyday
5. aftercare (I kind of interpreted this to avoid pink gold but that’s just my interpretation)
* I was interested in a black jade cuff, but the SA said, well, it’s important to put it on while you are sitting on a bed or soft surface and take it off the same way. . . and not put it on in the bathroom where it can shatter when you drop it ) And DH burst out laughing. So I kind of crossed that one off the list

apologies for the length of this post!

watches depreciate like rocks esp without box and papers. Fashionphile has some good deals on preloved Cartier. Richmonte (owns a bunch of luxury brands like Cartier and Lange) also bought watchfinders a reseller website, Whihc I have not used, but it might be a resource.

This post has some great advice in it!
@880 knows her stuff and you can bank on it!

 

[andforpoise]

I would say focus on finding:
- a great pair of gold studs (focus on the weight in grams and get full gold at least 18ct+ or 750/ooo)
- a great pair of pearl earrings (I would go with either antique or a brand which specialises in pearls like Yoko London)
- a great pair of diamonds studs (I would go with antique or private jeweller NOT a brand -> you pay for the brand, not the quality of the stone)
- a sturdy watch (ideally from a watch maker, it doesn't have to break the bank or a classic Cartier/Hermes if you want more mainstream brands)
- a bracelet: tennis, cuff, bangle whichever fits your lifestyle more

You can also throw a cocktail ring in your favourite stone precious or semi precious if you want but agree with above: quality over quantity!

I second all of this!!!

 

[iggybedora]

I rarely buy jewelry (prefer shoes) but just bought a Temple St. Clair moonstone amulet! This is truly my first major jewelry purchase and I'm in love. I remember seeing an amulet of hers on a family friend when I was a teenager and knew then it was unique. I appreciate that her jewelry has a mystical quality and is not mass-produced. I'm waiting for the next sale to get her oval chain. Cat boy approves too!

 

[Emac80]

Oh! I would start with a beautiful soliatire diamond necklace and a pair of diamond stud earrings. I also love pearl studs - will make any outfit look super chic xx

 

[muddledmint]

If you are looking for more everyday styles, I would go for more simple, classic pieces without too much bling that you can wear anywhere and will likely stand the test of time. I am a big fan of the newer tiffany lines like hardwear and t. These pieces are modern but not too trendy, and most are wearable both day and night. I have some stuff by more midpriced designers like Ariel Gordon and Ef collection etc, and I love it, but I’d be careful because a lot of these pieces will go out of style.

 

[shaezie]

For me, I would say start with your birthstone then slowly explore other gemstones. Get something that is simple but classy that you can wear any occasion. That's how I started my collection. cheers

 

[Joule]

I think there could be two main ways most people look at this: they either gather the standard foundation pieces on which they can later expand their collections (the diamond studs/diamond pendant/pearl studs/pearl strand/tennis bracelet route), or they begin the Hunt for the Pieces So Many People Covet (Cartier Love Bangle, VCA Alhambra collection, etc.).

Truly courageous people can bypass all this and not follow the crowd. I really admire them. I flunk the bravery test, I admit it, but I do get an E for effort: I can eschew most major big names, but fall prey to Mikimoto. And while I generally manage to avoid the diamond trap, pearls are my downfall. So my go-tos may not lie entirely within the "standard basics" safety zone, but they're pretty darn close.

Also, your basics could change as you age. I wore more stud and hoop earrings when I was younger, but now tend to stick with thick huggies. I exchanged my pendant necklaces for the aforementioned pearl strands, and neglect rings altogether (except for my wedding band). You never know. Comfort and practicality count, especially since you'll be wearing these pieces so often.

Or I could be completely wrong about all of this. It happens alarmingly often.

 

[880]

I think there could be two main ways most people look at this: they either gather the standard foundation pieces on which they can later expand their collections (the diamond studs/diamond pendant/pearl studs/pearl strand/tennis bracelet route), or they begin the Hunt for the Pieces So Many People Covet (Cartier Love Bangle, VCA Alhambra collection, etc.).

Truly courageous people can bypass all this and not follow the crowd. I really admire them. I flunk the bravery test, I admit it, but I do get an E for effort: I can eschew most major big names, but fall prey to Mikimoto. And while I generally manage to avoid the diamond trap, pearls are my downfall. So my go-tos may not lie entirely within the "standard basics" safety zone, but they're pretty darn close.

Also, your basics could change as you age. I wore more stud and hoop earrings when I was younger, but now tend to stick with thick huggies. I exchanged my pendant necklaces for the aforementioned pearl strands, and neglect rings altogether (except for my wedding band). You never know. Comfort and practicality count, especially since you'll be wearing these pieces so often.

Or I could be completely wrong about all of this. It happens alarmingly often.

ITA with everything @Joule wrote above in principle. I only differ in my own personal choices. Buy what you love and want to wear all the time (cannot bear to take off) and wait rather than settle for almost good enough. And, even though you may have loved x type of jewelry for decades (in my case, platinum and diamonds), keep in mind, your tastes could radically change as you get older.