top 7 pieces every woman must own in her life time?

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I don't think I could ever top PaperTiger's wonderful list. But here's mine:

* Pair of pearl earrings from friend or family member who splurged to afford them
* Pearl necklace that you've worn to at least one memorable occasion and hope to wear to more, but never seem to wear enough
* Diamond ring with intensely sentimental value
* Cuff made by indigenous people somewhere on the globe and which reminds you of how alike we are, and how small and wonderful the world is
* Golden locket from loved one with a picture you cherish
* Charm bracelet you rarely wear but which evokes lots of meaning, memories and silly stories
* Costume jewelry given as a souvenir from a loved one's wonderful vacation
 
I don't think I could ever top PaperTiger's wonderful list. But here's mine:

* Pair of pearl earrings from friend or family member who splurged to afford them
* Pearl necklace that you've worn to at least one memorable occasion and hope to wear to more, but never seem to wear enough
* Diamond ring with intensely sentimental value
* Cuff made by indigenous people somewhere on the globe and which reminds you of how alike we are, and how small and wonderful the world is
* Golden locket from loved one with a picture you cherish
* Charm bracelet you rarely wear but which evokes lots of meaning, memories and silly stories
* Costume jewelry given as a souvenir from a loved one's wonderful vacation

The charm bracelet is now a classic and can be unique and personal, great inclusion. My favourite is the Asprey Woodland collection, all those Shaun Leane designed charms :love: (if anyone doesn't know what to get me, look no further :winkiss: https://www.asprey.com/uk/women/shop-by-category/jewellery/charms.html)
 
I love this thread after people started posting the emotions behind the pieces. And I wanna play!

1) jewelry appropriate for christenings, other people’s graduations, weddings and funerals. Basically things that are elegant enough to say “I respect you and dressed my best” and understated enough to say, “I respect you and that it’s your turn to shine.” I like pearls.

2) jewelry for when you know the other person is judging you; job interviews, meeting in-laws, going to court. Basically, jewelry that says, “I’m prosperous, confident, and I know exactly what I’m doing.” Fake it til you make it baby! This is usually where I’ll wear metal. I used to go for modest diamonds, but with the whole conflict diamonds thing - why take a risk when you know you’re being judged?

3) jewelry for meeting strangers. Distinctive pieces with a story, that will give you something to notice and talk about. I have some wildly extravagant costume pieces that I’ll wear; bold earrings or a statement necklace or a vibrant brooch.

4) jewelry for family. Pieces that they know about and that remind you and them of other people and times.

5) jewelry that makes you feel like you. Your staples that you wear every day.

and finally, 6) anything that makes you smile to see it, even if it’s impractical, even if it’s crazy. Your tiaras, your statement pieces
 
Hii I am looking for necklace for my birthday present. Do you think i should go for VCA or Tifanny &Co? Haha what do u think of the VCA Alhambra clover? I already have the onyx bracelet but dont have the necklace. but I think it is too simple though. I have always preferred white gold though rather than gold or stones. is there a brand that you would recommend? I am also considering DewDrop collection from De Beers
 
1. Diamond, moissonite, or even CZ studs, depending on budget
2. Everyday necklace - gold, silver, small gem, or anything you always feel comfortable in
3. A “special occasion” necklace, be it pearls or a sparkly diamond pendant
4. A comfortable bracelet that adds a touch of flair
5. An everyday right-hand ring (that doesn’t look like an engagement ring)
6. Fun dangly earrings
7. A bold, chunky statement piece, be it earrings, necklace, bracelet or ring
 
Hmm i can only share what i feel are essential in my collection :

1) a fine watch that goes with everything.. for me it is my chanel j12s, one in white and one in black
2) my engagement ring or wedding band but i seldom wear the latter but will keep for sentimental reasons instead of upgrading
3) studs which goes with everything. Can be diamonds, considering akoya pearl studs
4) an everyday bracelet that can get wet in shower, for me its my DBTY style yg bracelet from a local jeweller
5) pendant necklace, for me its VCA Vintage alhambra
6) dainty rings that can be layered or matched around.. or 1 statement ring
7) because i love bracelets, more statement-type bracelets like VCA alhambra in coloured stones or pave that can be topped up onto the everyday bracelet (or bangles but i dont like bangles on me because i prefer somethinf softer and form fitting and adjustable)
 
1. Diamond studs. They are very versatile. And nowadays there are many different style of earring jackets to use together with the studs. I usually use a dangling jackets to make it look funkier. Just slot the jackets in and you get a completely different look.
2. Solitaire diamond ring; easy to pair with any other rings. Mine was given to me by my husband and I pair it with Cartier trinity, Bvlgari b.zero and other rings without diamonds as it helps the other rings to shine more.
3. Solitaire diamond pendant ; great for layering or on its own. I layer mine with my trinity Cartier and Tiffany for the same reason as solitaire ring.
4. Diamond bracelet. It does not have to be a tennis bracelet but anything with diamonds will add bling to other jewelry. I pair mine with Dior rose des vents or other non diamond bracelets.
5. Statement ring. Mine is a big and very intricate pure gold ring.
6. Statement pendant. I have been using VCA holiday pendant for statement pendant but I am hoping to get a bigger one soon. Not a vca though :).
7. Statement earrings. Mine is a set with my statement ring so they are also big and intricate.
(8). Statement bracelet. I am looking for an intricate bracelet similar to my statement ring but I haven’t found one. So instead I have been using Hermes grand apparat bangle together with Cartier trinity cord bracelet. Because their colour is black, to me its a statement! :biggrin:
 
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I resonate with @lill_canele 's list. (although i dont really wear earrings/studs!)

#7 - was a pity i passed a jade bangle from my late granny, as i wasnt even into jewelry back then when it was offered to me, after she passed on.

Thank you!

I'm sorry that you missed out on your grandmother's jade bangle. :sad:
If it makes you feel better, my story is that I was absolutely thrilled to receive my late grandmother's jade bangle. Only to find out that it doesn't fit. :crybaby: I tried so hard to force my hand through it but my thumb knuckle was the only thing blocking it. All my other fingers are small/narrow enough. I didn't want to try to use soap or a silk cloth, because it is something I would want to take off (not wear it everyday). So I gave up and now I just take it out to admire from time to time. :love:
 
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Thank you!

I'm sorry that you missed out on your grandmother's jade bangle. :sad:
If it makes you feel better, my story is that I was absolutely thrilled to receive my late grandmother's jade bangle. Only to find out that it doesn't fit. :crybaby: I tried so hard to force my hand through it but my thumb knuckle was the only thing blocking it. All my other fingers are small/narrow enough. I didn't want to try to use soap or a silk cloth, because it is something I would want to take off (not wear it everyday). So I gave up and now I just take it out to admire from time to time. :love:
Thank you 🙏

That bangle was actually rather big lol. I’ll never be able to wear it (unless I gain 20lbs). I fancy jade and even though I may not get to wear it, like you, I would love to admire it from time to time!
 
Start with a gorgeous ring. It can be a gifted piece like an engagement ring or something you lavished upon yourself. :biggrin:

From there, I have a different take on “must haves” as I don’t like to mix metals. So, I need 6 foundational items in each of the three metal colors I wear (white, yellow and rose gold).

• Diamond inside out hoops
• Diamond drop earrings
• Diamond necklace
• Diamond right hand ring (that is both unique & does not look like my engagement ring)
• Full diamond bracelet that drapes (e.g tennis, etc.)
• Bangle bracelet (may or may not have diamonds)

Pieces within metal color sets must be coordinated (not matchy) but the styles of pieces across color metal sets are purposefully differentiated.

From there I add other pieces to each metal color set for depth: items with colored stones, more formal or casual items, pieces with striking individual style, inherited items…

And now my new passion for the past several years has been building what I call my novelty collection - fine jewelry pieces that deeply spark joy without having to check any box.

I don’t own items that are standard for most people: I don’t wear a watch but would buy one if I really liked it. But, I hate diamond studs on me (maybe I need new earlobes :lol:) and I don’t like the look of opals or pearls.
 
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