What 5 jewelry pieces should a girl in her 20s focus on acquiring?

[tiffanylove]

1) A quality, simple pearl necklace (maybe 7mm-8mm pearls)- This goes with everything and can make any outfit look classier!
2) An everyday bracelet- I always rely on my Tiffany & Co. "Return to Tiffany" bracelet because it goes with everything and is so pretty! Any silver (or gold, if you feel fancy ) bracelet will be perfect for this.
3) Diamond studs- So versatile, expensive but worth it. They add sparkle to the most simple clothing pieces. My Granny received a pair for her anniversary, and wears them literally EVERYDAY. She only wears a different pair when her diamond earrings are getting cleaned. Since you wouldn't need to buy many different pairs of earrings, these are worth the investment.
4) An engagement ring! I know, some people choose to not get married, or get married at an older age, but engagement rings are the best!

 

[Bitten]

GORGEOUS!!! it is definitely not too much, it's just right it looks amazing on you!!

Aw, thanks I am actually loving it at the moment, wore it to work again today with a black dress and matching suit jacket - with small stud-type earrings, it actually looks great, not too overwhelming at all

 

[cung]

Hmmmm, I noticed after I bought it that it disappeared off the Australian Bluenile site - maybe it hasn't restocked? I'm not exactly sure how Bluenile works but the bracelet is definitely still there:

http://au.bluenile.com/diamond-18k-white-gold-bracelet_13078

tks. I am looking at bluenile us site and did not find it. Will search elsewhere or ask my local jewelrer to make it. What is the lenght of your necklace? 15inch or shorter?

 

[LVoeletters]

Sorry OP this will be slightly OT but just for my girls Candice and etk123:

This is my diamond necklace I bought last year. It is very similar to the Swing necklace by T&Co however this is in WG rather than platinum, making it much more affordable I also have a matching bracelet which I adore but I'm not wearing it today (bracelet and necklace is seriously bling-overload and not remotely suitable for work, no??!? ) so I can't take any pics for you guys ush:

Again, sorry for the pic quality, it looks MUCH nicer than that in real life

I just died of flawlessness.....

 

[LVoeletters]

I think the bes advice would be to not be too anxious to buy. Like PP have mentioned, tastes change as you get older, and you could easily find yourself with a box full of jewelry you have no interest in by the time you are 30 if you rush to buy now. Additionally, you need to remember that everyone has a different lifestyle, so what works for one person might be completely impractical for you.

For example, a watch is often listed as an essential piece. But I cannot comfortably wear a watch to save my life. I have a few mid-range watches, but even if my DH bought me an 18K gold Rolex I probably wouldn't wear it more than a few times. It would be a complete waste of money. Likewise with most white pearls. I will wear pearl pendants in the summer or Tahitians (I have a fantastic string of baroques), but white pearl necklaces just really aren't for me.

For now, I would think about getting yourself a pair of "everyday" earrings and an "everyday" necklace. That could mean diamond studs or gold hoops or diamond and gold huggies or small dangles as far as earrings, and it could mean any number of things for a necklace as well (diamond pendant, pearls, a sterling silver charm necklace, etc.) - there is no one size fits all as far as style goes. Try lots of things on and buy what speaks to you.

Great advice thank you!

 

[LVoeletters]

Hmmmm... I think it's difficult to come up with a prescribed list of must-haves - people are too individual and tastes change over time

The only thing I can think of that would be broadly applicable would be to start saving now for a great watch that you will wear forever - something along the Cartier, Tag or Rolex SS line. A significant purchase but one that gets great cost-per-wear. Check out authorised secondhand dealers or vintage watch traders if you can - watches like this last well and there is a strong second-hand market - people do frequently sell watches without ever having worn them But it can be a great deal for you if you're in your early 20s and looking to start your collection.

What I would try to avoid in this age-group is buying pieces that are what I call 'interim' jewellery. People can end up with multiple pairs of diamond studs this way and the smaller ones rarely get worn again. You can pass them on to a daughter or a sister but you would be better off, IMO, waiting and saving for the ones you really really want and will wear forever. I don't own diamond studs yet for this reason - I want a pair of Asscher diamonds around the 3cttw mark. I'm happy to wait. I have a pair of simulants from carat.co to keep me happy in the meantime.

Otherwise, just try as many pieces on as you can, check out as many estate jewellery stores as you can and start working on a list for yourself of what pieces you would like to acquire - make it as fanciful and dreamy as you like. Then edit, cut down to realistic pieces and make a bit of a timeline. There are other financial goals to be set for this time in your life also, but a great jewellery collection doesn't happen by accident either. If it is important to you, you can direct funds to jewellery while perhaps not spending on things like clothes or bags so much...

Of course, not everything has to be planned you know - jewellery has a way of leaping out at us spontaneously...

This was really helpful to read-- quick question- what exactly are estate jewelry stores? I've seen and heard of them and think I have an idea but I've always been embarrassed to ask!

 

[Bitten]

tks. I am looking at bluenile us site and did not find it. Will search elsewhere or ask my local jewelrer to make it. What is the lenght of your necklace? 15inch or shorter?

I'm not sure exactly, but I think it's 16 or 18 inches from memory? I'm not wearing it today so can't measure it for you I'm afraid...

I just died of flawlessness.....

Aw, thank you It is very beautiful and I am really glad I made the decision to purchase - I was a bit in awe of the bling to start with but I worked my way through it

This was really helpful to read-- quick question- what exactly are estate jewelry stores? I've seen and heard of them and think I have an idea but I've always been embarrassed to ask!

Estate jewellery stores are second hand jewellery stores but typically will have a higher quality of jewellery than say a straight pawn shop. Estate jewellery stores will often specialise in a particular period and will only usually source jewellery of a reasonable size/standard of quality.

This is one example of an online estate jewellery store:

http://www.doverjewelry.com/

I love love love some of these pieces - so surprising and the prices are very impressive compared with retail

 

[H-Angel]

If you are only in your 20s, I think you should enjoy custom jewelries. Dont spend so much on expensive jewelries. You are still too young to spend on these things. If I were you, i would just enjoy F21 custom ones. You are young enough to rock them. for now, I would advise you get some
1. 18K hoop earrings
2. pearl earrings
3. nice watch - MK or Michelle jelly watch

But if you get to 30s, you can get:
1. nice watch - rolex or cartier
2. Diamond earrings (high quality ones that will last your lifetime)
3. depending on your financial status, you can get nice tennis bracelet. if not, save it till you get to 40.

 

[Monica]

One more addition:
Since my twenties I buy most of my jewelry at my favorite jeweler. They are specialed in vintage, hand made new design and other jewelry. They have a great upgrade policy. Buying bigger diamond studs or a new solitaire diamond ring is now quite easy.
This could work for you too.

 

[saligator]

Pieces that would be right in your 20's depend, too, on what you do for work/school and what your plans are. That said, here are my suggestions:

Smaller Budget:

1) Pearl stud type earrings
2) Small gold hoop or ball earrings
3) a nice watch that will look professional at work, and fine socially, too. A classic style (round face, rectangular face, on the plain side (not diamond sparkly or bright colors)
4) A signature piece that you choose that suits you-- ring, bracelet, necklace -- something that expresses your personality that you always want to wear. Mine is a pendant on a gold chain with my initials engraved on it.
5) a classic link bracelet.

In general, the more things sparkle, dangle, etc.. the less versatile they are for work and social, etc...

Larger budget (same thing but with more $$ thrown at it:

1) diamond studs
2) small gold hoop or ball earrings
3) good watch but of a better quality/brand (same style though)
4) signature piece -- you could do a DBTY single pendant here or something like that
5) classic link style bracelet, but maybe in gold or with an interesting clasp.

 

[threepwood]

1. A nice pair of diamond studs (I wear mine almost everyday)
2. A nice classic watch
3. RHR ring (I am lucky to have a mother who love jewellery as much as I do, so I have lots to play around with when I get bored)
4. Nice dangle diamond earrings to wear for parties or dinners
5. Engagement ring / wedding band (I tend to wear my wedding band more because it is more discreet)

 

[kim_mac]

1. A nice pair of diamond studs (I wear mine almost everyday)
2. A nice classic watch
3. RHR ring (I am lucky to have a mother who love jewellery as much as I do, so I have lots to play around with when I get bored)
4. Nice dangle diamond earrings to wear for parties or dinners
5. Engagement ring / wedding band (I tend to wear my wedding band more because it is more discreet)

agree 100%

 

[l.karljohan]

1. Classic watch in SS (Rolex, Cartier)
2. Simple gold bracelet (Cartier Love)
3. Simple gold necklace (VCA Alhambra vintage)
4. Diamond ring or RHR in gold (Cartier trinity)
5. Diamond ear studs

 

[willwrk4bags]

I'm 26 now and I won't count my e-ring or wedding ring since those were DH's responsibility.

For myself my list was:

Diamond studs
Diamond earring jackets
DBTY chain-18-22" adjustable
Diamond 3=stone RHR
Everyday diamond pendant

What I have from this list:
Got the diamond studs, need the jackets.
Have the stones for the DBTY, need to have the necklace made.
Have the diamonds for the 3-stone, need to pick a setting!
Got the pendant made, can't wait to wear it on the DBTY!

I know a lot of people have listed designer jewelry but I have never gone that route. With the exception of my studs and jackets all of my jewelry has been put together by me. I love taking the time to find the stones choose the designs and have something made for me. I also do not have or want some of the things many people listed, watches or bracelets. They just don't do it for me at all. I have a 4cttw pave bracelet for sale right now since I just don't wear it. I have also sold quite a few pearl necklaces because I just don't wear them. Use these lists as a guide but also realize that everyone is different and you have to figure out what you will actually wear. I have been collecting jewelry since I was 16 and I feel like a finally have a true idea of my taste now.

 

[AngelaMM]

I would add a pair of white pearl earrings to what other people have mentioned. I'm 23 and I find they're very appropriate. I have a pair of nice 7mm akoyas and I find they go with everything. Plus, since you can get a really nice pair for 150 versus 1000 with diamond earrings I do find they are better for every day since I'm less nervous about losing them.