I'm in my mid 20's, married, and NOT making a combined income over 6 figures. Even though I don't have a huge amount of disposable income to spend on jewelry (like none, since we're spending our money on other investments at the moment), I think what other posters have said about saving for quality pieces is right on the mark! For a girl on a budget these are the things I think are perfectly attainable if you save for them over a period of time and will make a strong impression during a time when so many of us are working on building our careers.
1. Simple pair of studs or huggie hoops in quality metal- I would LOVE a pair of diamond studs but I think my tiffany silver bead studs, tiffany teardrop earrings and white gold huggies get the job done for now. I also have some freshwater pearl studs for when the occasion presents itself but I rarely reach for pearls. For me personally, I would rather wait till I can afford the diamond studs in the quality/ size I really want and wear other nice but less pricey pieces till then.
2. Nice quality stackable bracelets- I've been wearing my tiffany silver bead bracelet and tiffany Venetianan link together and I feel like it's a fun yet professional/ grown up look. I adore the Blue Nile diamond bar bracelets some of you ladies have been sporting. I think it's fresh and young but still beautiful and timeless so you won't be tired of it in a few years. Since it'll be a while till I can afford a TB, I think it's a good compromise - and it looks great stacked with other pieces or on its own for a more formal event. I'm seriously lusting for one!
3. My goal acquisition is a fixed, bezel set, diamond necklace (DBTY style but without the Mickey ears and the tiff mark up) in 1/4 or 1/3 ct with an excellent cut diamond. I think it's a perfect style for any age and is something that I can afford if I save up for it slowly. It's also a nice style for a young person because (I think) the style calls for smaller, daintier diamonds, so it looks purposefully small- not like you just couldn't afford something bigger.
4. Quality ring- I wear my e-ring and wedding band, but if I were single I would invest in some stackable RH rings in WG or YG or RG- maybe one pave, one bezel and one solid metal? I think this is a fun way to mix metals and create different looks.
5. I would love a pair of diamond earring jackets. I would get them to fit the size or diamond that I one day wish to have (for me, 1/2 ct per ear) and then get nice freshwater pearls, sapphires, or your favorite gemstone to fit for the time being. It's a versatile way to get more mileage from your collection and I love the halo look.
