Eleven Pieces to Include in a Jewellery Wardrobe

30 July 2013 by Susie Stenmark

My List of What Should Be On Your List

Even in the 1940s, stylish women understood the impact of a heavy link bracelet. Revlon advertising image, 1943.

If you’re fortunate enough to have received jewellery for significant life events (a gold signet ring on graduation? diamond stud earrings on the birth of a child?), given that these are often classic pieces, think of them as forming the basis of a versatile jewellery wardrobe. And if you wear these classic pieces frequently, they become your signature. Here’s my list of the most-desired jewellery pieces that will ensure you have the right piece to wear for any occasion.
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Heavy gold link bracelet – as popular now as in the 1940s or 50s, a gold link bracelet with interesting links and a bit of heft (we’re talking substantial here, not a fine chain) is my pick for a piece that adds glamour, style and old-school cool. I love it hanging loosely on the wrist and it’s equally impactful solo or paired with other wrist action. Look for estate pieces with geometric Art Deco or mid-century styling for contemporary appeal.

Pearl necklace – most times with jewellery, bigger is better. With pearl necklaces, I don’t think so. South Sea pearl necklaces can look like golf balls and therefore cartoonish or fake if they’re too big. A classic 8 mm to 10 mm pearl in a strand is beautiful, large enough to be impressive as a choker and the right size to support an enhancer or pendant if desired.

A cocktail/dress ring – now this is where you go big, with the flash of coloured gems, bold scale and adventuress design. A cocktail ring is the jewel that can take you from daytime to dressy in one accessory.

A diamond ring – an engagement ring or a right-hand ring, it needn’t be a solitaire. Consider this: my newest want is a coloured diamond pinky ring!

A signet ring – the signet ring’s charm is that it says tradition and family, perhaps with a monogram or a crest or a symbol that means something to you. Maybe you’ve received a family heirloom or you can start your own heirloom by commissioning a piece that’s meant to be handed down, using motifs and symbols from antiquity or legend.

A statement cuff – can be all about polished professionalism if it finishes off your working wardrobe (glimpsed under crisp suiting) or a cuff can telegraph strong style when worn otherwise bare-armed. Option: instead of going for single-piece impact, build the look with multiple gold bangles of varying widths.

Hoop earrings – casual and sexy, relaxed and easy to wear, a hoop in gold or diamonds could be your go-to earring.

Diamond stud earrings – these face-flattering pools of light are the most-desired jewellery piece for many women. I love them when they appear to be barely attached to the ear, rather than pressed onto the earlobe, but either way, some women rate them as vital a makeup step as mascara!

Glamorous earrings to wear at night – cascades of gemstone chandeliers, shoulder dusters in woven gold, a drop of white, grey and Tahitian pearls. This is where you choose a piece that you react to instantly, that you just love, that speaks to you. I think this means that you’ll continue to love it forever.

An everyday gold earring – again, this jewellery piece fits into the category of pieces that add polish to your look. The aim is a subtle jewel that offers a flash or glint of gold to enliven the face. Look for shapes such as a knot, a shell, twists of rope, a large ball stud with textured gold, perhaps a small suspended drop to add movement but not a chandelier (see point 9). Criteria: can I wear it to the gym?

A sentimental or significant pendant that looks good with most necklines – maybe this is a keepsake necklace that you wear with your T-shirt all summer, perhaps it’s your initial in diamonds or your nameplate in gold, or a diamond peace sign. It’s also nice to have a piece of jewellery that you rarely remove. It becomes part of you.