Essential Jewelry Pieces for Every Collection
Whether you’re starting a new jewelry collection or padding out an existing one, certain pieces are tailor-made to enhance all wardrobes. They blend with virtually any ensemble, yet manage to stand out all the same.
These pieces are, in other words, essential.
Let’s browse the display cases to glean as much as we can about what makes these pieces shine. What sort of jewelry counts as “essential?” How can it bolster your look and reflect your personality? And how can you curate a long-lasting, impactful collection?
Make room in your jewelry box, and let’s talk essentials. Whether it's gold, silver or pearl, the right pieces can elevate any wardrobe with their unique design.
What Makes Essential Jewelry Pieces Essential?
We all own special, irreplaceable pieces of classic jewelry: watches handed down through the generations, bracelets gifted by friends, long-awaited diamond engagement rings. Yet oftentimes, because they’re so specific, they only gel with specific getups. While that’s wonderful, it’s equally wonderful to own all-purpose jewelry you can don anytime.
Enter essential jewelry pieces. “Essential” is a broad term, but such pieces share a few common traits.
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Versatility – They can complement almost any look and even other jewelry.
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Timelessness – Regardless of current fashion trends, they never go out of style.
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Wearability – They’re as comfortable to wear as they are beautiful to look at.
Let’s flesh out our broad definition with some specific examples that’ll fit perfectly into your collection.
Classic Rings for Everyday Elegance
You don’t need a ring for every finger (though we certainly won’t stop you), but there are rings that fit every occasion. Gold and silver rings are a must-have, delivering a mix of beauty and elegance. Such everyday elegance is invaluable—essential, even.
There are two essential types of rings you should keep an eye out for as you learn how to style rings.
Statement Rings
Often adorned with breathtaking jewels, statement rings are crafted to, yes, make a statement.
That’s quite an open-ended prompt, but people tend toward elegant simplicity despite the rings’ typically attention-grabbing nature:
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Choosing birthstones or other meaningful materials
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Wearing them as unique fashion statements
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Customizing them with engravings
No matter how simple or bold a statement you’re aiming for, these rings can elevate any look. Indeed, they’re well suited for both making even the most normal outfits pop and enhancing a party dress. At the end of the day, no women's ring collection is complete without a few statement pieces.
Stackable Rings
Statement rings are usually too large to wear more than one of, but stacking rings exist specifically for this purpose. They’re made to collect, mix, and match.
Indeed, ease of customization is their strength. While you can certainly customize designs (with small gemstones, for instance), you can also customize the ways you wear them. Think of them as outward expressions of your creativity and adventurous spirit.
Whether you’re building a women’s or men's ring collection for yourself or shopping for a loved one, here are some stacking suggestions:
- Switch it up – Wear rings made of the same silver or gold inset with different jewels, or vice versa.
- Multiply your style – Stack several fingers. This is an excellent way to create both contrast and symmetry, depending on your style.
- Make room – Not every finger needs a stack. Leaving one bereft of rings sparks its own kind of interest.
There are no “shoulds” when it comes to stacking, though your fingers will thank you for placing the bulkiest ring at the bottom. Comfort counts.
Timeless Necklaces for Classic Jewelry Collections
From sterling silver chains to necklaces with stunning stones, each piece offers a classic touch. Few pieces draw attention quite like a necklace. It can serve as a conversation starter, an elegant accent to other jewelry, and even the centerpiece of your outfit. And every women's necklace collection is sure to feature a few essentials that are perfect for any occasion.
Pendant Necklaces
The simplest ideas are often the best—a concept that the person who came up with pendant necklaces obviously understood. Hang a choice adornment from your neck and voila: beauty, energy, and personal style all in one loop.
You can generally wear pendant necklaces however you’d like, as they mesh well no matter the neckline:,
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Plunging necklines – From V-necks to sweethearts, plunging necklines are bound to catch looks. Filling up the space with a stunning pendant necklace is a pro move, though you’ll want to adjust the length accordingly for the perfect placement
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High necklines – On the opposite end of the spectrum, pendants can also work with higher necklines. While a men's necklace collection might be teeming with pendants, men will often tuck these inside of their shirts, generating an air of mystery.
Take special care when matching pendant necklaces with your other jewelry. Consider color, shape, and size especially (large hoop earrings, for instance, could distract from the pendant).
Chains and Layering Necklaces
Sterling silver and gold chains can also serve as a versatile accessory that brings classic elegance to various styles. Shifting focus from pendants to chains still leaves plenty of room for stylish options.
For one thing, you can repurpose a chain necklace that’s long enough (or adjustable) into an eye-catching belt. It won’t hold up your pants or skirt, but it’ll look fantastic.
Chain necklaces are also perfect for layering. There are no hard and fast rules for how to layer necklaces, but choosing different lengths and thicknesses can prevent unwanted entanglements. Other than that, here are some tasteful tips:,
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Put the most vibrant necklace closest to your face to accentuate your features.
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Chain chokers can be stacked in much the same way as rings.
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For three or more layers, keep the middle simple compared to the top and bottom.
Essential Earrings for Every Occasion
You understandably place confidence in your favorite hairdresser. Do the same for diamond studs and hoop earrings to give that extra edge to your new ‘do.
Stud Earrings
Perhaps the most versatile jewelry of all in any men’s or women's earring collection, studs truly pair with everything and everyone. Casual or formal, day or night, round face or heart-shaped face—adaptability is essential.
Which is why there are so many stud types and settings, including:
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Pearl, diamond, and precious metal
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Clip-on, crawler, and teardrop
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Halo, dangle, and prong
That variety naturally leads to stacking opportunities, and studs are often small enough to wear multiples on each ear without seeming like “too much.”
Outfit and accompanying jewelry notwithstanding, stud earrings work on the tennis court as well as they do during happy hour.
Hoop Earrings
Though not subtle like studs, hoop earrings are equally essential for your collection. They add flare and a touch of sass, yet can also achieve poise and class.
Choosing hoops mostly boils down to two things: size and material. Because they dangle, heavier materials like platinum can test your stamina. Size affects weight as well, but there’s also a social aspect to it: the smaller the hoop, the more suited it is for daily wear. Take that as a trend, not a rule.
Still, keep it in mind when picking your hoops. Party hoops scream attitude; thinner, small- or medium-sized hoops pair better with formal evening dresses.
Bracelets to Complete Any Look
Just like wrapping a bow around a gift box can add an extra layer of beauty, wrapping a bracelet around your arm is essential to an aesthetically pleasing outfit.
We’ll leave choosing which arm the bracelet goes around to you. Leave defining what counts as an essential bracelet to us.
Cuff Bracelets
Bold, balanced, beautiful—the essence of cuff bracelets.
An especially key element of cuff bracelets are usually worn right above the wrist bone—perfectly positioned to show off your style. Every time you shake someone’s hand, wave hello or goodbye, or pump your fist, they’re bound to attract attention. They’re statement pieces, plain and simple.
The real beauty of cuff braces comes in the variety of ways you can make that statement.
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Work appropriate – Casual Fridays are the perfect opportunity to deck your arms out with sleeker cuff bracelets.
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Material mix – Cuff bracelets can be made of leather or other non-metal materials. Try something fresh.
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Alone or together – Though perfectly suited to stand alone, cuff bracelets can pair with other bracelet types on the opposite arm.
Chain and Beaded Bracelets
While cuff bracelets are typically too bulky to layer, chain and beaded bracelets are arm party staples. Though not necessarily made of lighter materials, they contain less total material, leaving space to decorate. In addition, they’re only becoming more popular in men's bracelet collections.
How much space depends on the size and make of the bracelets. Two or three relatively simple bracelets will fit every time, meaning you can add more if you want; but larger, more complex designs might only fit two or three.
Specific combinations are where things become interesting:
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Metals can be matched or mixed. You could, for instance, wear gold chains with gold beads, or gold chains with bracelets beaded from gold and rose gold.
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Placing looser beaded bracelets higher up on your arm and snugger chain bracelets closer to your wrist creates optimal comfort while leaving room for personal expression.
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Keep balance in mind to avoid a chaotic mess of chains and beads. Explore which bracelet elements work together (and which ones clash), even if the materials differ.
Why Invest in Quality Jewelry Pieces
There are as many reasons to invest in quality jewelry pieces as there are links in a long chain necklace. Let’s hit on the big three.
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Durability – Higher quality materials and special care in creating each and every piece means your jewelry will last longer.
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Style – Prioritizing style in pursuit of perfection is a no-brainer. Those who dedicate their lives to creating quality jewelry are not only aware of current fashion trends, but, at times, start those trends themselves.
- Longevity – Making quality jewelry isn’t just about forging new ground, however—it’s about improving on the essentials and ensuring they stay essential.
If that’s a philosophy you can get behind, then consider John Hardy as you expand your jewelry collection.
Go Essential with John Hardy
Now that you’re familiar with the jewelry essentials, you can assemble an ensemble that suits any event, be it another workday or a dressy cocktail night. From how to wear a gold chain, and statement rings to bangle bracelets, you can’t go wrong with the essentials.
Especially John Hardy pieces.
Our goal is simple: create jewelry that makes a huge impact on you and an insignificant one on the environment. We work hard every day, crafting everything by hand, to achieve that goal and continually refine it.
Trust us, trust our timeless collection, and trust your style. Together, we’ll make the world a better, more beautiful place.
Sources:
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Hallmark Channel. How to Wear One Chain Necklace Three Ways. https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/home-and-family/how-to/wear-one-chain-necklace-three-ways
High Latitude Style. What You Need to Know about Stacking Rings. https://highlatitudestyle.com/what-know-stacking-rings/
InStyle. How to Layer Necklaces, According to a Third-Generation Jeweler. https://www.instyle.com/how-to-layer-necklaces-5365100
Isn’t That Charming. My Favorite Ways to Style a Chain Link Necklace. https://isntthatcharming.com/my-favorite-ways-to-style-a-chain-link-necklace/
Lifestyle by PS. Why Stud Earrings Are Jewelry Must-Haves. https://lifestylebyps.com/blogs/women/why-stud-earrings-are-jewelry-must-haves
Monica Beatrice. A Definitive Guide to Hoop Earrings. https://monicabeatrice.com/definitive-guide-hoop-earings.html
Nobbier. How to Put on Hoop Earrings. https://www.nobbier.com/blogs/editorial/how-to-put-on-hoop-earrings/?srsltid=AfmBOooz3UwanUgzxBPSTUPJP_sfk2rIvdt3t9xmoNqKsG3bInS7WQbi
The Other Stream. 8 Different Ways to Wear a Chain and Pendant. https://www.theotherstream.com/8-different-ways-to-wear-a-chain-and-pendant/
Real Men Real Style. A Man’s Guide to Wearing Necklaces. https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/necklace-guide-men/
Sonata Home Design. Tips on How to Wear a Cuff Bracelet with Style. https://www.sonatahomedesign.com/tips-on-how-to-wear-a-cuff-bracelet-with-style/
The Wardrobe Consultant | Hallie Abrams. Necklace Pairings 101: How to Match Your Necklace to Your Neckline. https://www.thewardrobeconsultant.com/blog/necklace-pairings-101-how-to-match-your-necklace-to-your-neckline
Within a World of My Own. How to Layer Bracelets into a Bracelet Stack. https://www.withinaworldofmyown.com/post/how-to-layer-bracelets-into-a-bracelet-stack