Jewelry is certainly something that makes for good investments and has long been an asset worth spending your money on. I have been lucky in that Nigel latches onto a certain brand of jewelry and buys me that until I can’t find anything else I like. Then, he simply switches to a different brand. For many years, I didn’t wear it because, like so many others, I was saving it “for good.” But, if I do that, then just how many times will I wear those beautiful pieces? So, I’ve been “wearing the damn” jewelry (to quote my friend, Jill)!
High-end necklaces are no longer passive statement pieces. They are an everyday anchor for personal style, and collecting them is certainly something you should do more of to curate your outfits further. I do have a few necklaces that are in the mid-to high end realm of the jewelry world and wear them often. I don’t often buy gold jewelry as I prefer silver. Sometimes, it’s white gold; sometimes, it’s sterling silver.
The Rise of the “Casual Luxury” Aesthetic…
A solid gold chain or a delicate diamond pendant is one that can instantly transform a simple outfit like that of a white t-shirt and jeans. Elevating the basics is a great perk of these luxury necklaces and can make even the most simple outfits feel glamorous. Whether it’s a professional or remote work environment, there’s an ongoing shift towards waist-up dressing that makes the neckwear the focal point. While I have several delicate diamond pendants and necklaces, I find myself reaching for the more statement pieces. But, in the interest of “Casual Luxury,” I think more delicate pieces are called for to enhance the simple yet luxurious outfit. Modern designers are intentionally crafting high-end pieces with the help of minimalist silhouettes that are meant for 24/7 wear. These pieces are a lot more durable too, meaning they wear less easily as a result. And, if that’s your jam, you know what I always say…You do you, boo!
The Art of Neckline Layering and Personalization…
Using signature luxury necklaces can end up being a permanent base layer that rarely gets taken off. While singular necklaces worn are subtle and simple in their appearance, many people love to layer their necklines with different necklace combinations. Explore the combination of different textures and lengths, as well as weights, to help add some variety to the look. Personalization occurs more in jewelry, and the same can be achieved with any form of luxury piece. It’s worth incorporating one’s initials or the initials of someone you love. Perhaps it can be a rare birthstone or a meaningful type of metal. Remember when it was the bezel set diamond? If you’re lucky enough to have one, it’s time to find it, find another necklace that plays nicely with it, and wear them. Here’s a little tip (caveat…I never tried it myself) when wearing more than one delicate necklace. Again, I haven’t tried this, but I’ve had a few friends tell me it works. If you’ve ever worn two or more delicate necklaces together, you may have often had them tangle. The trick is to use one of those little Os and clasp every necklace to it, too.
Cost-Per-Wear: The Financial Logic of Everyday Fine Jewelry…
A lot of consumers are moving away from the cheap and plated fashion jewelry that often ends up tarnishing and irritating the skin. By investing in more luxury pieces, it helps to guarantee a piece will be able to withstand daily showers, perfumes and sweat. The long-term value comes when you invest in high-quality materials. It makes an everyday luxury purchase a smarter and more circular asset. Here’s a funny. I must have something weird in my skin makeup. There are times, and I never know when they’re going to happen, when there’s some kind of reaction between sterling silver and my skin. My skin will turn black where the sterling touches it. One time, I was wearing a pair of long dangly earrings that would kinda swoosh back and forth as I walked. By the time I got home from school, I had little arcs from the earrings swinging back and forth. I’ve even ruined white shirts by wearing sterling necklaces over them. I have even had this happen through multiple layers of clothing. My friend told me I lacked Vitamin C, but I don’t know that that’s right! Anyway, I believe in buying good quality pieces of jewelry and wearing them as much as those items which cost far less.
Effortless Transitioning from Day to Night…
The purchase of luxury necklaces makes for a great investment when you need something that can go from day to night with ease. Single, high-quality necklaces are great for eliminating the need to pack a tangled mess of costume jewelry for an upcoming trip. Moving from a morning boardroom meeting to evening dinner parties is great when you have jewelry that you can wear for all occasions. There’s an understated, quiet luxury feel that comes with knowing your everyday accessories have been genuinely well-crafted. I do tend to take one or two of my better pieces of jewelry when we go on vacation. If it’s a classic, I find it will go with everything!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
While it has taken me decades to build a luxury collection of jewelry, you can do it just like I did…one piece at a time. Find something timeless and go from there. So, can we talk? Do you have pieces of jewelry you never wear because you’re saving them for a special time? What’s the best piece of jewelry in which you have invested? How often do you wear it? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
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Topping at over $4,000/ounce, gold jewelry isn’t affordable by many save the weather upper class wealthy. With a struggle to pay for food, even costume jewelry is a reach.
I think taking less is more when you travel, so I’m sure you look lovely when you travel. Me? I’m 2 pairs of earrings and a bracelet person when I travel – I don’t even wear my engagement ring. I’m too clumsy and careless to travel with anything $$. I do notice other travellers with nice jewellery tho.