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.
Thanks, Nicotiana! Sadly, you are very right. I have even heard silver is quite expensive now, too. I do wish the super wealthy people of this planet would recognize they should be doing what they can to help others less fortunate. I try to do what I can, but I am definitely not among the super wealthy. I think any little bit helps people so I do what I can. Thank you for your comment.
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.
Thank you, Lydia! I don’t wear my engagement ring or even my wedding band because I don’t want to take the chance of losing them. I think the last couple of trips we took, I wore the same pair of classic earrings that went with everything so it was one less thing to worry about. I haven’t done much traveling lately, though!
I’m pretty great at putting in earrings everyday and I always wear a few rings but necklaces and bracelets are often afterthoughts… or forgotten altogether. I have a few nice pieces here and there given to me as gifts from lots of family members throughout the course of my life but I tend to mix and match them right in with the cheaper costume things.
Thanks, Joanne! I put earrings in at least every other day, or the holes get a little smaller, it seems. I have several rings, but I forget them because they’re harder to get to in my jewelry armoire…another thing I need to organize. The only pieces I have are my diamond earrings I wear in my second holes and a Black Hills Gold ring we had bought for Mom. I also have an opal ring she had. They are very precious to me.
I cannot live without jewelry! I love mixing my fine jewelry with costume jewelry. Love your collection of necklaces!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I love to do that, too. I have really invested more money in costume jewelry lately than anything. Mike is the one who buys me the good stuff!
The first thing I notice on anyone are their earrings. Its been a thing for me since childhood. I try to rotate out and wear all of my things on a regular basis. The one splurge I would loave to have is a nice pair of 1/2 carat diamond solitaire earrings. Might have to add those to my bucket list!
Thanks, Gina! I love that! Isn’t it funny the first things we notice? I notice engagement rings…I’ve always wanted a great big one! But, I would never spend that kind of money. I don’t know how big my smaller diamond solitaires are. They were a Christmas gift from my dad to my mom. Then, I inherited them. We bought our granddaughters 1/4 carat (or smaller) diamond earrings for their first Christmas.
Jewelry is something I wear mostly if I’m going out. I spend a lot of time in the garden and that is not a good place to wear good jewelry. I have some nice pieces gifted to me over the years and like to wear “good” pieces when I go out. I enjoy seeing what others choose to wear with various outfits.
Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Thanks, Lynne! No, a garden is definitely not the place for good jewelry. I went to college with a woman who had never taken her wedding rings off since her wedding. We had a ceramics class, and the instructor said we should remove our rings because they could be lost in the slip. This woman was so upset, but we convinced her she’d be more upset should she love her ring or the diamond in it. While I love “good” jewelry, I have the most fun with costume jewelry!
I love jewelry! I just get too sensory overloaded when I wear it, which is annoying and makes me sad!! I can hardly wear my wedding ring for more than a few hours without having to take it off. But I love looking at it and admiring it!
Thank you, Erin! You know, whenever I come home from wherever I’ve been, one of the first things I take off is my jewelry. I was the same way when I was teaching. I might leave the diamonds in my second hole, but even those come out when I go to bed. I haven’t slept with earrings in for decades.
I really enjoyed this post! Jewelry has definitely shifted from being something we save for special occasions to pieces we wear every day. I love the idea of investing in a few quality necklaces that can elevate even the simplest outfit.
Thank you, Laura! I remember my mom would only wear the diamond earrings Dad got her for special occasions. I have them now and wear them every day in my second hole.
I have definitely started wearing more jewelry since I began following you style bloggers. Fine or costume, jewelry and accessories take a basic outfit and make it feel intentional, for sure.
Not surprisingly, I have my favorites mostly the costume stuff, but I caved and started wearing a special bracelet all the time….UNTIL I put it somewhere in haste 🤞🏼and haven’t remembered where that somewhere currently is. OY!
Thanks, Em! I hope you find that bracelet! I wear a lot of costume jewelry because it’s more trendy and lots of fun!
I have always worn jewelry with what I wanted. I wore my diamond necklace with t-shirts. Some of my jewelry is elegant and unobtrusive, my handmade jewelry can be very bold.
I don’t wear jewelry as much anymore, though, because I don’t wear any at home. Then when I go out, I tend to forget to put some on. It’s really kind of sad.
Thanks, Cat! Maybe you could decide upon a certain day as the day you’re going to wear a piece of jewelry. I don’t wear jewelry to bed at all so sometimes I do forget to put any on. You should definitely wear some of that gorgeous jewelry you’ve created. Maybe, every week, as you’re typing up Weekend Traffic Jam, you put a piece on because you know I’ll be watching!!!
My problem is that I just forget to put it on. I should probably dedicate a wall and just hang my jewelry there, so I can at least look at it.
Oh, that’s a good idea! That would be a fun blog post!