Just as every woman needs a pair—or twenty—of jeans, a few pairs of black shoes (at least ballet flats, thongs, kitten heels, and stilettos), a cocktail dress, a few basic skirts, a chic business suit, and a cardigan sweater, she also needs a few essential jewelry pieces—seven, to be precise—to accessorize her outfits.
Like a custom paint job on a sleek Harley, accessories personalize your style and show that you care about your appearance. We all know that appearance matters; within the first three seconds, people form judgments about you that are hard to change. So why not make a great first impression with a polished, well-put-together look that shows you pay attention to style and detail? Here are seven jewelry staples every well-dressed woman should have. Choose any one of them to accessorize in a snap, ensuring that snap judgments reflect who you really are.
Diamond Studs
This classic accessory is perfect for anyone. Diamond studs are elegant, timeless, and simple enough to pair with any hairstyle or outfit. Look for clear, sparkling gems with at least ½ carat total weight, set in white gold or platinum to highlight their colorlessness. Round studs are always in style, but princess cut styles are also popular and classic. Opt for screw backs to secure your investment, and ensure the setting is secure (four prongs are preferable to three).
Quality diamond studs can be pricey. Blue Nile offers a beautiful pair of ½ carat total weight diamond studs with screw backs for $600, while Tiffany & Co. sells a .22 total carat weight pair in platinum for $875. If these are out of your budget, sparkly CZ look-alikes are a great alternative and cost under $40. Plus, you won't have to worry about losing or insuring them.
Pearl Studs
Like diamond studs, pearl studs complement any outfit and style of jewelry. They are surprisingly affordable, especially freshwater pearls, which can rival the beauty of saltwater pearls. Look for round white gems that are well-matched, as these are classic and timeless. Be cautious of button-shaped pearls if you’re expecting round ones. Choose a comfortable, secure back in a metal your skin can tolerate, such as white gold, yellow gold, or platinum.
Pearls are associated with a demure, ladylike reputation, making them perfect for job interviews, weddings, or other formal settings. They also work well for daytime and casual events, giving a timeless, feminine look. Choose akoya cultured pearls or their more affordable freshwater counterparts, ideally 6mm or larger. JR Dunn sells Mikimoto akoya cultured pearls in 6mm for $340; MoonRiverPearls.com offers 7mm round white freshwater cultured pearls for $38.
Dangle Earrings
Dangle earrings add drama and are easy to wear with their typical hook backs. However, they aren't for everyday use and might look out of place with casual outfits like shorts and a tank top. For more formal occasions, you have many options. For a staple piece, choose a classic, elegant design in a neutral color, such as an all-metal style or one ending in a cultured pearl. Avoid trendy or cute designs like hearts, stars, zodiac signs, and skulls for your staple piece. Opt for a dangle that hangs an inch or two below the earlobe to make a statement. White and yellow gold bars, chains, or chandeliers are timeless favorites. Remember, if you wear dramatic earrings, skip the necklace to let the earrings shine.
Silver or Gold Hoop Earrings
Several styles of hoop earrings can be considered staples, from small diamond-encrusted loops to large, J.Lo-style hoops. Choose hoops that fit your personality, but remember that oversize hoops can overpower short hair, an updo, or a face with small features. Small gold, silver, diamond, pearl, or CZ hoops go with everything and are always in style. Look for a secure back that’s easy to fasten and won’t readily bend or fall out. Avoid gigantic hoops for professional settings unless you work in a fashion-forward environment.
Diamond Solitaire Pendant
A single bezel-set diamond on a white gold chain looks amazing, crisp, and classic. Choose an 18-inch length with a secure clasp (lobster claw is preferable) and ensure the chain is sturdy yet thin and unobtrusive. The diamond should be the focal point, not the chain. A gorgeous solitaire pendant can also be made with a CZ, or for a twist, try a pearl.
Pearl Strand
For a classic pearl strand, choose an 18-inch princess length in creamy white. This length is versatile and the color timeless. Both akoya and freshwater cultured pearls fit the bill, though akoyas are more expensive. Factors to consider include pearl size, luster, surface quality, and uniformity. A 6.5mm strand is lovely and affordable. Pearls should have a high luster, meaning they reflect light well, and be free from obvious blemishes. Ensure the pearls are uniformly round and matched in size and color. To check for roundness, roll the strand on a table; matched pearls will roll smoothly.
If a classic pearl strand feels too traditional, consider a Tin Cup necklace, where pearls are evenly spaced on a chain for a modern twist.
A Classic Timepiece
Choose a classic, functional, and stylish watch. A water-resistant oversize sterling silver watch or a classic tank watch looks good with almost anything except formalwear (tuck it in your clutch for those occasions). A stainless steel band is more durable than leather and usually water-resistant. Try it on to ensure it doesn’t feel too heavy or overwhelm your wrist. Opt for a classic white or muted watch face with easy-to-read numbers. A glow-in-the-dark face is a plus. Brands like Swiss Army offer great styles that are durable and affordable. If you have the means, a Tag Heuer or Rolex is always a good choice.
Once you have your seven basic jewelry staples, you can start to play. There are many other classic pieces to add to your collection if you wish, such as a diamond tennis bracelet, a beautiful Tahitian pearl bracelet, an oversize pearl cocktail ring, or a signature piece in your birthstone. Depending on your style and budget, you can also add trendy pieces, but keep these inexpensive as they might not stand the test of time. For a statement piece, consider an oversize cocktail ring in a bold color, or for a layered look, pick several chain necklaces in your favorite metal and layer them with pearl strands or oversized turquoise, wood, or mother-of-pearl beaded necklaces. Wide wood, mother-of-pearl, or metal cuffs are always stylish, and stackable bangles, especially personalized charm bracelets, are fun. Spend more on charm bracelets, as you'll likely keep them for a long time.
Still unsure what to wear? You can always rely on my favorite and most cherished piece of jewelry: a handcrafted, hand-painted macaroni necklace made by my four-year-old son