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How to Build a Jewelry Collection You’ll Wear for Decades

August 29, 2025 by jessica Leave a Comment

This post is a collaboration with Jodiecball.com

Let’s be honest, most of us have at least a few pieces of jewelry sitting in a drawer, forgotten and unworn. These pieces probably seemed like a good purchase at the time, but it’s likely that they just don’t feel like you anymore. The truth is, building a jewelry collection you’ll actually wear for years takes a little more thought than grabbing what’s trendy right now. It’s about finding pieces that feel timeless, personal, and easy to reach for no matter the occasion.

But where do you begin?

Think of your jewelry box like a mini wardrobe; you want a mix of go-to staples, a few statement pieces, and a handful of items that just make you feel amazing. The goal isn’t to own a ton of jewelry, but to have the right pieces that hold up over time in both quality and style, and reflect your own personal aesthetic.

Start with the Everyday Essentials

The foundation of any long-lasting jewelry collection starts with your everyday staples; the pieces you throw on without even thinking. These are usually simple, versatile, and high-quality.

A few key essentials to consider:

  • Stud earrings or small hoops work with everything from a t-shirt to a little black dress.
  • A delicate chain necklace is perfect for layering or wearing alone.
  • A classic bracelet or bangle, preferably a minimal piece that you can wear daily.
  • A signature ring, which could be a birthstone, a sentimental piece, or thin bands to layer.

These are the items that become part of your “uniform,” so it’s worth investing in quality materials like solid gold, gold vermeil, or sterling silver. They’ll last longer, wear better, and won’t irritate your skin.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

It can be tempting to load up on inexpensive, trendy jewelry, especially when it’s everywhere on social media. But if you want a collection that truly stands the test of time, quality matters more than quantity.

Look for:

  • Real metals: solid gold, sterling silver, or platinum
  • Natural gemstones
  • Craftsmanship

This doesn’t mean every piece has to be expensive, but it does mean being selective. A few well-chosen, high-quality pieces will outlast a drawer full of fast-fashion jewelry every time. That said, there’s also a time and place for a great piece of costume jewelry, but you can still apply these principles to your purchase and pick a piece that resonates with you and feels like a quality item. Of course, well made costume pieces do cost more. For those on a budget, turn to eBay and search for vintage costume jewelry. It’s usually better quality than items that are produced now and you won’t have the same item everyone else does.

Think About Your Lifestyle

Your jewelry should fit your real life, not just your ideal aesthetic. If you’re someone who’s always on the go, delicate chains and fussy earrings might not be practical. If you work in a creative field, maybe you want bold, expressive pieces that show personality.

Ask yourself:

  • What metals or stones do I gravitate toward?
  • Do I like to wear the same pieces every day, or switch it up often?
  • What makes me feel polished and confident?

The answers will help guide your choices so you’re not buying jewelry that sits untouched in a drawer.

Layer and Mix, But Keep It Cohesive

One of the best things about jewelry is how it can evolve with your style. As trends come and go, layering gives you flexibility without needing to buy new pieces constantly.

For example:

  • Layering multiple necklaces of different lengths creates visual interest.
  • Mixing metals (like gold and silver) is totally acceptable — and modern.
  • Stacking rings or bracelets allows you to switch up your look day to day.

Just aim for a sense of cohesion. That could mean sticking to a consistent metal tone, a certain color palette, or a signature shape you love (like pearls, chains, or geometric designs).

Invest in Statement Pieces

Once you’ve got your everyday essentials in place, consider adding a few standout pieces that feel special. These are the statement pieces that make an impression — you know, the fun pieces!

These might include:

  • A bold cocktail ring
  • An eye-catching pair of earrings
  • A bold pendant on a long chain
  • A chunky cuff bracelet
  • A vintage or heirloom piece with character

You don’t need a dozen of these, although my own jewelry collection has plenty! One or two well-chosen statement pieces can elevate your entire collection and give your outfit an impact.

Add Meaningful Pieces Over Time

Some of the most cherished jewelry in any collection aren’t just beautiful; they’re meaningful. Maybe it’s a necklace you bought on a trip or a ring passed down from a relative.

Build space in your collection for:

  • Heirlooms, even if they need a little reworking to match your style
  • Custom or engraved jewelry
  • Jewelry from milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, or personal achievements (For my 30th birthday, I purchased an Hermes bracelet and I still love it, event if I don’t wear it as often as I used to.)

These are the pieces you’ll treasure forever, and they help your collection feel uniquely yours.

Edit Your Collection Regularly

Your jewelry collection should evolve as your style changes over the years. When you’re doing your regular wardrobe purge, go through your jewelry collection, too. Take stock of what you have, what you’re actually wearing, and what gaps you might need to fill.

Ask yourself:

  • What do I love and wear often?
  • What feels dated or no longer fits my style?
  • Is anything broken or tarnished beyond repair?
  • What do I feel like I’m missing when I get dressed?

You can donate, sell, or repurpose items you no longer wear. And if you have pieces with sentimental value that just don’t suit you anymore, consider having them redesigned: a vintage brooch could become a pendant or a stone could be reworked into a modern setting.

Final Thoughts

A great jewelry collection isn’t built overnight. It grows with you, changes with your style, and reflects who you are. Whether it’s a simple gold ring you never take off or a vintage necklace passed down from your grandmother, the pieces you choose tell your story.

So take your time. Be intentional. And trust your instincts. The jewelry you’ll wear for decades isn’t just beautiful; it’s personal.

Links to the Jewelry Featured Above
  • Beaded necklace
  • Wave ring
  • Diamond studs
  • Dimond ring
  • Bead sphere studs
  • Beaded necklace with pearl pendant
  • Teardrop hoop earrings
  • Diamond pendant
  • Gold hoops
  • Pearl studs

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Thank you for stopping by! Please note that I may earn an affiliate commission if you buy an item linked here, which is at no cost to you. I truly appreciate your continued support.

Filed Under: Jewelry Tagged With: jewelry, jewelry collection

Fall 2024 Jewelry Edit: Sculptural Silver and Gold

September 18, 2024 by jessica Leave a Comment

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT | NINE | TEN | ELEVEN | TWELVE | THIRTEEN

Eye-catching, sculptural pieces are this season’s biggest jewelry trend — and there are so many beautiful options to choose. If your budget allows a splurge, you’re in luck because many of the items aren’t so trendy that they can’t be worn year after year, especially LIÉ STUDIO pieces. Take this necklace for instance, the unexpected mix of bead sizes add dimension and interest to update a classic strand. I’d also like to vouch for Jenny Bird pieces. I have six of her designs. Each are beautifully crafted and well worth the price tag. On the opposite side of the spectrum, these lightweight $13 earrings are a great way to try the trend, especially if silver isn’t typically your preferred metal color. I just bought them in the 25mm size.

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Filed Under: Jewelry, Shopping Guide Tagged With: baubles, jewelry

Fab Find: A $9 Travel Jewelry Case

January 13, 2022 by jessica Leave a Comment

You don’t need to spend a lot to get a practical travel jewelry case. In fact, you can snag a sleek, functional one for just $9 (or less, depending on the color) that will leave you with cash leftover to buy a new bauble to tuck inside. There are three hooks for necklaces on top, a place for your rings, and a larger compartment with a removable divider to accommodate larger pieces. The case is rigid so you won’t need to worry about anything getting crushed in transit.

Buy it online here.

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This post contains affiliate links.

Filed Under: Jewelry, Travel Tagged With: fab find, jewelry, jewelry storage, travel accessories

Love Delicate Layered Jewelry? Here’s the Brand You Need to Know! (Plus, a Discount Code!)

April 23, 2021 by jessica Leave a Comment

If you’re a longtime reader, you know that I my love of jewelry runs deep. I am a self-proclaimed magpie and I can’t resist adding new pieces to my collection regularly. Lately I’ve been drawn to classic, elegant pieces that are subtle and sophisticated on their own, but can be layered with statement-making gems.

I was recently introduced to a brand called Aurelie GI that specializes in those wear-with-everything pieces. It’s a U.S.-based jeweler that offers 14K gold pieces handcrafted with recycled precious metals. (Whenever we can marry style with sustainability, I’m on board!) The collection includes rings, earrings (both pairs and singles), bracelets, necklaces, and pendants (like this sweet “Mama” pendant just in time for Mother’s Day); and there are items studded with diamonds and semiprecious stones.

I chose the Effie oval band for its unique organic design and the textured Regalia band. As you’ll see below, they’re perfect for layering with one another or wearing on different fingers while mixing and matching with other jewelry items in your collection. If color is more your speed, the brand also has beautiful turquoise items like this stacking ring.

I’ve been wearing these rings nearly each day since they arrived three weeks ago and I’m impressed with the quality. I had a thin gold band years ago and it didn’t take much to bend it out of shape. These, however, are solid and the quality does support the price point.

And, while we’re on the topic of price, you can save 20% with code Jessica20 through the end of 2021!

Dress: Anthropologie (true to size; I’m wearing a medium)
Bag: Gucci (see what fits inside here)
Sneakers: Nike (also available here)
Rings: c/o Aurelie Gi (this one and this one) – Plus, save 20% with code Jessica20 through Dec. 31, 2021!
Bracelet: vintage (I adore this bracelet, though!)

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This post is sponsored by Aurelie GI.
As always, I only work with brands I truly love. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Filed Under: Jewelry, Outfits, Sponsored, Style Tagged With: Aurelie GI, jewelry, outfit, review, spring style

Win $50 to NOVICA + 10 International Items to Refresh Your Home and Wardrobe

December 30, 2020 by jessica Leave a Comment

This post is in partnership with NOVICA.

Novica $50 Giveaway 2020
earrings c/o NOVICA

I think we can call agree that this year has been incredibly challenging. I miss so much about pre-COVID normalcy, not the least of which is being able to travel unfettered whether it’s to an international destination or just to a friend’s house in the neighborhood. I miss museums, exploring new cultures and cities, trying new food, and having a break from the monotony of what’s become a very humdrum work-from-home lifestyle. While it may be some time before borders reopen and travel restrictions lift, you satisfy some of that wanderlust with artisan goods from NOVICA. (And, below, there’s a chance to win a $50 to get you started!)

If you’re not already familiar with NOVICA, it’s a marketplace that connects international artisans directly to consumers. NOVICA works with other social organizations such as National Geographic and KIVA to support fair-trade practices to empower artisans and uplift communities across the globe. I’ve collaborating with NOVICA a few times over the years and each time I’m blown away by the beauty of the items I’ve selected and the care that goes into each package — there’s even an insert that shares more information about the artist. This time around, I picked out a pair of earrings (pictured above) from Desi Antari, a jeweler from Bali and Java. They are intricate, pick up the light beautifully, and make me incredibly eager to pack a suitcase for a warm destination with these as my only piece of jewelry.

Here are some other items I love:

  1. A pair of modern-yet-feminine earrings, also by Desi Antari.
  2. Prefer silver jewelry? How about these earrings?
  3. A selection of handcrafted face masks since we won’t be going without a mask anytime soon!
  4. A pair of beautiful wood spoons.
  5. A handcrafted domino set for game night.
  6. A set of cheerful hand-woven dishtowels.
  7. A gorgeous wood serving bowl.
  8. A set of spreading knives with agate handles to accompany your next cheese board.
  9. A set of six handblown tumblers from Mexico that are begging to be part of an outdoor gathering this summer.
  10. Get a jump on next year’s Christmas decor with this deer candle holder.

Enter to win $50 to NOVICA!

The randomly selected winner will receive a $50 code to use on the NOVICA website. It will be emailed the day after the giveaway closes, so be sure to include your email address when you enter! The code expires on January 31, 2021.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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This post contains affiliate links.

Filed Under: Jewelry Tagged With: Giveaway, jewelry, novica

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Hello!


Jessica Hamm
Hello there! I'm a first-time homeowner updating a 1920s house in Madison, Wisconsin. I have a penchant for travel and a love of costume jewelry.

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Snapshots from our recent trip to Philadelphia. Snapshots from our recent trip to Philadelphia. 

Everyone we met in Philly apologized for their gruff nature, despite no one actually living up to that stereotype. 😂
There’s nothing like having a vacation coming up There’s nothing like having a vacation coming up to motivate you to tackle a list of chores and deep clean the house.
It’s so nice to be home after a whirlwind week. It’s so nice to be home after a whirlwind week. We flew out to Philadelphia last Friday for a few days of exploring. It was our first time in the City of Brotherly Love and we loved every minute of it from the architecture to the restaurants, and most of all: the welcoming and friendly people. After that, we had one night at home before a flight to Denver to celebrate my cousin’s wedding. We got back to Madison late last night and have spent the day puttering around the house, getting caught up on laundry, grocery shopping, harvesting the season’s first tomatoes from the garden, and admiring just how much the hydrangeas have grown in the course of a week.
I always get a kick out of comparing views of our I always get a kick out of comparing views of our home today to the photos I took during our home inspection. (Swipe to see our main bedroom then!) While I knew the house had potential, it was hard to look past some of the owner’s “design” choices. Though, it looks like the room was destined to have a warm-toned quilt. 😂

P.S. @schoolhouse just released new colors of their popular Stillwater Floral Quilt!

And, for those interested, I’ve linked my bedroom items here: https://liketk.it/5iC8R

#SchoolhouseLiving #InteriorInspo #SlowDecorating #BedroomDecor #MainBedroom #CenturyHome #StillwaterFloral #HomeReno #HomeRenovation
Back in December, we booked @therobeychicago for a Back in December, we booked @therobeychicago for a couple nights in the summer and our long awaited anticipation of lounging by the rooftop pool was finally fulfilled last weekend. It also inadvertently became the weekend I made Dave eat a cheeseburger every day, between @redhotranchchicago, @eatmottst, and @smallcheval. There are worst ways to spend a weekend.

#chicago #visitchicago #therobey #therobeychicago #duckduckgoat #mottst #artinstituteofchicago #chicagoeats #auchevalchicago
Our guest room wasn’t a design priority until la Our guest room wasn’t a design priority until late last year when we finally bought a bed, mattress, and a set of sheets. We used some of our own extra bedding (tucking in the generous overhang of our king blankets under the queen-sized mattress) and old bedside lamps from our bedroom: functional, but not quite the charming space I’d envisioned.
 
That started to change when I purchased the Popcorn Grid Coverlet from Schoolhouse — an item I’d been eyeing for years — plus some graphic floral pillows. Then came a bright blue round cushion and the sweetest Teig lamp, both generously gifted by Schoolhouse, and the room finally started to come together. You can shop my picks here: https://liketk.it/5f322

#Ad #SchoolhousePartner #SchoolhouseSpringStyle #SchoolhouseLiving #InteriorInspo #SlowDecorating #GuestRoom
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