September has a way of making us want a fresh start–from refreshing our wardrobes to getting organized for all of the upcoming holidays, the beginning of the ‘Ber months are a special time. Your jewelry collection deserves the same kind of attention! Instead of a jewelry box overflowing with pieces that you rarely wear, imagine having a curating collection of timeless, versatile pieces that effortlessly work with everything from your favorite jeans to special-occasion looks. Building a capsule jewelry collection is all about choosing quality pieces that you love, wear often, and can style in countless ways. Read on to see what essentials we think belong in every jewelry box!
Looking for the perfect way to store and travel with your capsule jewelry collection? We have a large variety of beautiful, portable, and insanely affordable jewelry boxes!
- Start with a classic pair of everyday earrings
Think classic pearl or diamond studs, small gold hoops, or another versatile style that works well with any outfit, and makes the transition from office to dinner a breeze!
A classic pair of studs will never go out of style–and will always be a staple you reach for over and over again. We have all different sizes and carat weights in stock, at price points that will work with every budget!
2. Add a signature necklace
A simple chain, diamond pendant, or a meaningful piece that can be worn alone or layered are all great choices. For me personally, I wear a minimalist 14K yellow gold chain with a minimalist diamond in a bezel setting suspended from the center almost every day. I’ll sometimes layer it with other necklaces, but more often than not I simply leave this piece on for weeks at a time. It’s durable, it’s extremely lightweight, it goes with everything, and it easily transitions from day to night based on the earrings I pair it with. Which leads me to…
A signature necklace–whether you choose from a simple chain or want to bling up your everyday look by investing in a classic diamond pendant, like this 3+ carat pear shaped diamond in 14K yellow gold ($3,450)–is an essential part of your jewelry wardrobe
3. Invest in a great pair of statement earrings
While it is important to have a pair or two of classic, everyday earrings as mentioned above, it is also worth investing in a pair of statement earrings for special occasions. Here at Gilded Design Studio, both of our owners, several of our staff, and quite a few of our customers own a pair of dazzling diamond dangle earrings that we have dubbed the “Friendship earrings”, which is one of Becca’s custom designs (see below). Several of us, including myself, also own a pair of diamond line earrings–this style is popular enough that I have loaned these stunning earrings to two different friends to wear to weddings this year alone! Having a pair of statement earrings for your most special occasions is a great investment–both for you, and for generations to come.
One of Becca’s signature designs, these custom bubble earrings (we call them the “friendship earrings”!) can be made with any shape of diamonds and/or gemstones.
4. Find your everyday bangle or bracelet
Whether you prefer a more minimalist bangle or the substantial sparkle of a diamond tennis bracelet, investing in a classic bracelet that goes with every outfit and every occasion is an essential part of your jewelry wardrobe. Everyday bracelets should look good alone, and also look good as part of a stack if you wish to add additional styles (for example, layering a tennis bracelet with a bangle and a station bracelet). For me personally, my everyday bracelet is a stunning diamond tennis bracelet my husband gifted me five years ago to celebrate it being ten years since he proposed, and I’ve worn it almost every day since.
A simple everyday bracelet, like this yellow gold plated silver paperclip bracelet from FYB, is an affordable everyday signature piece of jewelry
5. Add a versatile ring
A stackable band, for example, is a classic piece of jewelry that can bring an outfit perfectly together without looking over done. I recently gifted a friend of mine a minimalist 14K gold band from my collection that is dotted with tiny diamonds all the way around, as she was looking for a simple piece to wear on a daily basis.
This 14K band manages to be versatile, stunning, and sophisticated–the perfect staple ring for your capsule jewelry collection. It features a full .25 carat row of sparkling diamonds, which crown a wide, textured band. Priced to sell at just $1,950
6. Include one special occasion piece
This is where you introduce diamonds, gemstones, heirloom-quality pieces, or something more dramatic. Think grandma’s classic cocktail ring or strand of pearls here–something that stands the test of time, and yet is kept for special events. I have a treasured cocktail ring for special occasions that features my daughter’s birthstone (garnet), surrounded by a floral swirl of chocolate and white diamonds set in rose gold–a true statement piece, I save this one for only the most special events!
A true special occasion piece, these glorious diamond earrings feature both pink and white diamonds set in two-tone rose and white gold. Priced at just $5,000, these won’t last long
7. Don’t forget a personal piece
Birthstone jewelry, an initial pendant, or a specially engraved piece can truly make your jewelry collection feel like yours.
A personal piece, such as this birthstone band we designed for a client, is an excellent addition to every capsule jewelry collection
8. Consider your metals
Gold, silver, platinum, or mixed metals–truly consider what metal color looks best with your skin tone as you choose your capsule jewelry pieces. For example, I love having pieces in white, yellow, and rose gold–I used to wear only white gold, and now have slowly been switching to mostly yellow gold. However, I have one friend who wouldn’t ever consider wearing yellow gold, while I have another friend who won’t wear any white gold or silver, as she doesn’t feel like that metal color looks good with her skin tone. Choosing metals to invest in is a highly personal choice, and one that we can help you with when you come to visit us!
As you can see, all of us Gilded Gals love mixing our metals!
9. Prioritize versatility over quantity
The whole point of a capsule collection is having few pieces that work harder–less is more!
Need some ideas to start, add to, or complete your own personal jewelry capsule collection? Here are some ideas for where to start, with pieces we currently have in-stock!
Minimalist gold hoops (white and yellow gold, different diameters)
We have a wide variety of minimalist hoops in 14K yellow or white gold–a perfect choice for an everyday earring–at price points for every budget
Statement earrings
The ultimate statement earring–these gorgeous yellow gold and diamond drop earrings are sure to impress at your most special events (only $3,000)
Everyday Bracelet
An absolutely perfect choice for an everyday bracelet to elevate your look, this simple stretch bracelet features 14K gold beads and will go with every outfit in your wardrobe. Priced at under $1,600, this bracelet is an essential piece that you will reach for for years to come.
Signature necklace
An elegant choice for a staple necklace that goes with everything, this classic piece features a lustrous pearl and sparkling diamond accents that reflect the light of the 14K white gold setting. At only $1,100, this piece is sure to be a treasured investment you wear constantly.
Special Occasion piece
A classic strand of pearls are the literal definition of a staple piece of jewelry for your capsule collection that is saved for special occasions. This glorious 22 inch strand of Mikimoto pearls feature a yellow gold clasp, and are priced at only $2,500
Personal piece
14K white gold surround these beautiful aquamarines, which are March’s birthstone. A great choice for a personal piece that reflects your individuality as you plan your jewelry capsule collection is a piece that contains your unique birthstone!