|

|

5 Favorites: Jewelry Edition

Hello and happy 🐫 day! I’ve got another 5 Favorites post today, and this is the jewelry edition. I get a lot of requests for more information on jewelry, how to style it, how to layer it, what to wear it with, etc. so I hope this is helpful. I’m sharing my 5 favorite pieces (or types) of jewelry, and I’m also touching on jewelry organization.

5 Favorite Pieces of Jewelry

#1. Silver Link Bracelet 

This is probably the piece of jewelry I wear most often. I’ve had it for at least 10 years, and it’s still my favorite. It has enough visual weight to stand alone, but it can also be layered with other pieces. It can be dressy or casual, and it goes with just about anything. Yes, it’s spendy, but on a cost per wear basis, it has more than paid for itself over the years.

There have been some debates in my comment section about the size I have, but I’m fairly certain it’s the oval large link. That’s the price we paid for it, and I’ve always linked to this one, but I’ll try to remember to verify the size the next time I go in and get it cleaned — I stop into the D Yurman store about once a year and get all my pieces cleaned. That keeps them in tip-top condition. My husband learned a long time ago that a piece of DY jewelry is a guaranteed hit when he needs a present for me, so he’s given me a few pieces over the years.

I also love my Alex and Ani charm bangles, and that’s what I usually wear with other gold jewelry. I have some other bracelets that I cycle in sometimes as well, but when I’m wearing silver, I almost always wear my DY link bracelet. If you like the look but not the price tag, this silver link bracelet is similar. It’s not quite as thick as mine, but it’s still a great versatile piece for a fraction of the price.

I get a lot of requests to share my jewelry organization. I like to keep my jewelry out where I can see it, so I have two bracelet stands on my dresser similar to these, and that’s where I keep all my bracelets except my sterling silver. I keep my sterling in the felt bags they came in so they don’t tarnish.

#2. Layering Necklaces

I couldn’t choose a favorite necklace because I rotate them around so much, so I’m linking to my newest — this J.Crew layered coin necklace. The trend right now is moving away from statement necklaces and to layer more delicate necklaces. I’ve never been a big fan of statement necklaces, personally, so I’m embracing the delicates.

I love the ones that come already put together, but I’m also trying to collect a few separate pieces that I can wear together for more of a mix and match look. I love Gorjana for delicate jewelry that layers well, so I’m hoping to add a couple of new pieces to my collection soon.

I have a necklace stand similar to this on my dresser where I keep shorter necklaces, and I just ordered this wall mounted jewelry organizer for my long necklaces because the one I was using in my old house didn’t make it here in one piece. I still need to get Paul to hang that, but it will go beside my dresser.

More of My Favorite Layering Necklaces:

#3. Oversized Pearl Earring Studs

While statement earrings are a huge trend right now, my favorites are still a simple pair of studs. I purchased this pair of faux pearl earrings a few years ago, and I wore them so much I decided I could justify a real pair. I stalked them until they went 60% off last Christmas, and I absolutely love wearing them. The 11mm size is perfectly oversized without being hugely tacky (in my humble opinion, anyway!)

I think the reason I like these studs so much is that they’re easy to pair with necklaces. I don’t like my jewelry to be too matchy-matchy so deciding which earrings and necklace to wear together can be a bit of a challenge.

Typically I choose my necklace first, based on my outfit and the type of top and neckline I’m wearing, and then I choose my earrings to support the necklace. My general rule of thumb goes like this: The bigger and bolder the necklace(s), the smaller and more subtle the earrings I pair with it. Simple hoops are also good for wearing with bolder necklaces because they’re plain and work with a lot of styles of necklaces.

I keep my studs in a trinket tray on my dresser. (I also drop my rings in there at night.)

#4. Drop Earrings

This is another category I have trouble picking a favorite, but right now I probably wear this pair of double hoop earrings most often (these are similar.) I have quite a few pairs of drop earrings of various sizes and levels of formality. I would say they’re the type of earrings I wear the most. Again, depending on my necklace, I will choose drop earrings that are larger and bolder or smaller and more subtle, so I like to have a variety.

If I want to wear a pair of big statement earrings, I usually forego a necklace altogether or I wear something delicate that doesn’t compete.

I store my hoops and chandelier earrings in this acrylic jewelry storage box on top of my dresser.

More of My Favorite Drop Earrings

#5. Mixed Metal Ring

In addition to my wedding rings, I almost always wear a fashion ring on my right hand. Wearing several rings on one hand or even on one finger is popular these days, but I generally stick with one per hand. #plainjane

These days I usually wear this gold and silver link ring because it goes with everything. I have others, and I really should rotate them more, but I usually revert back to this one because it’s a nice size and it has both gold and silver in it so it goes with any other jewelry I’m wearing.

Of course you don’t have to spend that much. Again, the designer pieces I have were gifts. Stella & Dot has a lot of pretty fashion rings under $100, as does Nordstrom and many other retailers. This crossover ring is a popular style that looks good with everything.

I’m definitely a less-is-more kind of girl when it comes to jewelry. If I feel like I may possibly be overdoing it, I remove something. This isn’t necessarily the conventional wisdom of our day. Right now, there’s a lot of layering and mixing and matching going on, but I’d rather downplay my accessories so they don’t overpower me or my outfit.

Don’t miss a post!

Subscribe to get email updates! In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and a peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox. PLUS you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card each month, so don’t miss it!

This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

Join The Conversation

28 Responses

  1. When I was in the corporate world Larry would buy me quality pieces of jewelry.  He even had some pieces made for me.  Since we now live a much more simple life, I don’t wear those pieces, but I still love them.  Have a blessed day!

    1. Ginger, so true that when we retire our wardrobe changes. Esp in Savannah. I am casual all the time. Even our neighborhood church is casual. So my entire lifestyle is casual. If I get invited somewhere special I would have to go shopping.

      1. The real bummer is that since I am now allergic to gold, there’s quite a few 14 carat gold pieces that I can’t wear.  😟

  2. I like classic jewelry pieces also. That is what I wear most often. I bought a couple of statement necklaces a couple of years ago and never felt comfortable wearing them. Maybe because they draw attention to an already larger bust? Anyway, I’m glad for this trend to go back to regular size necklaces .

  3. I have a question. I usually only wear silver jewelry because it is more complimentary to my hair and skin tone than gold is, but I have a difficult time keeping my pieces tarnish free, especially the sterling silver hoops which are delicate and bend easily. I love the idea of taking all of my silver jewelry somewhere to be cleaned once a year. Do you know of someplace that provides this service for pieces I’ve purchased from various locations or received as gifts?

  4. Loved this post fun to see your ideas…
    I like as always your classic style
    Hope your mri good…
    I had to go yesterday for same would you
    Believe I overdanced at my daughters 
    Wedding!
    Thank goodness not broke just 
    Infected from blisters…
    Never heard such thing!
    At least I was channeling Jo-Lynne style and 
    Looked great in my three inch heels!

  5. Thank you for this post. I especially needed the information on how to keep my jewelry organized. Just ordered some of the organizers you recommended.

  6. This was a fun post. And thanks for the link to the bracelet holder. I think I need that!  I do have a question – how do you keep your layered necklaces from tangling while you are wearing them?  I love the look of layering, but mine always twist together after wearing them for awhile.  Any tips? 

    1. Yeah, some are easier than others. I get annoyed sometimes, but generally, I just try to straighten them out when I have a sec. I don’t have too many that get tangled badly when they’re on. It’s mainly when they’re in storage, and traveling with long necklaces is a real pain. I actually get my daughter to straighten them out for me a lot of the times. She is more patient than I am and has better eyesight. 🙂

      1. Ha Ha – yes….patience and eyesight are a must for untangling them!  I do thread my necklaces through a plastic straw to travel with and it generally keeps them from getting tangled.  Actually, better than when they are just hanging up!

  7. Thanks so much for offering your “basics”, love the simplification. I was wondering if you would consider doing something similar with watches. I’ve been a long time reader and suspect you have a favorite, but, it would be helpful to get your thoughts on styles that aren’t necessarily as large as MK. As usual, I enjoy your blog, thought process and style, thanks so much for sharing.

  8. Wow great pieces and great information… I remember hearing once that you put three things on and take one off before you leave the house.( accessories that is…LOL). I should try to pick the necklace first… as I usually grab the earrings and leave without a necklace because I feel over done.. Then my necklaces do not get worn. I picked up a gold and silver (just costume jewelry ) layered necklaces to see how the trend lasts… They are cute even with T- shirts.
    By the way I keep thinking its Thursday too

    1. I’ve heard that too, but I think that is geared to women who tend to over-do it with a lot of extra pieces and layering. I think 3 pieces are fine — necklace, earrings, and bracelet. Or even 4 or 5 if you layer a few delicate necklaces. I just try to make one of them the “hero piece” and the other pieces more secondary — especially when it comes to earrings and necklaces. I go with simple studs if I have a big statement necklace on, or a scarf even. If I wear big earrings, I try to keep the necklace(s) more subtle. 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *