This post explains what jewelry basics you should own and the best places to buy them if you need them.
If you know me, you know my love of fun, statement over the top jewelry. It can really change the look of an outfit, add a splash of color, and lots of personality. It’s also an inexpensive way to partake in a trend. Basic jewelry is just as important as your capsule wardrobe essentials or a timeless purse. These pieces never go out of style.
But what I don’t talk much about is basic jewelry. Jewelry that every woman should own. These timeless pieces that you’ll wear for years to come and that are great for everyday wear. I know some women don’t like to change up their jewelry. They would rather wear something classic that goes with everything.
So today I’m going to share with you some affordable minimalist jewelry brands that I love. The classic timeless jewelry pieces you should own. And, the best jewelry investment pieces.
What is basic jewelry?
It’s simple, classic items that you can wear with anything and on repeat. Much like the capsule wardrobe essential pieces, these are the building blocks for your jewelry box.
The items I recommend you have are the following:
- Diamond studs
- A classic watch
- Gold hoops
- Gold necklace with a small pendant
- Pearl earrings
- Pearl necklace
- Bracelets in gold or platinum
Best jewelry investments pieces
I recommend you invest in a pair of diamond studs, you will wear these forever. I have a pair from when I turned 16 and a pair from my mother. If you don’t want to invest in diamonds, then get a good pair of fakes.
A good watch that is timeless. You decide on gold or silver and choose a watch made by a brand that specializes in watches. You will have it forever and pass it on to your kids.
Pearl necklace and earrings. I have a pearl necklace that I inherited from my mother-in-law. I don’t wear them often, but when I need a classic look, I reach for them. These are perfect for job interviews (which hopefully I NEVER have to go on again), funerals, photo shoots, or church. This is also a great piece to throw on when I want to tame an outfit that looks too spicy. The pearls sweeten things right up.
My pearl earrings are not a classic pearl but a black Keshi pearl. I wear these all the time and love them.
I won’t be making recommendations for the diamonds or watches in this post. It’s my opinion that you need to go in-store to make purchases like this. You need to see them in real life and try different styles and sizes at a reputable dealer in your area, to decide what works.
I am sharing some ideas for peals, but they are freshwater or faux pearls, not classic cultured pearls.
What is jewelry you can wear every day?
The list above is what I would recommend for everyday pieces. Here are my specific picks for each of these pieces (aside from the diamond studs and watch). I made selections from places with reasonably priced items with simple, clean designs. Most of these are not 14k gold but filled and or dipped. They still wear well and will last for a long time. Many of these places also offer solid gold pieces, so feel free to shop around on the various sites if this is your preference.
There may be affiliate links in this post. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may get a small commission at no cost to you. This does not affect what I include in my blogs, only the best for you.
Gold hoops
I have cheap hoops and solid gold ones. They are different shapes and sizes and wear them both all the time. I don’t believe you can have too many pairs of hoops. They never go out of style and add the perfect touch to any outfit.
The classic rounded hoops are something you could wear forever and ever. I am also a big fan of the huggy type earring. This unusual shape is unique but still clean and simple. The atypical shape and texture of the last pair are perfect if you don’t see yourself as a classic hoops girl. These are a little edgier and modern.
Gold pendant
A gold pendant is a great way to elevate jeans and a t-shirt or sweater. Layering your pendants is an easy way to make a blouse or turtleneck more interesting. And adding a pendant is a simple way to create that v-shape at your neck that helps create an hourglass shape, no matter what your body type.
The simple oval pendant on a paperclip chain is a bit more modern. You can swap out the paperclip chain for a classic-style chain if you wish. The ornate pendant on the simple chain is so pretty. It’s modern and vintage at the same time. I also love how they layer the different pendants once you get to the site. The last one is a letter pendant. This could be your initial, your kids, or a loved one that you want to keep close to your heart. It’s a simple and sweet pendant that you can wear daily, and that usually has a lot of meaning.
Pearl earrings
Such a classic and a very easy way to dress up a look. Pearls are the perfect add-on to an outfit when you need to sweeten up your spicy outfit. I own and wear regular pearls, freshwater pearls, and Keisha pearls. Keisha pearls are fresher and more modern so it depends on your style.
The larger-sized pearls are a fun twist on the classic with a bigger size. The pearl drop earring is a freshwater pearl and is a great style that offers movement and more of a statement but in a minimalist way. The smaller double pearl drop earring is the most classic of the three, but still has a twist to it. These are all modern ways to wear a pearl earring.
Pearl necklace
These are not your mother’s pearls. This first necklace is freshwater pearls. I love the different sizes of pearls throughout the necklace. You could wear this with anything and anywhere. It could be classic, edgy, or fun. The chain and pearl combo is a modern way to wear your pearls. I like it worn with a peek of the chain showing but mostly pearls like the photo. But you could wear the chain in the back and pearls in the front. This last one is a simple way to wear pearls, one big freshwater drop on an adjustable chain. It can accommodate many shirt styles and length preferences.
Bracelets
Having a solid bracelet option in your jewelry box is always a good idea. It’s a fun way to finish off a cuffed sleeve and a great alternative to a necklace or earrings.
A structured gold cuff is easy to wear with almost any outfit. You can layer this with many of the same or a bunch of different bracelets. It also stands on its own. This double chain bracelet is classic and easy to layer. There is also a single chain option if the double feels too wide. It’s not as bold, but still a classic simple style. The last bracelet is so pretty, timeless, and simple. It’s adjustable so you will get the fit that you want. I have a few of her pieces and I always get compliments when I wear them. They make a statement without taking over your outfit.
Where are the best places to buy basic jewelry pieces?
I have a lot of places where I love to shop for this kind of jewelry, many of their pieces are shown above. Below is a longer list of places to find basic pieces that you can wear year after year. All at reasonable prices for classics that you will def get use out of.
So go raid your jewelry box, I bet you have lots of these basic pieces already in there. But start wearing them. Put them on with your everyday simple outfits. Let me know in the comments below, where do you like to get your classic basic jewelry?
