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| Five Essentials for Your Jewelry Box |
| Oct-22-2007 |
A number of years ago, I had an epiphany while tearing my hair out over what to buy my young niece for Christmas. I bought her a jewelry box, and each subsequent year I gave her another piece of jewelry to help her build a collection that would serve her well for the rest of her life.
Of course, the pieces I gave were inexpensive. But the idea did cause me to wonder what would comprise the five essentials for a woman's jewelry collection -- a starter-set, if you will. I figured this would provide me with a great template when considering what to buy my wife on special occasions.
My five essentials--
1. A strand of pearls. In my opinion, nothing says 'dress up' better than pearls. They work well with almost any color and style of dress, they are durable, if treated properly, and an 18" 7mm strand of good-quality pearls won't set you back much more than the cost of a weekend getaway. I'd recommend an 18" strand, by the way, because this length works with a variety of necklines. You'll find strands of pearls in a variety of subtle tones from pink, favored in the west, to gold, favored in the east. Either are beautiful, so choose what flatters your skin tone.
2. Diamond solitaire. While this is by far the most popular choice for engagement rings, one shouldn't have to wait until then to enjoy the sparkle of a diamond. Even a smaller stone in a solitaire mounting catches enough light to set off the gem's fire, and this ring's simplicity makes it a great choice with any outfit. It can be a surprisingly durable choice, as well, as long as you keep an eye on the prongs. Remember; if it snags, run, don't walk, to your jeweler.
3. Diamond stud earrings. Properly mounted diamond studs allow you to maintain a touch of elegance when other jewelry isn't appropriate. For example, note the athletes such as LeBron James that sport diamonds while at play. While their bling is usually over-the-top, diamond studs don't need to be large, or top-quality, to have an impact. In fact, in my opinion, smaller stones tend to enhance the delicacy of one's ears.
4. Gold chain. I know that everyone in America owns a gold chain; many own many. Unfortunately, most of them are so cheaply made that their life expectancy is slight. For a life collection, I'd suggest a substantial chain, one that weighs enough that it seems surprisingly heavy when you hold it in your hand. These chains don't skimp on the inside of the links where metal wears on metal. Rather than flat chains, which inevitably kink and lose some of their luster, consider the more open-link styles such as the curb, or Cuban. With proper care, they'll last a lifetime.
5. Gold bracelet.
 Again, a standard for casual dress-up, parties, and office wear. An attractive gold bracelet draws attention to your hands, so it makes a great partner for that super manicure you just splurged on. Durability is essential with a bracelet, since it will snag and catch. Favor an open-link style, the heavier the better. And don't skimp on the clasp; a lobster clasp, for one, is much more substantial than the usual spring ring.
With these five basics, a woman can dress up or down, ready for everything from a volleyball game to a coronation. Having a blueprint for gift-giving will make shopping for those special occasions a little easier, too. |
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Posted by Tom B at 12:46 PM - Link to this entry Share this entry |
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