How to Build a Jewellery Wardrobe
the cherry on top of a great outfit
I don’t know about you, but for me, an outfit never feels truly finished until I throw on some jewellery. It’s like the cherry on top of a great outfit. One thing I’ve learnt is to never underestimate the power of jewellery, no matter if it’s delicate dainty chains or chunky pearls, the right piece can add that finishing touch that transforms an outfit from just okay to something that feels elevated. For the longest time, jewellery sort of befuddled me. I never knew what exactly to buy or how to style it and it’s certainly been a journey. I’ve come to learn that jewellery is an important part of any outfit and knowing how to use it properly can transform just about any look.
Now that’s all well and good, but how do we actually go about curating a selection of jewellery that enhances and upgrades our outfits? There are a million options out there and frankly it’s a bit overwhelming. Fear not, as that’s exactly what this post is about! We’ll be covering the steps to building a jewellery wardrobe, plus where to shop.
But before all that, first it’s time for some serious inspo to get our creative juices flowing:
Step 1: Start with the Essentials (Your Everyday Uniform)
Think of these as the white tee and jeans of your jewellery box. By no means does that mean they’re basic. It means they’re reliable, high-quality and go with pretty much everything. Everyday jewellery acts as a great base for building and layering. These are the kinds of pieces you wear every day and rarely take off, often becoming so automatic that you feel weird without them. When sourcing this kind of jewellery, you definitely need to filter by ‘fine jewellery’ and not ‘fashion jewellery’, as these pieces are usually not built to last as long as fine jewellery and might tarnish more easily.
Gold or Diamond Studs – The easiest way to look polished without even trying.
A Simple Chain Necklace – Wear on its own or layer it up. Either way, always wearing at least one small necklace instantly elevates any outfit.
A Classic Watch – The ultimate power move. (Think Cartier Tank, vintage Rolex or Hermès Cape Cod.)
Simple Rings – Solid gold bands and Cartier Love rings are great for anchoring pieces with more sparkle.
Stackable Bracelets – Delicate chains and tennis bracelets set a great foundation for heavier/more statement pieces.
Step 2: Elevate with Personality Pieces
Once your foundation is set, it’s time to add jewellery that feels uniquely you. You can start having fun with colours and gems and experimenting with what complements your outfit that day. This is where fashion jewellery comes into play. Fashion jewellery (or sometimes called ‘costume jewellery’) does what it says on the tin — it’s designed for fashion purposes, e.g to enhance your outfit. Mixing fashion pieces with those higher quality everyday pieces allows you to build a well-rounded jewellery collection that allows for adaptability depending on your mood and outfit.
A Bling Ring – Think about rings that you wouldn’t wear on a daily basis (doesn’t have to be statement). They make any outfit look more well-rounded and intentional, even if you’re just wearing a tank top and jeans (actually, this is my go-to for casual days).
Fun earrings – These aren’t necessarily statement earrings but also not everyday earrings. They just add a little something extra to those everyday looks. They can dangle, sparkle or be oversized, whatever it may be, having a pair of fun fashion earrings is the easiest way to elevate any look.
Beads – Designers like Sophie Buhai have shone the spotlight on beaded jewellery as of late, with her chunky beaded necklaces spotted on many a celeb. Her style leans into the more minimalist type of jewellery, for those who aren’t seeking flashy diamonds but still want elegance.
Cuffs - As much as I love a stack, sometimes a cuff gives an outfit an unexpected pop.
Pearls, but Make Them Modern – For the longest time I associated pearl necklaces with my grandma (along with the scent of outrageously strong perfume). But alas, pearls are having a moment right now and as far as I’m concerned, the chunkier the better! When styling them I would suggest thinking about contrast to ensure a modern feel instead of a dated one. For example, I wouldn’t style them with a Chanel tweed jacket (classic + classic), instead I’d pair them with something like a khaki bomber jacket, oversized striped polo shirt and baggy jeans (casual + classic).
Step 3: Mastering the Art of Layering
Now you have all the right pieces, the real key is knowing how to mix and match.
Necklaces: Play with different lengths—layer a choker, a mid-length pendant and a long chain.
Rings: Stacking is an art. Mix metals, play with shapes and always have one hero piece.
Bracelets: The perfect stack = a bangle, a chain bracelet and something with texture or colour.
Where to shop for jewels
Vintage & Antique Finds
1stDibs – If you’re not scouting 1stDibs for jewellery then what are you doing?! This online marketplace is a treasure trove for vintage treasures, from Edwardian diamond rings to rare designer pieces from Chanel and Boucheron.
The RealReal – The same goes for TheRealReal. Along with tons of other pre-owned pieces, it’s a great place to score some unique jewellery. They stock top brands like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co., often at more accessible price points. Start adding to that wishlist now!
Erica Weiner – I discovered this site a while ago when searching for vintage gems. It’s great for antique and vintage-inspired jewellery, including Victorian-style lockets and Art Nouveau rings. They also offer a curated selection of genuine antique finds.
Doyle & Doyle – This is where you go for those heirloom worthy pieces…vintage engagement rings, Art Deco sapphire pieces and old-cut diamonds with character. They’re based in NY but have an online store.
Independent Brands
Jessica McCormack – I am SO in love with her designs!! Literally my favourite designer to obsess over right now.
Jenna Blake – Bold, colorful designs with Art Deco influences, often featuring enamel, lapis lazuli, and intricate patterns.
Sophie Buhai – A brand known for its minimalist sculptural jewellery, especially chunky beaded pieces that feel elegant and artistic.
Almasika – Elegant, culturally inspired gold jewellery, often featuring celestial motifs and African heritage influences.
Mejuri – A great place to shop for everyday fine jewellery, including stackable rings, dainty chains and diamond huggie hoops.
Luxury/Designer/High-Jewellery
Van Cleef & Arpels – You’ll likely have seen some colourful four-leaf clovers draped around the necks of many a celeb. Those are Van Cleef’s iconic Alhambra collection which is no doubt their most famous design. The brand is known for exquisite craftsmanship, intricate floral designs and fairy tale-inspired high jewellery.
Cartier – Cartier has crafted some of the most iconic pieces in jewellery history. The Love bracelet, the Tank watch, the Juste un Clou (nail-inspired pieces), the Crash watch and the Panthère collection (feline-inspired jewellery).
Graff – When I think of ultra-lux high jewellery, Graff is the first brand that comes to mind. Think showstopping engagement rings and red-carpet-worthy statement necklaces. The brand is known for working with some of the world’s largest and most exceptional diamonds.
Bvlgari – Famous for its snake-inspired designs that wrap their way around the wrist, Bvlgari’s Serpenti collection is no doubt its most famous creation.
David Yurman – A brand known for mixed-metal pieces and a balance between everyday luxury and sculptural artistry.
Til next time,
Sophie xx