The following are essential jewelry pieces every woman should have:
I. A Statement Watch:
With the proliferation of technology in terms of hand held devises (mobile phones, Blackberry/Trio Palm etc.) we have no real need for a watch, which is why watches have become even more like a piece of jewelry.
Look for a beautiful and unique handcrafted or artisan jewelry style watch that reflects your personality.
Pangea Collection presents three styles of wire watches handcrafted by a local Toronto designer.
Artisan Jewelry - unique handcrafted watch
II. A Classic Necklace:
It doesn’t have to be a string of pearls, if you don’t love pearls, find another classic looking material that you do love. It could be a sterling silver or gold link necklace or a string of semi precious stones.
Here are a couple of style suggestions from Pangea Collection, the first is handmade silver jewelry from Taxco Mexico.
Handmade Silver Link Necklace, Mexican jewelry
Sterling Silver Link Necklace
The second is a classic semi precious jewelry piece from a local Toronto jewelry artisan.
Citrine Necklace
III. A Cocktail Ring
If it works for you go with a bolder statement here, if you are more subtle tone down of the size but not the style.
In terms of bold, chunky with a large size stone (imitation or genuine) can be a perfect compliment to a little black dress.
For a more subtle look but stylish choose a band that has intricate detailing on it so the focus is on the detail not the size.
Here are a couple of suggestions from Pangea Collection, the first is a handcrafted wood ring from Brazil, the second is fair trade jewelry from Chile and the third is a handmade silver ring from the Bali Artisan Jewelry Collection.
Brazilian Chrysophase & Silver Ring
Brazilian Wood Ring
Chilean Stone & Silver Ring
Fair trade jewelry Chilean Silver and Semi precious stone ring
Balinese Silver Band
Handmade silver jewelry ring
IV. An Elegant Bracelet or Bangle
Whether it is a tennis bracelet, a link bracelet, a strand of semi precious stones or an elegant bangle, having one of these makes it a simple elegant way to complete an outfit
The following are style suggestions from Pangea Collection. The first is a classic with a bit of whimsy, a handmade silver link bracelet with heart pendant from the Mexican Handmade Silver Jewelry Collection. The second and third are both from the Bali Artisan Jewelry Collection.
Heart Pendant Link Bracelet
Balinese Onyx & Silver Bead Bracelet
Artisan jewelry - Onyx and Silver Bracelet
Balinese Silver Bangle
Silver Bangle Jewelry, Handmade Silver Jewelry
V. Two Pair of Earrings
If you wear earrings it’s a good idea to have a bolder loop or dangling style and a more classic set such as pearls or diamonds (or imitation).
In many cases the style of earrings, or the choice to wear them will depend on your hairstyle and your facial features/proportions.
If you wear your hair up or behind the ears, the earrings will be visible, if not you may want to skip the earrings and opt for a necklace as the focal point.
A couple examples:
Loop Earrings
Chandelier Earrings
Long Bali Chandelier Earrings
VI. A Piece with Meaning
This could be a family piece or a piece you picked up on your travels. A keepsake that you can pass on and share its story.
VII. A Couple of Pure Fun Pieces
Have a few fun or trendy pieces that reflect the current season/trends. These can be paired with a casual outfit to help you feel fun and current.
Here are some style suggestions:
Bell Flower Eco Tagua Seed Necklace
Indian Hand Painted Fair Trade Wood Bangles
Tagua Eco Seed Necklace
The above are suggested pieces to have in your jewelry box, but they’re a guideline rather than hard and fast rules. There is a lot more flexibility now in making a statement that reflects our individuality rather than “playing by the rules”. So if you don’t like to wear earrings than don’t feel obligated to have earrings in your collection. If you hate pearls, opt for another stone that you do love.
For the classic pieces invest in quality. In the long run this will save money as you will have a classic piece that will look fabulous for years and you won’t have to keep buying new jewelry every year.
Take care of your jewelry with proper storage and being careful not to spray it with perfume or lotions or bang them while wearing.
Have fun, wear it with love.
