I’ve always loved jewelry, but for a long time, my collection was a bit of a mess – random pieces I’d picked up here and there, without any real thought or connection. I realized I needed a better approach. I wanted a jewelry collection that truly reflected my style and complemented my wardrobe.
I decided to take a hard look at my existing jewelry. It was a mix of everything – trendy items, gifts, and impulse buys. The problem was, I wasn't wearing most of it. I was holding onto things out of sentimentality or because I thought I should like them, not because I actually did. This is when I started thinking about my jewelry collection as something I needed to curate, not just accumulate.
One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was jumping on trends without considering if they suited me. I remember seeing all these beautiful gold pieces online and rushing to buy a whole set. Turns out, gold doesn't really flatter my skin tone at all! I ended up with a bunch of unworn jewelry that just sat in my drawer. That was a pretty expensive lesson in understanding my personal style.
I also realized that I was buying pieces without considering where I’d actually wear them. I had some very fancy, statement jewelry that was perfect for special occasions, but I rarely go to special occasions. I needed more everyday pieces that I could wear to work or while running errands.
After my initial missteps, I decided to be more strategic. Here’s what I learned:
The first thing I did was think about my lifestyle. Where do I spend most of my time? What kind of outfits do I usually wear? This helped me determine what kind of jewelry I actually needed. I considered the environments where I would be wearing jewelry and the styles I preferred for each occasion. For example, for work, I prefer simple, understated pieces. For evenings out, I might choose something a bit bolder.
I started focusing on pieces I could wear every day. I found that investing in quality materials like 14k gold or sterling silver was a good idea, as these pieces are more durable and less likely to tarnish. I thought about what I always wanted or found attractive. Was it a necklace, bracelet, ring, or earrings? Starting with one daily wear piece in each category helped me build a foundation.
I stopped trying to follow trends and started focusing on what I genuinely liked. I realized that there’s no point in buying jewelry just because it goes with other pieces if you don’t actually love it. Anything you don’t wear is just a waste of money. So, I decided to buy what I liked, regardless of whether it fit into a specific theme. My collection became more diverse and, more importantly, more "me."
While I focused on everyday pieces, I also wanted to incorporate some statement jewelry. I discovered I have a preference for large pieces and natural stones. I know this isn't everyone's style, but it's what I'm drawn to. Statement pieces can really elevate an outfit and add personality to your look. However, it's important to choose statement pieces that you genuinely love and will wear, rather than just buying them because they're trendy.
One of my biggest mistakes was trying to build an entire jewelry wardrobe at once. I spent a lot of money on pieces that I didn’t really need or love. Now, I take my time and carefully consider each purchase. Building a jewelry collection is a journey, not a race.