Capsule Jewelry Wardrobe

[LightBright]

Can anyone share a description of their daily wear jewelry pieces (antique or otherwise). I’m curious about the basic Short List components of an every day basic wardrobe that still gives you great happiness to wear.

My only daily wearable happy piece right now is a vintage platinum half eternity that is my wedding ring. The diamonds are tiny but they must be superideal cut because this tiny ring is a firecracker.

I’m wondering for example if anyone has a high carat yellow gold heavy vintage band that they wear always, stacked or alone. Is that an essential capsule wardrobe component? What is best gold content (22K or 23K)? Is it okay for the gold to be that soft?

Or what about basic earrings that you never take off? Can they be pearls? I love the dormouse antique diamond earrings - can they be every day wear? - the costs of antique dormouse is through the roof lately. Has anyone found a more affordable replica?

Your thoughts on top five must have pieces would be interesting!

 

[Frenchieglitter]

Here's my staples, some for every day, and others I may not wear every day, but consider them staples and I reach for them more than other pieces.

Diamond studs every day. They are 1ctw, 3/4ctw, 1/2ctw. Only take off them off to clean them.

.50ctw diamond pendant every day. It's a pear cut in platinum bezel, on a 13in YG box chain.

2.15ctw, 14.5in, YG, tennis necklace every day

E-ring and wedding band every day.

2ctw Toi et Moi ring which I wear a lot but not every day. It's so comfortable and versatile, fits on multiple fingers, so it's my staple RHR.

And lastly, I try to wear my tennis bracelets most days, but if just hanging in the house, I tend to leave them off. Really need to wear them more, I love them so much, and was a big accomplishment when I received them. Tennis bracelets were my #1 wished for staple for as long as I can remember.

 

[LightBright]

Here's my staples, some for every day, and others I may not wear every day, but consider them staples and I reach for them more than other pieces.

Diamond studs every day. They are 1ctw, 3/4ctw, 1/2ctw. Only take off them off to clean them.

.50ctw diamond pendant every day. It's a pear cut in platinum bezel, on a 13in YG box chain.

2.15ctw, 14.5in, YG, tennis necklace every day

E-ring and wedding band every day.

2ctw Toi et Moi ring which I wear a lot but not every day. It's so comfortable and versatile, fits on multiple fingers, so it's my staple RHR.

And lastly, I try to wear my tennis bracelets most days, but if just hanging in the house, I tend to leave them off. Really need to wear them more, I love them so much, and was a big accomplishment when I received them. Tennis bracelets were my #1 wished for staple for as long as I can remember.

I like that you are wearing bracelets daily, I didn’t consider that. My daily activities are really rough on my hands, making my nice antique/estate rings too delicate except for around the house and on special occasions. I think flexible bracelets are very wearable.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I switch up my jewelry a lot, but if I had to create a capsule collection I would want it to have the following:

1) diamond studs (I have multiple piercings, and wear 4ctw/0.8ctw/0.5ctw). But a diamond stud per piercing would be my perfect earring. I’d like to keep my removable jacket halo for the stud to dress it up.

2) diamond pendant on an adjustable chain - mine is 1.5ct halo on a chain adjustable from 15-17” (IIRC). Alternatively a tennis necklace with the highest ctw I could afford. But I wouldn’t wear a tennis daily. but it would allow me to dress up for formal occasions and I’d be willing to forego the pendant in that case.

3) watch - I switch mine up all the time but I’d say a classic watch with a bracelet strap so it can be worn casually and formally. eg Cartier Tank or panthere, or SS Rolex etc.

4) bracelet - either a tennis bracelet or bangle would be the most classic bracelet I can think of. I’d go with the highest ctw I can afford.

5) ering set - I’m not engaged. But my ideal set would consist of the biggest solitaire I could get in an elongated shape (EC, pear or oval) paired with a matching eternity band as my WB.

6) RHR - I’d go with a diamond “cocktail” ring - either with multiple halos, or a cluster ring, or a multi-shape halo. Bonus points if the “cocktail” look is achieved with a ring wrap. Again something that can be left off on a daily basis but used to dress up. Currently I have a wide band that functions as a daily RHR but I do have other rings to switch it up with. In this scenario, I wouldn’t, so I’d want a blingy ring so that I could have a more “dressy” look out of the same wardrobe.

I would want all diamond pieces, in WG. That is the most classic and neutral for me.

 

[Frenchieglitter]

I like that you are wearing bracelets daily, I didn’t consider that. My daily activities are really rough on my hands, making my nice antique/estate rings too delicate except for around the house and on special occasions. I think flexible bracelets are very wearable.

Yea I do my best to wear them, especially since I wanted a TB for as long as I remember. But like you said, daily activities can be hard on the hands, some pieces get in the way more than others. I envisioned a tennis bracelet as a "never take off piece" but reality is that's not mind clean for me bc I worry about damage. So I wear one or both most days, except when at home doing chores, but then I also remove my rings too.

My favorite bracelets are cuffs, I should add that to my staples list. Cuffs are so easy to wear, slip on, adjusts to your exact size, and just feel more sturdy to me. I used the extra pieces of my first TB to make a cuff, totally forgot to mention that one! I wear it a lot too, so I'd consider it one of my staples.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Yea I do my best to wear them, especially since I wanted a TB for as long as I remember. But like you said, daily activities can be hard on the hands, some pieces get in the way more than others. I envisioned a tennis bracelet as a "never take off piece" but reality is that's not mind clean for me bc I worry about damage. So I wear one or both most days, except when at home doing chores, but then I also remove my rings too.

My favorite bracelets are cuffs, I should add that to my staples list. Cuffs are so easy to wear, slip on, adjusts to your exact size, and just feel more sturdy to me. I used the extra pieces of my first TB to make a cuff, totally forgot to mention that one! I wear it a lot too, so I'd consider it one of my staples.

@LightBright i dont have a capscual thing going (because im a maximilist at heart)
i am hard on my hands so i only wear my rings if im going out -but never to work and im not married so ER or wedding band

but i wear my silver cuff 24 7 -i only take it off to clean it
when i wore bracelets they always got caught up on things, one night a dangly thing got caught in the till when we were cashing up at work

i try to always wear a necklace, sometimes even for a whole week but them i change it out !

 

[Rhd3]

I like to change my jewelry daily, but I was limited when my son was a baby/toddler. I wore practical pieces that were low maintenance.

Wedding band - Etoile style or a carved band (PT)

RHR - Cartier trinity, diamond princess channel set band, or carved gold bands (PT or 18k YG or RG)

Earrings - Diamond studs (PT) or diamond flower cluster studs (14k YG)

Bracelet - I would choose a scattered diamond cuff if I were to wear one daily. (PT)

Necklace - I would choose a single diamond bezel that slides along the chain. (PT or a mixed metal design)

 

[Ally T]

I am a classic capsule woman. I have lots of beautiful things, but on the daily I wear:

Diamond studs & solitaire necklace (both PT) only removed for cleaning.

LH: Watch (SS but have a Rolex on the way with 18ct gold)
Diamond solitaire engagement & wedding rings (PT)

RH: Full PT princess eternity (old lady hands these days & stacking all 3 on my LH can get uncomfortable in heat)

Right wrist: Yellow gold Tiffany hinge bangle (never removed),
Yellow gold emerald clover bracelet (only removed to clean),
Gold Tiffany pearls by the yard bracelet (removed daily),
Diamond tennis bracelet in PT (removed daily).

I have other Tiffany bracelets that I swap in on occasion, but these 4 seems to be my favoured dailies.

 

[LightBright]

@LightBright i dont have a capscual thing going (because im a maximilist at heart)
i am hard on my hands so i only wear my rings if im going out -but never to work and im not married so ER or wedding band

but i wear my silver cuff 24 7 -i only take it off to clean it
when i wore bracelets they always got caught up on things, one night a dangly thing got caught in the till when we were cashing up at work

i try to always wear a necklace, sometimes even for a whole week but them i change it out !

Great ideas, that’s several votes for a cuff (which my gardening/active mom wore now that I think about it. And the necklace you don’t take off seems both blingy but also no fuss.

 

[Frenchieglitter]

@LightBright These are all excellent daily choices. Of note, you'll be able to see a cuff as you wear it, so you may want to consider that you'll get the enjoyment of actually looking at it yourself.

And, 100% for me, my diamond studs are the easiest to wear. Timeless, Durable, comfortable, they go with everything in any situation. I hardly remove them, just for deep cleaning. Daily, I lightly brush them off with a soft toothbrush and some gentle cleanser (easy to do when wash my face) front and backs, to clean off oils and surface dirt. IMO, every jewelry enthusiast needs diamond studs and a classic diamond pendant

 

[DmdRunner]

I am all about the capsule! I have really paired down my collection to include items that will get daily wear. Everyday I wear:
1. Left hand: Cartier Yellow Gold Love Bracelet, platinum Tiffany Harmony band paired with my Platinum Vatche 2.5 RB Solitaire. I plan to add a one carat channel set eternity band at some point.
2. Right Hand: Yellow Gold Peretti three diamond band (The three diamonds represent my 3 girls) and it balances with the Love on my left wrist. I plan to add another Tiffany stacking band eventually, or a 5 stone OEC band.
3. Diamond studs 1.6 CTW.
4. I would like to add a diamond bezel set solitaire necklace but I find 16 inches to constricting and just haven't found anything that really works for everyday just yet. I am a Crossfitter which makes it hard to wear necklaces anyway.

Even though I have things I want to add, I still love the collection I have to date and feel fortunate to have such nice pieces that I enjoy on a daily basis.

Fun thread!

 

[LightBright]

It’s so interesting to me that everyone loves their diamond studs, what a great idea. I originally thought pearl studs due to my coloring, but diamond studs seem sturdy, simple/easy maintenance yet blingy enough.

And right hand rings also many votes for that, this may be where my idea for a chunky yellow gold band (or three strand band or engraved) fits best.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I am in the process of building my jewelry wardrobe! I have some items and some I am hoping to add in the coming years.

1. A watch on my left hand. I like my citizen eco drive with diamond markers and stainless bracelet, but I would also enjoy a leather option with more yellow gold some day.



2. Something in my left ring finger. I have been wearing my antique Belaise wg band for casual days or when I will be using my hands. I would like to add a 3-4 mm high carat yellow gold antique band as well but hard to find in my size. When I’m working or going out I wear my engagement ring. I would also like a yellow gold, engraved wedding band some day, ideally vintage, but again, hard to find in my size.






3. Five stone OEC diamond ring. Working on it now! I have three diamonds in a ring and two more in the mail now that I found this week! Hoping to set it early next year. I plan to size it so I can wear it on either hand.

4. Signature pendant. This is in the works but I plan to use diamonds and coloured gems. I want something substantial as I am a woman of substance lol I’m thinking about this design from Yvonne with some pink sapphires and OECs I have found.




5. Pearl necklace. I have a faux pearl necklace that I wear a lot now, as well as a tin cup necklace with freshwater pearls and pink gold that I get lots of compliments on. I plan to layer them with my pendant one day. I want to buy a necklace of real pearls next year.

6. Earrings. I have sleeper hoop earrings. Mine are 14k yellow gold and about 22mm. I might add diamond earrings some day but it’s lower priority for me as I don’t like studs. I’d like pearl drop earrings too.

7. Right hand rings of colored gemstones. I would like maybe 5 of these to wear in rotation. I have one right now and some plans for another.

4ct star sapphire.


Plans for a compass style right hand ring including my original engagement sapphire and OECs.


I’d love to find a vintage ring like this one day.

 

[LightBright]

I am in the process of building my jewelry wardrobe! I have some items and some I am hoping to add in the coming years.

1. A watch on my left hand. I like my citizen eco drive with diamond markers and stainless bracelet, but I would also enjoy a leather option with more yellow gold some day.



2. Something in my left ring finger. I have been wearing my antique Belaise wg band for casual days or when I will be using my hands. I would like to add a 3-4 mm high carat yellow gold antique band as well but hard to find in my size. When I’m working or going out I wear my engagement ring. I would also like a yellow gold, engraved wedding band some day, ideally vintage, but again, hard to find in my size.






3. Five stone OEC diamond ring. Working on it now! I have three diamonds in a ring and two more in the mail now that I found this week! Hoping to set it early next year. I plan to size it so I can wear it on either hand.

4. Signature pendant. This is in the works but I plan to use diamonds and coloured gems. I want something substantial as I am a woman of substance lol I’m thinking about this design from Yvonne with some pink sapphires and OECs I have found.




5. Pearl necklace. I have a faux pearl necklace that I wear a lot now, as well as a tin cup necklace with freshwater pearls and pink gold that I get lots of compliments on. I plan to layer them with my pendant one day. I want to buy a necklace of real pearls next year.

6. Earrings. I have sleeper hoop earrings. Mine are 14k yellow gold and about 22mm. I might add diamond earrings some day but it’s lower priority for me as I don’t like studs. I’d like pearl drop earrings too.

7. Right hand rings of colored gemstones. I would like maybe 5 of these to wear in rotation. I have one right now and some plans for another.

4ct star sapphire.


Plans for a compass style right hand ring including my original engagement sapphire and OECs.


I’d love to find a vintage ring like this one day.

So great! I love the color schemes you've chose for the planned sapphire ring and the pendant. You and Yvonne Raley designed the perfect right hand ring, your pendant will be fabulous.

 

[lovetodream]

@Frenchieglitter - could you show us the cuff you had made with your extra tb diamonds? I would love to see how that looks!

 

[Frenchieglitter]

Hi @lovetodream
Happy to share! Here she is, never flips around and most comfortable bracelet I own to date. I snapped these under my black kitchen cabinets bc the LED lighting is so good under there. I think they're reflecting the black above, so look a bit dark, but they are truly white.

I just had my jeweler pop off the stones and set them right onto a custom made cuff in 14kt YG, I kept them in the original baskets which are WG. I have a small wrist, so had it sized to fit me. Since I loved the setting as-is, and I love two tone metal, this was perfect for me. It's probably about 1.5ctw, the original TB was 10ctw, so I estimated we took off about 1.5 in the resize.

ETA: keeping setting as-is also helped me not worry as much about stones being damaged in a reset, which I always worry about.