How do you decide between jewelry staples or collectibles? Are you a collector or a wearer? And more...

[Mreader]

Just random musings as I take a quick break from working...for your jewelry acquisitions do you find that you are more drawn to staple pieces that are very "wearable" (studs, tennis bracelet, solitaire, diamond pendant etc) or something that is out of the ordinary and/or more of a collector item? I love both and I tend to get drawn into the "collectable" and sometimes I wonder if that's the "right" thing to do. I have long wanted bigger studs (lab bc mined ain't gonna happen in 4ctw) and also some good diamond hoops. But instead $ gets spent on things such as antique pendants (pic below). I love these pieces SO MUCH, but I find that when I wear them, they feel delicate and I worry about them pressing or clanging against something, or a stone being lost etc. When I wear these two I am constantly touching them to make sure they are there. I often take them out to admire and look at. With something like studs, it is more of a "put them on an forget it" situation and they are classic and go with everything. I am contemplating another purchase and once again am drawn toward a delicate antique, but am questioning the wisdom of it. Let me know your thoughts!

 

[jaysonsmom]

I'm definitely a wearer vs a collector. I have staples that never come off unless they are being cleaned.

 

[MamaBee]

At my age I just tend to get classic things that I can wear comfortably. I also have a few different pieces..that are still classic but not something I would wear every day. Most of you do wear them on a normal kind of day. I don’t go out much to veer off classic pieces.

 

[missy]

I just get what I love and that's that. Meaning I don't think oh is this going to increase in value at some point in the future. I don't think I might sell it so will I come out even or lose. I don't buy with an eye to the future as much as what I love right now. And as for collecting vs wearing it depends. I always buy with the intent to wear but as I get older I am wearing much less jewelry and that is OK by me. I still love what I have and when I do wear it I get great pleasure from it. There is no right or wrong here. It's what makes you happy and that answer will vary with the individual and probably will vary over time too.

 

[pearlsngems]

I'm not a collector but I do like unusual jewelry sometimes. I bought (past tense, as I'm no longer buying jewelry) whatever I really liked.

 

[elizat]

I guess a collector, but not everything is expensive or antique, etc. I actually wear only a handful of items. Mostly bands and earrings. I have a decent number of non- band rings that rarely get worn. Some I have worn less than 5 times. I often think about selling off almost everything, but wonder if I'd regret it.

My staples are my plain rose gold gimmel wedding band, rose gold plain Tiffany band, pearl studs (a few), coral flower earrings and a pair of retro flower earrings. I like big earrings.

 

[Starstruck8]

I'm a collector, but not of antiques. I buy stones because they are beautiful or interesting, and have them set into rings so that I can admire them. I make a point of rotating them. My standard line is, 'I don't have jewelry, I have a wearable rock collection.'

The crescent and the snake pendant are exquisite. IMHO, you must wear them, so people can admire them. Surely the snake isn't going to wriggle off its chain? But if you like to take them out now and then and admire them yourself, that's fine too.

For purely selfish reasons, I'd rather you bought the antique you are eyeing. Then you can share the photos here... I love looking at pics of PSer's antiques. They're fascinating, so much more so than staples like studs... But please don't let this influence your choice.

 

[Star gazer]

I buy things I wear, rather than collect!! I can't imagine having it and not wearing (or not wearing it a lot!!) But that is totally just me, and I can see how people love to collect. I love your two gorgeous pendants.

A good part of my collection is from my wedding. I have a few pieces that have been passed down that I don't wear a lot, but are very wearable. (Such as a solid yellow gold watch).

 

[lissyflo]

Just random musings as I take a quick break from working...for your jewelry acquisitions do you find that you are more drawn to staple pieces that are very "wearable" (studs, tennis bracelet, solitaire, diamond pendant etc) or something that is out of the ordinary and/or more of a collector item? I love both and I tend to get drawn into the "collectable" and sometimes I wonder if that's the "right" thing to do. I have long wanted bigger studs (lab bc mined ain't gonna happen in 4ctw) and also some good diamond hoops. But instead $ gets spent on things such as antique pendants (pic below). I love these pieces SO MUCH, but I find that when I wear them, they feel delicate and I worry about them pressing or clanging against something, or a stone being lost etc. When I wear these two I am constantly touching them to make sure they are there. I often take them out to admire and look at. With something like studs, it is more of a "put them on an forget it" situation and they are classic and go with everything. I am contemplating another purchase and once again am drawn toward a delicate antique, but am questioning the wisdom of it. Let me know your thoughts!

This doesn’t answer your question but I just need to say that your snake pendant is amazing!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

i have no rhymn or reason
my jewlery box is a bit add hock to say the least
just what i liked at the time
i wish i wore more of them

im interested to hear what @Autumn in New England has to say

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I buy things I wear, rather than collect!! I can't imagine having it and not wearing (or not wearing it a lot!!) But that is totally just me, and I can see how people love to collect. I love your two gorgeous pendants.

A good part of my collection is from my wedding. I have a few pieces that have been passed down that I don't wear a lot, but are very wearable. (Such as a solid yellow gold watch).

this thread needs pictures

 

[Star gazer]

Absolutely!! Here is the gold watch.. And also a yellow gold bangle that was passed down as well. I wear the bangle a lot more than the watch!

 

[Autumn in New England]

i have no rhymn or reason
my jewlery box is a bit add hock to say the least
just what i liked at the time
i wish i wore more of them

im interested to hear what @Autumn in New England has to say

I think you know the answer, my friend! I chose "staple and classic pieces," but I definitely tend to collect rather than wear. I suppose it's because I'm more a rockhound than jewelry lover. However, gems look best set... so I set them! But I tend to wear my Native American and boho sterling jewelry on a daily basis, and not the higher-end stuff.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I think you know the answer, my friend! I chose "staple and classic pieces," but I definitely tend to collect rather than wear. I suppose it's because I'm more a rockhound than jewelry lover. However, gems look best set... so I set them! But I tend to wear my Native American and boho sterling jewelry on a daily basis, and not the higher-end stuff.

your collection of "rocks' must be amazing
and of late ive been wearing old avon earrings because they dont hurt

 

[jaysonsmom]

I'm definitely a wearer vs a collector. I have staples that never come off unless they are being cleaned.

I should add that I don't only purchase "staples".....I do like to wear statement pieces or special occasion pieces, but they are usually costume jewelry that don't cost a lot.

 

[Autumn in New England]

your collection of "rocks' must be amazing
and of late ive been wearing old avon earrings because they dont hurt

I've replaced so many of my earring hooks with stainless steel, because everything else seems to turn my ears black. And that's not a cute look!

 

[Mreader]

I just get what I love and that's that. Meaning I don't think oh is this going to increase in value at some point in the future. I don't think I might sell it so will I come out even or lose. I don't buy with an eye to the future as much as what I love right now. And as for collecting vs wearing it depends. I always buy with the intent to wear but as I get older I am wearing much less jewelry and that is OK by me. I still love what I have and when I do wear it I get great pleasure from it. There is no right or wrong here. It's what makes you happy and that answer will vary with the individual and probably will vary over time too.

I realize now that "collectible" can mean something that increases in value thus you may sell - I didn't mean it that way whoops. I wasn't as clear as I could have been. But yes buying what you love is a good rule - I happen to love it all!

 

[Mreader]

I'm a collector, but not of antiques. I buy stones because they are beautiful or interesting, and have them set into rings so that I can admire them. I make a point of rotating them. My standard line is, 'I don't have jewelry, I have a wearable rock collection.'

The crescent and the snake pendant are exquisite. IMHO, you must wear them, so people can admire them. Surely the snake isn't going to wriggle off its chain? But if you like to take them out now and then and admire them yourself, that's fine too.

For purely selfish reasons, I'd rather you bought the antique you are eyeing. Then you can share the photos here... I love looking at pics of PSer's antiques. They're fascinating, so much more so than staples like studs... But please don't let this influence your choice.

I do wear both the snake and the crescent - quite a lot actually. I just am cognizant of them when I am wearing them. For example, when I am driving the seat belt presses right up against where they hang, and I worry about the tourmaline stone as they are soft stones and it's delicate. It doesn't keep me from wearing them, I'm just more aware.

 

[Cerulean]

I like to get staples I will wear everyday, but with a twist. My dream collection is a mix of branded classics (I’m a sucker for Cartier and Tiffany’s), a small number of antiques, and some whimsical/artistic pieces (e.g. think Anthony Lent or Leen Heyne) that are still wearable.

I get so much joy wearing my small collection, that I’ve learned I actually really don’t like collecting…because it feels like my money is tied up in something that I’m not enjoying to fullest. So, I’ve sold off most of those pieces and am focusing on only getting items I know I’ll wear daily.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Definitely a wearer as opposed to a collector! I buy what I wear often and enjoy what I wear.

 

[Lookinagain]

I am a wearer and I think most of my pieces would fall into the more classic category as nothing I wear is really a statement piece. But I would say I'm a collector too, as I definitely have pieces that don't get much wear but I love them. I never buy anything thinking I will sell it and I honestly have rarely sold anything. If I decide I don't wear a piece enough I usually ending up resetting it.

 

[lulu_ma]

I voted Other-because I am in between. I am all about price per wear, but I also like to collect. Wearability is definitely a consideration for me before I buy. For instance, I love the look of collet set rings, but I am not sure if I will ever buy an authentic one because I am afraid that they are too high maintenance.

 

[Kim N]

I am a wearer! Unless a piece is sentimental, if I'm not wearing it then I don't want to keep it.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I voted other as well because I wasn’t sure how to describe myself so I figured I’d ramble here and you all could tell me what I should change my vote to

I think it’s important to have a small collection of staples because they are easy to wear, but I don’t restrict myself to wearing just my staples. All my staple pieces are also tweaked by me so they aren’t “standard” - I like things that look a little different. I haven’t procured everything on my list of staples yet but I definitely want to get there.

However, I like to be bold and stand out with my style, so I buy mostly unique things that either catch my eye; or I’ll design something unique and get it custom made. I don’t think of these things as not wearable though. I find them as wearable as my staples. I would never buy something that I wouldn’t wear.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

I like odd somewhat "collector" pieces but I do wear them.

 

[Ionysis]

I voted Other-because I am in between. I am all about price per wear, but I also like to collect. Wearability is definitely a consideration for me before I buy. For instance, I love the look of collet set rings, but I am not sure if I will ever buy an authentic one because I am afraid that they are too high maintenance.

I’d echo this answer.

I am an avid collector and almost always start with a stone not a made piece of jewellery. Like some others said for me I’m a gem collector first although I enjoy very much te process of finding just the right dress for my preciouses.

But even so I try to wear all of my pieces, more or less. I feel sorry for them if they don’t get an outing once ina. While! I also try to design settings which I will actually wear, whilst avoiding duplication in my collection - all my pieces are set differently - even if only subtlety like differing prong placement or baskets.

I haven’t ever been able to collect antique or vintage pieces because e they aren’t available in my part of the world - the country I live in has only existed for 50 years! So my collection is all custom / new.

 

[Bron357]

I have a watch obsession.
At my “peak” I owned around 80. I have since downsized a little, it’s a work in progress. Even now I still get tempted!
Some I have never worn and probably never will. To me they are objects of beauty and fine, nearly extinct workmanship.
My collection includes enameled pendant watches and matching chain, face powder compacts with a watch, I even found an Art Deco watch set into a handbag. I have a collection, different colours, of the Mystery dial watches. Mostly though it’s the cocktail style, covered dials, to look like bracelets. Oh, and a few vintage Rolexes (2 sold, 2 more to go) as well as interesting Lucien Picchard, Omega, Longines, Elgin etc. I have a ring watch, a lapel watch, a belt watch, pocket watches and watches that hang off a brooch. Even have a watch I made up with 6 individual watches!

 

[nala]

I started off in PS thinking that I could only own one pendant, one rhr, etc. I even recall that as soon as I got one pendant but fell in love with another, I was compelled to sell the older one. At some point, I don’t know the exact moment—I allowed myself to have multiples. I’m gonna search my posts to see when I crossed that threshold, lol: The one that is ok with owning countless pieces and who happily rotates them or lists them when I have found a similar but better upgrade. It’s a never-ending cycle. I don’t strive to have an enviable collection—all my pieces are for my own enjoyment. I never pay retail. Ever. And I’ve said it many times before—I could prob sell it all and make all my money back or lose an insignificant amount.
It’s taken years of practice and trial and error and support from various PSer’s who are happy to enable or dissuade me, lol, to compile my collection. I have no plans to stop. It’s fun. It’s a hobby. Treasure hunting.
I will say that tho I don’t mind rotating my rings and bracelets and pendants (I can’t handle earrings) I will only ever aspire for one engagement ring—hence why I swap the settings out so frequently. Earlier this year, I had the chance to purchase a 2 carat emerald cut and create an alternate engagement ring—but I just couldn’t justify owning two big ole rings!

 

[Bron357]

I started off in PS thinking that I could only own one pendant, one rhr, etc. I even recall that as soon as I got one pendant but fell in love with another, I was compelled to sell the older one. At some point, I don’t know the exact moment—I allowed myself to have multiples. I’m gonna search my posts to see when I crossed that threshold, lol: The one that is ok with owning countless pieces and who happily rotates them or lists them when I have found a similar but better upgrade. It’s a never-ending cycle. I don’t strive to have an enviable collection—all my pieces are for my own enjoyment. I never pay retail. Ever. And I’ve said it many times before—I could prob sell it all and make all my money back or lose an insignificant amount.
It’s taken years of practice and trial and error and support from various PSer’s who are happy to enable or dissuade me, lol, to compile my collection. I have no plans to stop. It’s fun. It’s a hobby. Treasure hunting.
I will say that tho I don’t mind rotating my rings and bracelets and pendants (I can’t handle earrings) I will only ever aspire for one engagement ring—hence why I swap the settings out so frequently. Earlier this year, I had the chance to purchase a 2 carat emerald cut and create an alternate engagement ring—but I just couldn’t justify owning two big ole rings!

That’s part of my problem. when I “upgrade” I’m supposed to move the other piece on

 

[Ally T]

Definitely a wearer, not a collector. Everything I own I have generally coveted or have been gifted, and they are all precious. Also guilty of only taking some bits off for cleaning, a la @LLJsmom !