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jewelry collection philosophy - more is more? less is more?

Kate

Veteran

After 9 months I'm feeling good about my wardrobe and philosophy on clothes, shoes, belts, and scarves.

But jewelry is a different story. I have 35 earrings (about 10 are studs), 12 necklaces, 3 silver chains (16", 18", 24"), 1 gold chain (16"), and 27 pendants. I almost never wear about half of these.

I have 1 bracelet I wear everyday and 8 bracelets I never wear, so I do know not to buy more bracelets.

Do you tend towards colorful or neutral jewelry, or both? Do you switch it up often, or do you have a handful (or just one) that are in constant use? I keep buying things expecting that they'll be worn a lot more than they actually are.

Shopping

23 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Steffie

I tend to go with fairly understated jewelry 95% of the time. Diamond stud earrings, nice watch, wedding band.

Sometimes when I want to feel glamorous I put on one of my few pairs of big dangly earrings. And recently I acquired a big statement necklace which I've worn a couple times. But the vast majority of the time I wear the same few things. I'd like to start incorporating a few more statement pieces but I am hesitant to purchase.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have a lot of necklaces that have just a touch of color but are mostly silver based. Plenty of silver earrings and about 4 or 5 colored pairs. Several silver bracelets. Only one ring - my GM's engagement ring - and I wear it every day no fail. The rest I wear about 50% of the time. Usually earrings when I'm working at the bar. Necklaces and bracelets more when I'm dressing up for a night out.

Beth

Veteran

I would have answered this very differently two years ago. At that point, I rotated 3 pairs of earrings, 3 necklaces, one bracelet, and one watch.

I've since rediscovered the fun of jewelry. I said here recently that one strand of pearls is conservative but four or more is a party! I still wear small earrings but necklaces are taking on a more prominent role. Actually, I need a better jewelry organizer as my tiny jewelry box is stuffed:)

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I like bold jewelery, but I also like natural elements. I tend to find a piece or two that I love and wear them to death, or to go with a certain jewelery look for a time period (bangle bracelets all summer). I have been telling my husband that I want a jewelery armoire, because I have lots of (mostly costume) jewelery and no place to organize it. Things get lost and rediscovered a lot.

Louise

Veteran

I like lots of variety though I do have a pile sitting on my desk waiting to be rehomed x

Velma

Veteran

I wear earrings (mostly studs or small hoops), but I really like statement necklaces--natural stones (turquoise and the like), but not necessarily expensive. I have had good luck buying necklaces from this ebay seller, who ships reasonably quickly all the way from China, with combined shipping rates available:

http://stores.ebay.com/CHLORIS-GIFT

LeahJanes

I tend to wear understated jewellery. I rarely leave the house without my watch, wedding ring and silver Georg Jensen stud earrings. As I wear a great deal of patterns, scarves and complicated shoes, I feel like statement jewellery is always a bridge too far. I do like a cute brooch/pin though....

Dawn

(website)

I like having a wide variety of costume jewellery for everyday life, and one or two nice pieces of understated silver jewellery for interviews, funerals, etc.

Marley

Veteran

I tend to wear plain colored clothes and mix up my outfits with my jewelry, so I have quite a bit of it (most of it costume and not real expensive.) I go through stages though - there have been periods of my life when I just wore stud earrings and nothing else. Its amazing how different the same outfit can look, depending on what jewelry you put with it!

April

Veteran

Kate -- see this thread for more thoughts on this issue.

I think if you tend to dress in neutrals, a wider variety of accessories is a good thing to have. If your wardrobe is a riot of color and statement shapes, having fewer accessories probably makes sense.

Vix

Veteran

Ooooh, fun that you are experimenting/analyzing!

After spending most of my life in an accessory-free-whee haze, I am all Malcolm in the Middle on your continuum -- I gravitate to bolder but not necessarily "statement" pieces.

[Though I am not above trying to hit the latter!]

I love love love wearing kitschy costume jewelry with tailored clothing...bring on the non-serious accessories!

AND I have a thing for "therapist/Chico's" natural stone necklaces...both matte and faceted/shiny. I have quite a shell fetish and am always trying to add jewelry (or renovation/home decor items!) made from oyster or abalone.

The past few years I've tried to get into longer chunky necklaces, but really don't like the way they lay on my bust (and given how clutzy I am the odds are good I'd catch the waist-length ones on something and it'd be Game Over....]

So my necklaces are mostly chunky collarbone-y length ones or simple pendants. A few examples below....

This post has 9 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

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Maya

Veteran

I replied to April's thread four months ago, deeply frustrated with my lack of accessories, and now finally have a satisfying collection (Alexis Bittar necklace included).

I also just picked up this bag, which I found at the YLF NYC gathering but hated the color. Fortunately for me I was able to find it in black.

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....H%2BCHAINS

Now I feel complete!

To answer the question: I need everything. I need neutral accessories for bolder outfits, colorful accessories for quieter outfits, and I need a variety so I don't get bored.

Kate

Veteran

Oh thanks April! I did some searching to try to see if a similar thread had already been posted, but somehow I didn't find yours.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Vix, I really like your jewelry style! Mind if I ask where you got the belt in #6? I've been wanting something 'toggle-like' for a while and just haven't had any luck.

Roopa

I have a lot of jewelry, but I found myself buying pieces, and then not knowing how to wear them. Finally I decided to learn to make my own jewelry. I have a collection of classy beads, shells, precious stones set in gold/ silver, and semi precious stones, links and other knick knacks. I collect them whenever I can. From these, I make my own pieces. I have made my own sets of necklaces, bracelets and earrings, using the textures, combinations and colors I like. Then when I buy new clothes, or update my wardrobe, I take the existing ones I had made apart, and remake a few more pieces, to go with my tops or dresses. Its super customized, everything is handpicked by me, and best part is that its economical as well. I don't have any pics right now, but I will take a few and post them here.

Kate

Veteran

That's awesome starchild! I would love to see pictures!

Most of my pendants came from stones or other beads (or widowed earrings) that I modified to become pendants. Part of the problem is that this has allowed me to accumulate a lot without spending much money, and as a result I haven't had to think much about how useful each piece will be.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I like BIG statement jewelry. It's probably my way of rebelling against wearing scrubs for work.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Since April's thread I have added one brooch to my collection, so I'm still showing some restraint.

Astrid

Veteran

I have both colorful and neutral jewelry in different styles, but sadly I don't wear them much. I always end up with my watch and simple earrings and that's it. I really have to try and incorporate the other pieces when I dress in the morning.

Vix

Veteran

Starchild --

Seconding the hope for photos someday!

Mo--

Thanks! Re the (adjustable) toggle belt -- Nordstrom still has it..it's a little spendy but I need belts that look right on the high hip vs waist, so I closed my eyes and bought it...and HAVE been wearing it a fair amount for a non-belter-wearer:

http://tinyurl.com/wcm-ToggleBelt

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Thank you Vix! I need the same exact kind of belt and I also am not much of a belt wearer. I hope they still have it by Christmas when SYC ends for me!!!

marianna

Veteran

I'm really into huge statement necklaces right now! I have a few (maybe 5 or 6) that are in constant rotation. I feel that's a good number for me. They add a lot to my outfits, IMO. So I guess my answer to your question is: Medium. I don't buy expensive stuff, so I guess I prefer a bit larger of a collection... but not too large! If I have too much stuff, I tend not to wear half of it.

I have millions of earrings left over from my earrings obsessed days, and those never get worn anymore. Sad!

Lisa

Veteran

I am buried in jewelry. I have plenty of pieces that are not worn but I save hoping to find that one perfect outfit they will work in. I have a bunch of dainty gemstone jewelry from hubby I try to wear so he feels the purchases are appreciated too. This includes mostly necklaces and earrings. I really should clean house with my costume pieces to free up room.