Splurge vs Save: Investment Jewelry
There are a few classic jewelry items that every girl should own. These accessories work with any outfit, dressy or casual, and because of their classic design and appeal, you’ll be able to wear them for the rest of your life!
The following pieces are great to splurge on so you can invest in heirloom quality stuff, but there’s always some wiggle room to fake it and save! I’ll show you how to do it!
Chic Stud Earrings:
If you have pierced ears, you probably own a pair or two of stud earrings. I love studs because they’re super easy to wear and they go with everything. For something so simple and timeless, stud earrings come in many varieties – from all-metal styles to tiny cuts of your birth stone. Arguably the most chic, however, are pearl and diamond studs.
Today, pearl studs are totally budget friendly–freshwater cultured pearls, even with larger studs, run under $75. Want to save? Claire’s, Forever 21, and Target always have adorable 3-packs of pearl studs for under $10! When it comes to diamonds, Target and Overstock.com sell deeply discounted stud earrings. If you’re lucky, you’ll find natural quarter-carat studs on “The O” for under $100!
Another money-saving tactic when it comes to diamonds is to choose lab-created varieties (simulated diamonds grown in a lab) or CZ’s. No one will be able to tell the difference, and you’ll save a ton!
Splurge:
14k Gold 1/4ct Round Diamond Stud Earrings, Overstock.com. Mastoloni 5mm Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings, Nordstrom. Bow Stud Earrings, Juicy Couture.
Save:
1ct CZ studs, Claires. Sarah’s 2ct Cushion Cut Pink CZ Stud Earrings, fantasyjewelrybox.com. Faux Pearl Studs, Target.
Classic Pearl Necklace:
When you think of elegant, timeless jewelry, pearls are probably the first thing that come to mind!
A truly versatile style, pearls come in plenty of varieties. Pick your color, length, size, closure, even type of pearl! Each of these variables can create a different look.
As far as pricing goes, Freshwater pearls will run you the least, Akoya pearls fall in the middle, and South Sea pearls will be the most expensive. Between these varieties, prices can run anywhere from $100 to tens of thousands. Choose wisely!
Of course, there is no reason to spend this much if you don’t want to! There are plenty of inexpensive cultured, glass, and even plastic pearls available at plenty of your favorite retailers. If you choose to go this route, you’ll get the most mileage out of a long (18”+) strand of glass pearls. You’ll capture the look and feel of real pearls, and the long length will allow you to wear your necklace in multiple ways.
Whatever style you choose, a pearl necklace is a great way to dress up an outfit with a touch of classic elegance!
Splurge:
22″ Akoya Pearl Necklace, purepearls.com. Hand-knotted Pearl Necklace, J.Crew. 14mm White Baroque Pearl Necklace, Saks Fifth Avenue.
Save:
Ivory Pearl Rope Necklace, Dorothy Perkins. Princess Length Simulated Cream Pearl Stud, 1928.com. Cream Short Pearl Necklace, Debenhams.com.
Sophisticated watch:
These days, I know most of us only check the time on our ever-present cell phones, but what do you do when you can’t have your phone? Or what about those special occasions where you just want to look elegant and pulled together? A sophisticated, pretty watch is the perfect solution.
A watch is a definite staple for an adult wardrobe, and it’s something you can easily incorporate into your own right now. As fun as bright colors, rhinestones, and bracelet styles can be, a classic, sophisticated watch will get you through any situation, go with anything, and help you transition seamlessly from college girl to young professional!
Of course, “classic” doesn’t have to mean boring! You’ll still have plenty of options here including choices of bands, metals, specific styles, enamel, and bezels! Go crazy, girls! But remember to keep it classy, of course!
Splurge:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Tailored Suki Watch, Nordstrom. Analog Silver Dial Watch, Fossil. Michele Deco Diamond Watch, Bloomingdales.
Save:
Rose Gold Effect Retro Watch, asos.com. Women’s Square Diamante Bangle Watch, debenhams.com. Chereskin Watch, yesstyle.com.
Timeless monogrammed items:
To me, there’s nothing more classically beautiful than a monogram. A symbol made by overlapping two or more of your initials, think of a monogram as your pretty personal signature. Wearing monogrammed jewelry gives you a chance to wear something that’s all about you!
That said, I also love the idea of wearing a family member’s or best friend’s monogram, too. And there are so many options for wearing! Whether you choose a signet ring, initial pendant, or bracelet charms, monograms are simple, beautiful, and timeless! Your choice of metals and styles for monogrammed pieces will dictate whether your jewelry is a “splurge” or “save”!
Splurge:
Adina Design Initial Necklace, adinadesign.com. Monogrammed Round Silver Bangle Bracelet, www.emilyrosejewellery.com. Large Initial Pendant, wishnyc.com.
Save:
Sterling Silver Oval Monogrammed Pendant, bluepaisleys.com. Sterling Silver Rounded Rectangular Ring, personalizedfrommetoyou.com. Glass Pearl Bracelet with Personalized Sterling Silver Charm, mulberrymoon.com.
Tell me what you think!
Do you own any of these investment picks? What jewelry (if any!) do you wear every day? When it comes to accessories, do you save or splurge? Leave a comment and let me know!
Posted on on October 18, 2009 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Diamonds, Jewelry, Monogram, Necklace, Pearls, Splurge vs Save
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Reneé
Nice post !
To me jewellery is very important because of that I prefer to splurge on good quality and classic pieces such as a classic watch or a stud earring :)
Isabelle
What a great post! The majority of these items are definitely something to invest in because they’re timeless but if you can’t splurge at the moment the alternatives are great!
Anna
This is a great post! I am a jewelry/accessory junkie, probably more than clothes; different pieces of jewelry on the same outfit can completely transform it!
However, the only piece of jewelry I didn’t agree with was monogrammed jewelry. I have a Tiffany necklace of a monogrammed A, and as elegant as it is, I can’t imagine wearing it after I’m 30. Even now, it seems like something I could only wear it when I’m a teenager; it’s just seems like such a YOUNG item.
Nevertheless, awesome post!
Tanya
Liza, thank you for such an useful and interesting post! Actually accessories is the easiest way to play with outfits without spending a lot. However I was surprised that most of my jewelry is from “splurge” category :) The only item from your list that I don’t own is monogrammed one. But I always wear the necklace with my Saint’s icon – so probably it is the same ;)
Jess
I love jewelry. I love pearl necklaces. I always wear a ring, but the big over-size ones. I always go half way with my jewelry. Stud earrings I always splurge because they are a good investment. Stuff like rings, bracelets, necklaces I tent to save my money by shopping at forever21, H&M ( when I lived in Cali:(..), thrift shops.
Great article, you made me think on getting a nice classic watch.
Suzi
Awesome article Liza.
Sometimes college age girls can either look 5 years older or 5 years YOUNGER than we actually are, and I find it’s all in how we dress and carry ourselves.
No one is EVER going to mistake you for a 15 year old if you’re wearing those pearls with a chic cocktail on a night out.
With a hoodie, jogging pants and uggs, though, I can easily get mistaken for a HIGH SCHOOL sophomore instead of a 20-something university student.
I still find I’m challenged by “dressing my age”, but I think this article on jewelry helps out a lot. middle & high school students aren’t known for classy watches! lol
Tara
I agree with everything you posted except the monogrammed necklace.
Monogrammed necklaces are really childish and young. I see more 10 year olds wearing monogrammed jewelery than college girls
Lillian
I lucked out in the pearls department when in highschool I bought a $5 mix bag of jewelry from the thrift store and found a longer than opera length strand of really nice glasspearls (it came down to my knees!) the thread was really weak so I restrung it as one really long strand and one regular length strand.
I’ve work my pearls as part of a costume and to the symphony and looked great.
Someday I’d like to get a real strand someday but untill then my glass pearls will do me just fine.
Hallie
I disagree with Tara. I think it depends on the monogram. I wear a simple locket from my christening that has my initials on the front and the date of my christening on the back. Like anything, a monogrammed piece of jewelry can look age-appropriate or too young, depending on the presentation.
Luinae
I adore my pearls, I have two bracelets, a pair of earrings and a couple necklaces because my aunt used to live in th phillipines where she got the pearls herself!
Sarah
I always choose to scrimp on jewelry. It makes the nice jewelry I receive as gifts (like my Thai pearls from my parents, or the opal journey necklace my boyfriend gave me this weekend!!! for our anniversary) that much more special.
Still excited. I had to brag.
Chelsea
I love this post, mostly because I talk about fine jewelry all the time. I love the section over the watches. I have a good quality watch and I wear it every single day. It is a Swiss made watch with a mother of pearl face and diamonds around the face.
With that said I am also a huge believer in buying quality items, but on sale. My watch originally sold for 400 dollars but I got it for 100! It has lasted four years so far and has minimal wear a tear and I have not changed its battery yet!
One thing I think that should be added to this list is rings. I love big chunky costume rings, but sometimes a nice sapphire or ruby adds so much elegance, and costume jewelry doesn’t touch its beauty.
Cara
Lovely post! You got all the basics…though personally I think they are all worth the splurge because they are so timeless and Audrey-Hepburn elegant. Two things of mine that I also love are a pair of leverback, dangly, tear-drop-shaped pearls (very girl-with-a-pearl-earring) and a quality, small-ish (not too ostentaious) cameo ring that always gets rave reactions because it’s so vintage-classy.
Dawn
Love Studs! Wear Diamond Studs is the 1st tip in my book “101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle” too :-)
Brooke
Love this article! Appreciate the post on jewelry, as it’s something I rarely see here. Would love also to see something on perfume (from any of the writers).
Again, awesome post.
Lalalina
I agree that there are items to splurge on and to save on but I have had a lot of problems with studs from cheap places. Even though they claim to be sterling silver they still turn green. I wear CZ, but in my experience only pairs over $20 have not turned green on me. On pair was on sale at nordstrom rack so i thought they were quality.
Fabiana Etcovitch
Hi,
I love your blog. The new girls are great. I’m a personal stylist and I tell all my girl and woman clients to bookmark it and check it every now and then, just like I also do!
But I tell them to be careful too: some of the fashion is surely just for college girls! For instance, I agree with Anne’s comment above: No one over 25 should wear monograms….
Unless they’re Avril Lavigne, who’ll always be under 25…. :-)
My warmest regards,
Fabiana.
Tasnim
Love this post :)
I agree on the pearls jewellery and have recently came interesting in long earrings,
perhaps you could mention something about them, just outta interest? :)
Vanessa
My mother presented me with a timepiece necklace recently, and I am just so fond of it. I’m usually not a fan of watches in general…still looking for the right vintage wristwatch!
- Vanessa
http://asliceofretailheaven.wordpress.com
Jessica
Etsy.com has really cute monogrammed necklaces and charms…and you can customize! Reasonably priced too.
sarah Brovda
i wear a small necklace from my boyfriend… it’s the outline of a heart made from diamonds :) very small and simple but goes with everything and makes me think of him
*eLLa*
I really believe that every girl should own a pair of stud earings that are classic and beautiful and really representative of her. I also agree about the watch, a really necessity. I however, am not a huge fan of pearks they really don’t fit in with my personal style and would replace that with a classic diamond/diamante necklace.
Workchic
This is a great post. We think it is important to invest in a classic watch, stud earrings or a pearl necklace. They will definitely round out your outfit if you interviewing for a job or internship. We have to agree with Fabiana-monogram jewelry is considered more of a trend rather than classic jewelry.
Cliff
I found this kind of jewelry that is pleasant to my eyes..how i wish i also can own it..i am envy to those who can afford this kind of jewelry.
Health Medicine
last month i gave my girlfriend a pearl necklace and she was very very happy ‘;;