8 Jewelry Essentials To Start Your Collection (That You’ll Keep For A Lifetime)

Your early jewelry purchases likely included rhinestone-bedecked necklaces that lost their luster after a few wears and an assortment of hoops and studs so inexpensive that you didn’t mind replacing them twice a year (tarnishing was inevitable.) As you and your style have matured, though, you’ve likely found yourself drawn to more timeless, sophisticated pieces — fine jewelry that you’ll keep and wear forever. While you may not have trouble finding diamonds and pearls that you’d gladly accessorize with daily, identifying pieces that are both high-quality and affordable takes a bit more work. Among the countless collections that have landed on our radar, we’re especially enamored with the offerings from JTV.

If you’re looking for pieces to serve as the foundation of your jewelry collection, options from JTV abound. Love pearls? Freshwater strands, Tahitian studs, and iridescent mother of pearl pendants are among standout pieces. Crazy about colored gemstones? Consider a solitaire ruby ring, an emerald tennis bracelet, or a pair of topaz earrings. And if you’re after a special occasion piece — while still keeping a reasonable budget in mind — there are plenty of moissanite pieces to pore over as well as a shimmering selection of diamonds.

Below, eight timeless pieces to start your jewelry collection.

Everyday Classics

Whether you’re on back-to-back video calls or enjoying a romantic dinner with your partner, these will be your go-to pieces. A strand of pearls dresses up an otherwise basic button-down for a day of meetings, and we love the juxtaposition of a super casual look (think distressed jeans and white tank top) worn with sparkly gemstone earrings. Bright rings can be worn solo for a singular pop of color, or stacked on the same finger for a bold statement. Drop pearl earrings are a timeless staple — you’ll wear them with everything.

Elevated Essentials

With weddings, holiday festivities, and other special occasions in mind, a handful of diamond and moissanite pieces are key additions to any jewelry stash. Moissanite studs set in yellow gold are incredibly versatile, pairing just as well with a LBD as with a colorful skirt and top combo. For extra sparkle, add a matching channel-set ring. Mixing metals is still trending (and always will be, in our opinion) so if you have multiple piercings, consider a pair of platineve and moissanite hoops accented with a single yellow gold stud. When you’re after a less-is-more look, a minimal diamond and sterling pendant is a timeless choice.