We put thought and effort into building a capsule wardrobe for our clothing and accessories like shoes, purses and hats. Doesn’t it make sense then to also put that effort and thought into our jewelry collection as well? Jewelry can do so much to elevate an outfit, but just like our clothing, we can stare at what we have and think “I have nothing to wear.” But with some organization, careful planning and consideration, a jewelry capsule can make selecting what jewelry to wear an easy decision.
I was never one for jewelry growing up, wearing a few pieces here and there that had been gifted to me by family. When I got old enough to buy jewelry for myself, I chose pieces that tarnished or I got tired of quickly. I went through a phase spending a decent chunk of money on worthless chunky costume jewelry, only to end up donating it a year or two later.
After that, I decided to stop spending money on jewelry purchases altogether. I was feeling frustrated by my own personal changing jewelry tastes. Also frustrating was either the high price tag that fashionable costume jewelry comes with, or the cheaper versions that break and tarnish after a few wears. I’ve always been a less is more type of person, so I decided to sit with what I currently had and leave it at that. What I’ve ended up with is a hodgepodge of jewelry that doesn’t necessarily go together or suit my current taste.
I feel like I’ve finally figured out my own personal jewelry taste and want to start investing in a few pieces of finer jewelry that will look great year after year. I want to find pieces from brands that source ethically, like using recycled gold, but are also not going to break the bank. Thankfully I’ve found a few brands that fit the bill.
If you are interested in creating a capsule jewelry collection, consider the tips below before getting started.
Finding Your Personal Style
This has taken me years to figure out. I have gone from wearing no jewelry, to wearing chunky costume jewelry, to sticking to the few pieces of fine jewelry I own. Taking the time to figure out your own personal style will save money in the long run, allowing you to invest in pieces that will last a lifetime.
Creating a Pinterest board for inspiration is a great place to start. See if you notice any themes in the images. Are you pinning mostly dainty jewelry? Bolder statement pieces? Perhaps everything is in gold or silver.
Try picking out one or two pieces in each category of earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces to start with.
Choosing Your Materials
Jewelry is made in a variety of materials, all the way from pricey solid gold to cheaper metals like brass. There are also pieces made with leather, wood, fabric and plastic. The possibilities are vast and can be confusing.
Choosing the material in which your jewelry is made will dictate both the price and the longevity of the piece. Gold jewelry, for example, is not all the same. There is gold-plated, gold vermeil, gold-filled and solid gold. Gold-plated is the cheapest option but also the option with the least in longevity. Solid gold, on the other hand, will last a lifetime but also has a price to reflect that.
If you are wanting to build a capsule that will last and also looking to have fewer pieces, I suggest looking for solid gold jewelry.
Deciding Which Pieces to Add
Remember you don’t have to create a capsule jewelry collection overnight. Take your time, choosing carefully each piece you add to your collection. Keep in mind your capsule contains the core pieces of your jewelry collection, not the entire collection. I find it helpful to stick to one or two styles for each category to not get overwhelmed.
Think about what you wear on a daily basis and also your lifestyle. Do you prefer to stick to simple pieces like a pair of stud earrings, or go bold with a large oversized statement earring? Does your lifestyle require you to be minimal? Do you tend to loose pieces easily?
Below I’ve linked some basics from all jewelry categories to give you some ideas.
EARRINGS
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A good place to start when it comes to adding earrings to your capsule is a pair of simple studs and a mini or midi hoop style. Just because these sound basic doesn’t mean that they don’t have versatility. A classic pair of diamond studs can take you from day to night. A hoop earring can be changed up by adding a delicate charm. Sticking to classic shapes such as these will give you a wider variety to choose from with numerous brands. These can be cost effective even if you go with more expensive options like diamonds and solid gold.
BRACELETS
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A solid cuff bracelet can be more of a statement piece, but will cost more than a delicate chain version. A charm can also be added to thinner cuffs or chain bracelets when you want a bit of a different look. Whichever is your style, choose a bracelet to add to your capsule that you would wear everyday. I recommend getting the best quality for the piece that you wear the most, and saving on the least worn.
NECKLACES
The best option for getting maximum versatility out of necklaces is to purchase a few chain necklaces in various lengths. These can then be paired with pendants and charms or worn on their own. I would chose the amount of necklaces in your capsule based on how many you layer at one time. Adding different styles of necklaces can give you more versatility, though I recommend buying nicer pieces in classic styles.
RINGS
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Rings are the pieces of jewelry I notice the most on others. I love seeing how people put together different styles. But if you fall into the camp of more is more, rings can eat up your entire jewelry budget, especially if you like precious stones. Simple thin gold bands will inevitably be more cost effective than a statement ring. I recommend taking the time to figure out if you want to spend your budget on a few thin gold bands that can be stacked or perhaps you spend it all on one statement piece.
CHARMS
Charms and pendants offer the ability to switch up your pieces of jewelry with little effort. They can also add a personal touch with engraved pieces, a birthstone or special letter. When choosing which pendants or charms to add to your collection, consider the size. A smaller size could be used with earrings, bracelets and necklaces, while something larger is probably best suited for just a necklace.
I have included pieces from the brands Aurate, Kinn, Catbird, Mejuri and Quince. I love that Aurate offers the option of both 14k and 18k in their pieces, while Quince has affordable basic jewelry pieces. They are all great brands to choose new pieces for a capsule jewelry collection. If you have any suggestions of other brands to check out, please let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear your recommendations.