Beginning a jewelry collection can be a daunting task. Investing in quality fine jewelry is expensive, and how do you decide what to invest in first?

Start simply with timeless pieces that will always be in style and can serve multiple occasions, attires, and events.

Even better, these jewelry recommendations are interchangeable and worn in multiple ways, which allows you to evolve your style over time, solidifying your investment for life.

The top three choices to start your fine collection are:

• A 30″ 14k Gold Solid Link Chain
• A Pair of “Huggie” Style Hoop Earrings
• A Diamond Stacker Ring

But who am I- and what do I know about fine jewelry?! Well, jewelry has been my life for the past twenty years.

I’m Jenessa, an artist and industrial designer whose primary focus has been designing and crafting custom fine jewelry.

I began my career on the West Coast after packing up my car and moving to Seattle from the Midwest in my twenties. During that time, I worked for the largest in-house custom jewelry design studio in America while attending design school, which brought on my love and passion for fine jewelry.

I’ve held numerous roles in the custom jewelry industry, starting as a jewelry photographer and then as a designer, CAD modeler, professional jeweler, and optic stone setter. I have an in-depth understanding of the entire creation and production process of custom fine jewelry.

My extensive experience has made it easy for me to advise on what pieces make for a great jewelry investment, specifically if you are starting out looking to build your capsule collection.

Jewelry Investment #1: A 30″ 14K Gold solid Link Chain

A simple chain may seem like an unlikely choice for some but never underestimate the versatility of a beautiful, solid link chain. Why? Because this one piece can be worn four different ways!

• First, you have the traditional way, wearing it in a long opera-length style
• A second way to wear a 30″ chain is to wrap it twice around your neck, creating a timeless, polished choker.
• A third way is to wrap it four times around your wrist as a delicate multi-strand bracelet.
• Wrapping it three times, you can also wear it as an anklet.

Can you believe you can get four distinct looks from one piece of jewelry?

But that’s not all! A chain is a buildable jewelry investment to which you can add a pendant later in life to celebrate a special milestone.

Consider adding a medallion-style pendant to string along the chain for added interest and fun. I created one for myself years ago, my first fine jewelry piece. I adore it, and it’s truly a statement piece that I love to wear.

tips and tricks: Double checking your 30″ chain Length

• Because bodies are different, measure first before purchasing a chain.
• Cut a piece of string to 30″ and test out all four wearable styles. The string ends should overlap to ensure the chain ends clasp together.
• If you have too much slack or need more room, you can customize the length to whatever you desire when working with your personal jeweler. It is common for chains to be made to custom lengths.
• When selecting your chain, don’t be afraid of color! Select the metal color (yellow, rose or white) that works best with your skin tone and makes you feel like a million bucks.
• Discuss your clasp options with your jeweler. Upgrading to a more sophisticated mechanism for aesthetics or ease of use is an excellent discussion to have beforehand.

Jewelry Investment #2: A Pair of “Huggie” Style Hoop Earrings

What is a huggie earring?

A huggie hoop earring doesn’t require an earring back. It contains a concealed hinge that locks and visually loops around, “hugging” the ear for a comfortable and seamless look.

This mechanism creates the perfect earring that is also Buildable over time.

Huggies come in a multitude of styles, sizes, and metal options. You can choose them with or without diamonds. If a comfortable, classic, everyday wear earring doesn’t sway you, the fact that it is also versatile and buildable will.

Over time, consider adding to your huggie by investing in a drop-dangle charm that can link through, creating an entirely new look.

Adding a drop-dangle charm can be an attention-grabbing piece for a fun evening out. It can also add sparkle or color to your wardrobe by adding diamonds or colored gemstones. Guess what? Loop the charm through a chain, and you have a new pendant. It is the perfect buildable addition to your jewelry collection.

Jewelry Investment #3: A Diamond Stacker ring

Nothing says perfection to me more than a stacker set of rings. A petite and delicate 2mm platinum or gold band with diamonds is so fun to wear. With so many different setting styles available, like French, castle, bead, channel or basket set, you are bound to find a style that suits your unique aesthetic.

No matter the setting style, when adding accent diamonds to your ring, quality does matter. Did you know those small accents diamonds (under 3mm) are called melee diamonds in the jewelry industry?

Not all diamond melee is created equal. Melee diamonds are purchased in parcels and are graded using similar yet simplified color and clarity guidelines as larger stones.

There is a reason why I choose colorless, VVS clarity ideal cut melee diamonds in my work. There is a substantial and noticeable difference in high quality melee in the way they capture the light and reflect those ice white flashes perceived by the eye. It is so fun to look at and admire, and I would wager that strangers will stop you and be mesmerized as well.

With so many jewelry pieces on the market, I hope my definitive guide simplifies the decision-making process and encourages you to invest in high-quality, versatile pieces that will stand the test of time. Whether you plan on investing in a long, versatile chain, buildable huggie earrings, or a petite diamond stacker, I hope you choose quality over quantity and join my weekly newsletter to be the first to access these pieces when I launch my collection.