Here's How To Build Your Perfect Capsule Jewelry Collection
Many people know the essentials for building a perfect capsule wardrobe, but what about jewelry? Knowing how to create a capsule jewelry collection is arguably even more crucial, as jewelry can be expensive, so you should know which pieces are worth spending on and which aren't necessary. Moreover, successfully styling jewelry can elevate all your outfits, and you can only do so if you have the right pieces in your collection.
When building your jewelry collection, aim for versatility and timelessness, not trendiness. "I think of a capsule as more of your go-to pieces ... Pieces that can be worn together or by themselves, depending on how bold I am feeling ... Save on trendier pieces and splurge on the classics that you know you'll wear day to day," Cass Dimicco, founder of accessories brand Aureum, told InStyle. If you're ready to start forming a capsule jewelry collection, it's your best bet to break down your future capsule by each type of jewelry, from head to toe.
Start with your piercings
Most people who have facial or body piercings typically consider the jewelry in those areas most important, as those pieces are physically inside their skin. If you don't have piercings, this step won't pertain to you, but if you do, you should always make the jewelry inside your pierced areas the highest priority in your capsule. Piercings are extensions of your face and body, so treat them with that level of importance! Whether you've pierced your ears, nose, eyebrow, belly button, or any other area, the first item — or items — in your capsule collection should be classic, high-quality piercings.
In addition to timeless and high-quality silver and gold, some excellent materials for piercing jewelry in your collection include surgical stainless steel, titanium, and platinum. "Surgical stainless steel (SSS) is very commonly used for [piercings] because it is both hypoallergenic and affordable ... Titanium is so safe that it is often used as the metal of choice for surgical implants ... Platinum is safe for first piercings [because] it's inert and hypoallergenic," Dr. Morgan Rabach, board-certified dermatologist, co-founder of LM Medical PLLC, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, told Byrdie. Not only will these types of piercings be safer than trendier, cheaper, and lower-quality options, but opting for timeless studs and hoops in your capsule collection will also complement more outfits than more complicated and dangly options, offering more versatility.
Necklaces are crucial
If you have piercings, necklaces should be the second step of your capsule jewelry collection. But if you don't, necklaces should be your capsule's first priority, as they're typically the most visible jewelry pieces to be worn and can significantly transform various outfits. When building your perfect capsule jewelry collection, it's always a good idea to invest in one elegant, minimalistic necklace and one bolder piece. That way, you'll have two options for opposite ensembles and settings.
Minimalist necklaces typically feature slim chains and dainty details, elevating your look without appearing overpowering. For instance, TikToker @alosfree shared a "get ready with me" style video showing how a classy, delicate-looking necklace added subtle pizazz to a minimalistic monochromatic black outfit with a denim jacket. On the other hand, fashion designer @thejennyrojinski shared a TikTok video rocking an ultra-long, dramatic necklace that helped a plunging black garment stand out. Both pieces elevated the outfits in the videos differently, proving that having one high-quality, simple necklace and one investment statement option will be worth the splurges, helping you convey whatever vibe you're after with a particular 'fit.
Consider investing in one body or waist chain
Body and waist chains are not for everyone, but if you enjoy these sexy, dramatic spins on jewelry, a high-quality piece will be worth the investment. Since most people won't be wearing these chains every day, it would typically make the most sense only to choose one body or waist chain to add to your jewelry capsule. People who want louder, more intense looks should opt for a body chain, while individuals looking for more subtle vibes should go for a waist chain instead.
If anyone thinks a high-quality waist chain wouldn't be worth the purchase because they wouldn't be comfortable showing their midriff in most public settings, remember that you can also wear these accessories over clothing and as belts. For example, TikToker @lacorporatechica posted a video rocking a gold waist chain as a belt with various outfits, including jeans, leather pants, and sophisticated dresses, proving that these chains can be very versatile with successful styling, making them worth the addition to your capsule jewelry collection.
Break out the bracelets
Bracelets are perfect for embellishing your wrists and elevating your overall ensembles, especially during short-sleeve, sleeveless, and strapless fashion seasons. So, like necklaces, it's a good idea to add one minimalistic and one statement bracelet to your jewelry capsule. When investing in your daintier bracelet, consider a slim diamond bracelet. "Diamond bracelets look great on everyone; they will never go out of style and can be worn day to night ... You can wear just one bracelet for a minimal look ... they're so comfortable that you forget you have them on," Suzanne Kalan, a jewelry designer, told Net-a-Porter.
Meanwhile, a bolder bracelet is ideal for taking any outfit to the next level. Bracelets with thick chains, chunky options, or colorful pieces are all exciting ideas to explore. If you need more inspiration for bold bracelets, there are over 100,000 posts dedicated to #statementbracelet on Instagram. Whether you invest in something super bulky and dramatic or free-spirited featuring any number of colors from the rainbow, statement bracelets are a lot of fun.
Bring on the rings
Don't forget to embellish your fingers by investing in rings! "I absolutely love how you can make certain pieces into your own story, your own vibe ... To me, earrings and rings are essentials because they can completely change you, and they work on everyone," Jen Wang, founder of the Ming Yu Wang jewelry brand, told InStyle. While smaller and sometimes easier to lose than other jewelry, rings look stunning with every outfit during every season. Some people may even feel like something is missing when they're not wearing their favorite rings.
There's no need to wait for an engagement ring or wedding band to build the ring section of your jewelry capsule. And if you already have those romantic rings, you should still invest in everyday rings that match your aesthetic. Consider treating yourself to one for each finger so you'll have a variety that you can mix and match as you please. Over time, you can accrue the perfect collection of some dainty rings as well as a few big, bold cocktail rings for other fingers.
Think about jewelry for your ankles and toes
Like body and waist chains, this last step of building your perfect capsule jewelry collection is optional and won't be for everyone. But anklets and toe rings can be super fun — especially in the summertime. Thus, everyone should consider investing in one anklet and at least one toe ring. Even Jennifer Lawrence has deemed anklets a hot-girl summer staple (via TikTok)! We think that's enough of a sign to add the piece to your collection.
Plus, toe rings can help your feet feel more glamorous, just as traditional rings do for your fingers. A subtle touch but an important addition to your jewelry collection, a toe ring is perfect for sandal-wearing season, or just lounging around the house when you want to feel a little glitzier. While you might not want to splurge on a high-quality, expensive toe ring for every toe, you should try at least one to give the toe ring look a chance and see how you feel about it.