10 Jewelry Essentials Every Wardrobe Needs

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Every wardrobe has certain must-haves to keep dressing streamlined and easy. Jewelry essentials follow much the same rules of a capsule wardrobe—the best jeans, sweater, T-shirt, jacket, etc., translate to certain classic and timeless jewelry essentials. 

The perfect diamond studs and chain necklace are just as big of a fashion crutch as blue jeans and a white T-shirt. Narrow enough to keep getting dressed stress-free while also keeping you looking top-notch. Think of this as a foundational buy you can turn to daily, but one that still leaves room for those special purchases to give your look personality.

Below, our guide to the 10 pieces of classic, timeless jewelry that will never lead you astray.

Stud Earrings

There’s a reason the stud is your first earring. Besides the whole piercing process, it simply goes with everything. They add an easy touch of sparkle that can be worn no matter the occasion—gym and pool included. 

Mateo 14-karat gold pearl earrings

$325 AT NET-A-PORTER

Tiffany Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard earrings

$1,150 AT TIFFANY & CO.

Hoop Earrings

It’s a classic style that delivers subtle attitude. Big or small, hoop earrings make a statement without being over the top.

Jennifer Fisher Lilly mini hoop earrings

$200 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Mejuri Pavé diamond huggie hoops

$250 AT MEJURI

Bangle Bracelet

Adorn your arms with a single bangle bracelet or stack them up—the latter will create the most delightful jingling sound. They pair well with just about everything, from a cable knit sweater to a breezy sundress.

Sylva & Cie rose gold diamond bangle

$14,125 AT MODA OPERANDI

Monica Vinader x Kate Young bangle

750 $525 AT NORDSTROM

Pendant Necklace

A pendant is an easy way to wear something meaningful (your initials, your zodiac sign) close to your heart. Best of all, there’s no need to wear just one. 

Foundrae Disk Drop necklace

$1,445 AT NET-A-PORTER

Sophie Buhai tiny heart pendant necklace

$375 AT SSENSE

Gold Chain Necklace

Thick or thin, gold chain necklaces are an essential. A more chunky style will add an edge to your ensemble (perfect for power dressing), while a wispy chain adds a bit of femininity. You’ll likely need one of each. 

Laura Lombardi Calle gold-plated necklace

$268 AT NET-A-PORTER

Lizzie Mandler gold chain-link necklace

$5,110 AT MATCHESFASHION

Pearl Strand

Pearl necklaces are passed down for a reason—they will absolutely never go out of style. We love a double strand with various-sized pearls, but you can’t go wrong with the classic single stand either.

Sophie Bille Brahe Petite Peggy necklace

$2,750 AT NET-A-PORTER

Loren Stewart Belisimo pearl strand neckalce

$345 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Signet Ring

Stamped with your initials, glittering with diamonds, or shiny and bare, a signet is the perfect ring for your pinkie. No other ring on your hand is necessary—but, of course, welcome.

Jade Trau signet ring

$3,800 AT NET-A-PORTER

Ferian Galleon Wedgwood gold signet ring

$915 AT MATCHESFASHION

Stacking Ring

Wearing more than one ring on a finger can take some strategy. Do they fit snuggly on top of each other?  Do they add too much bulk to your digit? A simple gold band is a great starting point but better yet, opt for an already stacked multi-ring style that will do all the work for you.

Phillips House Enchanted Sash pinky ring

$1,550 AT PHILLIPS HOUSE

Spinelli Kilcollin Nimbus ring

$2,900 AT MATCHESFASHION

Colorful Stone

Playing with the gold and silver hues in jewelry is fun but so is the blue of a sapphire or the deep red of a garnet. A colored stone accessory is the easiest way to add a bit of dimension to your all-neutral ensemble or bring out the flecks of green in your eyes. 

Mateo Point of Focus ring

$1,375 AT MATEO