Much attention is given to building the proper clothing wardrobe for work or other occasions. Yet hardly a mention goes to building a wardrobe of key jewelry pieces that you can rely on over and over again when accessorizing any outfit. A wardrobe of  jewelry can be something you can build over time and be proud of – something that you can also pass down through generations. 

The time to start building this wardrobe can begin even in childhood, or the teen years. You can build your own, or help someone else build theirs – a perfect gift giving strategy for years to come.

According to Diamonds International, jewelry experts suggest the following basic items first. More items can be added later, even much later in life as finances permit.  The basics include:

• A strand of pearls
• Pearl studs
• Diamond studs and/or diamond hoops
• An omega chain
• Gold hoops
• Pearl bracelet
• Gold link bracelet
• Gemstone ring
• Gold bangle
• Diamond line or tennis bracelet
• A charm bracelet

This first layer of jewelry can be used to basically accessorize most of what we wear. As we move up into the world of work or more social occasions, we can then start to build another layer of jewelry basics that begin to reflect our personality, or our personal tastes. These might include:

• Three-stone diamond pendant
• Right-hand diamond ring (left if we’re married)
• Drop earrings -- diamonds, gems or pearls
• Pearl and diamond earrings
• Gemstone bracelet
• Gemstone necklace
• Gemstone pendants, earrings

As we begin to complement and build our personal jewelry wardrobe, gemstone jewelry begins to play an increasingly important role. Gemstones provide the variety of color, shape, style, and quality we require to express ourselves in a more personal way. 
    
As you begin to build your jewelry wardrobe, you can also add to your GEMSTONE wardrobe. Order and strategize what you’d like to have over time. Concentrate on two or three stones that you feel express your personal traits, or that possess the healing properties that you deem important.  Collect a set of items featuring that particular stone: a ring, a necklace, and a pendant all done in opal, for example.  Next you can move onto something such as aquamarine and build a set in that particular stone.  A set of jewelry pieces done in turquoise is an addition to work for, or to ask for, perhaps as a birthday or holiday gift.

Building a jewelry wardrobe is both joyful and rewarding.  Be sure to store your jewelry properly as time goes on so you can enjoy it for a lifetime. 

By Julie