Jewelry 101: How to Build a Basic Jewelry Wardrobe

“This above all: to thine own self be true."--William Shakespeare

Most everyone has heard this quote before, and it's a good one—particularly when it comes to your own personal style.

So it may seem counter-intuitive for me to tell you the "basics" you need in your jewelry wardrobe, but... having these essential items in place, either with your own personal twist on them or layering your own choices on top of them, will allow you to shine through even better!

Whether it's for a day at the office or night on the town, having the right jewelry can take you from feeling good about your outfit to feeling like a million bucks and you'll be able to accesorize with confidence.

While I've previously shared The Top 5 Classic Jewelry Pieces Every Woman Should Have, these tips will take it a step further! A basic jewelry wardrobe gives you a great foundation from which to build and create your own unique style.

Before I dive into the pieces, ask yourself these few questions to really hone in on your personal jewelry style:

What's Your Personal Style?

“What stops me in my tracks?” Pay attention to what you notice and love in jewelry. Is it contemporary or classic? Do you prefer silver or gold, or a combination of the two? What are the details of the piece that make you love it?  When you start paying attention, you'll be amazed at what you discover about yourself and it will help make selecting jewelry easier.

"What do other people notice about my jewelry and style?" Keep track of what other people are giving you compliments about.  Which type of jewelry gets noticed on you most?  This will give you more clues about what works for you!

"Will this work for my lifestyle?" Asking yourself this question will allow you to figure out if the jewelry you're considering fits with how you live.

If you are an outdoorsy type, it makes sense that your jewelry would be, perhaps, simpler and more streamlined.  Do you have a job that requires you to be more physically active and bigger jewelry might get in the way? Take some time and consider your job, hobbies, and activities.

This certainly doesn't mean you can't enjoy a beautiful statement necklace for a night out on the town every once in a while—you just want to make sure "most" of your jewelry fits with how you live your day-to-day life. And don't forget that being comfortable is important, too. If you're not comfortable, you're probably not going to wear that piece of jewelry much anyway.

Getting Started: The Jewelry Basics

The first rule of thumb is to  try and always buy the best quality basics you can afford. This way they will last and you can always add more pieces later.

So, what are some of the basics that are going to give you a great foundation? Well, like I shared before, you definitely want to start with the classics; you can learn all about those pieces here.

In addition to the classics, here are few more important pieces.

Long Layering Necklace:  Long layering necklaces are all the rage right now. With that being said, they're not going out-of-style any time soon,  if at all! A long necklace looks elegant on it's own, with a slide-on pendant, or layered with other necklaces to create your own dramatic look.

Classic Hoop Earrings:  Hoop earrings are a great staple to add to your jewelry wardrobe. Whether you have them in silver, gold, or rose gold (or all three!), they are a classic-go to pair of earrings that looks great with ANY outfit. They can be dressed up or down, and purchased in a variety of sizes to flatter whatever you decide to pair them with!

Stack of Bracelets: Everybody loves a good army party, and a stack of bracelets is a great way to start one! Bangles stacked, skinny or wide, always hit the right fashion note.

Signature Ring: A signature ring goes beyond the classic "cocktail" ring-find a ring you love and make a statement with it. Be daring. Be bold. Be it a big beautiful peridot ring or a two-tone metal ring, wear it with confidence and make it yours!

Pop of Color: The easiest way to elevate your look is with vibrant, colorful jewelry. Add a shimmering, bold hue to your wardrobe with either a necklace, bracelet, ring, or a great pair of colorful earrings. You'll be sure to turn heads with this one!

Once you established your basics, you can add pieces that mix it up a bit or that are really on trend. And be sure to have fun with it! 

We're honored that Mullen Bros. Jewelers ranks #1 in overall customer ratings among all jewelry retailers in our community and we will continue to take care of our neighbors and friends, one jewel at a time!