Jewelry can feel complicated to buy.
The dilemma: do you invest in fewer, more expensive staple pieces? or should you buy lots of affordable jewelry instead?
Between the constantly changing style and seasonal landscape, the word "sustainability" being used everywhere, the churn of social media imagery, ads in your inbox, and so on... it can feel daunting.
How many pieces of jewelry should you own? Should you start investing in quality over quantity? How often should you buy new pieces?
Below are some thoughts on how to answer these questions by:
- calculating price per wear
- considering your lifestyle + needs
- evaluating your thoughts on sustainability
- looking at trends vs staples
First of all, there is no single correct answer to the above questions, only you can evaluate your own needs. Here's how to start:
When you consider the price of jewelry, think about the cost per wear and it's longevity. Investing in a small, solid 14k gold necklace may set up back anywhere from $150-$300 or more. However, if you wear it every day for 1 year, that's about 40 cents - $1+ per day, give or take on the amount. Considering that 14k gold is a lifetime investment, in the long run it's even better for you by cost over many years. Then think about the fact that you may be able to pass your solid gold jewelry along to a family member one day, and the sentimental value goes even beyond the above cost scenario.
When you consider that an affordable necklace in gold plate (gold over brass) may cost $40 or less, it seems like a steal. You could essentially get 3-5 cheaper necklaces for the cost of one necklace in solid gold. Remember though, that gold plated items have a shorter shelf life and may only last a year or so, assuming proper care like avoiding water, lotions, etc. and will likely not be pieces you wear forever or pass along to future generations.
Affordable options like this are great choices when you are on a budget or just starting out in your life and career. And if you constantly rotate your jewelry every day and like to follow the latest fashions, you may want to go for quantity over quality. Finally, if you take great care of your pieces, you can make your jewelry last longer, even the affordable stuff. If you tend to be hard-wearing on your pieces, a 14k solid gold option will be more durable long term.
In between 14k gold and gold plated jewelry is the Vermeil option. This metal finish (gold over top of sterling silver) offers a middle-ground price point, and a very nice quality. If you aren't in the market to buy solid gold, but want a step above gold plate, think of Vermeil as an alternative middle ground. If you prefer silver metals, sterling silver is a great option for quality that lasts.
Next, when you consider your lifestyle and needs, it makes it easier to decide how and when to shop for jewelry. Do you have a job that requires a certain style or look? Do you work from home and can keep a more casual look and level of dress? Do you go out regularly? Do you like to change your jewelry every day? Or do you wear pieces for weeks or months at a time? These are all questions you can ask yourself when you are considering to buy just a few staple pieces vs. many options.
Additionally, we need to think about our commitment to the planet, sustainable consumerism, and our own morals on consumption. How do you feel when you make an expensive purchase vs. an affordable one? Do you love having a closet or jewelry box full of lots of items that you wear? Or do you feel better with less choices and a more minimalistic approach? Are you happy to donate or gift old items you no longer wear? Do you ever attend trade or swaps with your wardrobe items? For some, there is the guilt associated with buying and then later discarding your items. With affordable jewelry, the care and commitment is not always there to keep or preserve items. When you invest in higher quality jewelry, you would be less likely to donate or discard a piece (not to mention the sentimental connections).
Finally, trends vs staples. This seems straightforward, but it's also very personal. Hoops are an obvious staple that you would likely wear forever, and it would make sense to invest in a quality pair that will always be in style. Or, maybe you love hearts and know that you will wear them always, no matter what is trending or not. These are good times to invest in quality over quantity.
As for metal colors, they seem to trend on and off, but you might know that silver always looks better with your skin. Perhaps there is a new trend that you are dying to try but don't know if it's a forever look. That might be the time to buy something more affordable and enjoy it while it lasts.
Again, there is no right or wrong here, rather this is a opportunity to see how you feel and help guide you to choices that work for you.
For many, the right choice lies somewhere in between: when we reach a happy mix of high and low, old and new, forever and fleeting. If you take the time to consider the above questions and choices, you can decide that at certain times you may want to purchase multiple lower priced items. Other times, it may be more appropriate for you to go for the more expensive staple piece.