The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Jewelry Collection in 2025

Everything you need from master of style Jalil Johnson

A new year often feels like a clean slate—a chance to set fresh goals, embrace new beginnings, and perhaps reassess your wardrobe or jewelry collection. Jewelry often acts as the cherry on top of the perfect outfit sundae, the detail that not only sets your look apart but also makes it deeply personal. However, starting or elevating a jewelry collection can feel overwhelming. To guide you on your jewelry journey, we've curated a breakdown of key categories, complete with a few thoughtful suggestions to get you started!

Earrings

Earrings are a fantastic entry point for any jewelry collection because they frame the face and can instantly elevate any outfit. From classic studs to bold hoops or elegant drop styles, earrings offer endless versatility and allow you to experiment with different looks and occasions. They’re also a great way to reflect your mood or personality—whether you’re feeling minimal, playful, or glamorous. Plus, they’re often the first piece of jewelry people notice, making them an impactful addition to your collection.

Stud : The Doorknocker Earrings

Stud earrings are the ultimate jewelry essential, beloved for their timeless simplicity and versatility. With origins dating back to ancient civilizations, studs have stood the test of time as a go-to accessory that complements any look. Whether you prefer understated refinement or a bold design, stud earrings are effortlessly wearable, making them the perfect starting point or addition to any jewelry collection.

The Gild Diamond Confetti Studs offer a unique twist on the classic stud. Their bold, sculptural design features a white diamond set in 14k yellow gold bezel setting and offers the right amount of edge while remaining polished and sophisticated. These earrings are crafted to make a statement without overwhelming, making them an ideal choice for anyone seeking a stud that’s anything but ordinary. Whether paired with a casual outfit or used to elevate an evening look, stud earrings like these are an essential mix of modernity and timeless appeal.

Hoops : The Sloping Hinge Hoop Earrings - Small

Hoop earrings are a timeless and universally loved accessory, celebrated for their simple elegance and bold versatility. Over time, they’ve become a global fashion staple, embraced for their ability to frame the face beautifully and enhance any look, from casual to formal.

Annika Inez Sloping Hinge Hoop Earrings are a modern take on this classic style. Featuring a sleek architectural design with a unique sloping shape, these hoops stand out while maintaining a minimalist look. The hinged closure ensures both comfort and ease of wear, making them a perfect everyday accessory. Whether worn alone for understated elegance or paired with other earrings for a layered effect.

Statement : The Mini Mermaid Earrings

Statement earrings have long been a symbol of power, self-expression, and artistry. Over time, statement earrings have evolved into a versatile accessory, cherished for their ability to instantly elevate an outfit and make a striking impression. They serve as wearable art, allowing the wearer to express individuality and confidence with every pair.

The Anita Berisha Mini Mermaid earrings are a dreamy confection of bliss, designed to make a statement every time you wear them. Crafted from seashells and freshwater pearls, these exquisite pieces are clustered together to create earrings that look as if they’ve been swept ashore by the tide. Each earring is unique, with natural variations in the shape and color of the pearls and shells, giving the pair a subtle, artful asymmetry. Whether you're packing for your next tropical getaway or looking for the perfect finishing touch for a wedding ensemble, these earrings are a stunning addition to any jewelry collection. More than just an accessory, they’re a true conversation starter.

Necklaces

A necklace is the centerpiece of any jewelry collection, effortlessly drawing attention and adding dimension to your look. Whether you choose a simple chain, a meaningful pendant, or a statement collar, necklaces have the power to tell a story. They’re perfect for layering or wearing alone, offering versatility to suit different styles and occasions. A well-chosen necklace can become your signature piece or a deeply personal keepsake, making it a meaningful addition to your jewelry box.

Chain : The 1.7mm Cuban Chain

Chain necklaces are a quintessential jewelry staple, offering timeless versatility and endless styling possibilities. Over the centuries, they have evolved into an iconic piece that seamlessly blends simplicity and sophistication. A chain necklace serves as the perfect foundation for any collection, whether worn alone for a minimalist look or layered for added dimension and texture.

The Ariel Gordon Cuban Chain is an ideal example of this timeless style. Its classic Cuban link design is understated yet substantial, striking the perfect balance between elegance and edge. Crafted for everyday wear, this piece transitions effortlessly from casual to formal, making it a versatile addition to any jewelry box. Whether you wear it as a standalone piece or use it as a base for layering, a chain necklace like this offers a touch of refinement and adaptability, making it a must-have for building a thoughtful and stylish jewelry collection.

Statement : The Provence Necklace in Serpentine

Statement necklaces are the ultimate way to make an impact with your jewelry. With their bold designs and eye-catching details, they have been a part of fashion history for centuries, worn by ancient rulers, noblewomen, and style icons to signify power, individuality, and artistic expression. A statement necklace is more than an accessory—it’s a centerpiece that can transform even the simplest outfit into something extraordinary.

Lizzie Fortunato’s “Provence” necklace perfectly embodies the essence of a statement piece. Featuring stunning serpentine stones and a unique, sculptural design, this necklace is both elegant and daring. Its earthy tones and organic shapes make it a versatile choice that pairs beautifully with everything from minimalist looks to more eclectic ensembles. Whether you're dressing for a special event or elevating everyday wear, a statement necklace like this is an unforgettable addition to your collection, offering artistry, character, and undeniable allure.

Rings

Rings are incredibly versatile, ranging from bold statement pieces to subtle, everyday styles, allowing you to express your personality effortlessly. They can be deeply personal—a reminder of a milestone, a symbol of connection, or simply something that makes you smile when you look at it. Rings are also highly wearable and adaptable, making them an easy choice to layer, stack, or wear alone. By starting with a ring, you’re investing in a piece that’s both timeless and uniquely yours, setting the tone for a thoughtful and meaningful jewelry collection.

The Everyday Ring : The Olympia Ring Set

While not an officially recognized category, this style can be thought of as a simple, understated band—sometimes adorned with stones or featuring a meaningful etching. What truly defines it, however, is its everyday wearability. It’s the kind of ring you grow so accustomed to wearing that you feel a little incomplete without it.

The Olympia Ring Set from MM Druck is an excellent choice, offering two rings for the price of one. Stacking sets are especially appealing, as wearing two rings on one finger adds visual intrigue, and the wavy design of these rings enhances their unique charm. One ring in the set is polished and minimalist, while the other features a geometric etching that gives it character. Available in Sterling Silver or Gold Vermeil, these rings provide endless styling possibilities. Wear them together every day, split them across different fingers, or save them for special occasions—it’s all about what feels right for you!

Signet Ring : The Starburst Ring

The signet ring has its origins in practicality and purpose. Historically, it was used to stamp or sign documents, with the ring’s unique markings leaving an impression on the wax or clay seals of legal documents. These rings were typically adorned with family crests or other personal symbols to verify the identity of the wearer. By the 19th century, however, signet rings evolved into more ornamental pieces, often featuring precious stones—a tradition that continues to this day. Adding a signet ring to your collection is a thoughtful choice, as it brings a personal touch to your jewelry, making it feel uniquely yours.

The Emblm signet ring beautifully honors the origins of this style, featuring a starburst motif that extends elegantly to the base. It offers a modern twist on tradition, allowing you to engrave a letter of your choice, making it a truly personalized and timeless piece.

Cocktail ring : The Reversible Bullseye Ring

Cocktail rings are timeless pieces that originated in the 1920s, when women enamored with the flapper aesthetic would accessorize their glamorous outfits with bold statement rings. These rings often featured a prominent center stone, frequently adorned with diamonds, making them a striking addition to any look. While not necessarily an everyday accessory, a cocktail ring is a must-have for your jewelry box—perfect for adding a touch of drama to an event ensemble or serving as a personal pick-me-up when you need a little boost.

This cocktail ring from Monbouquette is a mixed-metal marvel, designed with a clever twist: the top of the ring flips to reveal a new look, adding versatility to its charm. True to the brand’s signature playful edge, this piece is both elegant and unexpected. To make an even bolder statement, we love the idea of wearing it on your pinkie—it’s a stylish way to stand out.

Bracelets

Bracelets are a subtle yet stylish way to start building your jewelry collection. Whether you opt for a delicate chain, a bold cuff, or a stack of bangles, bracelets add a touch of flair and personality to your wrists. They’re easy to mix and match, creating endless styling possibilities, and can serve as a gentle reminder of a moment or memory every time you glance at your hand. A bracelet is the perfect piece to round out your collection with a hint of charm and sophistication.

Tennis : The Classic Tennis Bracelet set with Emeralds

A tennis bracelet is the epitome of elegance and versatility, making it a must-consider piece for any jewelry collection. This iconic style gets its name from a 1987 US Open match when tennis player Chris Evert famously paused the game to search for her diamond bracelet after it broke mid-play. Its origins lend it an air of sophistication mixed with a touch of sport-inspired charm, and its design—a continuous row of sparkling stones—ensures it seamlessly transitions from casual daytime looks to eveningwear.

Eriness’ classic tennis bracelet is a stunning option, and is available in emeralds or pink sapphires, which offers a sleek and modern interpretation of the iconic piece. Whether you wear it solo for a minimalist look or stack it with other pieces for added flair, a tennis bracelet like this is more than just jewelry—it’s a timeless symbol of refinement, versatility, and enduring beauty.

Bangle : The BOLD Bangle in Sterling Silver

Bangles are one of the oldest forms of jewelry; historically, they symbolized wealth, status, and cultural significance, often adorned with intricate carvings or precious stones. Over time, bangles have evolved into a timeless accessory that blends cultural heritage with modern style. Their versatile design makes them a staple in jewelry collections around the world.

The Bold Bangle is a contemporary take on a classic piece. Its clean, sculptural design exudes confidence while maintaining a minimalist allure. The added feature of playing with the tradition of acrostic jewelry—using stones Blue Sapphire, Opal, Lapis, and Diamond to spell out the word “BOLD”—makes it a standout addition to any outfit. Whether you stack it with other bracelets for a layered effect or let it shine on its own, this bangle effortlessly merges boldness and refinement. Adding a bangle like this to your jewelry box allows you to connect with a rich history while making a striking style statement that’s entirely your own.

Cuff : The Ocaso Bracelet

Cuffs are a bold and versatile addition to any jewelry collection, offering a sleek yet striking way to elevate your look. Unlike bangles, cuffs are designed with an open back, allowing for an adjustable fit and ease of wear. Their clean, architectural form has made them a timeless accessory that continues to make a statement today.

Paola Sighinolfi’s “Ocaso” bracelet is a perfect example of the cuff’s modern appeal. Featuring a fluid, sculptural design inspired by natural forms, this piece balances boldness and elegance. The bracelet’s smooth curves and open silhouette make it an effortless and chic addition to any outfit, whether styled as a standalone statement or paired with other pieces for a layered look. A cuff like this is more than just jewelry—it’s a reflection of power, grace, and timeless look.