Jewellery ain’t cheap. Because of that, part of its value is sentimental. We hold on to the memories and the people involved in the piece; be it a family heirloom brooch, a parent’s school ring, a birthstone pendant you got as a kid, or an engagement ring. Even the earrings you bought yourself with your first paycheque or an annual bonus make this list. But what if that item is something you get to choose (or give helpful nudges toward a style you want). How do you pick a piece of jewellery you’re going to love forever?
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Why do we get buyer’s remorse with jewellery?
I’ve taken a lot of courses, including securities. But early in my career, as a fashion editor, I enrolled in a stylist course. The biggest lesson sticks with me today: People get caught up in big events (like a wedding) and forget their sense of style. Even for the most chic person, trends can take over someone’s taste. And assuredly, that can also happen when you celebrate yourself with a piece of jewellery.
Part of it is impulse. Part of it is getting caught up in the details. And part of it is the amount of money, as one guilty buyer posted on Reddit. And sometimes we second-guess ourselves and just need reassurance that, yes, it is indeed pretty.
According to my fashion instructor, being part of an exclusive new group of shoppers makes you the target of niche marketing. Hello algorithm! Suddenly, an onslaught of new-to-you trends can feel pretty damn special. Which brings me to the next point…
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Why you need to research jewelry before tapping your credit card
Seek out the designers and brands that you like-like and love-love. Then dig a bit deeper and learn about the brand. Are the stones lab-grown? Is the metal precious or gold-plated? Where is it made? All these things will not only tap into your ethics and value system, but also determine how long you plan to own that piece of jewellery. Also ask about the stones colours (represented by a letter, with G being the best of the best for diamonds).
“The beauty and longevity of a piece comes down to these details,“ says Haley Woodbury, co-owner of Anne Sportun and @annesportun. Another reason to check on these things, especially if you want to buy a keepsake: You want it to last through wear and cleaning. The longer you have it, the more it will need to be maintained and resized over the years. “In my opinion, heirloom-worthy jewelry should be at least 14-karat, if not 18-karat gold or platinum,” she adds.
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Figure out what you like versus what’s a trend
Isn’t Taylor Swift’s ring gorgeous? The cushion-cut, old mine diamond is a beauty. And Vogue called it: supersized engagement rings are trending. And according to The Knot, “the Taylor Swift Effect could result in $2.2 billion in net new spend from couples across the globe over the next two years.”
But do we all need to emulate the superstar?
Sure, pop culture works for inspiration, but if we bandwagon shop for rings based on our For You pages, we’d replace that ring annually, or every four to six months. (OK, the Swift trend will be bigger than that time frame, as she saved post-COVID economies with her Swiftonomics.) But jewellery experts recommend looking at your own aesthetic first and foremost. Besides, it’s your body that will be wearing it.
“The real question is: does this design resonate on a deeper level, or is it just appealing because it’s everywhere on social media right now?” suggests Woodbury. “For me, timelessness comes from connection. If you can see yourself loving a piece five, 10, or 20 years from now, then it has staying power.” In fact, she intentionally designs “understated, thoughtful pieces that aren’t just stylish for the moment but are truly heirloom-worthy.” And not something tucked away in a jewellery box.
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Work with salespeople who give you room to make decisions
I was in Paris with a friend who eyed a ring in a window as we were walking down Rue Saint-Honoré. We popped in and were immediately approached to try things on. She narrowed down to two, and one – obviously – had more diamonds around the band than the other. Under the lights it sparkled. But we got pushy vibes from the salesperson. I suggested we keep walking and see if the ring calls her back. But the guy behind the counter pushed back. She “deserves this ring.” (Yes, he listened for emotional cues.) She was strong, though, and we left without the ring. And not even five minutes after leaving, she realized the brand wasn’t even French, but American. She could save up and buy that at home or on a jaunt to The Big Apple, she thought.
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What good jewellery staff do
From the other side of the jewellery counter, Woodbury gauges her customer on how she can help them make a decision they will appreciate for longer than a honeymoon period. She’s asking about “which design elements truly resonate, and what role they want the piece to play in their lives. Is it something they’ll wear every day, or is it meant for special occasions?”
If it’s something they might want to wear every day, she recommends durable stones like diamonds and sapphires. For special occasion wear, she shows showstoppers with gemstones like emeralds and opal, advising they require more care than contemporary jewelry.
She says to try on the piece (and others, too!), look at it under different types of light, and take your time. “A necklace may drape differently on your neck than expected, and earrings fit uniquely depending on your ear shape. I always encourage clients to slow down: look in a close-up mirror, then step back and see the piece in a full-length mirror. It’s about making sure it not only suits their style but also feels natural to wear.” And if that doesn’t work, you can consider a custom piece; something you help to design.
If you need to come back another day, that’s perfectly fine (despite what our Parisian/American jeweller encouraged.) “That longing is usually a sign of a true connection, while hesitation or doubt signals the need to keep looking. Jewelry should feel like a Yes Moment; not a rushed one.”
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Embrace that you might love it eventually
Even if you’re not in love with a piece of fine jewellery you’ve been gifted, it’s quite possible you won’t feel this way forever. The cool thing about jewellery is that its trends are cyclical. A few years ago, I pulled out gold earrings my parents gave me for my high-school graduation, and I get compliments that replaced my ignorant teenage disdain with joy and pride.
Need more proof than my anecdote? “In bridal, we’re seeing a lot of medium-to-larger centre diamonds paired with tapering baguette side stones – a modern nod to the early 2000s,” says Woodbury. “After years of yellow gold dominating, platinum and white gold are making a strong comeback, whether for the entire ring or just the prongs. Unique diamond cuts also remain in demand, with vintage styles like old mine cuts and elongated shapes like marquise continuing to gain popularity.”
As for more contemporary pieces, “the mood is playful and bold,” she says. “Chunky beaded designs and lots of colour are everywhere, alongside oversized silver statement earrings and necklaces. Personally, I’m loving this embrace of colour—it brings such joy and personality to everyday styling.”
Like any relationship that requires commitment, expect to love it, take care of it, have ups and downs, but always remember why you value it.