There are a few key pieces that no jewelery box should be without.   Keep in mind that I make jewelery so I might be a tad biased but here are my top picks for your jewelery box.

Most often your smile is the first thing someone will take notice of when meeting you and that means your earrings could be next.  You can’t go wrong with hoop earrings of any size, precious stone studs and stunning chandelier style earrings.  Your hoops and studs will be a no brainer that you feel like yourself in every day.  The chandeliers will be the pair that makes you feel even more sexy and confident.  Whether they are a $25 costume pair from Le Chateau or a $200 pair that is handmade in your favourite gemstone, what is important is that you feel like a million bucks in them.

There are matchy-matchy people out there who love sets (earrings, necklace, bracelet & ring) and people that can make a statement with as little as one piece.  I am the latter for the record and if you are the statement type you can appreciate the impact of a show-stopping necklace that like the chandelier earrings might just be all you need.   In addition to your show-stopper have on hand a simple and elegant necklace or pendant that you wear on the more casual days or when just a little will do.  Don’t forget the ever-beautiful and practical pearl necklace.  It is not just for Mom anymore.  There are so many colours, shapes and styles out there that you can’t go wrong having it in your repertoire.

When it comes to necklaces, and earrings for that matter, don’t be afraid.  If you don’t think you can pull it off you are probably wrong!  In our shop Flux + Form, where we are all about statement pieces, we hear women often comment on a larger necklace and how they could never pull that off.  Nine times out of ten if they have the courage to try it they are glad they did.

I love bracelets!  My favourite kind is the cuff and for its sheer size and impact it is a keeper.  Two words – Wonder Woman.   If the cuff is on the large and rigid side for you then a few beautiful bangles would work just as well.  Try mixing metals and finishes and you can come up with quite an eclectic combination.

Rings!  These little beauties are at the top my list.  I am definitely a one ring per hand girl (not one ring per finger).  For some of you it may mean an engagement and wedding set and for others it will mean that the sky is the limit design-wise.  I believe a ring can define you.  When making a ring of any kind for a client there is so much of them that make it into the design – from a favourite colour, shape, and motif to traditions, beliefs and memories.  If you don’t have one that means everything to you, save up and treat yourself someday soon.  Until then my advice is to have fun with this one.  Go for a fake but pretty costume cocktail ring.  A little bling goes a long way.

As jewelery designer and maker I usually steer pretty clear of trends and make what I like for the most part.    The key to being a unique individual is to do your own thing.  If you have to have the latest must-have then try not to let it break your bank since it will most likely be on its way out in another season or two.  Classic is always in and simple will never lead you astray!

Jewelery Box Essentials

Earrings – Hoops, Studs & Chandeliers

Necklaces – Casual Feel-Good Pedant & Show Stopper

Bracelets – Bangles & Cuff

Ring – Costume Bling & the Real Thing

Feature Writer
Resident Jewelry Expert
Kim Drosdick
(Kim has made a bracelet, ring and earring set for Tanya Kim and a pair of cuff links made from petrified wood for Ben Mulroney to wear on the red carpet at this year’s Oscars!)