8 Pieces of Jewelry You Should Own by the Time You’re 40
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With age comes wisdom…and a *really* good jewelry collection hopefully. As you enter a new decade, there are a few literal gems you may want to consider adding to the reserve. Whether you’re the type of shopper who enjoys keeping up with the latest jewelry trends, sticks to tried-and-true classics, scouts out vintage heirlooms, saves on affordable jewelry or splurges on luxury brands, don’t fret because there’s something for everyone. Ahead, we laid out the eight pieces of jewelry you should own by the time you enter your 40s, from signet rings to statement earrings that’ll last for years (and hopefully decades) to come.
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1. A Tennis Bracelet
Costing anywhere from $100 to upwards of $5,000, this forever classic will practically be chained to your wrist from the moment you clasp it on. Wear your string of diamonds with white button-downs for work or T-shirts and jeans on the weekend or, yeah, your tennis gear. But, keep in mind, the bracelet got its name when tennis star Chris Evert needed to halt a match to search for her lost bauble—so maybe leave it at home for some of those more heated matches.
Shop Tennis Bracelets
Ring Concierge
Diamond Bar Bracelet
https://ring-concierge.pxf.io/c/408233/863937/12049?u=https%3A%2F%2Fringconcierge.com%2Fproducts%2Fbar-chain-bracelet%3Fvariant%3D12486979518552&subId1=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
328
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VRAI
Tennis Bracelet
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vrai.com%2Fjewelry%2Fbracelets%2Ftennis-bracelet%3FdiamondType%3Dround-brilliant&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
2,450
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Nordstrom
Swarovski Matrix Crystal Tennis Bracelet
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=1237&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Fswarovski-matrix-crystal-tennis-bracelet%2F7542504&u1=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
300
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Baublebar
Bennett 18K Gold Tennis Bracelet
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.baublebar.com%2Fproducts%2Fbennett-18k-gold-tennis-bracelet-clear&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
88
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Kinn
Serena Diamond Tennis Link Bracelet II
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkinnstudio.com%2Fproducts%2Fserena-diamond-tennis-link-bracelet-ii&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
2,650
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Mejuri
Lab Grown Sapphire Tennis Bracelet
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmejuri.com%2Fshop%2Fproducts%2Flab-grown-sapphire-tennis-bracelet-silver&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
298
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Grown Brilliance
Lab Grown Diamond
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grownbrilliance.com%2F1-ctw-round-lab-grown-diamond-four-prong-tennis-bracelet-14k-white-gold-7-75-inches%2Fpid%2FBCGBR3215-GW4-7.75&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
1,000
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2. Untraditional Pearl Earrings
Let’s be honest, a classic strand of freshwaters can feel like a dowdy relic from the past. Instead, opt for the raw beauty of organic pearls that will add a touch of interest (and will be a tasteful conversation starter), whether you prefer to show them off by wearing your hair up or down. You could also try a design that incorporates unconventional elements, such as distinctive settings or additional gems, like crystals or diamonds.
Shop Unconventional Pearl Earrings
Net-a-Porter
Completedworks Pearl Earrings
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.net-a-porter.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fproduct%2Fcompletedworks%2Fjewelry-and-watches%2Fearrings%2Frecycled-gold-vermeil-pearl-earrings%2F1647597327605440&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
300
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Pamela Love
Paola Earring
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pamelalove.com%2Fproducts%2Fbrass-rock-crystal-white-5&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
400
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Aureum
Ivy Pearl Drop Earrings
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Faureumcollective.com%2Fproducts%2Fivy-gold-vermeil&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
199
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Etsy
TheVeryPearl Petal Keshi Pearl Earrings
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=1085617&campaign=&clickref=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40&clickref2=&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F1061818038%2Fpetal-keshi-pearl-earrings-baroquepearls&platform=pl
79
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Ross Simons
Italian Cultured Pearl Sculptural Earrings
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ross-simons.com%2Fitalian-7.5-8mm-cultured-pearl-sculptural-earrings-in-18kt-gold-over-sterling-JFEW%2B874082%2BCPP%2BK6.html&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
112
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Fry Powers
Baroque Pearl Lady Earrings
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.frypowers.com%2Fshop%2Fbaroque-pearl-lady-earrings&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
550
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3. Signet Ring
Costing anywhere from $100 to upwards of $5,000, this forever classic will practically be chained to your wrist from the moment you clasp it on. Wear your string of diamonds with white button-downs for work or T-shirts and jeans on the weekend or, yeah, your tennis gear. But, keep in mind, the bracelet got its name when tennis star Chris Evert needed to halt a match to search for her lost bauble—so maybe leave it at home for some of those more heated matches.
Shop Signet Rings
Aurate
Engravable Signet Ring
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fauratenewyork.com%2Fproducts%2Fsignet-ring&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
225
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David Yurman
Initial Pinky Ring
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.davidyurman.com%2Fwomens%2Frings%2Fdy-initial-pinky-ring-in-sterling-silver-with-diamond-a-13.7mm-R16100DSSADIA.html&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
495
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Quince
Pave Slim Signet Ring
https://www.pntrac.com/t/TUJGR0pFTkJHRUVHTUtCR0ZORUhJ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.quince.com%2Fwomen%2Fpave-diamond-slim-signet-ring&sid=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
250
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Brilliant Earth
Scorpio Zodiac Diamond Signet Ring
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brilliantearth.com%2FScorpio-Zodiac-Diamond-Signet-Ring-14K-Gold-BE2D1477%2F&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
695
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Catbird
Small Heirloom Signet Ring
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catbirdnyc.com%2Fsmall-heirloom-signet-ring.html&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
498
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Nordstrom
Monica Vinader Power Cocktail Ring
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=1237&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Fpower-cocktail-ring%2F7369474%3Fcolor%3D711&u1=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
195
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Aureum
Ophelia Gold Enamel Stone Ring
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Faureumcollective.com%2Fproducts%2Fophelia-gold-vermeil-black&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
260
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4. Diamond Studs
Elizabeth Taylor once said, “Life without earrings is empty!” So, take that jewelry expertise seriously and enrich your life with a pair of diamond studs. And don’t feel like you need to spring for just a simple pair of solitaires; an emerald-cut or a baguette will serve the same illusion of grandeur and poise (even if you’re wearing them with sweats on the couch).
Shop Diamond Studs
Bloomingdale’s
De Beers Forevermark Classic Diamond Stud Earring
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bloomingdales.com%2Fshop%2Fproduct%2Fde-beers-forevermark-classic-three-prong-diamond-stud-earring-in-18k-white-gold-0.30-ct.-t.w.%3FID%3D4553971&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
1,295
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James Allen
Emerald Cut Lab Created Diamond Stud Earrings
https://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1982927&u=1100777&m=123119&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jamesallen.com%2Fearrings%2Fdiamond-stud-earrings%2F14k-yellow-gold-emerald-cut-lab-created-diamond-stud-earrings-025-ctw-f-g-vs2-si1-item-121263&afftrack=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
390
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Ana Luisa
Lab Grown Diamond Studs
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.analuisa.com%2Fp%2Flab-grown-diamond-earrings-gold-diamond-studs%2F&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
225
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Saks Off Fifth
Saks Fifth Avenue Diamond Studs Earrings
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.saksoff5th.com%2Fproduct%2Fsaks-fifth-avenue-14k-white-gold--amp--0.63-tcw-diamond-studs-earrings-0400017916746.html&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
670
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Dorsey
Classic Lab-Grown Diamond Studs
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopdorsey.com%2Fcollections%2Fdiamond-studs%2Fproducts%2F14k-yellow-gold-classic-4-prong-round-cut-lab-grown-diamond-studs&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
845
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Gorjana
Diamond and Topaz Baguette Studs
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gorjana.com%2Fproducts%2Fdiamond-and-topaz-baguette-studs%3Fvariant%3D39473930862723&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
280
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Linjer
Aria Diamond Stud Earrings
https://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=962029&u=1100777&m=69743&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linjer.co%2Fproducts%2F14k-yellow-gold-diamond-stud-earrings-2-5mm-aria&afftrack=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
75
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5. A Watch That Means Business
You should be the proud owner of a nice watch by the time you’re in your fourth decade, and if you’re still wearing the one you got for college graduation, well, it might be time to upgrade. A round face bracelet watch is timeless (ha) and shows that you do, indeed, mean business. You don’t have to be a serious watch person to find one that will impress—just make sure the watch face isn’t too big on your wrist and the bracelet is sized just right.
Shop Watches
Nordstrom
Balmain Watches Mother-of-Pearl Chronograph Bracelet Watch
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Fbalmain-watches-mother-of-pearl-chronograph-bracelet-watch-38mm%2F7237024%3Fcolor%3D041&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&u1=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
730
Buy it
Nordgreen
Infinity Watch
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnordgreen.com%2Fproducts%2Finfinity-white-dial-brown-leather-watch-strap%3Fvariant%3D15930587021375&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
159
Buy it
Nordstrom
Tory Burch Eleanor Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=1237&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Feleanor-two-tone-stainless-steel-bracelet-watch-25mm-x-34mm%2F7441302&u1=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
325
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Pascal
Oval Bubble Diamond Watch
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpascaldesign.com%2Fproducts%2Foval-bubble-diamond-watch-24mm-1&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
195
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Revolve
Breda Jane Watch
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Fbreda-jane-watch-in-gold%2Fdp%2FBEDA-WL4%2F&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&u1=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
195
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Zadig & Voltaire
Time2Love Watch
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fzadig-et-voltaire.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fp%2FOWWT00094426%2Fwatch-women-time2love-watch-owwt00094&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&u1=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
398
Buy it
6. A Chain Necklace
Do you want to start a charm necklace? Prefer the clean appearance of a delicate gold chain that’s a quiet luxury? Or maybe you’re looking for an everyday piece that you can keep on and forget about through workouts, showers and trips to Bora Bora? The right chain necklace can be all of those things. Just make sure the size, shape and metal of the links fit your lifestyle.
Shop Chain Necklaces
Maya Brenner
Element Short Link Chain
https://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2097215&u=1100777&m=128435&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fmayabrenner.com%2Fproducts%2Felement-short-link-chain&afftrack=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
345
Buy it
Nordstrom
Bon Levy Ofira Link Necklace
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=1237&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Fbony-levy-ofira-14k-gold-chain-link-necklace-nordstrom-exclusive%2F5414706%3Fcolor%3D040&u1=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
750
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Jenny Bird
Andi Slim Chain
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fjenny-bird.com%2Fproducts%2Fandi-slim-chain-gold&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
148
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Bottega Veneta
Chain Necklace
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bottegaveneta.com%2Fen-us%2Fchain-necklace-yellow-gold-809944760.html&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
1,350
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J.Crew
Metallic Chainlink Necklace
https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-8757841-15199964?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jcrew.com%2Fp%2Fwomens%2Fcategories%2Faccessories%2Fjewelry%2Fmetallic-chainlink-necklace%2FBS719&sid=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
80
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Uncommon James
Thin Linked Up Necklace
https://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1059417&u=1100777&m=74063&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Funcommonjames.com%2Fproducts%2Fthin-linked-up-necklace&afftrack=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
62
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Oak and Luna
Paperclip Chain Necklace
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oakandluna.com%2FProduct.aspx%3Fp%3D2472&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
145
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7. A Pair of Statement Earrings
It’s time to spring for a pair of standout earrings that you can depend on. You know, the kind that will look good with your favorite red dress or the new floral frock that’s a bit out of your usual sartorial wheelhouse. In gold or silver, dripping with diamonds or crystals, these earrings will become your go-to for formal events for years to come.
Shop Statement Earrings
Olive and Piper
Valentina Earrings
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oliveandpiper.com%2Fcollections%2Fstatement-earrings%2Fproducts%2Fvalentina-earrings&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
48
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Amazon
Famarine Big Disc Drop Earrings
https://www.amazon.com/FAMARINE-Earrings-Statement-Brushed-Hammered/dp/B0B1459YRF?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=pur0e4-20&linkId=3224ad800b391fb7c9144bdbab27b7ea&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
14
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Kendra Scott
Ember Gold Statement
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kendrascott.com%2Fcollections%2Fdallas-cowboys%2Fember-gold-statement-earrings-in-white-howlite%2F196088017921.html&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
198
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Baublebar
Pimento Memento Martini Earrings
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.baublebar.com%2Fproducts%2Fpimento-memento&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
48
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Aureum
Cait Gold Rectangular Earrings
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Faureumcollective.com%2Fcollections%2Fearrings%2Fproducts%2Fcait-gold-vermeil&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
335
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Jenny Bird
Faye Knockers
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fjenny-bird.com%2Fproducts%2Ffaye-knockers-earrings-two-tone&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
118
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Etsy
Flower Tassel Chandelier Earrings
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=1085617&campaign=&clickref=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40&clickref2=&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F1564230107%2Fflower-tassel-chandelier-earrings-drop&platform=pl
24
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8. A Cuff to Wear to Work or a Wedding
A cuff can be classic or experimental and still serve the same purpose: It’s the LBD of jewelry. Dress it up or dress it down and it will work for every occasion. It can become your talisman for days when you have a big meeting or your go-to for pairing with a short-sleeve evening gown; regardless, you’ll be surprised to see how versatile this piece can be.
Shop Cuff Bracelets
Cult Gaia
Aminah Bracelet
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcultgaia.com%2Fproducts%2Faminah-bracelet-shiny-silver&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
328
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David Yurman
Classic Cable Bracelet
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.davidyurman.com%2Fwomens%2Fbracelets%2Fclassic-cable-bracelet-in-sterling-silver-with-18k-yellow-gold-4mm-B11278%2BS8ZZZ.html&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
395
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Swarovski
Harmonia Cuff
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.swarovski.com%2Fen-US%2Fp-M5609663%2FHarmonia-cuff-Oversized-floating-crystals-White-Mixed-metal-finish%2F%3Fcolor%3Dcolor-white-mixed-plating&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
318
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Nordstrom
Missoma Enamel & Stone Cuff Bracelet
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=1237&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Fcubic-zirconia-enamel-cuff-bracelet%2F7485621%3Fcolor%3DTEAL&u1=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
167
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Bergdorf Goodman
Alexis Bittar Solanales Crystal Folded Cuff Bracelet
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=35300&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bergdorfgoodman.com%2Fp%2Falexis-bittar-solanales-crystal-folded-cuff-bracelet-prod181510037&u1=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
475
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Aureum
Rowe Round Gold Cuff
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Faureumcollective.com%2Fcollections%2Fhands%2Fproducts%2Frowe-gold-plated&xcust=jewelry_you_should_own_by_40
550
Buy it
What Should You Consider When Buying Jewelry?
So, you have your eye on a few pieces of fine jewelry that you’re totally in love with. Great! But make sure you consider these factors, below, before purchasing.
As Bird advises us: “Don’t overthink it. It just has to speak to you. You know it’s a piece for you if it pulls at you to be part of your life.” Noted.
What Types of Jewelry Are Best to Invest in If You’re Going to Splurge?
“Consider choosing pieces that are timeless, durable and unique,” encourages Brenner. If you’re the type of person who gravitates towards dainty, delicate accessories, we suggest opting for minimalist jewelry for its enduring quality. Treasures like the Diamond Bar bracelet ($328) from Ring Concierge and the Tory Burch Eleanor watch ($325) can make for classy additions to your collection. Remember, “these pieces will not only hold their value but also tell your story, making them an instant heirloom,” adds TK. Don’t be afraid to invest in loud luxury, too. Bold, chunky, colorful and statement-making jewelry, such as the Solanales crystal cuff bracelet ($295) from Alexis Bittar, makes for an eye-catching look and is a great way to add texture, depth and color to any outfit.
Bird “prefers personalized pieces when splurging: the letters of my kids, my birthstone, a locket I can put a picture in. [They are] things that are more meaningful than just being bling.” Plus, they become significant keepsakes as time passes, eventually making for great trinkets to pass down to a loved one. But Bird suggests “Responsibly produced fine jewelry is number one.
How Should You Properly Care for Your Investment Pieces?
Taking care of your jewelry collection can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Good news: There are a few simple steps you can follow to keep your new jewels shining as bright as the first day you received them.
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