Invest in pieces you'll wear for years to come, from gold-plated necklaces to rings dazzling with semi-precious stones.
In today's culture of fast fashion, it can sometimes feel like everyday jewelry doesn't last more than, well, a day. Over time, it can cost much more to keep buying poorly made jewelry that constantly needs replacing, but the good news is that there are so many talented independent sellers on Etsy who ensure their pieces are skillfully made from quality materials*. Whether it's gold-plated, gold vermeil, sterling silver, or semi-precious stones, when you invest in well-crafted accessories, your jewelry collection has the ability to grow with you through the decades—and how beautiful is that?
We sat down with Jess Church, Etsy's Senior Style Category Manager, to learn more about how to find pieces made from quality materials. From a stunning rose gold moonstone ring to a pair of modern sterling silver earrings, read on for more from Jess on what makes these pieces so special, and to shop our carefully curated picks.
Key pieces to add to your collection
When building a classic jewelry collection, you'll want a handful of pieces that you can wear again and again that go with every outfit, are perfect for layering, and won't go out of style.
A pair of sophisticated earrings
SHOP: Doorknocker hoop earrings from Pamela Card Jewelry, from $230
A dainty necklace perfect for layering
SHOP: Coin charm necklace from Karena Wong Art, from $81
A bracelet to go with everything
SHOP: Link bracelet from Standing O Accessories, from $193
A statement ring
SHOP: Flower ring from goldeluxe, from $64
A chunky pendant necklace
SHOP: Riviera coin necklace from Pamela Card Jewelry, from $270
Shop by material
If you already know what materials are your favorite or what works best for your skin and style, let these picks speak to you. From sterling silver rings to gemstone ankle bracelets, these accessories will instantly elevate any look.
Gold vermeil
Gold vermeil is a term used for high-quality pieces of jewelry that use sterling silver as its base metal and a thick layer of gold plating on the exterior.
SHOP: Mismatched tiny gold stud earrings from Buo Jewelry, $49
Sterling silver
Sterling silver refers to the quality of the metal, meaning that it contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other materials. This is a great option that's more affordable while still being a precious metal.
SHOP: Wavy statement ring from VEATGE, $169
Solid gold
Solid gold jewelry is exactly what it sounds like: jewelry made entirely of gold! This option tends to be more expensive, but it's also the most durable, so you can trust that any solid gold pieces you invest in will stand the test of time.
SHOP: Star and moon coin pendant necklace from Liesel Love, from $380
Rose gold vermeil
Rose gold vermeil refers to jewelry that uses sterling silver as its base metal with a thick layer of rose gold on the exterior. This is great option if you love rose gold but are looking for something more affordable.
SHOP: 18k rose gold vermeil bangle from Claudette Worters, $64
Lab-grown diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are made in a lab rather than naturally underneath the earth's surface, making them a more affordable and sustainable option for environmentally-conscious shoppers. Despite their different origin, lab-grown diamonds are still diamonds, and are created in a controlled environment that mimics the high temperature and pressure that's found deep within the earth.
SHOP: 14k lab-grown oval diamond engagement ring from Envero Jewelry, from $1,160
Gemstones
Gemstones refer to pieces of mineral crystal that are skillfully cut and polished in order to make jewelry. Gemstones can be rocks, minerals, or organic matters, and come in a variety of stunning colors, and it's this lustrous beauty and durability that make gemstones so popular.
SHOP: Natural sapphire birthstone earrings from Tales in Gold, from $167
Styling Tips
Creating a jewelry collection of high-quality pieces that you're proud of is one thing, but figuring out how to style them can feel like a whole other ball game. To help you wear your jewelry with ease and confidence, Jess outlined three key styling tips to keep in mind when choosing your daily accessories.
Tip #1: Don’t be afraid to mix metals
While wearing all gold or all silver accessories can be tempting, mixing things up can add sophisticated layers to your style.
SHOP: Minimalist oval bangle bracelet from Susana Teixeira Jewels, from $209
Tip #2: Pair everyday essentials with funky statement pieces
Adding a bold pop of shape or color can take an outfit from flat to fabulous in just a few seconds. This is where you can really have fun and try pairing accessories that you wouldn't think traditionally go together.
SHOP: Multi-gemstone necklace from Saturnalia Jewellery, $263
Tip #3: Elevate a look with fresh jewelry pieces
In spring and summer, we'll be seeing a lot of looks consisting of materials like flowy linen and breathable cotton. For a seasonal update, pair these outfits with accessories that feel light, fresh—and even fruity.
SHOP: Dangling lemon bracelet from Tales in Gold, from $197
*Disclaimer: Description of the materials, attributes, and quality of any items are based solely on Sellers’ listing information and are not verified by Etsy.
