You’ve likely heard the value of a capsule closet—a curated edit of everyday essentials—but what about a jewelry capsule wardrobe? Here at Glamour, we believe the same logic applies to your baubles. After all, bijouterie is often the unsung hero of a strong outfit.
When it comes to curating a jewelry capsule, you probably won’t need to start from zero. Odds are you already own a few staples, whether they’re simple gold hoops or classic tennis bracelets. From there, it’s all about filling in any gaps in your collection: a statement-making cocktail ring, a high-shine cuff, a goes-with-everything watch. Ultimately, the goal is to have a lineup of everyday jewelry you can pull from effortlessly, whether you’re dressing for a wedding or a low-key night out. Scroll on for the 12 essential pieces that make up a well-rounded jewelry capsule wardrobe.
Build Your Jewelry Capsule
.png)
.png)
.png)
Step one: Find the perfect white tee.
1. The hoops
Minimalists and maximalists can agree on one thing: Everyone needs at least one reliable pair of hoop earrings in their jewelry box. Hoops are endlessly versatile, yet can still be statement pieces depending on what you wear them with. Of course, everyone’s taste varies; some prefer larger-than-life rings, while others are partial to tiny huggies. Most hoop earrings are available in both gold and silver, so ultimately, it all boils down to the tone you’ll see yourself reaching for more. (Feel free to mix metals if you have multiple piercings.)
.png)
.png)
.png)
2. The chain necklace
A chain necklace hits that sweet spot between bold and timeless, making it a must-have piece in any jewelry capsule wardrobe. It’s also a key player in a stackable, layered look, and you can even throw on charms to further customize your ensembles. The iterations on the market right now run the gamut from chunky chains to dainty chains to subtle paperclip links, but any length and thickness works for the office and weekends alike. Our advice: Pick the one that best aligns with your personal style.
.png)
3. The everyday ring
If you’re a ring person, a curated collection of everyday styles is essential. A good rule of thumb is to stick with classic metals like gold or silver, which make pieces versatile enough to pair with anything in your wardrobe. That said, your shapes don’t need to stay plain. There’s no shortage of styles that feel special but not too over-the-top, from wavy rings (we love the Pandora set below) to signet styles (Mejuri’s new-school iteration is a solid pick). And when it comes to everyday statements, the more, the merrier—who doesn’t appreciate playful stacking rings?
.png)
.png)
.png)
4. The timeless watch
Sure, a proper watch isn’t absolutely necessary in the age of smartphones. However, the accessory is your secret weapon to looking effortlessly put-together—even if you aren’t actually glancing down at it. When weighing all your options, we suggest looking for a wear-with-everything style for accessorizing, one that involves durable stainless steel or classic leather. A classic watch also makes the perfect foil to your dainty bracelets and statement-making cuffs.
.png)
.png)
.png)
5. The diamond studs
Few pieces are as beloved as diamond studs: timeless, sumptuous, and something you’ll wear forever. Of course, no two pairs of studs are created equal. Knowing the four C’s—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—is a handy tool to have in your back pocket when shopping for diamond studs. Each helps determine a diamond’s quality and value. You might also consider lab-grown diamonds, which are identical to natural stones and often come at a friendlier price, or even more affordable stones, like sapphires or moissanite, that offer a diamond-like appearance.
.png)
.png)
.png)
6. The pearl necklace
A pearl necklace immediately calls to mind style icons like Princess Diana, Coco Chanel, or Audrey Hepburn. Steeped in history, this elegant piece once symbolized wealth and status; however, that narrative is shifting. Pearl necklaces are more accessible than ever, with some new options on the market even ringing in under $100. Best of all, you needn’t wait for a special occasion to pull out your pearls—try lending polish to a casual sweater-and-jeans look with these high-quality baubles. Pair them with pearl studs for an especially preppy take.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
7. The tennis bracelet
The term tennis bracelet dates back to 1978, when world champion tennis player Chris Evert famously wore the jewelry at the US Open. But you don’t need to be the queen of the court to pull off the style. Whether worn solo or stacked with other pieces, a diamond bracelet adds elegance to any outfit, casual or dressy. Today’s offerings span every price point, with chic options available for under $100. Just keep in mind that if you’re investing in a pricier version, it’s best to see it up close before committing, since it may well become an heirloom.
.png)
.png)
.png)
8. The statement earrings
Never underestimate the power of a statement piece! Bold earrings have the potential to take your look from 0 to 100 with virtually no effort. While they’re naturally fitting for parties and special occasions, the playful accessories work just as well for everyday wear, adding instant glamour to, say, jeans and a tee. Colorful earrings are always welcome, but pearls, gold, and silver offer the same bold impact for minimalists.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
9. The pendant necklace
Pendant necklaces have been nearly inescapable in recent months, and we have a feeling that’ll remain the case for years to come. Many brands are giving pendant necklaces a boho-chic twist by way of layering strands or adding tassels, coins, and chunky gemstones. Others are harking back to the 1990s with simple cord pendant necklaces. You can also keep it simple with a delicate birthstone teardrop or zodiac iteration.
.png)
.png)
.png)
10. The cocktail ring
Don’t own a cocktail ring? It’s time to change that. The jewelry first emerged in the 1920s during America’s Prohibition era, serving as a symbol of rebellion. While today’s cocktail rings aren’t necessarily headed to underground speakeasies, they still deliver main-character energy. And perhaps the best part about the look is that the options are nearly infinite. Colorful gemstone rings are a popular look to consider, as are showstopping Lucite pieces or signet styles.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
11. The cuff
Cuffs were among last year’s biggest jewelry trends, which elevated them from optional to essential. Rooted in 1980s glamour, the style naturally commands attention, offering far more drama than a thin bracelet. Indeed, most iterations on the market this season are chunky and shiny, and rendered in gold or silver. Styling tip: Layer a cuff over a long-sleeve shirt or sweater for an effortless cool-girl look.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
12. The choker
In case you haven’t heard, chokers have made an impressive return as of late. Today’s It styles are a far cry from the chokers you probably wore in the early aughts—think less edgy and more elevated. Tap into the look by way of a delicate herringbone chain choker or go a smidge bolder with a unique wrap silhouette. Either way, the fitted necklace is great for layering, or styling simply with a classic button-down.
.png)
.png)
.png)
