Elevating your wardrobe or switching up your style can be as easy as re-evaluating your accessories. And in the world of high fashion and luxury, diamonds are more than a girl’s best friend – they are the epitome of elegance and a way to make a statement to those in the know. However, it’s not just diamonds that make the modern woman have an enviable jewellery collection; it’s statement pieces too.
Our comprehensive guide will help you navigate how and when to wear each piece. From delicate Van Cleef and Arpels bracelets to bold Chanel pieces, we’ve curated a guide to ensure your exquisite collection speaks for itself whatever the occasion and whatever the outfit.
Diamonds are for dusk
When it comes to diamonds, including diamond watches, it is generally advised to reserve them for evening wear. These dazzling gemstones truly come to life after dusk, casting a mesmerising sparkle and enhancing a woman’s natural beauty. From tennis bracelets with a silk black slip to simple stud earrings worn with a chignon they are the most elegant stone. We love lab diamonds for sophisticated pieces and their ethically conscious approach. It’s essential to remember that engagement rings and wedding rings hold a special place in the world of diamonds, serving as eternal symbols of love and commitment and fitting for any occasion, day or night.
Chanel chic
Embrace the epitome of off-duty elegance with the timeless appeal of chunky gold jewellery. We love vintage Chanel and their chunky bracelets and coordinating earrings. These iconic pieces nod to the brand’s rich heritage and are a true statement of their own. Pair with well-fitting jeans and a white T-shirt or grey sweatshirt with rolled up sleeves for a really off-duty look.
This fusion of high-end elegance and laid-back style results in an effortlessly cool appearance that’s sure to get heads turning. Add some ballet pumps (Chanel of course!) an oversized shopper and large sunglasses. This vibe is the perfect outfit for daytime cool, be it brunching with friends or shopping in the city. Pairing the matching earrings and cuff will pull the look together for a casual yet polished aesthetic.
The art of layering
The stacking trend is still going strong and screams cool girl chic. The aim is to start with a length that’s most flattering for you, and then add two or three more necklaces leaving a two-inch space in between each one. Focus on having detail on the first and the last necklace with something delicate in the middle.
Layered jewellery is a great style to add to your loungewear or gym attire; the trick for it to look as if you’ve thrown it on. If your outfit is monochrome, it’s nice to add a pop of colour to one of the necklaces. Or if it’s colourful, stick to gold and silver.
Layering applies to bracelets too, and for those lucky enough, the Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra bracelet looks stunning layered amongst themselves in multiple colours, or with other classics like the Cartier Love Bracelet. There are timeless pieces that also look good armed with beaded bracelets bought on the beach in Ibiza, or something more sentimental like a rope bracelet made by your child.
When it comes to layering, there’s no hard and fast rule – the more, the merrier. It’s a great way to make a statement to an otherwise very laid-back comfortable look.
Watch
A watch is an investment purchase intended to be a lifelong companion, eventually passed down through generations. It’s the enviable item in every woman’s wardrobe and something everyone, given the chance, should invest in. Although seemingly formal, watches make a statement when it comes to workwear. Swiss watchmaking houses, with their tools and techniques unchanged for centuries, create timepieces built to last a lifetime.
We suggest investing in a piece where you can change the watch strap from leather to bracelets or even different colours. Consider your style – those with a more formal wardrobe should perhaps look at daintier pieces compared to those who wear more casual, masculine clothes.
Ring bling!
A symbol of empowerment and liberation, cocktail rings, have their roots in the 1920s when women discarded corsets and long gowns in favour of flapper dresses. Now in the 2020s, the statement ring continues to hold its significance, and is a sure and easy way to elevate any outfit, no matter how casual.
There are plenty of designs out there that cater to individual tastes. From bursts of colour to more intricate yet bold designs, there’s a cocktail ring to suit all personalities and budget.
This summer, De Beers unveils a stunning addition to their collection: a masterfully crafted shell cocktail ring. This exceptional piece combines yellow and white gold with dazzling diamonds, creating an illusion of a towering diamond structure when viewed from above. A closer inspection reveals a shell-like design, its radiant beauty a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship.
For those on a more modest budget, brands like Saint Laurent and Jennifer Fisher offer an array of stunning pieces that effectively emulate the luxury look. The key to nailing this style is to go bold and layer your jewellery, creating a trendy and effortlessly chic appearance.
Don’t rely solely on the cocktail ring to make a statement; instead, experiment with stacking and combining various accessories to achieve that stylish, ‘just thrown on’ vibe. By incorporating additional pieces, you’ll create a cohesive and fashionable look that speaks to your personal style, all while keeping your budget in check.
Whatever the occasion and wherever you are, rest assured that investing in your jewellery collection will ultimately enhance your wardrobe and create a perfect styling environment. The best of the basics can be mixed and matched to polish off any outfit, so for the next big birthday or celebration, consider treating yourself to one of the classics. We can assure you that you won’t regret it.
