While, as a sustainability style blogger, I may not be a minimalist, when it comes to my jewelry collection, I keep my collection relatively small. ‘Capsule’ size, if you will (sorry for using that over-used word). Simply put: I know what I like. And, most importantly, I know which brands I like to make up my capsule jewelry collection. I know that I love the gold necklaces from AU-Rate, which use high-quality, recycled gold to make their pieces. I know that, for earrings, I turn to chunky hoops from Missoma and daily ones from Edge of Ember. I know that my engagement ring looks best with a simple band, rather than anything too flashy.
In terms of material, I know that I prefer 18k rose gold, and 14k gold, because they actually look pretty similar when paired. And I know that, while I’ve spent time (and money) learning which brands and styles work for me, that my readers may not know — or at least be looking for some inspiration to help them on their journey.
For those of you wanting a concise, helpful account of a capsule jewelry collection, look no further. Here is everything I own, from sustainable, quality brands, to help you stop buying cheap jewelry and focus on permanent pieces.
NECKLACES
MISSOMA GOLD ROMAN COIN NECKLACE* // This is the pendant necklace I reach for most often these days. The gold is less light yellow, more deep gold, and the vermeil hast really lasted. It also works so well with layering, which I will admit it’s taken me a while to get the hang of.
AU-RATE MEDIUM CHAIN NECKLACE // If you are in need of a layering necklace to pair with pendants, look no further. It’s the perfect delicate-but-chunky piece that holds its own against a longer layer, and the quality is so good that you won’t need another. Plus, the fact that AU-RATE use recycled gold is such a great eco-friendly bonus. This is the versatile pillar piece of my capsule jewelry collection.
EDGE OF EMBER INFINITY CHARM NECKLACE* // This was actually a wedding present from Nick, so I have such a sentimental attachment to this necklace. The gold is a little more light yellow than the others (and the chain a little longer), but the chain style is my favorite of the bunch. I’ve gotten a number of compliments on this one, as the pendant is so unique.
MISSOMA GOLD LARGE HORN NECKLACE // This was the first ‘quality jewelry’ piece I bought, after years of only having high-street dupes (you can see my post on discovering quality jewelry here ). And while a little less bright with age (girl, same), it’s still held its gold plating so well, even years on.
EARRINGS
MACHETE FRANCES TORTOISE HOOPS // The only non-gold piece of jewelry I own. But particularly in summer or early Autumn, these slightly-oblong hoops are so striking with a simple outfit. These are my ‘I’m feeling fancy and stylish’ earrings.
MISSOMA GOLD CHUNKY ENTWINE HOOPS* // I debated about these earrings for a while, because yes, when I wear them, I do look like the mom from Home Alone (especially when I pair them with my Rouje camel wrap coat). But, let’s be real, while she may have been a terrible mother, she did indeed look fabulous. These earrings are weighty but not too heavy, and like most of my jewelry, balance the classic-but-statement line perfectly.
EDGE OF EMBER STELLAR CHARM EARRINGS* // These are my daily earrings, the ones that I sleep, shower, and live in if I’m not wearing one of the others. I originally wanted solid gold earrings for this kind of wear — and, let me just say, I highly recommend investing in solid gold earrings that you wear this much, as gold plated will come off with time — but, I just couldn’t afford it at the time. So instead, I chose high quality gold vermeil, and so far, they have held up to the onslaught.
DAISY JEWELLERY STAR STUDS // I bought these years ago when I lived in the UK to be my daily earrings, before I wanted hoops. Since then, I’ve gotten a second hole in my right ear, and these is the stud I keep in there. Again, as is a common theme, high quality gold plating does last when bought from the right brand.
RINGS
INGLE & RHODE CUSTOM DESIGN ENGAGEMENT RING // If you read my engagement story, you’ll know that Nick surprised me by designing my engagement ring. But, he couldn’t have done such a brilliant job without the help of Ingle & Rhode in London, who not only help design the most beautiful rings, but they are highly transparent in how their materials are sourced. I.e., I knew I was getting a conflict-free, ethical ring that I could cherish.
VICTOR BARBONE THE PERFECT BAND // I spent a long, long time trying to find something sparkly to sit under my engagement ring. But, in the end, I found every design detracted from it. A friend recommended this thin rose-gold band, at such a good price point, and I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s the perfect subtle companion to any detailed engagement ring.
MISSOMA GOLD RADIAL RING* // I have been loving the chunky ring look on literally everyone else, but felt like I couldn’t get it to work for my shorter fingers. This Missoma ring is only a new addition to my collection, but it’s a very welcome one thus far. The double-band look works better than one solid chunk for my hand, and it’s strikes the perfect balance between statement and classic.
To be honest, I don’t have any other rings that have lasted daily wear. If anyone has any ring suggestions, I’d love to hear!
BRACELETS
MACHETE HAIR TIE BRACELETS: BANGLE AND CUFF // If I’m not a ring person, I am most certainly not a bracelet person. However, with the rise of the high-quality, affordable gold jewelry brands — and their beautiful instagram inspiration pictures — I am ever drawn into the world of bracelets. Currently, though, if I feel the need for the bracelet, I disguise my hairtie in it. This genius little guy makes your ugly hair-tie look polished, which is a mean feat to do. Even Vogue writers took note of this bracelet deception, and now I am officially trendy.
*Links indicate affiliate links. This means, if you choose to purchase the product linked here, at no additional cost to you I will make a small commission. Considering this post took me close to 6 hours to put together, it is very, very appreciated. Thank you for supporting sustainable brands, and thank you for supporting this blog!
**This blog post is a collaboration with Nakturnal, who kindly gifted me one item. However, everything else I paid for myself, and all opinions here are completely my own.