The 7 Jewelry-Investment Pieces Every Collector Needs

Hoop earrings are a style perennial; no jewelry collection is complete without at least one pair. For such a simple design, they’re remarkably versatile: mid-sized gold hoops, such as By Pariah’s chunky ‘Halo’ style, are just as suited to beachwear as they are to a chic jumpsuit in the evening, while lobes stacked with tiny ‘huggies’ – made famous by Maria Tash – are the modern way to wear diamonds all year round. For SS24, the ultimate hoop-earring collection should also include oversized hoops, such as Octavia Elizabeth’s ‘Jumbo Gabby’ style, plus a diamond-set design in the form of David Yurman’s ‘DY Mercer’ hoops, and an oblong silhouette – Foundrae’s blue topaz ‘Fob’ earrings are effortlessly modern but boast heirloom potential.

“I love to stack my cuffs up the ear, wearing two or three at a time,” says Anita Ko. “I usually concentrate on one ear, but will adorn both for a glamorous evening look. They bring so much light and energy around the face.” Multiple ear piercings are a chance to mix and match precious hoops and studs, but cartilage piercings aren’t without their downsides. Enter the ear cuff, the versatile way to achieve a cool and contemporary look, without the piercing or pain. Repossi has demonstrated that ear cuffs have a place on the red carpet, with the likes of Tilda Swinton, Cate Blanchett and Keira Knightley pairing the brand’s dazzling diamond cuffs with their couture gowns. If you’re in search of a shot of color, look to Diane Kordas, Robinson Pelham and 42 Suns.

A watch is the ultimate everyday-luxury accessory; the finishing touch that makes any outfit complete. As a result, every self-respecting watch wardrobe should include a classic icon by an established brand that carries both style and horological cachet. Choose whichever color metal you wear most, and invest in the best materials and craftsmanship your budget allows. Cartier’s ‘Ballon Bleu’ – as worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales – is an understated yet instantly recognizable design. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ‘Reverso Classic’, meanwhile, is an icon of elevated horology, with its ‘Reverso Cities’ editions featuring elegant skyline engravings of Paris, Singapore, Sydney and Los Angeles on the reverse. If sports watches are more your style, look to Oris for a steel, everyday design – its ‘Aquis Date’ is available with either a striking black or emerald green dial.

A diamond bracelet is one of the hardest-working pieces in any jewelry collection. Smart enough for the office and glamorous enough for black-tie dinners, it adds just the right amount of sparkle to your closet. “Diamond bracelets look great on everyone; they will never go out of style and can be worn day to night,” says Suzanne Kalan, who reinvents the classic style by using a mélange of her signature ‘Firework’ baguette-cut diamonds. “You can wear just one bracelet for a minimal look, or stack up several to make more of an impact. Just have fun with them; they’re so comfortable that you forget you have them on.”

Popularized during the 1920s Prohibition era, when flapper girls wore oversized rings to draw attention to their illicit drinks, cocktail rings are redolent of an era of bygone glamour. Forget less-is-more minimalism or dainty layers of diamonds; the joy of a cocktail ring is that you need only a single piece to make a statement. The cool blue tones of Boghossian’s designs are heirloom pieces of epic proportions, while Kamyen, Marlo Laz and Retrouvaí offer similarly eye-catching designs with boldly hued gems. For evening, cocktail rings are a no-brainer accessory, but, for true decadence, wear yours during the day, dressed down with jeans, a tee and a relaxed blazer.

Shop the fine-jewelry edit

Why silver jewelry is trending

How to buy the best jewelry, according to industry insiders