By Naomi Foster

We live in a world where almost anything is accessible around the clock. The latest fashion trends are only a click away, delivered to our doorsteps before we have had time to consider whether we actually need them. We buy one thing, then the next, often with little regard for how long we will want to keep it. After all, there will always be something new to replace it.

Remember when primary colors dominated our wardrobes in 2019? Or when everyone seemed to want a pair of Bottega Veneta’s woven leather accessories in 2023?  Or when bows were inescapable in 2024? Fashion moves quickly, and our shopping habits have learned to move with it. Jewelry, however, is a little more complicated. It is often the finishing touch that brings an outfit together, but it is also something we expect to keep, wear, and cherish for years.

Working in fine jewelry, I see this tension play out every day. Customers come in looking to add to their collections, and I have noticed a recurring conversation: someone who once purchased exclusively white gold now wants to switch to yellow gold because it is having a moment. Suddenly, an entire jewelry wardrobe needs to be rethought, not because the original pieces have lost their beauty or function, but because the trend has changed.

Don’t get me wrong. Trends can be fun. A bold link chain has its place, and I see plenty of women gravitating toward a Madison necklace or a statement piece like Marco Bicego’s Siviglia collection when they want something with a little more presence. There is nothing wrong with wanting a piece that makes an entrance. But I think there is another approach worth considering: building a jewelry collection around pieces that can evolve with you.

Delicate, versatile jewelry might not be for everyone, and it certainly does not have to be. But there is something appealing about a necklace you can wear alone on an ordinary Tuesday, layer with an initial pendant on the weekend, or pair with a heavier chain for dinner. These pieces leave room for experimentation without requiring you to start from scratch every time your taste changes. A statement necklace can be spectacular for a night out, but if you find yourself reaching for it less and less, its impact begins to feel limited. Versatility, on the other hand, gives a piece staying power.

I recently purchased the Elle Diamond Cluster Necklace from Gorjana, and it has become a perfect example of what I mean. I can wear it on its own, layer it with my initial pendant, or pair it with a link chain when I want something more substantial. It works with different

combinations without feeling repetitive. I know this might sound like fine jewelry propaganda, and I understand that delicate pieces can sometimes disappear against the skin rather than make the statement someone wants. Jewelry should not be so understated that it loses its presence. The point is to find pieces that complement your style and give you room to wear them in different ways.

This philosophy extends beyond necklaces and bracelets. Watches, for instance, are another category where I think it pays to consider longevity over novelty. Personally, I gravitate toward smaller faces and streamlined designs that sit flat against the wrist. The Longines La Grande Classique Quartz in 24 mm is a beautiful example: elegant, understated, and appropriate for almost any occasion. For something more accessible, Breda offers distinctive, fashion-forward watches with different finishes and strap options, making it easy to find a design that feels

personal. And the Gucci 1500 series is a reminder that a watch can function as jewelry in its own right, bringing a little character to the wrist without overwhelming the rest of an outfit.

None of this means everything has to be tiny, delicate, or minimal. A larger watch can be just as timeless, and a dramatic necklace can become a signature piece. What matters is whether the item has a purpose in your wardrobe and whether you can imagine wearing it beyond the moment when it is most fashionable.

That consideration becomes especially important as the cost of precious metals continues to rise. When you invest in jewelry, it is worth thinking beyond the initial excitement of a purchase. Can you dress it up or down? Does it work with what you already own? Will you still reach for it when the next big trend arrives? Shopping thoughtfully does not mean buying less interesting things. It means choosing things that offer more possibilities.

And every piece does not need to be unique, elaborate, or layered to be special. If your style leans toward simplicity, there is no reason to force yourself into a complicated stack of twisted chains and oversized pendants. A tiny bezel-set stone, a solitaire stud, or a small charm can be just as meaningful. The value of a piece is not determined by how much attention it attracts or how closely it resembles what everyone else is wearing. Sometimes, the simplest piece is the one you reach for most.

Ultimately, jewelry should age with you. Your tastes may change, your wardrobe may evolve, and you may discover new ways to style the pieces you already own. The best additions to your collection are the ones that can accommodate those changes rather than demand to be replaced by them. Trends will always come and go. Your jewelry should be able to stay.