How to Create a Capsule Jewelry Collection: First Jewelry to Buy
Alicia Briggs | October 02, 2023
Building your first jewelry collection takes time and reflection. The pieces you choose should reflect your style, and be easy to wear with your existing wardrobe. Use this guide to help you create a capsule jewelry collection using jewelry with VRAI created diamonds. We’ll cover what capsule jewelry is, the first piece of jewelry to buy, and how to narrow down your jewelry essentials.
What Does Capsule Mean in Fashion?
In fashion, capsule is used to describe a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe contains a select number of pieces that can be worn interchangeably. Capsule wardrobes are inspired by minimalism. They typically feature between 30-50 functional and versatile items that reflect your unique style.
What Is a Capsule in Jewelry?
Capsule jewelry applies the principles of a capsule wardrobe to your jewelry collection. Capsule jewelry collections include timeless jewelry designs that are made to last. These classic pieces can be worn with anything you own, to any occasion.
What’s the First Piece of Jewelry You Should Buy?
Your first piece of jewelry should be a quality piece that you feel comfortable wearing every day and everywhere. We typically recommend first buying a classic piece of solitaire diamond jewelry.
For many people, their first selection is a classic Solitaire diamond stud earring. For other people, it’s a simple gold chain bracelet with a single diamond or a solitaire diamond necklace.
5 Pieces of Jewelry Everyone Should Have
When building your capsule collection, start with the following five jewelry essentials and build your capsule jewelry collection from there.
1. Solitaire Diamond Necklace
Few necklace designs are as timeless and versatile as a Solitaire diamond necklace. A single diamond on a 14k solid gold chain is the epitome of elegance yet subtle enough for daily wear.
There are numerous variations of this classic design to choose from. A Bezel Solitaire Necklace creates a sleek, modern touch. A Petite Solitaire Pendant is ideal for younger jewelry shoppers who are purchasing their first piece of diamond jewelry.
2. Stud Earrings
Diamond stud earrings, like VRAI Solitaire Studs, are a staple earring in every jewelry collection. They add a subtle brilliance to any outfit, but they are comfortable enough to wear with anything, all day long.
With numerous diamond shapes and settings to choose from, it’s easy to find a stud that suits your style. Choose Halo Studs for added brilliance and a vintage-inspired look, Bezel Studs for a contemporary, minimalist design, or Orion Studs for a unique and playful addition.
3. Diamond Bracelet
A classic diamond bracelet will never go out of style. Diamond bracelets come in all shapes and sizes so chances are, there’s a perfect design for you.
A simple chain bracelet with one or several petite diamonds, like VRAI’s Duo Lariat Bracelet, is ideal for everyday wear or layering. Statement pieces like our Linked Tennis Bracelet instantly add glamour and shine for those who love to accessorize.
4. Stacking Ring
Every jewelry collection needs a beautiful stacking ring that can be worn by itself or stacked. Any simple ring with a straight or curved band is easy to stack, but we recommend starting with a cuff ring.
VRAI’S Mixed Cuff Ring or V Cuff Ring look stunning by themselves, but their open cuff design is perfect for stacking with any ring. It creates space for rings with curves or large diamonds, like an engagement ring.
5. Chain Necklace
Lastly, a chic and simple chain necklace is a jewelry essential. Opt for a necklace with a longer chain (18-20 inches) that you can easily layer with your Solitaire necklace or pendant.
14k solid gold chains adorned with a few tiny diamonds, like VRAI’s Tiny Station Necklace or Knife-Edge Bezel Station Necklace, are subtle enough to pair with bolder necklaces.
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How to Create a Capsule Jewelry Collection
Use the steps below to start building your capsule jewelry collection.
- Know Your Color Scheme
First, determine your preferred color scheme. Use your wardrobe and home decor for inspiration. Do you gravitate towards neutral colors and minimalism? Or do you love bold colors, color accents, and maximalism? Your jewelry needs to pair with your clothes, so when you know your colors, you can match your jewelry.
- Define Your Style
Next, define your style. Is your closet filled with retro-inspired prints and vintage silhouettes? If so, Art Deco jewelry might perfectly complement your style. Is your wardrobe filled with neutral tones and streamlined silhouettes? Then contemporary and classic designs will most likely pair best with your style.
- Determine Your Preferred Metals
Consider the metal colors that align best with your style and your skin tone. Yellow gold works particularly well on warmer skin tones. White gold or platinum look best on cooler skin tones. Rose gold is the most versatile metal color and works well on any skin tone.
Build your jewelry collection around the metals that look best on you and with your clothes. Keep in mind that capsule jewelry is meant to be worn together. If you pick more than one metal, choose complementary complementary ones.
- Factor in Lifestyle
Think about your lifestyle when choosing your capsule jewelry. Each jewelry item should be easy to wear in your day-to-day life. If you work with your hands, then chunky rings and diamond-heavy bracelets might not be very functional for you.
Dangle or drop earrings may not be the best choice for people who live active lifestyles or consistently have to wear headpieces (helmet, headset, etc.). Let your lifestyle inform the types of jewelry that you invest in.
- Decide How Many Pieces per Jewelry Type
Capsule jewelry collections often involve 8-20 pieces of jewelry. This provides options while still keeping your collection streamlined. Before you start buying jewelry, determine how many pieces of each jewelry type you need for a complete collection.
Due to different lifestyles and preferences, you may prefer more of one type and less of the other. If you love necklaces but never wear bracelets, don’t worry about investing in bracelets. Your jewelry collection should only be filled with pieces that you will wear. If you know you don’t like it, and won’t wear it, then it's not a jewelry essential for you.
- Prioritize Versatility and Functionality
Capsule collections can include statement pieces, but each piece of jewelry you own should be relatively versatile. This means you should be able to wear it on numerous occasions and with various outfits.
When choosing each piece of jewelry ask yourself, “How would I wear this and can this be worn with any of my existing pieces of jewelry?” If you can answer these questions, and you love it, chances are it belongs in your collection.
- Invest in Quality Over Quantity
Capsule jewelry is meant to last and stand the test of time. Invest in quality fine jewelry pieces made from premium materials. If you love a trendy piece of jewelry, we understand. But it most likely won’t last. Consider taking the time to find its quality counterpart so that your jewelry collection will last.
That being said, don’t feel like you need to build your collection all at once. Investing in fine jewelry that you love takes time, but you’ll have it for a lifetime.
- Experiment With What Feels Good
Finally, choose what feels good. If you’re still defining your style, chances are you may not know yet what you like. That’s okay! Feel free to experiment with new designs before buying them.
You can borrow jewelry from a loved one to see how it feels to wear it. Browse retail stores to see what different designs look like on you. Discover what you like and what feels truly comfortable to wear before investing in it.
Women’s Capsule Jewelry
All VRAI fine jewelry is unisex and designed to be worn by all. However, certain pieces of jewelry are particularly popular with women.
Timeless Jewelry Pieces to Invest In
If you’re building a woman’s capsule jewelry collection, consider investing in the following pieces:
Men’s Capsule Jewelry
VRAI fine jewelry looks stunning on any gender, but there are specific pieces that men choose time and again.
Timeless Jewelry Pieces to Invest In
If you’re building a men’s capsule jewelry collection, consider investing in the following pieces:
Explore VRAI Fine Jewelry Essentials
Discover VRAI’s complete collection of made-to-order fine jewelry. Our Carbon Neutral Certified fine jewelry features VRAI created diamonds, grown in the world’s first zero-emission foundry. Each design is the result of innovative creativity, premium materials, lab-grown diamonds, and expert craftsmanship.
Consult with a diamond expert
Speak with our diamond experts and enjoy:
- Personalized guidance to select your ring
- In-depth diamond 4C education
- Exclusive in-store fittings or virtual try-ons
- Custom design options
Speak with our diamond experts and enjoy:
- Personalized guidance to select your ring
- In-depth diamond 4C education
- Exclusive in-store fittings or virtual try-ons
- Custom design options