What do you do when the jewelry you own doesn’t suit your taste? When the gifts your loved ones give you don’t feel quite like your style? Here are a few pieces to help a reader rebuild her jewelry box in her own image.
Hi Belle,
I don’t feel that any of they jewelry I wear really suits me. I own a lot of loud, colorful pieces from my sorority days. Pearls my Oma gave me. And my girlfriend likes to give me opals for my birthday because they’re my birthstone.
One of my co-workers wears these great pieces that are professional but cool. She owns this ring and I love how simple it is. Can you help me find some jewelry like that? My price range is under-$100, maybe under-$150 for the right thing.
Kat
The trouble with jewelry is that people you love give it to you. This should work in your favor, who doesn’t love a gift? But when it’s not your taste or your style, you end up wearing it anyway because you love the person even when you don’t love the piece.
Before I make suggestions, know that if you have heirloom jewelry that you don’t love, you can often have it re-styled. I’m in the process of transforming a ring my mother gave me that really isn’t my style. (It’s similar to this one.) I’m deciding whether I want something simple like this Suzanne Kalan or something over the top like this Yeprem band.
If you prefer to just buy a few pieces for yourself (or drop a few hints to someone else), I found several pieces in the same minimalist style as the cigar band ring you referenced.
Elizabeth and James Open Cuff ($86)
This open cuff is simple, powerful and really cool. I like how it mixes dainty and strong elements. This thin Gorjana Cersi cuff also caught my eye. And the twisted metal on this Liz and Liv cuff is really unique and cool, and the price ($31) is just right.
Love silver? I found this hammered cuff from Gurhan. I also like this Edge of Ember cuff.
Wolf and Badger Signet Ring ($112)
I like the sliced style of this Wolf and Badger ring, a more modern take on the traditional signet ring. Another great option are cigar bands, like the one your referenced above. If you don’t want the same ring as your co-worker, this $27 concave cigar ring and this wide band from Etsy are both nice. Also, check out this dome ring; same simplicity as a cigar band, a little more punch.
For my money, however, I’d go for a wrap ring. This Stella & Dot piece is a good option. I also like this multi-metal Marc Anthony ring. This Five & Jess ring is probably the simplest option.
Prefer silver? This Miansai brushed cigar ring is a men’s ring, but it’s simple and cool. This Sphera milano band is another great, minimalist piece.
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Abra,
I’d love to know more about your experience having the ring restyled. I have a pair of Tanzanite earrings and a ring my mom gave me years ago, and I would like to have the 3 stones set together in a single ring. I have no idea where to start. How did you pick a jeweler? What was the process like of creating the new design? Maybe this is a separate post type question, but I am definitely intrigued.
I’ll do a post on it. I’m saving up to do it right now. So maybe next month.
I agree with getting jewelry restyled or repurposed. My mom gave me a lot of gold necklaces which as much as I want to love, I can’t. I got her blessing to melt the gold and make something I want out of it. My problem is finding a place that will guarantee that they’ll use most of my gold; I don’t mind some mix of other gold, but I want the majority to be from my jewelry. I also have a ton of Tiffany silver jewelry from my sorority days that I don’t wear anymore. I’m saving that to give to my daughter and my niece…hopefully it won’t be too much of a pain to clean when they’re ready!
I designed both my engagement ring and wedding band and am working on a 10 year anniversary ring. I did everything online. I looked for jewelers who match the style I wanted and asked if they accepted customer stones (one actually suggested another jeweler because he said that they could do it better). If the style I liked came from a “stock” piece, I asked how much it could be customized to potentially minimize cost. It’s worked out pretty well for me; I can’t wait to hear more about Abra’s experience.
If anyone is interested in restyling gold jewelry, my fiance and I just used Avant Garde Jewelers in Austin, Texas. Brian is the owner and he is really amazing. He’ll let you watch him melt down your metal if you really want to. I don’t have any other suggestions but if you’re interested and in the Austin area I highly recommend him. Wonderful to work with and the price was very reasonable – like I felt like I was stealing from him because it was so reasonable.
I’ve been wearing a First Nations silver wrap ring for over 20 years – (similar-ish to this: https://spiritsofthewestcoast.com/collections/native-silver-and-gold-rings/products/eagle-silver-wrap-ring-small. It was a gift from my then best friend when I went to university. I’ve worn it so long it feels like part of me, and I get comments on I all the time. It’s local to where I live (Victoria, BC) and will be an heirloom piece for my niece or nephew. I’d definitely recommend considering something that is ‘statement’ without being a trendy fashion piece. Dozens of other rings have come and gone, but this one is forever. Also, it expands when I chub out. So bonus.
Abra,
I love the facial steamer you recommended, but don’t have a good followup routine. Sometimes I apply a mask, others I use a spot treatment and hope it is more effective. Do you have suggestions for a good (acne prevention) routine that really benefits from the steamer?
Mack,
I tried to reply directly to your comment to say thank you. I’m actually in the Austin area myself, so it was auspicious that you posted your comment. I’ll definitely checkout Avant Garde! Thanks for the recommendation.