Jewelry buying guide — where to start and what to choose
Three questions to ask before buying jewelry, how to combine earrings, a necklace and a ring, and where to find a guide for each type of piece.
Choosing jewelry doesn't start with the design. It starts with three questions: what the piece is made of, whether you know the size, and how often it will be worn. Answer those, and the choice narrows down on its own.
Three questions before you buy
- What it is made of. This determines how long the piece will keep looking new. A quick overview of materials: what jewelry is made of.
- Whether you know the size. For a ring or a bracelet it is essential; for earrings and pendants it is not. That is why the latter are the safe choice for a gift.
- How often it will be worn. An everyday piece and a special-occasion piece are two different purchases, even when they look alike.
Guides by type of jewelry
Every type of jewelry has one detail that decides everything: for earrings it is the fastening, for a chain the weave, for a pendant the bail, for a ring the width. We cover each one in its own guide: earrings, necklaces, chains, pendants, bracelets, rings.
Browse: All jewelry, Most popular, New arrivals, All sets.
How to combine pieces
Combining jewelry is not about matching sets but about balancing visual weight. Put two equally strong statement pieces side by side and they compete — and neither wins.
- One focal point. If the earrings are big, the necklace stays quiet. And vice versa.
- One metal tone — or two, on purpose. Tones mixed by accident look like an oversight, not a choice.
- One scale. A delicate chain with a chunky ring looks as if the two were chosen for different outfits.
- A set is safe but obvious. It always works, but it always looks like a set.
Material and plating
Most fashion jewelry consists of a steel base with plating on top. How long a piece keeps its color depends on the plating, not on the price.
More detail: what jewelry is made of and types of plating. If your skin is sensitive, start here: earrings for sensitive skin.
Size and care
Don't guess the size — our size guide has charts for rings, necklaces and bracelets, plus a calculator.
How to clean and store your jewelry, and what never to do with it: jewelry care.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start if I don't own any jewelry?
Start with one everyday chain and a pair of stud earrings. They go with everything you add later.
Does more expensive jewelry last longer?
Not always. With fashion jewelry, durability comes down to the thickness of the plating and the shape of the piece, not the price.
What should I give if I don't know their size?
Earrings, a pendant or an adjustable bracelet. A ring bought without knowing the size is the riskiest gift of all.
