How to Curate a Capsule Jewelry Collection for Any Occasion

Jewelry is the finishing touch that elevates a look, making it versatile for any occasion throughout the day. Having a small but varied collection allows for a seamless transition from early mornings at the office, to lunch meetings in the city, candle-lit dinner dates and everything in between.

Here’s our take on the capsule jewelry collection to get you from day-to-night so you’re never left thinking you’ve got nothing to complete an outfit. Take what speaks to you, and leave the rest- because, as always, there are no rules with styling and only you know what works best for you and your lifestyle.

Dressing for work, meetings, or a generally productive day outside the home

Starting your day with a polished look sets the tone for productivity and confidence. For work and meetings, simplicity and subtle elegance are key. Here’s how to style your jewelry for the workday:

  • Stud Earrings: A pair of classic diamond studs is perfect for a professional setting. They add just the right amount of sparkle without overpowering your style.

  • A Delicate Necklace: Opt for a herringbone or simple pendant necklace for a polished, chic look.

  • Minimalist Rings: A simple band ring or delicate stack is perfect for this part of the day. Just be sure to choose pieces that are comfortable and won’t interfere with whatever it is you do. :) 

Dressing for a lunch outing, afternoon errands, or a casual-chic agenda


Transitioning from morning tasks to a lunch date or a casual outing? Here’s how to step up your look effortlessly:

  • Layered Necklaces (or bracelets!): Add a second necklace for a layered interest. If you’re wearing a pendant, add a herringbone and vice versa. Stacking multiple herringbones together is another one of our favorite ways to layer necklaces while keeping it simple. Try to choose necklaces of slightly varying lengths or adjustable length options. 

  • Tasteful Earrings: Stud earrings elevate every look in our opinion, but if you’re looking for a switch-up, diamond-studded huggies or a chunky gold hoop are the perfect alternatives. 

  • Stackable Rings: If you went with a simple band earlier, consider adding a couple more rings to your stack. Mixing metals and designs is great if you’re into a collected, curated vibe. 

Dressing for happy hour, a dinner date, or weekend out glam

Whether your weekdays often transition into social evenings or you tend to save dinners and gatherings out for the weekend, here’s how we’d up the glam for a slightly bolder look:

  • A Statement Necklace: Replace or embellish your delicate necklaces with a statement piece. A diamond tennis necklace or a larger pendant necklace are tried and true and never go out of style.

  • Drop Earrings: For a polished but more attention-grabbing earring option, consider a subtle drop earring or layer studs and hoops if you have multiple piercings. 

  • Wrist Candy: If you haven’t already, introduce a few bracelets to your wrist to complete an evening look. Stacking tennis bracelets and herringbones is our favorite combo here, too. 

    Pro tip: if your wrists are bare, bracelets are always a good idea. With knits and other long-sleeve materials, we’d forgo the bracelet in favor of other jewelry pieces to protect the integrity of both your jewelry, and your sweaters. 


A note on all-day accessories:

Incorporating meaningful pieces into your jewelry wardrobe adds a personal touch that makes your look unique, but more importantly, adds a sentiment that can be so special to hold close as you go throughout your days. Whether it’s a family heirloom, a custom-designed piece, or a gift from a loved one, these items can and should transition seamlessly through your day, however you see fit.

Remember that there really are no rules in jewelry styling. At the end of the day, wearing whatever makes you feel the most confident and like yourself is always the best option.

Finally, we’ll leave you with some practical tips as you build your own capsule jewelry arsenal and consider what pieces make sense for you to add or subtract throughout the day and week.

  • Invest in High Quality, Versatile Pieces: Choose jewelry that can be easily dressed up or down. Pieces like diamond studs, thin band rings, and simple necklaces are versatile and can be paired with most outfits, for almost any occasion. Shopping lab grown diamonds is a great way to expand your core collection with high quality diamonds at a more affordable price point than natural diamonds.

  • Rent the statement pieces that you won’t wear often: Reverence’s Rental Program allows you the unique opportunity to borrow high end pieces for a small fraction of the retail price. Take advantage of opportunities like this to add extra sparkle to black-tie events, weddings, and vacations without the commitment. 

  • Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix metals and styles. Combining gold and silver or layering different textures can create a beautifully unique look. Your collection will evolve as you do and what’s a more beautiful visual of your own story than to incorporate it into your style in different ways over time. 

  • Layering and Stacking: Use layering and stacking techniques to add dimension to your jewelry. Whether it’s with 2 or 4 pieces, layer necklaces of different lengths and stack rings and bracelets to create a curated look and an opportunity to mix and match your layering pieces in varying combos as you see fit.

  • Keep It Personal: Always say yes to incorporating those meaningful heirloom, gifted, or otherwise sentimental pieces to add a special touch that no one else can replicate. 

Your jewelry collection is an expression of your unique style and personality. Investing in meaningful, high quality pieces doesn’t happen overnight. But over time, these pieces will come to grow with you and your aesthetic, and hopefully help to instill a level of confidence that takes your style from feeling good to feeling so YOU.

Susan SaltzmanComment