I recently received an email from a well-known department store. The ad got my attention because the headline read: MUST-HAVE JEWELRY. I began thinking about must-have jewelry.

Here’s a hypothetical question for you: IF YOU WERE GOING ON A WEEK-LONG TRIP AND YOU COULD ONLY TAKE ONE PIECE OF JEWELRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I’m not talking sentimental here–wedding rings, cross necklaces, and diamond bracelets you inherited from your Aunt Mabel are off the table. (Okay, unless you are a diamond-gal.) I’m talking fine or fashion jewelry that compliments you and unequivocally says, “This is me!”

Once again, I didn’t have to do much work for this week’s blog because I went straight to the experts–my stylish friends–for answers. (It was my guess that none of them would choose the same thing.) I emailed asking which piece of jewelry they could not live without, but more importantly I asked them why they couldn’t live without it. Here’s what they said:

Diane is vivacious, intelligent, and super-stylish. Her organizational skills make mine look like I live in an barn (with a donkey). She knows herself: her colors, her body type, and precisely what she can and cannot wear.

She chose her navy colored earrings as her must-have. Why? Because, she says, “They go with my eyes, therefore they go with me–and anything I’m wearing. And since I cut my hair they are large enough to be noticed, even if I’m not wearing a necklace.” (If you wear larger statement earrings, without a necklace, Janna has coined the phrase “ears only.”)

Janna says, “My favorite, hardworking jewelry travel companion is my everything necklace. The small background beads are my hair color, and jeans color. The interesting lampwork beads are the colors of the specific tops I take on each particular trip. This necklace seems to look different on every outfit. It is also an ideal ice breaker because people comment on the interesting beads, which always results in some fun conversations.
I custom design these necklaces* for clients using their neutrals and colors they plan to take on their trips.”

(Janna’s ‘everything necklace’ looks different depending on the outfit she’s wearing. See photos at right.)

My friend Jeannie is a Southern lady to the core. Born and raised in Mississippi, she now lives in Texas. I was not surprised one iota when she confessed that her “must-haves”were pearl earrings. They are her signature: classic, feminine, chic. And they definitely make a statement.

I took this candid photo recently at an estate sale where Jeannie was wearing pearls with jeans and, of course, her monogrammed sweatshirt–another Southern classic.

You could never guess my classy friend Hilde’s age, because she is absolutely ageless. Her impeccable style is just an extension of who she is: glamorous, outgoing, and fun. Hilde’s confidence comes from within, and everyone who knows her loves her for simply being Hilde.

I didn’t expect Hilde to be able to narrow her must-have to just one piece, because that’s just not her. She chose a bold, classic, silver mother-of-pearl necklace and earring set. She is a contrast color type with dark hair and fair skin; therefore, she looks stunning in black and white. Her pearl set will go with any bold color or black and white outfit she puts on. Definitely a show-stopper–just like she is.

If you asked me about my must-have piece of jewelry, I’d say my (faux) sapphire-crystal earrings. Why? Because they go with my eyes (therefore, they go with me) and there is nothing I can’t wear them with. I have worn them everyplace: from cocktail parties to rodeos.

Thank the heavens, we are not restricted to only one piece of jewelry. Perish that thought.

But if you had to narrow it down, what would your ‘must-have’ be? And what would it say about you?

Ha–now I’ve got you thinking, haven’t I?

Please comment below and tell us what your must-have piece of jewelry is–and Why.

And thanks to all my fabulous friends…you make my job so easy.

*Check out Janna’s exclusive, custom-designed jewelry on Etsy.