For Keeps: 6 Timeless Jewelry Pieces on One Vogue Editor’s Wish List

Presented by Chanel Fine Jewelry and Watches.

My jewelry box is as intimate and personal as my handbag. It holds memories, receipts (in value, not literally), collected treasures from vacations, and occasionally even keys—these are for lockets, not doors. But while my daily handbag may change, my jewelry is a permanent fixture: worn on repeat, every piece chosen for keeps.

There are aesthetic signatures I look for in jewelry: delicate diamonds (a sprinkle being my favorite), a sculptural shape, and a strong gold glint. These are the qualities that represent my personal style and punctuate my everyday uniform; they’re finishing touches I need to feel “ready” before leaving the house.

There’s little more satisfying than playing and layering with my jewelry in the morning, sometimes forgetting pieces, other times over-stacking them. It’s this spontaneous approach that inspired me to take stock of my collection: What’s missing, what’s staying, and what, wistfully, might be time to part with. Consider this my attempt at building the ultimate jewelry box capsule, anchored by six Chanel fine jewelry and watches icons.

Stackable Rings

I already mentioned I’m an over-stacker, but I love how the number of rings I wear often reflects how I’m feeling. On Mondays, I might leave the house wearing just one simple gold band—to feel low-key, and ease myself into the week. On a bold day, I love to layer and the Coco Crush family is perfectly fit for my stacking needs. Four is my magic number, to accommodate various sizes and finishes.

The Bracelet Watch

Chanel’s Première collection has been on my wish list for a long time—10 years to be precise from when I first saw the Originale at a Chanel boutique in Harrods. (I still have the photo of my wrist from that first try-on.) Its bracelet-like quality is elegant yet functional, though a decade on, I’m equally enamored by the Première Galon and its braided motif. If I had to choose just one, the Originale would be the way to go, purely for the sentimental reasons.

The Watch Companion

While I champion simplicity in how I dress, it’s rare that I put on a watch and don’t add a companion next to it—either a diamond bracelet, a vintage chain, or a simple bangle. This elegant gold bangle is effortless and will quite literally go with any watch you already own.

The Chain Necklace

A jewelry box curation isn’t complete without a gold chain necklace, I don’t believe anyone who enjoys jewelry can go without one. From dainty delicate chains, to chunkier T-bar clasps and even those that come with a pendant or medallion, the options are endless. I’m settling for something simple, to be styled over a white shirt, or layered over a turtleneck for high contrast. I always want the gold to pop.

The Cocktail Watch

A watch should be timeless (excuse the pun), but that doesn’t mean it can’t feel current. Today, the cocktail watch is trending. Traditionally a very small, jewelry-like watch worn for evening, the timepiece has taken on a new, everyday end-use that can elevate the simplest of outfits. Layer over the sleeves black turtleneck, styled alongside a silk scarf or paired with a diamanté bracelet—the styling opportunities are endless. I especially love designs with contrast like the Chanel Première Ribbon; it feels modern with its sporty-like rubber strap but the black lacquer face and diamond trim give it an ornate quality, reminiscent of the designs of yore.

Gold Hoop Earrings

I have eight ear piercings and counting and love nothing more than a simple but statement-making gold hoop. The quilted motif on the Coco Crush earrings have just the right amount of texture—I’d love to stack them up the side of my ear but that feels ambitious. Once they’re in, I find it hard to imagine wearing any other style.