We often talk about wardrobe staples – the perfect white T-shirt, simple straight-leg jeans, a comfortable but smart shoe – but jewellery basics can be just as transformative.
According to personal stylist Deborah Sheridan-Taylor, jewellery foundations are “your baseline, your starting point. The place from which everything else begins and builds.”
Much like fashion basics, the best jewellery pieces are the ones you barely think about because they work with everything.
“That masculine pinky ring, the piece you feel genuinely naked without,” says Sheridan-Taylor. “These are your foundations and once you have them, everything else you add becomes intentionally more considered.”
From layered chains to everyday hoops, here are the jewellery essentials worth investing in.
1. A fine chain necklace
Every jewellery collection starts with a chain.
As Sheridan-Taylor says, the best necklaces are the ones that feel personal – pieces worn so often they become part of you.
“A chain with an initial pendant, a friendship necklace, jewellery that sits on your body in a way that if it weren’t there you’d feel the absence immediately,” she says, “that’s a staple.”
She’s also a firm believer in layering. “The power of three varying chain necklaces, like a herringbone, paperclip or box chain, all worn together […] instantly adds individuality and charm.”
The key is subtle variation: different lengths, textures and histories combined together rather than looking overly matched.
D. Louise Chelsea Rose Spinner Chain Necklace, £65
2. Everyday huggie or hoop earrings
When it comes to earrings, simplicity tends to be the best investment.
“I love a stack,” says Sheridan-Taylor, “two, three, four tiny gold hoops in a row can be completely understated and effortlessly cool.”
Because earrings sit closest to the face, she describes them as “the most communicative piece of jewellery you own.” They frame the face, shift proportions and can completely alter the feel of an outfit.
Rather than sticking rigidly to matching pairs, she recommends embracing asymmetry.
“Mismatched earrings, one slightly more than the other, is a wonderful move,” she says, “practically speaking, if you ever lose one, you’re already ahead.”
Orelia Waterproof LUXE Chunky Molten Hoop Earrings, £55
3. Diamond or minimalist studs
Alongside hoops, a classic stud remains one of the most versatile pieces you can own.
Fine diamond studs are a great alternative “if you want something a little more precious,” says Sheridan-Taylor, who sees them as the jewellery equivalent of flawless tailoring – understated but chic.
They’re also the easiest everyday option, working equally well with denim and eveningwear.
“Sometimes the earring does all the talking and the rest of the outfit is smart enough to let it,” she says.
Monica Vinader Pear Diamond Stud Earrings, £189
4. Layered bracelets with personality
Bracelets, unlike necklaces, need to work around real life.
“They have to be practical in a way necklaces and earrings don’t,” Sheridan-Taylor explains, particularly if you spend all day typing at a keyboard.
Rather than overly rigid bangles or cuffs, she prefers finer chain bracelets and pieces that feel collected over time.
“What I love most is bracelets that tell a story – an armful of narrative.”
This season, she’s especially drawn to delicate beaded styles mixed with gold. “Small coral, turquoise, different natural stones combined with gold […] they bring warmth and something unexpected to a classic stack.”
That said, statement cuffs still have their place. “[Right now] I’m wearing a huge resin vintage Seventies cuff,” she says, “it takes on the role of armour.”
Missoma Beaded Gemstone & Pearl Bracelet, £89
5. A classic watch
Despite most of us always having a phone on us, Sheridan-Taylor firmly believes watches still matter.
“To me, a watch is jewellery […] It says more about who you are than almost anything else on your body.”
Her preference leans vintage and timeless rather than trend-driven. “Heavy chunky men’s watches […] serve that nonchalant boyfriend feel,” she explains, while “tiny little watches are adorable and add that elegant finish to any look.”
She also encourages people to think beyond buying new. “Changing the strap on an inherited watch is one of the simplest and most transformative things you can do,” she says.
As for smart watches? Sheridan-Taylor blunty says, “unless you’re at the gym […] they are really not for grown-ups.”
Rosefield Octagon XS Duotone Gold, £119
6. A signature ring
Few jewellery pieces become as emotionally charged as rings.
Sheridan-Taylor notes that the most valuable pieces are rarely the most expensive. “An investment in jewellery is never purely financial. It’s emotional.”
She wears her mother’s gold wishbone ring every day, “I think about her every single time I put it on,” she says, “that is my investment.”
Whether it’s a pinky ring, signet ring or a simple gold band, the best rings become deeply personal – the sort of piece that feels strange to remove.
Accessorize 14ct Gold-Plated Aventurine Ring Gold, £18
7. One statement piece
Once the foundations are in place, every jewellery collection needs one standout item.
That might be a sculptural pair of earrings, an antique pendant, a bold vintage cuff, or simply a piece of jewellery you wear everyday without thinking about it, becoming a second skin.
Sheridan-Taylor also suggests reworking pieces you already own. “Antique cufflinks transformed into bespoke earrings. An unworn pendant reset into a statement ring.”
In her view, these one-off adaptations are often the most stylish pieces of all. “Nobody else has them. Nobody else ever will.”
And ultimately, that’s what great jewellery basics are really about – not on-trend perfection, but personality.
Rixo Salene Cuff, £165
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