Fancy-Free

Prior to starting my fine jewelry advisory, I spent more than 35 years working in offices and professional retail settings, always in a fashion or jewelry-related role. Putting together my look for the day, every day, was a great pleasure to me.

Once I became an experienced jewelry sales associate, clients would seek my advice in purchasing "everyday" jewelry for their collections. At the time, my idea of everyday could be quite different from the clients', because I was working in a fashion-related business, and they were not. More than one woman said to me, "Am I really supposed to put these earrings on and wear them to Schnucks?"

Fast-forward to post-Covid years, where dress codes for both the office and everyday life have vanished. Other than a few private clubs, I don't think a single restaurant in St. Louis requires men to wear a jacket. Office wardrobes are almost a thing of the past, even in conservative professions such as banking and legal. And what used to be known as daywear has been replaced by activewear.

It's an astonishing transformation that has occurred over just one generation.

Which leads me to the question: what to do with "fancy" jewelry? You know, those gorgeous pieces that you've inherited or purchased decades ago when people actually did dress up? Due to our nation's casualization, they may not be seeing the light of day even once a year, or every five years, and that is simply a waste.

Some possible solutions:

1. An Attitude Adjustment

Learn how to wear your fancy pieces in an informal way that looks relaxed and "oh I just threw this on."  Admittedly, this can be tricky unless you have tremendous confidence in your personal style. To me it works best when one is dressed wayyyy down, as in a teeshirt and jeans. If you never dress down, keep reading.

2. Give it Away

Gift a piece or two to a stylish woman under the age of 40 who can pull it off because it looks fresh and new on her, but no longer on you. For instance, fashionable 20-somethings are getting into big gold button earrings, because they have never worn them before. But if you wore them in the '80s, they aren't going to look modern on you now.

3. Bite the Bullet and Liquidate

Sell your fancy pieces and buy something new that suits your current look, lifestyle, and vibe. I know it can be difficult, but once they are out of your jewelry box and you're enjoying your new piece, you'll forget about the pain of parting.

4. Remodel It

This is my favorite solution because the sentiment behind special pieces can be retained; there is value in the gemstones and precious metals that is applied to the new design, and working together on special projects like this is FUN! Creating exactly what you would like to wear, being involved in the design process from start to finish, and having a bespoke piece come into your life that fits you perfectly and works with your current lifestyle is a wonderful feeling.

Whatever solution you choose, you and your jewelry collection will be better for it.