Signature jewels

For years, I didn’t leave the house without my hunter green cocktail ring. I wore it with everything, whether it matched or not. Pink dress and green ring - yep. Navy blue pants, orange top, and green ring - of course! Kelly green dress with a hunter green ring… I shouldn’t, but I will.

Believe me, that last combination wasn’t great. I just couldn’t bear to be without my ring. It became a part of who I am. People would stop me in checkout lines or at subway stops to ask me about my ring.

“Is that a heirloom?”

“Oh my gosh - where did you get that ring?”

“Is that a vintage mood ring?”

Instead of being able to answer a cool “Yeah” to any of those questions, I would look down at my massive ring and tell the truth. I found it at Forever 21 for $4.50.

I wore it daily until I got engaged: turns out that green ring only fit my left hand ring finger. So it was replaced with an engagement ring and later a wedding band. Now the ring sits in my jewelry organizer waiting for another wearer: maybe it is an heirloom after all!

I have figured out the years that I love a big signature accessory, something that people see from halfway across the room - something that sets my style apart. But I also collect small rings, bracelets and necklaces. These are the ones that I stack one on top of another, to jingle together or to create that eye-catching look. Or they are the ones I put on when I need a more classic, dainty look.

What about you? What’s your signature accessory? What necklace or earrings do you have that you wear with everything? Or do you have a bracelet or a ring that you always find yourself slipping on before walking out the door? Are yours big statement pieces or small trinkets?