7 Pieces of Jewelry You Should Own by the Time You’re 30

By now, you know the perils of cheap rings and the dreaded green mark they can leave behind after a day of wear. Because constant handwashing, sanitizer and lotion can react with cheap metal, it’s crucial to invest in some high-quality materials (such as stainless steel, 14K gold, platinum or rhodium-plated) that you can mix, match and reposition without worrying about your skin getting stained. Jazz up your engagement ring with a unique stack or go for a fistful of glitz—it’s totally up to you.

Save: Gorjana ($45); Ettika ($45); Shashi ($55)

Splurge: Freida Rothman ($295); Charlotte Chesnais ($750); Lagos ($1,285)

The best part about a meaningful piece of jewelry? It can be anything that sparks those feel-good vibes. Whether it’s a vintage 1920s ring from your grandma, an initial pendant your partner gave you on your wedding day or a birthstone ring you bought for yourself with your first real paycheck, if it reminds you of someone or feels personal, it fits the bill.

Save: Panacea necklace ($40); Kendra Scott bracelet ($50); Sarah Chloe ring ($198)

Splurge: Zoe Lev Jewelry necklace ($545); David Yurman necklace ($725); Bondeye Jewelry ring ($1,600)

A simple steel wristwatch looks elegant and professional at work and adds a little something extra (and functional) to your bracelet stack on the weekends. Whether you choose a square or round face, just be sure to keep it proportional to your wrist size.

Save: Skagen ($105); Rebecca Minkoff ($150); Tory Burch ($250)

Splurge: Gucci ($1,020); Michele ($1,495); Cartier ($3,650)

Diamond earrings can make any outfit look put-together—yep, even that two-piece cashmere lounge set you scored for the holidays. A simple pair of small solitaire diamond studs (think 0.5 carats or smaller) can be worn on its own or mixed with other earrings, especially if you spent your 20s going to piercing parties like we did. 

Save: Catbird ($98); Mejuri ($240); Zoë Chicco ($375)

Splurge: Macy’s ($800); Bony Levy ($1,395); Kwiat ($1,895)

You probably have a few hair-thin chain bracelets from past decade. Adding something a touch more substantial to the mix will ground your stack and pair beautifully with the everyday watch you have in your arsenal. Keep your bracelet on the thinner side so it doesn’t jangle annoyingly as you type on your keyboard at work.

Save: Kate Spade ($38); Ellie Vail ($58); Alexis Bittar ($145)

Splurge: Ippolita ($1,295); Bony Levy ($1,650); David Yurman ($3,000)

At this point you’ve mastered the statement jewelry trend, but when it comes to your day-to-day glitz, huggies are second to none. They can be left in your ears around the clock, so you don’t have to worry about working out or showering in these babies. Plus, they make sense for the big Tuesday meeting and that wedding weekend in Palm Springs. Opt for unadorned metal or go for pavé—both are equally timeless.

Save: Anne Klein ($22); Gorjana ($45); Zoe Lev Jewelry ($95)

Splurge: Sydney Evan ($575); Anzie ($695); Zoë Chicco ($1,050)

Did you know that wearing a thin chain can add visual length to your neck, making you seem taller and giving the appearance of better posture? Opt for something around 30 inches long, so it can be doubled up for a shorter layered look. It’s the perfect piece of jewelry to bring on your yearly girls’ trip, because you can wear it so many ways.

Save: Anna Beck ($50); Giani Bernini ($105); Monica Vinader ($150)

Splurge: Mizuki ($1,925); Italian Gold ($1,074); David Yurman ($2,550)