How to Decide When You Should Splurge on a Piece of Jewelry

My grandma Edith was the love of my life and an amazing artist. Beginning when I was 6 years old, we would sit in her tiny little kitchen where she had a kiln and make enamel jewelry. These memories and pieces of jewelry are some of my most cherished gifts. Jewelry has always had great significance in my family, and my dad would give it to mark special occasions in my life. I still have and treasure the Tiffany ring that he gave me for my sixth-grade graduation and the gorgeous watch I received when I turned 21. Every single piece of jewelry that I wear tells a story; it represents a special person in my life or a landmark event. That way, when I look down at my wrist or touch my neck, I’m reminded of so many people and things that I love.

One of my favorite necklaces is my diamond initial “R” pendant from my collection. I started wearing it when my daughter was born—her name is Ruby—and I still wear it all the time. I’ll never stop loving that letter.

Of course, we’ve all bought pieces of jewelry that didn’t stand the test of time and maybe even some we’ve regretted splurging on. So with jewelry—and anything in life, really—even if I think I love it when I first see it, I go home without it. If I continue to think about it, I’ll go back and try it on again.

When looking to invest in jewelry, one should be able to picture themselves wearing the piece in their daily life—from dropping their kids off at school to a night out. I often find myself layering and adding to my stacks. If the piece has special significance and you love it now, chances are you will love it just as much 10, 20, even 30 years down the road—and eventually pass it down for generations.

Jennifer Meyer launched her eponymous jewelry brand in 2005. Handmade by master jewelers in her Los Angeles studio, the Jennifer Meyer collection is designed to become an extension of the woman wearing it—a symbol of luck, celebration and love, a way to reflect and remember important milestones in life.