Jewelry may not seem as important as it used to be to a lot of people, but when you think about your portrait session - these accent pieces can be what pulls your look together or gives you the polished image you want. I’ve held on to sentimental pieces that I’ve accumulated over the years (yes, even the loud costume stuff) but I make sure to add two to three key pieces to my wardrobe each year. I’ve compiled some of my favorite and very affordable options to adding to your wardrobe without hurting your wallet. For those looking for the ultimate splurge - I see you. I relate to you. I have also included a couple of options that may satisfy your desire.

Quite a few affordable options have cropped up on my Instagram feed. Names such as Concept26 and Filosophy.

Mejuri has a nice collection of earrings (which seems to be their sweet spot) and necklaces, chic midi hoops for just $50 make it easy to by a couple of pairs in different sizes and finishes. Their price point tops out at $475 making this a very reasonable option for many (myself included).

Next up is my go to for an everyday necklace, Filosophy. I have necklaces that I’ve had for over 20 years that mean a lot to me and sometimes I want to switch it up. Filosophy makes that very easy. Their chains come in all types of styles and I often find it hard picking one as they are all very much my style. I would say Filosophy is for the youthful personality who appreciates a classic look. Prices start at $14 for 14k gold filled ear cuffs which seem to always be sold out - and go up to $220 making this the most affordable of the lot. Their collection includes over 250 unique earrings, rings, and necklaces that make it easy to find something for you or that makes the perfect gift.

Mateo New York is a brand that I haven’t dabbled in yet, and seems to be fairly new on the scene, as are most of the brands mentioned here. Prices here range from $63 to $975 for their gold, diamond, and emerald baubles. At Mateo you will definitely find something that will help you stand out as their emeralds are stunning and vivid, sure to catch your eye. Their show-stopping Duality Pearl Drop Earrings are gorgeous, and reasonably priced at $575 makes these earrings perfect for the stylish but simple woman who subtly shows off her style.

The darling of the group is probably Concept26 Fine Jewelry. Their recent features in Vogue (yes THE Vogue) and Refinery29 have made them a standout for all the right reasons. Concept26 creates gorgeous handcrafted pieces out of NYC with their top tier prices reaching up to $5500. They group their offerings into collections which can start at $298 making Concept26 an option for those who have set their sights and their budgets a little higher.

Of all the brands featured here - there seems to be one consistent look - classy and sometimes demure. On trend right now is a simple everyday finish to go along with our new normal of a very simple (stuck at home) everyday lifestyle courtesy of 2020. If you find yourself wanting to jazz it up, think in multiples and not necessarily larger. Layer necklaces and add rings in stacks to pump it up. Sure that statement necklace makes your eyes sparkle, but what are you wearing on that zoom call? What would I see you wearing the first time we meet? THAT is what you want to have in your portrait session arsenal. This is not a one-size-fits-all sentiment by no means. I advise all clients to bring a small bit of jewelry with them to switch it up between looks. This investment means you are bringing your full self.

Jewelry not optional.

If you have all of your accent pieces ready and want to talk about booking a session - call me and let’s click!