5 Essential Diamond Pieces To Add to Your Collection

Diamonds come with a long list of superlatives—our love affair with the world’s hardest gem has inspired countless collections from Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Bvlgari and Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as stories, films and songs. From the classic tennis bracelet to foundational diamond studs, no jewelry collection is complete without this timeless stone. Appealing to both minimalists and maximalists, its versatility allows you to personalize your look, whether through cocktail rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets or earrings. Give yourself permission to celebrate that last big win with these coveted pieces that will never go out of style.

Be the life of the party donning a gorgeous diamond cocktail ring while sipping champagne at your next soiree. Diamond rings come in an array of shapes and sizes, showing off your personal taste while adding sparkle to that LBD or sleek jumpsuit. Let your hands do the talking with oversized starburst sculptures or with diamonds that encircle juicy colored gemstones such as emeralds, sapphires and topaz. A vintage design of diamonds and pearls perfectly complements a crushed velvet dress for a romantic look. For the more daring, stacked rings give “cool girl” status while catching up with your besties over brunch. And eternity rings are a flawless choice to commemorate a milestone or anniversary.

Beyond being practical for ear piercing, diamond studs have enjoyed continued popularity due to their versatility and elegance, and they add an undeniably luxe sparkle to those with ears lined full of polished metal. Stud earrings dress up tee shirts and jeans for everyday wear as well as bring a complementary twinkle to sweaters for dinner with the parents. Studs with secure backings can easily be worn during your morning cycling class as well as by the pool. With various cuts including cushion, heart and round shapes, diamond studs are brilliant no-brainers for your collection as beautiful pieces that can be worn with everything.

Pendant necklaces have long been popular for their simplicity and personal meaning. Who can forget the heart-shaped, diamond-studded necklace worn by Carrie Bradshaw in the latest incarnation of Sex and the City? While the monogrammed necklace has been having a moment, other pendants have been sought after by women over the decades for their delicate versatility. Personalize your look by layering it in with other necklaces, or wear it alone with a revealing v-neck or button-down. No matter which way you choose to accessorize, the diamond pendant adds sophisticated polish to any daytime or nighttime outfit.

Decades before the Williams Sisters were making fashion history, tennis star Chris Evert wore a signature piece that was soon dubbed the “tennis bracelet.” Evert recalls “I wanted to wear something that gave me confidence and empowered me, both as a woman and an athlete.” The diamond bracelet was a literal showstopper when it flew off her wrist during the U.S. Open in 1978, causing officials to halt the match to look for it. Whether on or off the court, you can wear the tennis bracelet in multiples—or with a watch—to make a feminine and sporty statement in any arena.

Nothing shines more glamorously than the diamond necklace. Whether it’s worn at an upscale dinner, gala or holiday gathering, this stunning piece is sure to command attention. Why else would celebrities clamor to find just the right piece to complement their gowns for awards season—their red carpet ensembles keep us tuning in, year after year, and reading the fashion commentaries for days afterwards. Worn alone, the necklace makes a sophisticated silhouette, and a Rivière with its uniform or graduated gem sizes is a great starter piece for showing off the sheer beauty of diamonds. For a glam Hollywood look à la Rihanna, layer it in with other necklaces of varying lengths and compositions.

Raise a toast to your accomplishments with these classic diamond pieces, sure to enchant and make memories for years to come.