First Jewelry Guide
Choosing your first piece of jewelry
Taking a step that feels true to you
Jewelry is something that quietly accompanies the everyday life of the person who wears it. As a reward to yourself, a gift for someone dear, or a memento for a milestone in life. Here we share how to choose your very first piece.
If you are unsure, begin with a ring.Jewelry placed where your own eyes can see it becomes a small daily motivation. For the material, K10, K18, or platinum are all reassuring choices.
The difference between jewelry and accessories
What exactly is the difference between jewelry and accessories?
There is no strict definition, but generally speakingprecious metals such as gold and platinum, and gemstonesare used in pieces called jewelry. Accessories, on the other hand, refer to decorative items in general, regardless of material.
| Jewelry | Accessories | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | K18 gold, Pt950, and the like | Brass, alloys, silver 925, and the like |
| Price range | From tens of thousands of yen | From a few hundred yen |
| Durability | High, meant to last a lifetime | Low, prone to tarnish and damage |
| Gentleness on the skin | Rarely causes irritation, depending on the material | More likely to cause irritation, such as from nickel |
| Asset value | Yes | Almost none |
Owning many inexpensive accessories and owning just a few fine pieces of jewelry are both lovely choices. But if you are looking forsomething you will still want to wear ten years from nowthen investing in well made jewelry is well worth it. It can even prove more cost effective than repeatedly replacing inexpensive accessories.
What should my first piece be?
At ANNA DIAMOND, we believe jewelry issomething that accompanies the everyday life of the person who wears itIt is lovely to look radiant in the eyes of others, but what we value even more isthe quiet enrichment you feel when it catches your own eyeThat is why we focus on rings and bracelets, pieces you notice as they naturally come into view throughout the day.
Necklaces and earrings are lovely too, of course, but if you are unsure about your very first piece, we recommend aRingThe sparkle at your fingertips, catching your eye in a quiet moment, becomes a daily source of motivation.
If you are unsureRingwe recommend a ring. Jewelry placed where your own eyes can see it becomes a daily motivation. A delicate design is perfect for everyday wear.
How to choose the material
Because it is your first piece of jewelry, we hope you will choosea material that lastsfor years to come.
Recommended materials, in order of preference
1. K10 (yellow gold / white gold)A fine balance of price and quality. More affordable than K18 or platinum, yet high in quality. An ideal material for those just beginning.
2. K18 (yellow gold / white gold)A quality you can keep for a lifetime, with the reassurance of a piece meant to last. It sits comfortably on the skin and pairs easily with any look, a truly versatile material.
3. Platinum 900 and 950Keeps its beauty for years with simple care. Its refined radiance suits even formal occasions.
Materials best avoided
Plated piecesInexpensive, but the plating wears away and tarnishes within a few months.
BrassProne to verdigris, and it can darken the skin.
Alloys containing nickelA common cause of metal allergies.
A guide to budget
Jewelry may seem expensive, but with a simple design you can find pieces in a relatively accessible price range.
| Item | Entry price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delicate ring | From ¥50,000 | K10 to K18, without a stone or with a small stone |
| Solitaire diamond necklace | From ¥60,000 | Lab-grown diamond, K18YG |
| Stud earrings | From ¥60,000 | Diamond or gold only |
| Bracelet | From ¥150,000 | K18 chain type |
For your first piece of jewelryThere is no need to stretch for something expensiveWhat matters is whether you will want to wear it every day. It is lovely to begin with one simple, well made piece and grow your collection little by little.
For yourself vs as a gift
Jewelry may bring to mindsomething given by anotherbut jewelry you give to yourself is lovely too.
As a reward to yourself
A promotion, a new job, a birthday, a wedding anniversary.More and more people are choosing jewelry as a reward to themselves at life's milestonesJewelry you choose yourself will surely suit your taste, and become something you want to wear every day.
Giving jewelry as a gift
Jewelry chosen with someone in mind isthe finest of giftsThat said, because a ring depends on size, a necklace or earrings are the safer choice for a surprise. At ANNA DIAMOND, gift wrapping and a message card are provided free of charge.
Recommendations by occasion
Choosing by where you would like to wear it makes it easier to get right.
| Occasion | Recommended | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Office | Solitaire diamond necklace, stud earrings | Understated yet refined radiance |
| Casual | Delicate ring, chain bracelet | Looks lovely even with a T-shirt and denim |
| Formal | Diamond earrings, pendant necklace | Adds a touch of brilliance when dressing up |
| A date | Layered necklace, ring | Quietly memorable |
| Everyday (after marriage) | Wedding band, pinky ring | Comfortable to keep on all day |
If you are looking for one versatile piece for every occasion, we recommend adelicate ring in K18 yellow goldora solitaire diamond necklaceIt settles in naturally, whether at the office, in casual wear, or on formal occasions.
How to decide on size
The way to think about size differs by item.
Necklace
The length of the chain is what matters.40cmis the most standard, placing the pendant around the collarbone. At 45cm it is a little longer, well suited to layering. Most ANNA DIAMOND necklaces come with an adjuster of 40 to 45cm.
Ring
You will need to know your ring size. For details, please seering size guideFor a first piece, we recommend trying it on in store.
Bracelet
A comfortable fit leaves1 to 1.5cm of roomaround the wrist. Too tight and it feels constricting, too loose and it catches easily.
Points for lasting wear
To wear your first piece of jewelryfor many years to comewe share a few key points.
1. Wipe it after taking it offA quick wipe with a soft cloth is all it takes.
2. Put it on last, take it off firstThis prevents cosmetics and sprays from settling on it.
3. Store each piece separatelyThis keeps pieces from scratching one another.
4. Clean it regularlyOnce a month, with lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
5. Have it inspected by a professional every two yearsTo check for loose settings and scratches.
For detailed care instructions, see themaintenance guidefor more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your first piece of jewelry isHaruna Mori — Designer
the beginning of your next chapter.
It need not be perfect. Choose what feels true to you.