These classic pieces will always have a permanent place in a sophisticated wardrobe.

Brooches, Clip-On Earrings, Glass Stone Baubles, Cocktail Rings, Charm Bracelets

My Nana’s jewelry box sat in the center of her dresser. Always open, it overflowed with bits and baubles—heavy strands of beads, sparkling brooches, stud earrings, and a few spare buttons, too. I remember staring longingly at its contents, carefully observing the pieces I couldn’t wait to try on. Now and then, she’d let me take a necklace for a spin around town, and I felt like I had won the lottery every time. When she passed, my cousins and siblings received various inheritances, most of which aren’t worth much monetarily. Their value lies in our memories, which are recalled each time we pull one from our own jewelry boxes to wear. My item of choice is a glass amethyst right-hand ring that my great-grandfather acquired on a trip to Asia and brought back to my grandmother. When I slip it on my finger, it’s a reminder that grandmothers always know best, particularly when it comes to accessories.

If you have a chance to dig through your grandmother’s costume collection, see if she can part with something from the list below. These classic pieces will always have a permanent place in a sophisticated wardrobe.

Brooches

These beautiful pins, frequently adorned with sparkling rhinestones, intricate enameling, or delicate filigree, were a staple in our grandmothers' jewelry boxes. Far from being a relic of the past, brooches offer a unique opportunity for personal expression. They can elevate a simple blazer, add a touch of glamour to a plain dress, secure a scarf with elegance, or even be artfully arranged in a cluster for a statement piece. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to transform an outfit with a single, well-placed detail. And let’s not forget the cheeky shapes, sizes and critters they come in. North Carolinian Don Lynch recalls his grandmother’s memorable Christmas Tree pin, "It’s possibly the only costume jewelry she owned." A brooch is a creative way to add pizzazz and express personality.

Pearls

Few pieces of jewelry evoke the same timeless elegance and refined grace as pearls. Our grandmothers understood the inherent beauty of these natural wonders, whether gracing a simple strand around the neck, adorning delicate earrings, or as a focal point on a cocktail ring. "My grandmother always called her long strand of beautiful pearls her beads," laughs Kim Wood of Fayetteville, Georgia. Unlike fleeting trends, pearls possess an enduring allure that transcends generations. Their luminous glow, ranging from the classic creamy white to delicate pinks and mysterious blacks, adds a touch of understated luxury to any ensemble. From casual daytime wear to the most formal evening affairs, pearls effortlessly transition.

Clip-On Earrings

When rummaging through a grandmother's jewelry box, you're almost guaranteed to stumble upon a pair of clip-on earrings. These ingenious accessories, which soared in popularity through much of the 20th century, offered a stylish solution for women who didn't have pierced ears, or for those who wanted to wear heavier, more elaborate designs without stretching their lobes. Sure, they might be heavy as mud, but you also can’t beat the style. From dazzling Art Deco chandeliers to elegant pearl drops and bold mid-century modern shapes, clip-ons allowed for incredible diversity in earring design. As Margaret Mewborn, the designer behind Mae Wearable Art, says, "Vintage clip-on earrings, particularly the ones that hurt the most, are the prettiest. No pain, no gain!"

Glass Stone Baubles

Often mistaken for precious gems, these shimmering pieces were the unsung heroes of our grandmothers' accessorizing, offering an accessible way to emulate the glamour of fine jewelry. From brilliant faceted "rhinestones" that mimicked diamonds to richly colored cabochons replicating everything from emeralds to sapphires, glass provided an endless palette for imaginative designs. Its ability to capture light, without the hefty price tag, was a bonus.

Cocktail Rings

Beyond the traditional wedding or engagement ring, our grandmothers often adorned their right hands with rings that told a different, equally compelling story. These "right-hand rings," frequently bold cocktail rings or intricately designed statement pieces, were worn not as symbols of marital status, but as expressions of personal style, independence, or to commemorate a significant achievement. Julie-Anna Jernigan, a resident of Smiths Station, Alabama, says she can still picture her grandmother’s massive brown topaz cocktail ring.

Charm Bracelets

Among the most personal and evocative treasures in a grandmother's jewelry box, charm bracelets stand out as wearable timelines of a life well-lived. Unlike other pieces chosen purely for aesthetic appeal, charm bracelets tell a story. Perhaps her charms represent trips to Europe, tokens of luck, indications of hobbies, or nods to significant milestones. A charm bracelet (or necklace!) never goes out of style.

Cameos

These miniature works of art evoke a sense of classical beauty and historical romance. They are exquisitely carved from materials like shell, agate, or glass, typically featuring a raised profile, most often of a graceful female figure or a mythological scene. When rummaging through a jewelry box, look for brooches, pendants, and rings. Cameos are a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and a connection to eras past.

Watches

The watch from your grandmother's jewelry box often holds a blend of practical utility and profound sentiment. Far more than simple time-telling devices, these watches—whether a dainty cocktail watch with a hidden face, a sturdy, elegant bracelet watch, or a classic leather-strapped timepiece—represent an era when a watch was an indispensable part of a woman's daily ensemble. Phones and clocks weren’t portable, but watches were, ensuring time was wisely and lovingly spent.