foundations: building a fine jewelry collection

source: The Sartorialist
i think the best kind of jewelry is the kind that you never take off.

i have a few fun 'statement' necklaces for nights out or special occasions, but the real workhorses are my everyday simple gold foundations. a few rules of thumb for building a basic fine jewelry collection:

1. go for the (solid) gold (14k/18k) – i personally love the look of yellow or rose gold. it's durable, timeless, and won't tarnish (unlike gold plated/gold-fill pieces, which are generally base metal coated with a layer of gold that will wear off over time).
2. choose a minimal design – some of the most elegant women i know wear only the barest of gold jewelry. a simple, understated design and small stones will go with everything and every occasion.

these are three of my most-worn, everyday pieces:

1. tiny everyday diamond earrings (in rose gold) // 2. simple gold necklace (another option) // 3. delicate gold ring
finally, a fourth foundation piece in my collection is a pair of classic pearl earrings. they're traditionally suited for more formal occasions, but i love just wearing mine with a simple tee and jeans.

P.S.: "jewelry that one never takes off" is more of an idea than a literal statement. (i always take off rings and earrings before bed, though i do wear my trusty everyday necklace 24/7.)

do you wear gold jewelry? what is your everyday go-to piece?