When building up your jewellery wardrobe, remember: it’s not so much about the size of your collection as it is about the love you have for each of the individual pieces. And while selecting a new addition doesn’t necessarily begin with trends, adding a statement necklace that you scored on sale can be just as rewarding as donning your grandmother’s pearl earrings—if you select the right match.

For expert advice on your summer fashion shopping needs, we chatted with Michael Fisher, a celebrity stylist with Starworks Artists, about how to build up a jewellery collection of high and low pieces that you love just the same.

Summer jewellery shopping tip: Strategic shopping

While we tend to think of any shopping trip as a victorious one (we grew up watching Cher Horowitz, after all), end-of-summer purchases especially should have a long-term purpose to them. Sagely summer shopping deciding factor? “Anything you can pull forward into fall,” advises Fisher. His transitional go-to piece is a heavy bicycle chain necklace—whether it’s metal, powder-coated or enameled. “The newest ones have stations of color or mixed metal,” he says. Pretty and punk.

Summer jewellery shopping tip: Transitional pieces

Think of your jewellery collection as an #armparty with a curated guest list of your favourite pieces (and it wouldn’t hurt to stock up with bracelets from summer sales). “You can mix and layer them in with Fall/Winter pieces,” says Fisher. “This is also a great way to create a signature look by mixing in the pieces you’ve cultivated over time.” For summer fashion inspiration, look to the pile of colourful bangles stacked on wrists of runway models at Fendi’s Spring/Summer 2012 show.

Summer jewellery shopping tip: Timeless pieces

There’s just something inherently adult about acquiring (or inheriting) signature high-end jewellery pieces—and mixing them up with your favourite less expensive costume pieces for a polished and well-rounded look. Fisher’s picks for jewellery that never ceases to lose its gilded edge? “A classic vintage investment watch (Rolex, Cartier, Omega), Céline cuff, Cartier Love bracelet and a signet pinky ring.”

Summer fashion: The birds and the bugs jewellery

For more summer fashion shopping tips and 5 must-have jewellery pieces, read on to the next page...