When looking for a unique piece of jewelry to add to your collection, you can’t go wrong with monogrammed pieces. Ranging from casual to upscale, these style staples will work with everything in your closet. However, selecting monogrammed jewelry requires a bit more thought than just scrolling through pages of pretty things and tossing something into your cart. With a wide variety of options available, you’ll need to select the base style that best suites you and make a variety of choices to customize it. In the end, you’ll have a bespoke piece that represents you and your tastes. Choose your jewelry Before delving into the details of selecting monogrammed jewelry, the first step is to decide which type of piece you are looking for. Unlike statement pieces that coordinate with a handful of outfits, monogrammed pieces are meant to be classic, everyday jewelry that can be worn with everything in your wardrobe. The key is to select a piece that is stylish enough to show off, but also practical enough to suite your lifestyle. Necklaces: By far the most popular choice, monogrammed necklaces also come in the widest variety of styles. Most styles allow you to choose your chain length with options ranging from 16 to 20 inches. For maximum versatility, choose the length that allows the pendant to graze your collarbone. Bracelets: From cuffs and bangles and leather wraps and chains, a huge variety of monogrammed bracelets are available to showcase your personality. Blu Bijoux Erica Anenberg Sarah Chloe Rings: Though not as common as necklaces and bracelets, monogrammed rings, or signet rings, are fashionable choices that are sure to be conversation pieces. With a history that dates back to European royalty, signet rings are classic jewelry pieces that never go out of style. Signet rings are usually worn on the right hand, and while they are often seen on the ring finger, the European tradition is to place them on the pinkie. Ariel Gordon Sarah Chloe West Avenue Jewelry Choose your material Monogrammed jewelry is available in a variety of metals and other materials. This choice may play the biggest role in determining the overall look of the piece, as well as the price. Silver: If your wardrobe consists of mostly cooler shades, such as blue, gray, pastels and white, silver tones will complement the majority of your wardrobe. Silver shades will also brighten cool skin tones with pink undertones and blue or green eyes. Many monogrammed pieces are offered in sterling silver and white gold. Sterling silver will be the more affordable option, but it may tarnish and will need more frequent cleaning. White gold, while more expensive, will be more durable and resistant to scratches. Gold: Clothing in warm tones, such as orange, camel and burgundy, makes an excellent backdrop for gold jewelry. Plus, ladies with warm skin with yellow undertones and brown eyes will appreciate gold jewelry for the way it accents their natural beauty. Many monogrammed pieces are available in yellow or rose gold. Yellow gold is a style staple that is also hypoallergenic. Rose gold, with a slightly pink hue, may be a bit more affordable and more durable thanks to added copper. Acrylic: If you are looking for something a bit trendier than a solid metal, an acrylic necklace may be what you are looking for. These pieces come in a variety of bright shades from fuchsia and aqua to navy and orange. This look is popular with the young and young-at-heart and is a perfect way to merge a classic style with fun colors. Choose your background Monogram necklaces and jewelry are available in a variety of shapes and styles. The shape you select not only determines the overall look, but also the space available for the monogram. Discs: A solid metal background for engraved lettering provides a casual look. Circular discs are the most popular, but square and heart-shaped options are also available. Cutout letters: Intertwined letters, cut from metal or acrylic, give monogrammed pieces an upscale look. ID tags and plates: Elongated metal tags and plates provide a backdrop for engraved letters. This option may also provide extra space for additional letters. Discs Cutout Letters ID Tags and Plates Choose your lettering The letters or content is the most noticeable and important feature of any piece of monogrammed jewelry. The biggest choice you will face in the selection process involves what letters or words to include. While the choice is entirely up to you, there are standard selections and popular favorites that can guide your decision. Keep in mind that most jewelry pieces are specifically designed to accommodate one of these options. Three-letter monograms: Classic monograms feature three letters, representing the first, last and middle names. In most cases, the last initial should be slightly larger and in the center, with the first initial on the left and the middle initial on the right. However, a married woman may choose to use the first letter of her maiden name on the right, rather than her middle initial. In situations in which all three letters will be the same size, it is acceptable to use the first, middle and last initials in that order, from left to right. If the piece is destined to be bridal jewelry or a wedding gift, the couple’s joint monogram, with the last initial in the middle with his first initial on the left and hers on the right, is a meaningful choice. Initials: A single initial, representing the first name, is an excellent choice for teens and single women. This allows the piece to grow with them and be worn even after marriage changes their monogram. First, or last, initials also look lovely on items with limited space for engraving, as a dangling charm, or on a signet ring. Name: Though not technically a monogram, many jewelry pieces can be personalized with a name. Typically, this calls for a slightly larger piece, such as an ID tag or nameplate, as smaller pieces look crowded with more than three letters. Other Options: Beyond the traditional choices, there are endless ways to personalize jewelry. A common option for mom is the names or initials of her children. For a more cryptic option, select a meaningful date or GPS coordinates. Choose the size Monogrammed necklaces come in a variety of sizes. For example, the popular West Avenue Monogram Necklace comes in three versions. Other designers feature pieces in similar sizes. Small: This dainty piece is ¾ inch and is practical enough for everyday wear with everything in your closet. Medium: At 1 inch in diameter this option is the best of both worlds. It’s large enough to get noticed without overwhelming. Large: At 1 5/8 inches in diameter, this is a hefty statement piece. Let it make an impact with tops in simple shapes and solid colors. ¾ inch 1 inch 1 5/8 inches 1 ¼ inches Choose your accents Now that you’ve decided what style, size and color you are looking for, dress up your monogrammed necklace or jewelry piece with some fun accents. Several styles allow for the addition of birthstones or pearl charms. For a truly decadent look, the West Avenue Monogram Necklace is available with diamonds along the letters while the Emily and Ashley Classic Diamond Monogram Necklace is ringed in the stones.