Just a brief background of myself and my experience with baubles: I have always loved jewelry. Not necessarily in the same way that all little girls liked to dress up and play with their mother's gems, I mean I really love jewelry. So much so that I brought my mother's diamonds and pearls to show and tell in kindergarten, only to have them confiscated by the school nurse (and family friend) and transferred safely back to my mother's hands. So much so that I was started a charm bracelet that was filled up with over 50 charms by the time I graduated from college. So much so that every summer, for six years, on my way to summer camp, my parents would drive through Kerrville, just so we could go to the James Avery home and store. So much so that my first antique auction purchase was a garnet and sapphire vermeil ring that I still wear to this day. So much would be the key phrase. I probably have more rings than I do socks, and more earrings than I do underwear. I wholeheartedly believe that you can change any outfit's intentions with jewelry. You can make jeans and a tshirt sultry and a little black dress simply and day-appropriate. Although Coco Chanel had very good intentions, I do not believe in her "remove one piece of jewelry before you leave your home" rule--I say add, don't detract. The more the better. Layer, stack, bangle. Now, please hear me: I am NOT an overkill kind of girl. I believe jewelry should be worn in moderation, and (of course) in taste. I certainly ascribe to quality over quantity...but sometimes a girl just wants to have fun!
I think you can do both.
Take for example, if you will, my 15 carat smokey topaz that sits high aloft a 14k gold band and swirl setting. (Please note: tasteful 6-prong setting. Quantity and quality are not synonymous when one is choosing a prong setting.) This is a gorgeous cocktail ring, similar to the styles of the 1950s and 1960s, but purchased from an estate containing more pieces from the 1920s and 1930s. This ring is a classic eye-catcher for all the right reasons. It's slightly larger than socially appropriate for day wear, and slightly undersized for typical cocktail, allowing me to wear it day and night. It's classic proportions and timeless style are just as appreciated now as they were then.
In Texas, this is considered a "rang", not a simple ring.
However, such things do not come cheaply. This is why I fully support the current jewelry trend of bringing back vintage at a fraction of the price.
The moral of this story is: purchasing and wearing vintage is great for the environment (it's recycling at its best!). However, when push comes to shove (and the budget is a consideration), well-made imitations of the real thing are certainly a better alternative to nothing at all.
(māg'pī') 
