Managing products similar but different

Most, if not all of my products are one of a kind. For example

a. I have a collection called Fused Flora
b. Within the collection I may (or may not) have mulitple jewelry types (rings, pendants, necklaces, etc.)--always as least one type.
c. Within a collection I also may (or may not) have groups (such as Fiddleheads)--maybe none.
d. Within each group, the items are all different and have different prices.

My Questions:

1. I'm looking for the best way to setup the product structure, both from the users ability to navigate and my ability to manage. Do you have any suggestions or examples you can point me to see?

2. I currently have the essentials version but would upgrade if it would help me be more efficient. Would the product templates help me more than just doing imports from a spreadsheet?

1. I think I"m doing #1. I'll keep working it. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something obvious.
2. Sounds like templates and especially the copy product will help. I think I'll give it a try.

Thanks for reply.

OK..I just upgrade and both the template and copy features will be very helpful. R