A few years ago, catching me without gobs and gobs of jewelry on would never happen, period. Earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces covered my body, usually causing a tangled mess of chains, clasps, and pendants that I’d then have to meticulously unravel for hours on end. Eventually, it got to be too much, and I started to edit down my jewelry collection—both in my jewelry box and on my body—until I began only wearing a small handful of pieces on a daily basis with a few rogue statement items being added when necessary for a certain look.
Having gone from the least picky jewelry shopper to the pickiest one, I’ve learned something about what’s really worth buying and what’s better left in the display case. And I don’t mean just because of a piece’s price tag. From timeless items you’ll own forever to trendy baubles that will serve your outfits (and your Instagram feed) well, the mightily cool jewelry pieces ahead all passed my particularly grueling test. I get the feeling they will pass yours too.
Who can pass up a $17 work of art?
I love pieces that mix metals because they make it easy to experiment with other jewelry of all materials.
This Prada earring is downright iconic.
These chokers are so architectural and cool.
Make a statement.
Tennis bracelets are trending. This one from Nordstrom lets you try the trend without doling out thousands of dollars for a real diamond option.
It’s giving horse girl.
Not only is this pendant gorgeous, but it can also be worn in so many ways because of the adjustable feature on this cord.
Not your average drop earrings.
Wrist cuffs like this one were all over the fall/winter 2023 runways.
So simple and chic.
You could wear the simplest outfit, and this necklace would make it a 10/10.
An elevated version of all the early-aughts butterfly motifs going around right now.
Something blue.
She’s a beauty.
Everyone’s wearing corded jewelry this season.
If you don’t want to get a ton of piercings, earrings like this pair will give you the look without any of the pain.
This cuff looks wildly expensive.
After taking out most of my cartilage piercings because they would constantly get irritated, I started relying on cool ear cuffs like this one. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Heart-shaped jewelry is so big right now.
A flashier take on classic chunky hoops.
Personalization is always appreciated.
You’ll wear this forever.
Crying.
These leather hoops make just the right statement.
Big and bold.
The prettiest.
This wide choker lives in my head rent-free.
Trust me. If you get these, everyone will want to know where you bought them.
To pair with jeans, a white tee, and point-toe heels.
