5 Minimalist Jewelry Brands That Look Legit Expensive
My mother recently told me I was too old to be wearing “small jewelry.” Apparently once you hit a certain (undisclosed) age, you need to be sporting earrings and necklaces that can be spotted from across a room. While I don’t disagree that a wardrobe should include statement pieces, I live for small items that I can throw on with a t-shirt, sleep in, or stack for a more editorial look.
I’m no fashion forecaster and I don’t know if the minimalism trend is on the way out – if season two of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is any indication, it’s alive and well – but I’ve tested a number of companies that specialize in teeny bits and bobbles over the past few years. I’m spotlighting the following five brands because they make consistently reliable pieces: trendy, tarnish-proof, and totally affordable.
For Mixing and Matching: Mejuri
For a mix of everyday and fine jewelry, check out Mejuri. This brand has everything from small gold studs ($35 for one) to lab-grown diamond necklaces ($9,000). What’s unique about their collection is that it’s meant to be bought piecemeal, then mixed and matched. Get hoop earrings that can be modified with different links or necklaces with a suite of removable charms.
2. Amazon-Friendly: Ana Luisa
I treat Amazon sellers like characters treat each other in a horror movie: Trust no one. The exception to this rule is Ana Luisa. You can buy jewelry directly from their site, but they also have an impressive Amazon storefront with almost all their products. Founded in 2018, they have a ton of gold and silver basics spotted with pearls and tiny diamonds. A pair of studs will run you around $40 or you can turn to their solid gold section for items around $500.
3. Bridal Party MVP: Hello Adorn
Need to stock up on items for your bridesmaids? Looking for a few simple pieces to wear with your gown? Hello Adorn has you covered with twists, hoops, and studs starting at $20. They make swappable charms for their earrings, so you can mix and match your own set or create different combos for your friends. They’re not in the fine jewelry game – the highest priced item is $174 – so you’ll stay under budget, even if you go with personalized charms.
4. For Nap Queens: Maison Miru
Come for the Nap Earrings, stay for everything else. Maison Miru has a small(er) but mighty collection of flatback earrings in basic metals and 14K gold, along with necklaces and bracelets made of chains of all sizes. If you are looking to splurge, go for some birthstone studs in solid gold.
5. A Store Near You: Gorjana
You know how I know malls aren’t dead? Because there’s a gorjana store there now, and it’s swamped. The Malibu-founded brand has dainty pieces at high and low price points and their breezy style is a whole Instagram vibe. Think golden seashells, marble countertops, and personalized charm bracelets. This is the store your teen will visit to wreck your bank account.