I Have One Hand—Here’s the Inclusive Jewelry That Actually Works for Me

The surprisingly chic pieces that save me from battling clasps, hooks, and microscopic earring backs.

April Lockhart wearing her inclusive jewelry in front of a plain backdrop
(Image credit: April Lockhart)

As someone experiments constantly with clothing, I oddly find myself reaching for the same jewelry pieces over and over.

It feels ironic that jewelry—the thing meant to be the easy finishing touch—is often the thing that slows me down in my morning routine. Let me disclose: I was born with a limb difference and have one hand, so jewelry and I have a…complicated relationship. Clasps, hooks, microscopic earring backs—anything that requires the dexterity of a tiny surgeon—tend to be, well, character-building.

I’ll still wrestle with a pair of earrings in the name of fashion martyrdom on occasion. But the older I get, the more I gravitate toward pieces that let me opt into style without a struggle.

April Lockhart wearing statement earrings in various poses

(Image credit: April Lockhart)

The twist? Some of the coolest, most-worn jewelry in my collection is accidentally accessible. Both chic and easy to put on.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that accessibility is often just smart design hiding in plain sight. And, spoiler alert, everyone benefits from it. Jewelry might still fight me occasionally, but the pieces that stay in my daily rotation share one thing in common: They allow me to look chic without a battle. To me, that’s true luxury.

Here is the inclusive jewelry that's earned permanent residency in my everyday rotation. Not a single one involves the tiny metal menace known as the earring back.

One-Click Wonder Earrings

April Lockhart wearing statement earrings

(Image credit: April Lockhart)

I’m an earring girl through and through. If I could only wear one type of jewelry for the rest of my life, it would be earrings. I’ve been wearing Jenny Bird for years: Their U-Link earrings were my gateway pair. Initially, I was hypnotized by the geometric shape, but four years later, they’re still in my rotation because they’re the easiest earrings on the planet to put on. They’re lightweight, they snap closed in a single click, and they instantly make a statement.

Honestly, the amount of one-piece, hinged, click-on styles in Jenny Bird's lineup is a gift to anyone who doesn’t have the time, patience, or ability to deal with fiddly jewelry. Plus, they just brought back clip-on earrings, and I’m here to confirm they don’t hurt after one hour like the old school ones.

I also recently ordered Sézane's earrings out of fascination because they are one single piece, and just pop on. I’m hooked.

The Bangle Renaissance

April Lockhart wearing a ring stack with two bangle bracelets

(Image credit: April Lockhart)

I’m elated that bangles are back. A bracelet I can slip on and off with zero effort? Sign me up and send me multiples.

There’s nothing cooler to me right now than a bangle stack. They’re architectural, they’re chic, and they require exactly zero fine motor skills. Even better, there are endless affordable options. A trend that everyone can participate in.

Pendant Necklaces—or Better Yet, Bolo Ties

April Lockhart wearing bolo tie necklaces

(Image credit: April Lockhart)

Let’s talk clasps. Actually, let’s not.

Lately, I’ve been obsessing over necklaces that don’t require them. Pendant necklaces rising in popularity the last few years has felt like a personal win. They elevate even a simple white tank and jeans, and they slide over the head—adjust, and voilà! Instant style without a single clasp.

My current favorite is the bolo tie necklace. It adds the perfect western-tinged, cool-girl touch that feeds my Nashville soul. There’s no begging a friend to “just hook it really quick” or attempting to fasten something behind your neck while performing a yoga pose.

Rings: The Category That Gets It Right

two close ups of April Lockhart's hand wearing silver rings

(Image credit: April Lockhart)

Rings don’t necessarily solve an accessibility problem, but they are my version of easy dopamine dressing. No clasps, no hinges—just slip on and go. I’m a firm believer that more is more when it comes to rings, and the ones in my current rotation are simple, sculptural, and endlessly wearable.

April Lockhart
Contributing Fashion Editor

April Lockhart is the founder of Disabled& and an advocate for the disabled community. She's been featured in Vogue, The Cut, Byrdie, Refinery 29, Who What Wear, and Fast Company, among others. Her 2023 debut at New York Fashion Week walking for Victoria’s Secret’s adaptive line and her work as a model for Anthropologie’s adaptive collection has solidified her status as a trailblazer in both the fashion industry and advocacy space. In 2025, April was featured on Forbes' 30 under 30 list. She's also on Substack.