I’m a Statement Jewelry Convert—These Are the 8 Brands I’m Loving

I’ve never been a staunch minimalist, but I have definitely leaned that way most of my life. I like simplicity and good design, preferring elements like texture, shape, and fabric to bring more interest to a piece rather than bold color or fussy details. In a Venn diagram of personal style using only Saint Laurent muses, I’ve always felt my circle overlapped more with Betty Catroux than Loulou de la Falaise. While I can appreciate the latter’s flair for the dramatic, Betty’s lean suits and masculine-meets-feminine approach resonate far more than Loulou’s prints and layered stacks of bangles.

It goes without saying, then, that my approach to jewelry has historically been less-is-more. I have been wearing the same two Cartier pieces daily, along with my wedding band and the diamond stud earrings I always keep on, even when I swim. Jackie O had her swimming ring; I have swimming earrings. So it surprised me, as much as anyone, over the past few years that I was suddenly drawn to statement jewelry pieces so often.

Backing up slightly, I have to admit some prior prejudice when it comes to the statement necklace in particular. If you had purchasing power in the mid-aughts, you may, like me, have statement necklace PTSD. These candy-hued monstrosities were all over mall culture, and while some designers were certainly making high-quality versions, most of what was readily available wasn’t good. I skipped the whole thing entirely then.

My gateway drug into statement jewelry was undoubtedly pearl necklaces—I find them very elegant and still quite minimal. I also am really feeling tassel necklaces. These pieces are still mainly black and white, a departure from gold or silver, which obviously had been my go-tos, but still well within my comfort zone. More recently, I’ve also been embracing some color in necklaces and earrings as well—just a bit of rich red or green. These are generally crafted out of the same gems you find in crystal shops, so they give me all the good energy malachite and red jasper.

The trick to keeping my newfound favorite statement jewelry pieces aligned with my personal style is that the outfits that I style them in are always streamlined, meaning I let one single item shine at a time (though I don’t mind two necklaces if they coordinate well). And of course, good design is always king.

Here are eight of the jewelry brands I’ve been loving and collecting. This list is hardly exhaustive, and remember, there’s also always vintage!

The Best Minimalist-Approved Statement Jewelry Brands

Le Sundial

What I love most about the Milan-based artisan jewelry brand founded by designer Silvia Dusci is her European and art deco influences. It all feels very sultry-evening-in-Venice, which is one of my main personalities.

Julietta

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I am a Julietta stan. This Brooklyn-based jewelry brand was founded by Juliana Liden in 2021, but I discovered it about a year or so ago. She is putting out such a beautiful range, and I especially love the collar necklaces and just recently got the long green jade necklace, which feels like a game-changer.

Lizzie Fortunato

I’ve actually been well-versed in the wares put out by twin sisters Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato for years, but only recently really delved into their more true statement pieces. I love the whimsy and creativity they bring to each piece they design.

Completed Works

I’m drawn to the artful and intellectual vibe Completed Works offers. The jewelry brand was founded by Anna Jewsbury after she graduated from Oxford as a way to translate her interest in history and politics into beautiful creations. Everything she makes feels so special.

At Present

I first discovered At Present via a design collaboration with a fashion creator that I think is very chic, and it’s been a love affair ever since. It was founded by a fifth-generation jeweler and seeks to champion independent designers, which I love. The pieces are unique and beautifully made; I especially love these lariats, which I paired with a vintage onyx necklace I found on eBay and a Facetes jacket, a small French label that’s very chic.

Jennifer Behr

I have mainly associated Brooklyn-based Jennifer Behr with her iconic hair accessories, which are often quite feminine and perfect for weddings and special events. As I delved into her jewelry offerings, I was super drawn to the simplicity of the pieces and how the materials she uses truly become the star. I particularly love how her extra-long stone necklaces can be worn in so many ways—I love mine with an oversized T-shirt to really put it on display.

Mosquito

Speaking of hair accessories, I am counting this stunning one as jewelry from Mosquito, a modernist, Spanish, made-to-order label with an incredible approach to craftsmanship. These pieces are simple yet breathtaking and often take hours to create. I love wearing this French hair clip with their onyx drop earrings, I think it looks so elegant for evening with a refined yet easy robe jacket.

Tara Chial

I only recently discovered Tara Chial and fell instantly in love with this shell belt-slash-necklace with a tassel detail. The colors meld together so beautifully, I styled it as a belt with a Fou Paris top and Dodiee trousers. The Panama-born, New York-based designer has a joyful approach to jewelry that’s contagious. I also have a pair of dark green earrings from her that I can’t wait to wear.