I'm Calling It, These Are the Only Contemporary Jewellery Brands You Need to Have on Your Radar
Our take
The current jewellery landscape, as detailed in "I'm Calling It, These Are the Only Contemporary Jewellery Brands You Need to Have on Your Radar," reflects a fascinating return to eclecticism. It's a welcome shift from the hyper-specific micro-trends that have dominated fashion for the past few years. The article’s observation about an amalgamation of past decades – the bold gold of the 80s, the chokers and chandeliers of the 90s, and the dragonfly motifs of the 00s – perfectly encapsulates this sentiment. This isn't about rigidly adhering to one aesthetic; it’s about personal curation and the layering of individual expression. We’ve seen a similar sentiment play out in broader fashion trends, where the focus is moving away from fleeting trends and toward timeless staples – something our Shopping Director highlighted in Not Messing Around—I'm a Shopping Director, and These Are the Chic Staples I Know Other Fashion People Will Like. This broader trend towards considered, enduring style underscores the jewellery market's current evolution; it’s less about chasing the next "it" piece and more about investing in pieces that resonate with personal style and can be incorporated into a diverse wardrobe.
The emphasis on shells, mixed metals, and bold beads speaks to a desire for adornment that feels both grounded and playful. It's a rejection of the minimalist, barely-there aesthetic that reigned for so long, and a move towards a more maximalist, celebratory approach. This resonates deeply with a cultural moment that values authenticity and self-expression above all else. The article correctly identifies a broadening of what’s considered “contemporary,” which is crucial. It's no longer enough to simply be new; jewellery must also possess a sense of history, personality, and craftsmanship. Consider the subtle impact of footwear choices – something we explored in Not Sandals—If You Want Your Summer Outfits to Look Rich, Wear This Shoe Trend Instead; the shift from overtly flashy sandals to understated, elegant alternatives mirrors the jewellery trend's move away from blatant displays of wealth and towards a more refined, intentional approach. The key is finding pieces that elevate an outfit without overwhelming it—a lesson applicable to both jewellery and footwear.
The rise of these diverse styles also has implications for the jewellery brands themselves. Success in this environment will require a nuanced understanding of individual preferences and a commitment to offering pieces that tell a story. It’s not enough to simply produce beautiful objects; brands must cultivate a sense of community and connection with their customers. The focus should shift from transactional sales to building lasting relationships based on shared values and a mutual appreciation for craftsmanship. We’ve seen this principle applied effectively in other areas of fashion, like the resurgence of classic French styling, as noted in The Chicest Over 50s Will Be Coming Back to This French Outfit Formula All Autumn; the emphasis on timeless elegance and understated sophistication serves as a powerful model for the jewellery industry as well. Brands that can successfully tap into this desire for authenticity and connection will be best positioned to thrive.
Ultimately, the current jewellery landscape signals a broader shift in consumer values. It’s a move away from fleeting trends and toward enduring style, away from conspicuous consumption and toward mindful curation. The emphasis on personal expression and individual storytelling is paramount. As the lines between fashion and self-identity continue to blur, one question remains: will the rise of this eclectic jewellery landscape lead to a further fragmentation of style, or will it ultimately coalesce into a new, more unified definition of contemporary luxury?
If the 80s were defined by bold gold jewellery, the 90s by chokers and chandelier earrings, and the 00s by dragonfly designs and resin rings, today's jewellery trends are an amalgamation of all three and more—plucking elements from eras gone by and settling on a smorgasbord of every style. Think tassel necklaces, colourful beading and a scattering of shells mixing with more minimalist studs and thin bands metal, making the term contemporary jewellery genuinely difficult to pin to any one aesthetic. And it's exactly this that makes today's jewellery brands so exciting: anything goes, so long as it's incredibly well crafted.
There are still some key themes to take note of, though, as the Who What Wear 2026 jewellery trend report already laid out. Art Deco, gothic romance and extra-long tassels are all on the agenda, as are shell-inspired pieces, boldly coloured gemstones and semi-precious rocks with more of a spiritual meaning. Can you tell your citrine from your rose quartz? I'm willing to bet yes. And there's plenty of space for more minimalist styles too: cord necklaces, subtly mixed metals and runway-inspired pouch necklaces among the sleekest.
Scroll on for the contemporary jewellery brands permanently on my moodboard—and now, hopefully, yours.
9 Contemporary Jewellery Brands to Know
1. Julietta
Style Notes: Ask any fashion editor for the three jewellery brands they're loving right now, and odds are Julietta features on almost every list. Taking cues from the 70s and 80s, designer Juliana Liden and the New York-based team reimagine vintage favourites with modern-day designs.
Shop Julietta:
The length of this yellow rhodochrosite necklace is what I find the most impactful. Layer over a shirt, swimsuit or dress for an instant (and easy) outfit addition.
Remember the resin bangle trio trend of last summer? An oversized cuff cut from the same cloth is on the agenda this time around.
Proof, if ever it was needed, that black and white colour combinations are far from boring.
2. Otiumberg
Style Notes: If the word contemporary means clean lines, metallic shades and an air of minimalism mixed with modernism, Otiumberg will likely tick every box. The brainchild of two best friends living together in London, the B Corp-certified brand focuses on pieces you never need to take off—subtly elevating any outfit while feeling like a second skin. Small sculptural earrings, drop pendant necklaces and bracelets among them.
Shop Otiumberg:
These 14-karat gold plated studs are small enough to wear everyday while still boasting a design-led edge.
Consider a silver cuff the easiest way to elevate any outfit. Signed, someone who learnt that secret long ago.
The latest Otiumberg collection reframes the classic heart pendant into something a little more fresh.
3. Completedworks
Style Notes: If you take even a slight interest in the goings-on at London Fashion Week, you may remember Joanna Lumley taking centre stage at the Completedworks presentation. And with a range spanning sculptural homeware and jewellery, the brand's necklaces, earrings and bracelets are a firm favourite among many a fashion industry expert—Patsy Stone included.
Shop CompletedWorks:
For a bold pop of colour, look no further than these red agate beaded earrings, which are also available in blue.
Pearls, the once vintage-feeling gem, have had a renaisance in recent years and Completedworks proves just how contemporary they can be with these clips.
Yes, this necklace looks like blocks of ice. Yes, it's just as cool.
4. YSSO
Style Notes: Despite being a big lover of shell and sea-themed jewellery, I understand why some find it a touch too costumey. But London-based, Greek-originating YSSO has found that sweet spot between summer-ready and sleek. Picture cord necklaces, subtle sea references and sculptural earrings, all handcrafted by silversmiths in Athens.
Shop YSSO:
I think about this necklace on a near daily basis. Comprising of a black cord and 24-karat gold-plated shell design, it's a true summer staple.
If the typical shell jewellery isn't quite your style, consider a more abstract take on the trend like these 24-karat gold-plated broken shell earrings.
A sea urchin might not immediately spring to mind as the chicest creature to craft into a necklace, but YSSO's gold-tone jade bead necklace is here to prove why they absolutely deserve to be in the limelight.
5. Massimo Dutti
Style Notes: Whenever I'm on the lookout for a new pared-back jewellery piece without the large investment, Massimo Dutti is my first port of call, and almost nobody believes these pieces are from the high street. Expect muted colour palettes, minimalist designs and subtly on-trend styles to be cherished just as much as your higher-price-tag picks.
Shop Massimo Dutti:
Nestle this comb into any kind of updo, even a quick wraparound bun, and make even the back our your outfit that bit more interesting.
The Spring/Summer 26 runways were awash with pouch necklaces, and this silver-tone style feels especially elevated.
This chunky ring can easily be stacked with an existing collection or hold its own as the focal piece.
6. LIÉ STUDIO
Style Notes: Founded by twin sisters, Copenhagen-based LIÉ STUDIO has one mission: to craft timeless pieces incredibly well. And that's exactly what it does. Think pared-back designs, easy-to-style collections and hard-wearing materials—925 sterling silver, 18-carat gold and natural stones. One for the minimalist fashion fans, indeed.
Shop LIÉ STUDIO:
For a more minimalist take on mixed metals trend, few necklaces are as sleek.
Crafted from 925 sterling silver, this overlapping band ring serves as an easy to wear piece for any occasion.
These drop earrings are one of LIÉ STUDIO'S bestselling pieces with the mookaite stone available in four shades.
7. Dries Van Noten
Style Notes: Eccentric is the word I'd use to best describe Dries Van Noten. But if you're more familiar with the brand's clothing, shoes or boldly printed perfumes—all equally deserving of your attention—let me sway you towards the jewellery too. Few brands manage to be quite so maximalist yet utterly of the moment.
Shop Dries Van Noten:
Handcrafted in Italy, this silver bead cluster necklace is a true hero piece with the ability to instantly elevate a simple vest top and jeans or a more evening-ready outfit.
Many a stylist will tell you to clash silver and gold tones and these statement earrings are excellent proof of why.
Hand-painted tortoiseshell, faux crystals and sculptural shapes: proof that Dries Van Noten is nailing costume jewellery.
8. Jennifer Behr
Style Notes: Jennifer Behr jewellery is almost impossible to sum up in a handful of words, with pieces spanning statement strawberry earrings to more minimalist tassel necklaces—making it a destination for every kind of jewellery lover. Sabrina Carpenter, Cynthia Erivo and Halle Berry among them. Each piece is handcrafted by women in the New York studio, and the small runs make them feel all the more special.
Shop Jennifer Behr:
Consider these oversized 18-karat gold-plated brass earrings an easy-to-style statement piece.
Versatility is this piece's real pulling point. Thread it through the belt loops of your jeans. Wrap it round as a necklace, short or long. Or take it across the forehead and under the hair.
They may look like they're made from wood, but these drop stud earrings are actually a well-polished tiger's eye, the stone for self-confidence and warding off negative energy.
9. Éliou
Style Notes: If you're after summer-ready jewellery that A) makes you feel like you're on holiday, even while shivering under the office aircon, B) makes even a simple T-shirt and jeans look infinitely more fun, and C) is beautiful enough to please any shell-collecting, gemstone-savouring romantic—then Miami-based Éliou is where to turn. Just keep an eye on the shipping fees, since they'll be sending from the States.
Shop Éliou:
Natalie Munro called it: the coolest of women are wearing fish-themed jewellery this summer and this trout comb necklace is one of the sleekest I've found.
Calling all crystal lovers, with marble-like rounds of smooth smokey quartz, lapis lazuli, rose quartz, malachite, jade and carnelian this necklace offers far more than a fun pop of colour. Stress relief, mental clarity and energy protection are just a handful of the healing properties.
If you've ever spent your holiday searching the beach for shells, this malachite, gold-plated vegan leather chord necklace will top any sand-covered collection.
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