The Best Jewelry Brands To Shop, Collect And Gift To Others

Tilly Sveaas

Mytheresa

For some, jewelry is modern art; for others, it’s a precious heirloom full of well-worn memories. No matter how you feel about your rings, earrings and necklaces, there’s likely an element of emotion involved. The best jewelry brands craft pieces that speak to you on a personal level and make your outfit more special and unique every day.

Whether you’re a minimalist who leans on classic chain necklaces and simple stacking rings or you like bolder options that pack a visual punch, such as statement earrings, your collection should reflect your personality and who you are. Ahead, we consulted stylists on the standout brands worth investing in and buying for yourself—or gifting to others. Here’s what belongs in every jewelry box and will you make you shine.

Best Affordable Fine Jewelry

Mejuri: Elegant, Minimalist Styles

MOST POPULAR

Mejuri

Pavé Diamond X Ring

Known for its accessibly-priced everyday fine jewelry, Mejuri was founded in 2015 and is a favorite among jewelry lovers with a penchant for good deals and even better investments. Founder ​Noura Sakkijha and her brand partner directly with jewelers around the world, removing the middlemen and thus making it possible to sell at a lower price point. If you’re looking for your next pair of perfect hoop earrings or a wear-everywhere pendant necklace or ring, this is where you’ll find that and more.

Best Classic Fine Jewelry

Tabayer: Stunning, Timeless Pieces

Saks Fifth Avenue

Tabayer Oera Mini 18K Yellow Gold & Diamond Pendant Necklace

Tabayer Founder Nigora Tokhtabayeva was born in Uzbekistan and after honing her craft in New York, relocated to Miami, where she is currently based. “I ​​love the ethos behind the collection but especially resonate with the style,” says creative stylist Beverly Nguyễn. “The materials and silhouettes feel chic and modern and the designs are incredibly well thought out.” All of the pieces are crafted from materials that are conscious of the environment and ethically sourced, such as fair-mined gold and conflict-free Kimberley-certified diamonds.

Best Personalized Jewelry

Stone And Strand: Add Initials, Inscriptions And More

Stone And Strand

Large Pave Diamond Initial Charm Necklace

New York City-based label Stone And Strand is known for handcrafted fine jewelry at prices that won’t make you faint. The brand was founded in 2013 by Nadine McCarthy Kahane while she was getting her MBA at Wharton, and since then, Stone And Strand has expanded to become a reliable resource for dainty, delicate pieces like their beloved diamond initial charm necklace and diamond pave huggies.

Best Dainty Jewelry

Catbird: For Everyday To Special Occasions

Catbird

Wwake Two-Step Chain Earring, Sapphire (Single)

A jewelry industry mainstay, Catbird has been around since 2004 and has garnered a cult following among fans. In addition to selling a roster of top-notch jewelry designers, such as Wwake, Catbird also has its own jewelry studio where it creates namesake pieces ranging from stacking rings (a crowd favorite) to earrings and necklaces with beautiful gemstones. All of their jewelry is made with ethically sourced gold and conflict-free stones.

Best Jewelry To Gift

AGMES: Recognizably Unique

AGMES

Baroque Pearl Necklace

If you gravitate toward bold, sculptural jewelry, New York City-based label AGMES should be on your radar and in your jewelry box. The pieces are handmade to order and crafted with timeless materials, like sterling silver, 18-karat gold vermeil, 14-karat gold and freshwater pearls. Nearly all of the metals the brand uses are recycled, and scrap metals are melted down for reuse and even the larger statement pieces are lightweight and easy to wear.

Best Sustainable Jewelry

J.Hannah: Ethically Sourced And Sophisticated

J.Hannah

The Glacé Ring I

Los Angeles-based designer Jess Hannah cultivated a love for jewelry after inheriting a few pieces of her grandmother’s vintage pieces. Her J.Hannah collection is a study in craft and timelessness, with fine jewelry that’s meant to be worn and never taken off. The pieces are inspired by art, history, color theory and modern culture and are handmade by independent manufacturers. Everything is made from 100% post consumer recycled 14k gold or sterling silver and the gemstones are recycled or ethically sourced.

Best Statement Jewelry

Completedworks: Bold And Sculptural Pieces

Matches Fashion

Freshwater Pearl & 14kt Gold-Plated Ear Cuff

Founded in 2013 by siblings Mark and Anna Jewsbury, Completedworks is a London-based jewelry brand known for high quality materials (often recycled) and fluid silhouettes. “This is my go-to for sculptural, unusual pieces that will leave everyone asking, ‘where is that from?’” stylist Aimee Croysdill says. The brand is especially beloved for its ear cuffs. “They are the coolest I’ve seen, leaving you looking like you’ve got gold and pearls dripping from your ears in a sculptural, gravity-defying way—it really is like art,” Croysdill adds. Stateside, the brand is also sold at Net-A-Porter.

Best Vintage-Inspired Jewelry

Tilly Sveaas: Affordable Classics That Feel Modern

Mytheresa

Tilly Sveaas Sterling Silver-Plated Chain Bracelet

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect of-the-moment chunky chain jewelry piece, Croysdill points to Tilly Sveaas as her go-to. “They all have an amazing weight and finish, making you look like you’ve raided a very glamorous Italian granny’s jewelry box,” she says. “All the fastenings are made with t-bars like old pocket watches, so they have a very vintage feel to them.” The brand’s chain pieces are also good value with “great price tags,” Croysdill adds.

What To Consider In The Best Jewelry Brands

  • Materials: The highest quality jewelry is typically crafted from metals such as platinum, silver, and gold (14k and 18k), which are best if you have sensitive skin. You’ll see a range of other materials paired with traditional pearls and gemstones along with contemporary options such as lucite, resin and beading.
  • Maintenance: If you don’t clean your jewelry, residue and grime will eventually build up on metal and precious gemstones, causing them to lose their luster and shine. Gently wash your pieces with warm water and soap and polish them with a microfiber cloth.
  • Versatility: If you’re the kind of person who wears jewelry frequently, invest in pieces that can be mixed and matched with the majority of your wardrobe and layered with other jewelry (think: pendant chain necklaces, architectural rings, and so on). On the other hand, if you’re looking for a statement piece for an event, such as a wedding, look for versatile pieces like bold earrings or a chunky choker that stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finding The Best Jewelry

Is gold or silver jewelry more popular?

Though yellow gold jewelry has been in favor for the last several years, the revival of ’90s-inspired style has ushered in a new wave of silver pieces. Noteworthy brands like Mejuri, J.Hannah and Tilly Sveaas—in addition to Givenchy, Jil Sander and Bottega Veneta—have all introduced modernist silver jewelry in recent collections. In short, both gold and silver are worth wearing so choose what appeals to your personal taste.

What kind of earrings are in style for 2022?

While seashells and baroque pearls were earring trends in previous seasons, right now the gaze has shifted toward architectural, sculptural pieces as well as crafty, artisanal pieces designed with materials like colorful beads and resin. Designers like Bea Bongiasca have illustrated this shift toward bigger and bolder with signature enamel earrings designed in rainbow brights alongside diamonds and gold metal.

What is the best jewelry to wear all of the time?

If you prefer to live (and sleep and shower) in your jewelry, invest in pieces that won’t tangle or tarnish. You’ll also want to keep an eye on stone settings to make sure your gemstones won’t wiggle loose during wear. One option is to do something like Catbird’s permanent jewelry, where they weld (or “‘zap”’) a delicate chain bracelet around your wrist.