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.
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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.
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JULIETTA
Donna Rhodium-Pleated, Rhodochrosite and Crystal Beaded Necklace
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.
JULIETTA
Nera Rhodium-Pleated, Resin and Onyx Cuff
Remember the resin bangle trio trend of last summer? An oversized cuff cut from the same cloth is on the agenda this time around.
JULIETTA
Iris Rhodium-Plated, Shell, Resin and Cord Necklace
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.
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Otiumberg
14ct Gold-Plated Vermeil Silver Wave Stud Earrings
These 14-karat gold plated studs are small enough to wear everyday while still boasting a design-led edge.
Otiumberg
Silver-Plated Wave Cuff Bracelet
Consider a silver cuff the easiest way to elevate any outfit. Signed, someone who learnt that secret long ago.
Otiumberg
14ct Gold-Plated Vermeil Silver Roscida Heart Pendant Necklace
The latest Otiumberg collection reframes the classic heart pendant into something a little more fresh.
3. Completedworks
(Image credit: 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.
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COMPLETEDWORKS
Recycled Silver Agate Beaded Earrings
For a bold pop of colour, look no further than these red agate beaded earrings, which are also available in blue.
COMPLETEDWORKS
Set of Three Gold-Plated Pearl Hair Clips
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.
COMPLETEDWORKS
Resin Necklace
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.
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Ysso
Birth of Venus Gold-Plated Pendant Necklace in Gold
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.
Ysso
Broken Shell 24kt Gold-Plated Earrings in Gold
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.
Ysso
Sea Urchin Necklace With Jade in Blue
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.
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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.
Massimo Dutti
Envelope Cord Necklace
The Spring/Summer 26 runways were awash with pouch necklaces, and this silver-tone style feels especially elevated.
Massimo Dutti
Melted Effect Shimmery Ring
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.
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LIÉ STUDIO
The Scarlet Gold-Plated Silver Necklace
For a more minimalist take on mixed metals trend, few necklaces are as sleek.
LIÉ STUDIO
The Sofie Silver Ring
Crafted from 925 sterling silver, this overlapping band ring serves as an easy to wear piece for any occasion.
LIÉ STUDIO
The Lola Mookaite and Sterling Silver Earrings
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.
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Dries Van Noten
Beaded Necklace in Silver
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.
Dries Van Noten
Embroidered Drop Earrings in Silver
Many a stylist will tell you to clash silver and gold tones and these statement earrings are excellent proof of why.
Dries Van Noten
Embellished Ring in Multicoloured
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.
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Jennifer Behr
Nimah Gold-Plated Hoop Earrings in Gold
Consider these oversized 18-karat gold-plated brass earrings an easy-to-style statement piece.
Jennifer Behr
Gigi 18kt Gold-Plated Braided Belt in Black
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.
Jennifer Behr
Cara Beaded Earrings in Brown
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.
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éliou
Trout Comb Necklace
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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