Every fashion enthusiast knows that a killer outfit is all in the details. And as an It girl in the making, you’re already well versed in style rules and the types of pieces that pack the biggest punch, with vintage add-ons and under-the-radar accoutrements coming out on top. Consider them the metaphorical icing on the sartorial cake. Be it a haute hoodie with downtown edge or a romantic blouse laced with come-hither appeal, a few unique pieces of jewelry can effortlessly usher any #OOTD into Instababe territory like that. To help you stay ahead of the style curve, we’ve curated a killer list of cool-girl jewelry brands you need in your life RN.
1. Faris Tula Earrings ($198): Seattle-based Faris hasn’t even hit the five-year mark yet, and it already has a cult following. Started as a simple experiment by designer Faris Du Graf three years ago, the label is characterized by handmade sculptural statement pieces with everyday appeal that balance artful imperfection, symmetry and complex design. We dare you to visit Du Graf’s e-shop and NOT leave with a full cart. The piece we’re swooning hard for RN? These architectural drops that will put your favorite pair of hoops to shame.
2. J. Hannah Wide Open Ring ($245): We’re not sure what we love more: designer Jess Hannah’s use of ethically sourced and conflict-free stones, or her ability to create pieces that flawlessly fuse old-world elegance and modern minimalism. “I believe jewelry should be designed to make you feel connected to it,” she says. “So I aspired to create jewelry for how it should be worn, never taken off. From the designing to the naming of my pieces, I hope to bring beauty, confidence and power of celestial proportions to the modern woman.” Mission accomplished: This sleek open ring certainly inspires that forever kind of love.
3. URiBE Angus ($335): One word: obsessed. While Sion and Tiffany Phillips’ quirky pieces aren’t exactly what you’d call budget baubles, they’re totally worth the investment. Inspired by the duo’s unique heritage and travels, URiBE is a collection of colorful, contemporary and streamlined designs that manage to be both cutting edge and classic. We imagine this sleek pendant necklace would look downright DDG styled alongside a silk tee, jacquard blazer and boyfriend jeans.
4. Olivia Kane Strawberry Quartz Teardrop Ring ($364): Olivia Kane is a woman after our own hearts. Obsessed with the film My Girl, Kane launched her eponymous jewelry line back in August 2015 with one simple goal in mind: creating elevated mood rings for grown-ups. The best part? The New Zealand native is committed to sustainability, hand making all of her designs with recycled 14K rose gold, 14K yellow gold and sterling silver. This beauty above is a prime example of the designer’s killer craft. Whether you’re looking for a unique engagement ring alternative or simply want to treat yo’ self (yeah, you deserve it), this strawberry quartz stunner is a #winner all around.
5. Jessie Harris Silver Half Fold Ball Earrings ($305): Jessie Harris doesn’t create jewelry — she creates sculptures for the body. A graduate of Chelsea College of Art and Design in London, the designer didn’t dive right into the art of jewelry making upon graduation, foraying first into creating conceptual audio installations. Her namesake jewelry brand launched in the spring of 2012, and Harris hasn’t looked back since. Girl made the right career move. “Standout” would be the only way to describe her stunning designs. Her collections are influenced by the concept of retro-futurism and feature clean lines, structural shapes and playful details that transcend time and trends. The piece we’re currently coveting? These sleek fold-over earrings that would look ah-mazing with everything from floral midi dresses with bohemian flair to smartly tailored suits.
6. Linnie Mclarty Wait here. Help is on the Way. Narrow Silver Cuff ($232): Baubles you can actually feel good about? We’re so in. Linnie Mclarty’s ultra modern statement pieces aren’t just fair trade, but they’re also fair mined and made with ecological gold, 100 percent recycled silver and responsibly sourced gemstones with a transparent and traceable supply chain. And they have the Emma Watson seal of approval. Ready to head down the eco-responsible route? Scoop up this chic sterling silver cuff stat.
7. Sorelle Mara Earring ($120): Coming from a long line of jewelers, it only seemed fitting for Francesca Grosso to get in on the family biz. But it wasn’t until the designer began her stint at Opening Ceremony that she felt a pull to the industry. In 2012 she launched Sorelle, a line of chic minimalist baubles with a runway-ready edge, running the venture entirely out of her bedroom. Her signature? Next-level hoops and statement earrings meant to be rocked solo or as part of a mismatched look.
8. Leigh Miller Gold Plated Moore Bracelet ($335): After nearly a decade as a ready-to-wear designer for the likes of J.Crew and Calvin Klein, Leigh Newman decided to try her hand at metalworking and jewelry design. She trained in the art in both Rio de Janeiro and New York, then officially launched Leigh Miller in 2014. Newman uses a unique technique, wax casting, to bring her one-of-a-kind collection to life. The process involves sculpting in molten wax, casting pieces in brass, bronze, gold and silver and hand-hammering them into organic forms. This cool cuff is just one example of the designer’s serious skills, and yeah — the rest of her work is just as draw-dropping.
9. Ejing Zhang Sunrise Twist Disc Earrings ($190): Mixed media is kind of Ejing Zhang’s thing. And it makes sense — the designer was first exposed to fabric at a young age, when her mother worked in the textile industry. After graduating from the Royal College of Art with an MA in textiles design and a specialty in mixed media, Zhang founded her studio in 2014. Her jewelry offers a bold blend of color, pattern and materials, and has a decidedly abstract aesthetic we just can’t get enough of.
