A few years ago, catching me without gobs and gobs of jewelry on would never happen, period. Earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces covered my body, usually causing a tangled mess of chains, clasps, and pendants that I'd then have to meticulously unravel for hours on end. Eventually, it got to be too much, and I started to edit down my jewelry collection—both in my jewelry box and on my body—until I began only wearing a small handful of pieces on a daily basis with a few rogue statement items being added when necessary for a certain look.
Having gone from the least picky jewelry shopper to the pickiest one, I've learned something about what's really worth buying and what's better left in the display case. And I don't mean just because of a piece's price tag. From timeless items you'll own forever to trendy baubles that will serve your outfits (and your Instagram feed) well, the mightily cool jewelry pieces ahead all passed my particularly grueling test. I get the feeling they will pass yours too.
Urban Outfitters
Kendrick Twisted Statement Earring
Who can pass up a $17 work of art?
Mango
Chain Necklace
I love pieces that mix metals because they make it easy to experiment with other jewelry of all materials.
Prada
Enameled Sterling Silver Single Logo Earring
This Prada earring is downright iconic.
Zara
Thin Choker
These chokers are so architectural and cool.
Cult Gaia
Ramala Earrings
Make a statement.
Nordstrom
Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet
Tennis bracelets are trending. This one from Nordstrom lets you try the trend without doling out thousands of dollars for a real diamond option.
Lisa Says Gah
Horse Necklace
It's giving horse girl.
Agmes
Gold Vermeil and Sterling Silver Necklace
Not only is this pendant gorgeous, but it can also be worn in so many ways because of the adjustable feature on this cord.
Wolf Circus
Layla Pearl Earrings
Not your average drop earrings.
Kenneth Jay Lane
Thick Satin Silver Hinged Cuff Bracelet
Wrist cuffs like this one were all over the fall/winter 2023 runways.
Ben-Amun
Gold-Plated Necklace
So simple and chic.
Mango
Metal Bead Necklace
You could wear the simplest outfit, and this necklace would make it a 10/10.
Zara
Butterfly Cuff
An elevated version of all the early-aughts butterfly motifs going around right now.
Cos
Metallic Stud Earrings
Something blue.
Maria Black
Maya Huggie
She's a beauty.
Lisa Says Gah
Glass Circle Pendant Necklace
Everyone's wearing corded jewelry this season.
Shashi
Mariko Hoops
If you don't want to get a ton of piercings, earrings like this pair will give you the look without any of the pain.
Zara
Combo Cuff
This cuff looks wildly expensive.
Avec Joyeria
Orbit Sterling Silver Ear Cuff
After taking out most of my cartilage piercings because they would constantly get irritated, I started relying on cool ear cuffs like this one. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Eliza Huber is currently the Associate Editorial Director at Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2021 as a fashion editor after starting her career as a writer at Refinery29, where she worked for four years. During her time at WWW, she launched Go Sports, the publication's sports vertical, and published four (and counting) quarterly issues tied to the WNBA, Formula One, and more. She also created two franchises, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on new seasonal trends, up-and-coming designers, and celebrity style.