For thousands of years, jewels and accessories have been infused with our existence. It’s part of our culture as humans.
If you look at history, gems and jewelry have been used as a gift, badges, charms, offerings, and works of art. These precious items are a symbol of fertility, prestige, vows, and affection. They are also a way of storing wealth.
Stunning necklaces, bracelets, anklets, rings, earrings, crowns, and pins have always been imbued with worth, meaning, and significance. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re wearing feathers, pearls, seashells, diamonds, rubies, or gold.
The ages and fashions of jewelry designs, however, go into interesting evolution cycles. But, regardless of aesthetic upgrades, one thing I know for sure is that we all love investing in jewelry. They not only hold value, but they also seal your fit for any occasion.
Sporting modern jewelry is an awesome way to add sass and sparkle. And there are countless modern jewelry brands—both new and renowned names—that may help you update your jewelry treasure trove.
In this post, I’ll bring up some of the best jewelry brands and a few of my favorite affordable jewelry brands. These names offer a range of chic, fresh fashion jewelry and gem accents, with some of them to sate your craving for silver and gold!
Bea Bongiasca
Some might have not heard of Bea Bongiasca. But you’ve probably seen IG photos of Dua Lipa wearing her colorful statement jewelry collections.
Jewelry designer Bea Bongiasca began working on her namesake brand following graduation from Central Saint Martins with a BA in jewelry design. In 2013, she successfully launched her first collection. Bea Bongiasca offers colorful, beautiful, and unique wearable works of art in enamel and gems.
Their twirly statement rings, especially, are simply too cute to skip!
Completedworks
If you’re looking for jewelry that combines artistry and elegance, look no further. Completedworks offer sculptural shapes that are both demi-fine and fine. The brand creates pieces that transcend trends.
Founded by its artistic director Anna Jewsbury, the London-based modern jewelry brand is an advocate of sustainability. Using designs that weave, loop, bend, enfold, and twist, you’ll find pieces made of recycled materials like ceramics, fair mined gold, and reclaimed silver.
One of their most coveted designs is the golden scrunch earrings. Some of their most stunning pieces are worn by celebrities like Emma Watson and Maya Rudolph. Their “Notsobig” Scrunch is something I’d want to wear one day. I think it’s both artful and sultry.
Agmes
Minimalist, sculptural, and regal. Agmes is a New York-based modern jewelry brand founded by Solomon sisters Morgan and Jaclyn. Inspired by modern art and architecture plus urban landscapes, their pieces are sculptures in minute forms. Plus, they’re created with a focus on sustainability.
Agmes offers stunning collections of sustainable jewelry crafted from the finest materials. This includes 925 sterling silver, 18-karat gold vermeil, 14-karat gold, and freshwater pearls. Metals are nearly all recycled, and any scraps are melted and reused.
With a brand as sustainable as Agames, I’ll proudly wear each piece!
Their hoops and stacking rings look awesome when worn stacked or doubled up, and you’ll want to mix the metals as well. What makes some of the jewelry so wearable is that even the biggest and thickest hoops are also surprisingly lightweight!
KHIRY
KHIRY is a modern luxury jewelry brand inspired by the African Diaspora. The afro-futurist brand was founded by Multimedia Artist and Designer Jameel Mohammed in 2016. It was founded with the intention of channeling the beauty, art, heritage, and culture of the African Diaspora into modern, luxurious vermeil jewelry.
Mohammed’s goal in establishing the company was to challenge the belief that true luxury brands could only come from Paris and Milan.
KHIRY boasts a wide range of sculptural wearables. There are heirloom quality pieces, bespoke luxury goods, and demi-fine jewelry to choose from. You’ll also find pieces made from solid 18k gold ornamented with precious stones like diamonds, emeralds, and pearls.
If you’re looking to add some unique and wildly creative designs, the brand has many of the most timeless pieces. They’re all made and fashioned to be lasting statements that put focus on the value of black life and culture.
Sophie Buhai
LA designer Sophie Buhai founded her eponymous brand in 2015 with the goal of curating modernist jewelry and accessories that defy trends. Sophie Buhai is a fave among fashionistas due to her sleek and sophisticated take on jewelry basics.
The minimalist creations of the designer are predominantly silver and gold, plus a few pearls and stones including malachite, onyx, and lapis. Handcrafted by local artisans and silversmiths, all pieces have the sense of a modern heirloom, designed in subtle, sculptural forms and exquisite simplicity.
Almasika
Almasika, an exquisite jewelry line founded by Paris-born Catherine Sarr, is drawn by the body’s gentle curves and flowing lines. The brand features timeless pieces and a rich aesthetic lexicon, reflecting universal traditions and symbols.
Their designs are filled with flowing classic gold and diamond pieces that transcend generations and trends. Some of their pieces were already worn by Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Issa Rae, and Reese Witherspoon.
Emily P. Wheeler
Emily P. Wheeler’s eponymous fine jewelry collection is inspired by memories of family vacations and tropical spots, showcasing vibrant pieces that pay homage to the Art Deco era while keeping them modern. She takes appreciation of her designs from relevant, real-life events, blurring the lines between fine jewelry and fine art.
One of the things I love about her designs is her craftsmanship. Her dedication to sustainability and responsible practices separate this excellent jeweler from the competition.
In the collections, you’ll find very colorful and surprising pieces designed based on three core principles: material luxury, artistry, and a clear conscience.
Such ideals are instantly apparent in the gemstones that the designer picks. As well as in the approach she takes to curate them and the brand’s dedication to an honest artistic process.
Harwell Godfrey
Lauren Harwell Godfrey, a Cali-based designer was already an award-winning art and creative director prior to opting to launch her eponymous jewelry brand. Her fine jewelry collection draws inspiration from the African Diaspora’s traditional textiles and patterns.
Her handcrafted jewelry, fashioned from 18-karat gold and ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones, bears witness to those magnificent elements. There are also colorful necklaces that are so unique.
They offer a bespoke collection crafted from precious metals, stunningly bright gemstones, and exquisite diamonds if you wish to tailor your pieces. It’s like putting your own personal seal, creating a really unique keepsake that combines Harwell Godfrey’s design trademarks with your own individual flair.
Mejuri
Founded by Noura Sakkhijha, Mejuri is more than just a jewelry line. It’s a modern jewelry brand with a solid goal of curating high-quality, sustainable pieces that support and empower women.
Mejuri considers jewelry to be the finest kind of self-love. It was launched as the founder herself witnessed a jewelry market that was geared toward men giving women rather than women enjoying themselves. With simplistic and elegant designs, their pieces are great for special occasions, little achievements, and for everyday wear.
Reward yourself with gold hoops in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. You can also go for rings that you can stack or wear alone. Or, you can seal your outfit with necklaces ranging from very dainty to statement-making sizes!
Sophie Bille Brahe
Danish designer Sophie Bille Brahe takes on a patent on delicate pearl and diamond jewelry using architectural patterns. She also offers some of the most beautiful jewelry boxes I’ve ever seen.
The Copenhagen-based brand boasts a collection of pieces that are exquisite and classic, yet with a playful and surprising touch. Each piece was crafted to reflect its own tale. Pieces of timeless elegance will be appreciated and carried down through generations.
Mateo
Mateo is a NY-based brand founded by designer Matthew Harris that was named the best in Pearls at the 2022 Couture jewelry event in Las Vegas. In addition to their signature pearl jewelry collection, Mateo will also dazzle you with their crystal quartz rings with hidden initials and multicolored beaded earrings and studs.
You’ll also find anklets in gorgeous vintage beads and chains, as well as pendants with lapis, pearl, diamond, and turquoise inlays. It’s a brand to consider if you want understated accessories that stand out from the crowd.
Missoma London
Combining flat, chunky, peals, and chains together is a great way to put together a signature look. And there’s nothing as trend-setting as layers of exquisitely crafted chain necklaces that express one’s personal style.
Missoma London, a British-based jewelry brand, offers a simple way of layering necklaces by providing a plethora of alternatives to fit your personality. The brand focuses on curating jewelry where the wearer can have some fun by mixing and matching.
They have collections of gorgeous diamonds and a variety of initial-based pieces, too!
Stone and Strand
While earning her MBA at Wharton, Nadine McCarthy Kahane founded and developed the jewelry brand, which she introduced to the market in 2013. Compared to its rivals, Stone and Strand is a more affordable jewelry brand.
Nadine aspired to mix inexpensive jewelry, feminine ethics, and painstakingly created, quality items but without the usual 10x markup in the price range.
The brand also focuses on women empowerment, which is why the brand’s “Good Girl Mission” was created.
Due to their more affordable price range compared to other modern jewelry brands, Stone and Strand’s appeal rests beyond their design aesthetic that combines simplicity. They offer everyday pieces and infuse just a good hint of boldness at price points for different budgets.
Stone and Strand has something for everyone, offering exquisite pendant necklaces, diamond rings, and elegant tennis bracelets. Plus, you can stack them endlessly as they are such dainty pieces!
Swarovski
Daniel Swarovski founded the Austrian heritage brand in 1895, and it has received a vibrant revamp in recent years owing to the vision of creative director Giovanna Engelbert. The founder’s unwavering commitment to invention and design put the brand on a pedestal, becoming the world’s leading jewelry and accessory brand.
Swarovski is one of the best jewelry brands and is a favorite among Vogue editors and street-style icons. Their collections are created with a blend of innovation, refined crystals with fresh cuts and shapes, and ultra-precise quality. If you want to stock your jewelry box with beautiful gemstones, Swarovski is a tried-and-true name!
Bagatiba
Bagatiba is an LA-based jewelry brand founded by retired adult film actress and designer Jessie Andrews. The brand is a lovely twist on modern pieces with prices around $300. They have timeless handcrafted basics that are sustainably, responsibly, and ethically sourced.
The collection achieves suitable essentials for each season using the finest quality materials and design methods, allowing culture and experience to communicate through fashion. You’ll see celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Adriana Lima, and Rosie Huntington-Whitley sporting Bagatiba’s elegant pieces.
If you’re seeking a simple, everyday statement piece, the brand has a range of collections for you!
Repossi
Costantino Repossi founded the brand in Turin in 1957 and is regarded as one of the pioneers of luxurious pieces. The brand is known for its avant-garde jewelry, known for designing modern and timeless pieces for many generations.
Creative Director Gaia Repossi carried on her grandfather’s legacy by pushing simple designs ahead, like the off-kilter stacking Antifer rings which have become a brand trademark.
Lauren Rubinski
Lauren Rubinski is a designer recognized for her chain bracelets and necklaces which are handcrafted by skilled goldsmiths in Italy.
Her jewelry collections are out of the ordinary. Each piece is meant to be chunky no matter how substantial-looking, which makes them ideal for layering.
Aside from layers, the brand offers playful designs, which gained a following from Kate Moss and Hailey Bieber.
What’s the best jewelry brand? Leave it to your personal style, budget, and requirements. But we’d love to know your favorite jewelry brands, too!
