14 best jewelry brands: Monica Vinader, Mejuri, Jennifer Behr and more
Christopher S. Nelson
6 min read
Inject a simple jeans and tee look with a little punch isn’t the easiest task, unless, of course, you have the best jewelry brands at your fingertips. There’s a reason jewelry is generally considered the finishing touch – everything from hugs to pendant necklaces and even dainty earrings can add a bit of sparkle to what’s otherwise dull, and while classic jewelry brands like Cartier, Bulgari and Tiffany & Co. are undoubtedly the heavyweights, they are not your only option. Thanks to the rising stars of jewelry, there is a lot of shine to be made. Upcoming, the best jewelry brands you should pay special attention to.
Monique Vinader
Monica Vinader’s name might remind you of the royal family, as Kate Middleton (who wore the Siren earrings, below) and Meghan Markle (a fan of the bracelets) have been seen wearing her pieces. But there’s a lot more to it than just being a palate favorite. In 2020, the brand turned to sustainability and began to favor materials like recycled sterling silver and recycled gold vermeil, as well as diamonds, gemstones and pearls from sustainable sources.
Idyll
Many brands prioritize lab-grown diamonds because they use sustainable ingredients and are cheaper than mined diamonds. This is precisely why Idyl, an emerging brand of modular jewelry based in Belgium, only offers lab-grown diamonds in its handmade pieces. (For the uninitiated, the modular design means you can start with a basic piece and mix and match complements for an almost custom look.) With stars like Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria and Jamie Chung all wearing Idyl, this is a name that won’t stay small for long.
Studio Kinn
This Kinn brand owned by AAPI aims to bring you the classics. These everyday heirloom-inspired herringbone chains and signet rings look decades old – and you could keep them that long. We especially like the brand’s anklet as a subtle nod to the ’90s time. (But you can check out Delia’s full catalog adding thin, soft socks and low laces.)
SVNR
Who taps twice every time they see Christina Tung’s SVNR mark appear in their newsfeed? (Guilty.) It’s understandable: SVNR’s playful designs (think milky quartz earrings or pastel rainbow necklace) are a feast for the eyes. But that’s not the only reason they deserve a place in your jewelry box. The designer concerned with sustainable development too works with used and recycled materials to create statement pieces you’ll reach for when you’re in the mood to stand out.
Jennifer behr
Gossip Girl may be partly responsible for putting designer Jennifer Behr on the map – our favorite moody debutante Leighton Meester loved herself an intricate Behr headband – but the designer’s wedding-worthy ethereal hair accessories and jewelry kept her on top. Since 2005, the Brooklyn-based jeweler has continued to create pieces that look dreamy but still have that downtown touch.
Mejuri
You might already be a fan of Mejuri’s understated aesthetic, but we still stock everything from layered rings to tennis bracelets. CEO Noura Sakkijha co-founded the brand with her husband, and together they’ve created coveted direct-to-consumer pieces that are worth all the credit on the street, in part because they seem a lot more expensive than they are. Expect everyday, trendy jewelry that is surprisingly affordable.
True
True diamonds are cultivated in an energy efficient smelter in the West Pacific, then cut and polished to the highest standards by top cutters in Belgium. The result? Truly breathtaking pieces, from carats for special occasions to everyday must-haves. The process of buying engagement rings is specific enough to satisfy even the most discerning of us. You just need to choose from 15 shapes (round, oval, pear, baguette, emerald, marquise, etc.), then choose from three metal bands.
Ten Wilde
If you get the West Coast feeling looking at Tenisha Wilde’s all-gold line, you’d be right: Ten Wilde is practically a showcase for its California roots (it’s from NorCal). Pieces are versatile while still feeling elevated, ranging from gold hoops to medallion pearl necklaces that easily enhance casual looks.
Studs
Part ear piercing studio and part jewelry brand (he did Kaia Gerber’s snakebites a few years ago), Studs is the place to go for those intricate piercings that go up your lobe. You will find, yes, nails of all styles, from conch to helix to piercings, all at affordable prices. The brand is based in New York, so naturally you will find small designs of MTA cards and bodega coffee mugs among its many offers.
Gorjana
The Gorjana jewelry line is one that you have probably seen in nature. He’s incredibly popular among the big names (Michelle Obama is a fan, NBD) with zodiac coin necklaces, rose gold signet rings, and jewel-toned studs leading the charge. Start the overlay and build your lustful Of the.
Luv AJ
It’s hard to believe that cool Los Angeles girl Amanda Thomas launched her brand Luv AJ over 15 years ago. It is always so fresh and relevant. You won’t catch any minimalist vibes here; its aesthetic is more daring bling than anything else. Think of it as the ultimate outing shine, as a star shaped door knocker set or double piece charm necklace is hard to compete with.
Lele sadoughi
While Lele Sadoughi is pretty much the queen of ’80s-inspired headbands, which you can find adorned with pearls, crystals, and bows, she’s done more than just produce fancy hair accessories. The designer honed her craft skills at J.Crew, where she helped launch her own jewelry line, before going on her own in 2012. Nowadays, you’ll find her playing with color and texture in every piece of jewelry she creates.
Able
On a trip to Ethiopia, the founders of Able met and trained two former sex workers to make scarves to help them earn a salary. Scarves took off and Able quickly established themselves as a pioneer in ethical fashion, ensuring a living wage for all employees, even while sharing those wages with the public. The Nashville-based brand opened a second headquarters in Ethiopia and has since expanded into delicate, minimalist shoes, clothing and jewelry, so you can buy your hugs and feel great too.
Light box
Whether you are looking for diamond rings or just swapping bracelets for high quality bar bracelets, Lightbox is the place to be for lab grown diamonds. All diamonds over .20 carats have been subject to quality control by the brand, which even provides proof of this; the mark uses a laser inscription to identify that each rock has been inspected for cut, color, clarity and, of course, carat. Keep an eye out for the half carate pierced pendant set in sparkling white gold – it’s a real sparkler.
