Without a doubt, 2020 and 2021 have been significant years for up and coming brands, especially those that offer their products exclusively online. With most of us working from home, jewelry has become an even more critical medium to express ourselves through since it is one of the few things that can be seen on a Zoom call.
If you’re bummed about getting dressed up only to stay inside the house, a solid solution for curing your pandemic-induced melancholy is to spruce yourself up, regardless of whether you plan to step out or not. An easy way to accomplish this is to look at some of the best jewelry designers to follow in 2022.
The Jewelry Designers to Shop for 2022’s Biggest Trends
Instagram is an absolute gold mine for discovering and shopping this year’s most prominent jewelry trends, and many of the best jewelry designers to follow in 2022 are present on the platform. Online, your choices for jewelry are endless, but knowing what to look for when it comes to trending items requires a bit of fashion knowledge. Not to worry – we’ve got all the details for you below.
Know What’s Trending
A brief journey into the waters of social media will enlighten you with some of the biggest trends in jewelry, including the ethereal, delicate motifs that have become ‘Grammable’ over the past couple of years. These jewelry pieces feature materials such as gold, petite and thin diamonds, and pearls. Chains, medallions, chunky bangles, and signet rings have also captured people’s attention.
Mejuri, a much gossiped about DTC jewelry brand that focuses on producing everyday pieces emphasizing yellow gold, has a section on its website that features best-selling products. It includes dainty chain-link necklaces with diamond accents that reflect the styles sought after today.
An increasing number of brands are advertising customizable pieces, allowing their clientele to control the design process. Celebrity-loved Adina’s Jewels has an entire sub-section on its website that offers personalized and customizable options that come with their unique touches.
Brands
Fortunately, there’s a large variety of options to choose from when browsing for new bling in 2022. Whether you are looking for something to style with your regular go-to pieces or for something with a little more ‘glitz’, the top names in jewelry can cater to your every need. But before you settle on one, you may want to ask yourself:
- What is their style? Does it mesh well with yours?
- Do they specialize in any particular product or piece of jewelry?
- What is your budget? Does the cost of the piece match its quality?
Price
You may have already heard the terms ‘demi-fine, ‘fine,’ and ‘luxury’ pop up while shopping for jewelry. Demi-fine jewelry is the product of high-quality materials that echo timeless, traditional styles with a modern twist. Typically, a demi-fine piece will range between $100 and $400.
On the other hand, fine or luxury pieces feature pure, precious metals and genuine gemstones. They can run you anywhere from hundreds to millions of dollars depending on their size and quality, and fine wares are referred to as ‘investment pieces’ either bought to be resold for more than their value or passed down as heirlooms.
- Zoe Lev
- Maria Tash
- Jennifer Fisher
- Adina’s Jewels
- Vanessa Mooney
- Justine Clenquet
- Kendra Scott
- Limbo Jewelry
- True Curated Designs
- Sherman Field 1967
- Sapir Bachar
- De Cosmi
- Limnia
- Leda Medera
- Mejuri
- Éliou
16 Best Jewelry Designers
Now that you’ve got the skinny on which jewelry trends to look for, we’ve compiled a list of the 16 most popular jewelry designers for you to follow in 2022. They’re quickly becoming staples in wardrobes around the world, with even the most trendy demi-fine pieces finding their way into the hearts of Hollywood stars.
#1 – Zoe Lev
Zoe Lev is a brand for women from all walks of life. Created by fine jewelry designer Stephanie Gottlieb in LA, it first emerged as ‘Letters by Zoe’ in 2011. Zoe Lev offers signature, personalized, and custom-made pieces with high-quality metals and precious/semi-precious stones. Celebrities that have fallen in love with the brand include Margot Robbie, Ciara, and Eva Longoria.
14-karat gold is a mainstay in Zoe Lev designs, as well as ethically sourced, natural diamonds. Some products are made with other precious stones and metals, such as vermeil, made of a sterling silver base with a thick gold coating.
The prices of some of the best-selling Zoe Lev items are consistent with what you would expect of demi-fine jewelry. For instance, the Large Signet Ring can be bought for $85, whereas the 14k Gold Diamond Evil Eye Bracelet will cost you $310.
#2 – Maria Tash
Maria Tash is a New York-based jewelry brand that specializes in luxury body piercing and fine jewelry design. Founded in 1993 in NYC by Maria Tashjian, Maria Tash provides a delicate, luxury take on body piercings, which are traditionally chunky and edgy. Celebrities wearing Maria Tash jewelry are Maluma, Katy Perry, Blake Lively, and Rihanna.
An array of earrings, necklaces, rings, body jewelry, cuffs, and bracelets are available. The materials used to make them include (but are not limited to) precious metals like white, yellow, and rose gold, gemstones, diamonds, pearls, and sapphires.
The price range of Maria Tash items is vast. On the low-end, you have the 2mm Ball Threaded Stud ($133). In the mid-range, the 8mm Handcuff Clicker Necklace rings in at $1,213. And on the high-end, the 5 Flower Diamond Garland Stud totals to $3,113.
#3 – Jennifer Fisher
Jennifer Fisher originated in New York but has since expanded to Beverly Hills, CA. Piloted by Jennifer Fisher herself, the brand specializes in customizable fine and brass jewelry. Jennifer Fisher’s earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings are loved by Doja Cat, Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber, and Alicia Keys.
To get an idea of the JF price range, the Brass Micro Samira Huggies cost $281, while the 14-karat yellow gold Fine Micro Thread Huggies cost $437. The brass items are generally more affordable from this brand, although prices stay within the realm of hundreds to mid-thousands for both brass and fine jewelry.
#4 – Adina’s Jewels
Adina Kamkhatchi began her journey on IG, where she quickly gained a following and set the basis for her career in jewelry creation and marketing. Her brand specializes in gold-plated sterling silver jewelry that features centerpieces of cubic zirconia, freshwater pearls, and kitschy charms. Kylie Jenner, Miley Cyrus, and Bella Hadid are all fans of Adina’s.
Luckily, Adina’s Jewels also ring in at a lower price point, including the CZ Smiley Face Pinky Ring ($63), the CZ Thin Link Huggie Earring (usually $60, but on sale for $35!), and the adorable Smiley Face X Pearl Necklace ($63). However, the brand also offers more refined pieces at a higher price point, such as the 14k Gold Paperclip Chain Necklace (from $746 to $1,246).
#5 – Vanessa Mooney
Established in 2009, Vanessa Mooney provides versatile, fun, flirty, indie, and unashamedly rock ‘n’ roll pieces that range from vintage to highly sophisticated. If we could sum it up in one sentence, Vanessa Mooney is the place to go for statement pieces, bold colors, and shapes to suit every individual style.
Vanessa Mooney jewelry starts at prices as low as $35 for the Zelda Cross Ring, which is made with 24-karat gold plated brass. The $42 Rosie Bracelet Set is made of freshwater pearls, acrylic, glass, and howlite turquoise beads. In the demi-fine range, the Vintage Pluto Ring ($700) is a standout made of oxidized sterling silver and genuine diamonds.
#6 – Justine Clenquet
Justine Clenquet established her brand in 2010, promoting French craftsmanship through traditional jewelry items. Offering handmade pieces in France with brass covered in 24-karat pale gold, crystals, and palladium, Justine Clenquet jewelry is genuinely multi-functional and uncomplicated to style, depending on your outfit and mood.
This brand’s affordable price range hits the low-end and the upper-end of the typical demi-fine range. You can grab the Moon Gold Stud for $18 or the Charly Bracelet for $77. Alternatively, you can opt for the $191 Larry Bodychain, which is sure to be your favorite in the summertime.
#7 – Kendra Scott
Founded in 2002, Kendra Scott is a self-proclaimed demi-fine jewelry brand that offers quality pieces of all kinds at affordable prices. The company prides itself on making high-quality jewelry accessible to all, which is what it succeeds at doing.
Some notable items are the Nola Short Pendant Necklace ($59), made of gold paired with druzy, opal, or glass; the Phoenix Wrap RIng ($71), and the 14k Yellow Gold Letter K Charm in White Diamond ($487).
#8 – Limbo Jewelry
Limbo Jewelry is the lovechild of husband and wife duo Edson and Anne Rutt-Enriquez. Heavily influenced by architecture and nature, the brand uses natural materials such as precious and semi-precious metals to create elegant pieces full of movement and personality.
With a commitment to being kind to the planet, Limbo also offers sustainably sourced materials and environmentally friendly packaging, making it the perfect choice for the earth-conscious buyer. The price range is narrow, but some pieces, such as the Zama Tulum Studs ($69), are offered for under $100, while some items, such as the Link Unite Bracelet ($149), come in at slightly more.
#9 – True Curated Designs
Vancouverite Tori Dundas founded True Curated Designs, a Canadian-made brand that focuses on fine jewelry and custom engagement rings. Dundas’ approachable take on luxe pieces is inspired by the fact that purchasing fine jewelry has felt like a stuffy and impersonal endeavor for so long. She hopes to change this, making each item special, beautiful, and unique as the person wearing it.
The focus of True Curated Designs is custom engagement rings, so the price range is hard to pinpoint. However, the fine jewelry pieces from this brand range from $69 for the Unstoppable Earrings to $530 for the Mallorca 14k Gold Hoop Earrings.
#10 – Sherman Field 1967
Originally established as a women’s clothing brand, Sherman Field 1967 relaunched as a fine jewelry retailer in 2019, featuring timeless vintage pieces made of high-quality materials. What makes this brand unique is its signature 18-karat yellow gold, which is a mixture of recycled pure gold and a variety of alloys. It gives Sherman Field jewelry a well-loved and lived-in look that stands the test of time.
On the low-end, you can find the Small 18k Rose Gold Barre Huggies ($1,375), and in the mid-price range, you can find something like the 18k Yellow Gold Cigar Ring ($5,375). The brand also offers extremely luxurious pieces such as the 18k Yellow Gold Large Link Oval Chain Necklace ($24,250).
#11 – Sapir Bachar
Sapir Bachar was established in 2019 and embodied the perfect fusion between Middle Eastern and Western styles. The brand mainly uses sterling silver to craft its pieces but does not limit itself there, throwing together unique leather, semi-precious/precious stones, and gold.
Demi-fine prices can be expected of the jewelry from Sapir Bachar (for the most part). The Silver Paisley Ring costs $195, while the Silver Moon Choker expenses about $495. Meanwhile, the adorable Silver Eclipse Earrings come with a price tag of $215.
#12 – De Cosmi
De Cosmi is a nod to Mediterranean beaches and summery vibes that features handmade pieces designed by Catherine Servel. Each item is crafted with love and care, resulting in unique and beautiful pieces that can be customized to your specifications. Common materials used include diamonds, pearls, tourmaline, gold, and silver.
The De Cosmi price range balances between fine and luxury from $300 for the Bella Earrings to $1,900 for the Algues Bracelet, which is made of a fusion between sterling silver, sculptural pebbles, and sari silk. Then, some pieces have a much larger price tag, such as the Fragola Necklace ($8,490), which combines natural pearls, 18-karat yellow gold, and pink tourmaline.
#13 – Limnia
Brand founder Anette Lasala Spillane aims to create timeless jewelry for the modern woman with Limnia. Designed in New York and produced in the Philippines, the renewable and versatile pieces are testaments to the designer’s dedication to social change and female empowerment.
All of Limnia’s jewelry pieces are made in partnership with TSKI (Taytay Sa Kauswagan), a non-profit that aims to eradicate poverty through entrepreneurship. Most of the products Limnia offers are sold out, which signifies just how famous the brand is. However, items that are still available include the Cecilia Ear Cuffs in sterling silver ($278), the Teresa Figure and Margarita/Martina Necklaces Set ($1,055), and the Solana 4-in-1 Rings/Earrings ($1,698).
#14 – Leda Madera
Giulia Tordini designs Leda Madera’s collection with class, sophistication, and a vintage feel in mind. The art-deco-inspired jewelry is made in Italy and features a signature pleat that gives each piece an air of movement. The majority of Leda Madera items are 100% brass plated in light gold.
The items available are consistent with demi-fine pricing. You can purchase the Small Susan Earring for $490, the stunning Meryl Hair Clip for $227, or the geometric-looking Geena Ring for approximately $370.
#15 – Mejuri
Mejuri is a fine jewelry brand that prides itself on being conscious of its product’s environmental and social impact, holding its standards for fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and responsibly and ethically sourced materials high.
The price range varies greatly depending on the product but does not stray into the luxury or ultra-fine territory. Some best-selling items include the Boyfriend Hoops ($80), the Diamonds Line Necklace ($390), and the Large Diamond Necklace ($1,325).
#16 – Éliou
Cristina Mantilla and Duda Teixeira combine the natural materials and contemporary styles that makeup Éliou jewelry. Their handcrafted designs, which embody a laid-back, fun, beachy vibe, are made for everyday wear with pearls, colorful beading, and shiny gold.
Incredibly adorable and affordably priced, Éliou is for everybody. For a more sophisticated look, check out the gold-plated Lotte Necklace ($145). For something more traditional, opt for the freshwater baroque pearl Vicenza Necklace ($180). If you’re feeling fun and whimsical, there’s always the pony bead Tami Bracelet ($40).
How Should You Take Care of Jewelry
When you purchase a piece of jewelry, typically, your goal is to make it last. To get the most out of your investment – no matter how big or small – use the following methods to keep your pieces in tip-top shape:
- Keep your jewelry away from chemically-treated surfaces, as this may speed up the staining/tarnishing process.
- Would you mind keeping it away from moisture? Moisture tends to create wear and rust, and for the same reasons, it is in your best interest to keep it away from body lotions, creams, perfumes, and sprays.
- Keep softer metals away from harder metals because this may cause the softer ones to dent or show signs of wear.
Polish it from time to time. If you are polishing at home, a simple mixture of dish soap and water should do the trick.