Big and Bold Jewellery Is So Back

Ah, 2015. Taylor Swift had her squad. Celine was still under the purview of Phoebe Philo. And Marie Kondo had recently released her first book, asking us to filter our lives based on what brings us joy. And back then, joy came in small doses, including jewellery.

The rise of Mejuri minimalism, Monica Vinader’s initial pendants and Catbird’s threadbare knuckle rings all marked a quiet, more inward form of personal expression that defied the statement jewels we had formerly been seeing on the screens of Gossip Girl. Of course, a lot has happened since those innocent days. The world is bleaker. So much of life feels heavier. And now, it’s more important than ever to bring back joy in a bigger way.

You see, the pendulum — or should we say pendant? — has swung in the other direction. This winter, dainty gold chains are being replaced with chunky chokers, minimalist rings are being passed over for cocktail styles and even long-forgotten bracelets are making a comeback in the form of bulbous bangles. The desire, in other words, is for big pieces that make a bigger impression.

What’s driving this interest? Namely the Fall 2024 runways — though TikTok’s love of charm necklaces this past summer definitely helped. At Carolina Herrera, ears were embellished with collarbone-sweeping styles. At Alaïa, wrists were decorated with cuffs that can double as arm weights. At Chloé, golden necklaces with dozens of medallions came with their own jingle-jangle soundtrack. And we haven’t even mentioned Isabel Marant, Simone Rocha, Saint Laurent, Fendi and others who made similar jewellery statements.

This new collective obsession can also be linked to what we’re watching. Season four of Emily in Paris was no stranger to enormous earrings and necklaces. Apple TV’s Palm Royale brought back the ’60s and its colourful matching sets. And even Selling Sunset had a few major sparkle moments that looked like they had been plucked straight out of Blair Waldorf’s closet.

We may never reach the same jewellery level as those over-the-top women (both fictional and otherwise) who spend their days galavanting at balls and gossiping at The Ritz. Then again, the price point isn’t the, well, point. The main message here is one of escapism — giving yourself permission to be delusional.

If wearing 20-centimetre-long earrings provides a temporary distraction from the mundanities of daily life, then why deny yourself the fantasy? Because what is the purpose of jewellery if not to spark a little joy?

Bright Ideas

This season’s sparkles command serious attention.

Lisa Gozlan The Pavé Bracelet

This cubic zirconia and 18-karat gold-plated brass bracelet will certainly add a bit of sparkle to your arm candy collection.

Dean Davidson Plaza Ring

Despite its statement-making size, this crystal quartz and palladium-plated brass ring is both modern and easily wearable thanks to its refined setting.

Oscar de la Renta Beaded Ombre Clip-On Earrings

If you’re looking for some truly show-stopping earrings, this glass-beaded ombre selection is the pair for you.

Alison Lou Silver Cloud Necklace

Making a statement always comes down to self-expression, and adding a little personalized touch to your accessories has never been easier with this rhodium-plated sterling silver and satin letter necklace.

Lele Sadoughi Jeweled Meadow Dome Ring

Hand-set with an array of multicoloured crystals, this 14-karat gold-plated ring will undoubtedly elevate any outfit.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s Winter 2025 issue. Find out more here.