The Return of ’90s Jewelry Trends
Ah, the ’90s—they’re back. The wild and unpredictable fashions of that decade—grunge, glam, and retro—are strong influences on style today. While we loved the 90s and all its eclectic mix of jewelry, we prefer the modern-day versions of these throwback styles. So we don’t need to reminisce about the decade, because these dramatic, colorful, and creative jewelry pieces let us relive it. Need a refresher on the decade’s most head-turning jewelry pieces? Join us in revisiting—and in some instances, upgrading—the 10 most notable, and sometimes laughably outrageous, jewelry trends the ’90s served up to our necks, wrists, and ears.
1. Chokers: The 1990s’ Cool Standard
Who doesn’t love a choker? They epitomized 1990s trendiness, and they’re back with a refined, elegant vibe. Style them now like you might style a grown-up LBD: as an endlessly versatile piece of jewelry. Chokers are necklaces that can layer above a necklace you might wear as a collar, a bit of necklace might peek out of a crisp white button-up, or a black slip dress. Dress it up; dress it down. Wear a choker neckpiece with moonstones or peacock feathers and call it good.
2. Tiny Charm Jewelry
As the original creator of charm jewelry, you probably know us quite well. Whether you’re a child of the ’90s or just know the culture, you’ve probably worn a charm bracelet at some point. For our “cultured” turn, we revived the most iconic symbols from that era in the form of pint-sized, playful charms. Pictured: cassette tapes, magic 8 balls, yin yangs, and ring pops—all transformed to hang from necklaces and bracelets. It’s a look that makes a subtle yet playful statement.
3. Gems in the Form of Hearts
It is often said that the past is never truly gone; it is always lying in wait, ready to spring back into the present at a moment’s notice. Part of the charm of the heart-shaped pendant is that it has a long cultural history as a symbol of love and affection. The pendant’s vintage charm has been reclaimed by modern iconoclasts but with a fresh grunge spin, edgier, yet still romantic, with bangles, earrings, and necklaces that firmly straddle both sides of the heart.
4. Large Rings: Bold, Beautiful, and Back in Style
Rings with large, unique designs and even larger silhouettes were all but a fashion statement on their own when they ruled the 1990s. Mood rings weren’t just good for revealing your emotional state, but they also made for good accessories when style was really dialed up. And if there’s any instance where a ring can exude confidence levels that are off the charts, it would be signet rings, with or without your actual initials.
5. Butterfly Motifs
Remember when butterfly motifs were all the rage back in the ’90s? It wasn’t just about jewelry; it was a full-blown trend that infiltrated pop culture. From delicate butterfly necklaces to funky butterfly pendants, to earrings that were like mini works of art, and those amazing butterfly hair clips, it was all about the butterfly. Who could forget it? So why not embrace the motif with a modern spin? Check out our butterfly-inspired jewelry collection.
6. Hoop Earrings: Make a Statement
In the ’90s, hoop earrings were not just an accessory but a signifier of something greater. Stars like Jennifer Lopez and Mary J. Blige didn’t merely wear large, round earrings; they adorned their ears with jewelry that said, “Look at me. These humble circles of shiny metal are my next-level statement piece.” To pull off the daring, dramatic vibe of that earlier era, nab several pairs of large earrings. Try on our Round Hoop with Serrated Design, available in either gold-tone or silver-tone, for a starter set. We guarantee they will infuse your entire wardrobe with renewed sass and verve.
7. Nameplate Necklaces
Jewelry can be a form of self-expression, and there are few pieces more expressive than a nameplate necklace. It’s obviously a personal item, not a great conversation starter, but when it comes to pieces that really tell your style story, you can’t do much better than a nameplate.
8. Pearls: Perfectly Imperfect
Let us discuss pearls, those timeless treasures that everyone seems to have a soft spot for. This year, these near-ubiquitous accessories are getting a contemporary makeover that even has some ’90s influence (in case you thought we were done with that decade). Once seen as preppy and conservative, pearls are now getting a wilder, looser vibe, thanks to style icons like Harry Styles and Gigi Hadid. And then there is #Pearlcore, a trend that is influencing our postmodern fashion lexicon. One look at mismatched pearl earrings or an oversized, elongated, pearl drop necklace, “stacked pearl bracelets”, as fashion insiders call them, and you can literally see the influence of #Pearlcore. However, it might be even harder to see what #Pearlcore actually is—because, you know, pearls.
9. Anklets: A Year-Round Way to Dress Up Your Ankles
Think anklets are just for the warm-weather months, when you’re donning casual sandals and sportier sneakers? Think again. The ’90s revival isn’t just relegating itself to the realms of arm parties and T-shirt dresses; it’s also bringing back from the fashion crypt the ankle silhouette enhancer, which is an anklet that doesn’t get stocked in the fashion vault. The lesser-seen accessory adds a contemporary twist to any warm-weather look or layered fall ensemble.
10. Have We Told You About Bangles?
Stacking bangles gives off a special charm in all their familiarity. They are like the chic yet retro fashion of an old friend, that we still somehow feel caught up within. To add a fresh and colorful yet geometric air to your bangle game, think about color-blocking. And know this: bangle-pop and color-blocking are special worlds unto themselves, and you’ve got all the authority in the world to navigate them however your stylish self pleases.