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16 Types of Trending Jewelry in 2024
Jewelry is not just a fashion accessory; it also carries cultural, social, or personal meaning. Discover below the most notable types of jewelry , their origins, and how they can enrich your everyday style.
1. Fascinator
At first glance, we don't always consider the fascinator as a type of jewelry . It is more of a women's head accessory, used as decoration instead of a hat.
However, since its function is purely ornamental and it does not provide any protection for the head, it is classified as jewelry, especially when pearls or precious stones are added to it.
Fascinators are common in Europe, especially among royalty, and are also popular at formal events.
Fascinator. Source: Gold Coast Couture
2. Hairpin
A simple hairpin may seem far from being any kind of jewelry , but its Egyptian counterparts tell a different story.
Historical records of hairpins from ancient Egypt and Assyria show that these accessories were richly decorated with jewels and/or pearls, and made from precious materials such as ivory, bronze or wood. sculpted.
In China, a hairpin can symbolize a person's social status. In ancient Chinese culture, it also marks the passage to adulthood: a young girl, at the age of 15, receives an ornamental hairpin during a coming of age ceremony.
Hairpin. Source: Tegen Accessories
3. Hat pin
In the past, the hat pin was used to secure hats in place. But one day, someone – whose identity we do not know – had the idea of making it decorative, and since then, it has become a style of jewelry.
Although it is rare to see hat pins in everyday wear today, they are still considered valuable ornaments. In the United States and the United Kingdom, some collectors even add hat pins to their jewelry collections.
Hat pin. Source: The NY Times
4. Sarpech
This name may sound foreign, because it truly is. The sarpech is a type of ornamental jewelry worn with turbans in Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh cultures. Placed on the front or sides of the turban, the sarpech is made of metal and decorated with gemstones or jewels.
Sarpech. Source: The NY Times
5. Earrings
Earrings are among the oldest types of jewelry. Biblical and prehistoric accounts attest to their existence.
Although it is not known exactly how they came to be, historians believe that the first earrings originated in ancient Egypt.
It is also unclear how and why they started being made. Who would have thought of inflicting pain on the ears just to wear an ornamental piece of jewelry? Yet, thousands of years later, earrings exist in a multitude of styles and designs.
Earrings. Source: Gisel B
6. Bolo tie
The bolo tie, sometimes called a bola tie, is a style of jewelry that originated in Western cultures, particularly Texas. It originated from a practical need: to secure a hatband.
Victor Cedarstaff, who claims to have invented it, recounts that one day while riding, he put the band of his hat around his neck to keep it from flying off. His companion joked that the band looked like a necktie, and the idea was born. Today, bolo ties are often adorned with polished stones, feminine brooches, or other jewelry elements.
Bolo tie. Source: Le Cowboy.com
7. Choker necklace
As its name suggests, a choker is a necklace that fits tightly around the neck, giving a "tightening" effect. Historically, it has several meanings.
In ancient Egypt, it was thought to offer protection to the wearer. During the French Revolution, chokers were used to honor women executed by the guillotine. Black and red chokers were associated with prostitution.
Not to be confused with torcs, a type of jewelry worn by gods, goddesses, and powerful people in ancient history. Unlike chokers that are adorned with stones or jewels, torcs were usually made from solid metal such as gold or bronze.
Nowadays, chokers are nothing more than accessories meant to embellish our outfits.
Choker necklace. Source: Gisel B
8. Necklace
A looser version of the choker, the necklace is probably one of the oldest types of jewelry. Throughout history, it has served a variety of purposes, including religious, funerary, and magical ceremonies.
In general, however, necklaces were seen as symbols of status and wealth, as they were often made with precious stones and rare metals.
In some ancient cultures, necklaces were made from the bones of animals killed by the wearer, symbolizing strength and power. Nowadays, the necklace is a must-have to enhance any outfit.
Maggie bi-material necklace. Source: Gisel B
9. Armband
The armband, also called an arm bracelet or arm ring, is worn around the bicep. Although it is rare to see them today, it was an important type of jewelry in heroic literature.
Nowadays, armbands are mostly worn by women, although they are uncommon in Western culture. However, in some Asian cultures, the armband is a typical accessory for brides at their wedding.
Armband. Source: Aliexpress
10. Rigid bracelet
The rigid bracelet is similar to the classic bracelet in its usage. The main difference is that the bangle is rigid while the bracelet is flexible.
Bangles are not very common in Western culture but are very popular in India and similar cultures. In some regions, women are not allowed to go out with bare arms.
Moreover, bangles are often worn in large quantities: it is rare to see them worn alone. Punjabi brides are given bangles and are expected to wear them on their wedding day.
Rigid bracelet. Source: Gisel B
11. Bracelet
The bracelet , as mentioned before, is a flexible version of the bangle. It can have several functions: fashion accessory, medical support, medical identity or even in awareness campaigns.
Some people wear lucky bracelets to attract good luck, while others use them to commemorate loved ones. The bracelet may also have cultural or religious significance.
Bracelet. Source: Gisel B
12. Ring
The ring is another ancient type of jewelry. It also dates back to biblical times, when the Israelites were asked to donate their rings and other jewelry to make a golden calf.
Today, rings have a variety of uses: promise rings, engagement rings, wedding bands, and sports insignias. They can also symbolize wealth and social status.
Ring. Source: Gisel B
13. Brooch
Originally designed to hold clothing in place, the brooch is now a popular style of jewelry to enhance an outfit. It is often used by women wearing simple clothing.
Usually made of precious metals such as gold or silver, it is decorated with colored or sparkling stones.
Brooch. Source: Fiszpan
14. Anklets
Anklets, or ankle chains, are a type of jewelry worn around the ankle. In some cultures, they symbolize courage in the face of rival tribes. In the West, they are mostly worn as foot decoration, often barefoot or with sandals.
Ankle bracelets. Source: Gisel B
15. Watches
Traditional watches display the hour, minutes, and sometimes seconds. They may also include additional functions such as alarms or stopwatches.
Modern watches, especially smartwatches, offer advanced features like fitness tracking, notifications, and apps. 
Watches. Source: PINKMOON France
16. Earrings
Earrings are timeless pieces of jewelry that add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Available in a variety of styles, from bold hoops to understated studs, they're perfect for any occasion.
Made of precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum, they are often embellished with sparkling stones such as diamonds, sapphires or pearls.
Whether you are looking for an accessory for a chic evening or an everyday piece of jewelry, earrings add a touch of elegance and highlight the natural beauty of every woman.
Earrings. Source: Gisel B
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is gold jewelry usually made of?
Gold jewelry is primarily made from an alloy of pure gold mixed with other metals such as copper, silver, nickel, or palladium. Since pure gold is too malleable to be used alone, these mixtures increase durability and allow for color adjustment, such as yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold.
What type of jewelry sells best?
Rings, especially engagement rings and wedding bands, are among the best-selling jewelry items. Personalized necklaces and bracelets with initials, birthstones or special symbols are also popular. These pieces, often chosen for their sentimental value, appeal for their ability to tell a personal story or mark a significant event.
Which metal is the most valuable?
Platinum is generally considered the most precious metal in jewelry. Rarer than gold, it is also denser and more durable, making it ideal for high-quality pieces like engagement rings.
However, gold, especially in its pure 24-karat form, remains highly prized for its intrinsic value and timeless symbolism.
What are engagement rings usually made of?
Engagement rings are often made of gold (yellow, white or rose) or platinum, durable and elegant metals. They are usually adorned with a precious stone, with diamond being the most popular choice for its beauty and eternal symbolism.
Other stones such as sapphire or emerald are also used to add a touch of originality.