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Minimalist Jewelry: A Beginner’s Guide

Discover the jewelry minimalists are going crazy for to wear alone, stacked, or layered with other fine jewelry pieces that will remain trendy now and for years to come.

Minimalist Jewelry

Whether you like plain and simple jewelry designs or you’re wanting to add a more minimalist edge to your style, we’re here to help you on your minimalist style journey.

Minimalist jewelry is and always will be a fashionable option for just about any event or occasion. We’ve looked at common mistakes made when trying to pull off this look and how we can make it easier for you to rock minimalist jewelry and still look effortlessly stunning. 

Here are our top tips to look out for when purchasing, pairing, and wearing minimalist jewelry like a pro.

What Is Minimalist Jewelry?

Essentially, minimalist jewelry is accessories with simple and unfussy designs that work subtly into your look. Simple fashion is the name of the game for people looking to buy and wear minimalist jewelry, but that’s not to say your overall aesthetic won’t make a statement. 

Often subtle jewelry can tie a great outfit together and give it the touch of sparkle it’s missing. Or it can add a hint of your personality to whatever you wear night or day! 

Can I Wear Multiple Pieces of Minimalist Jewelry?

Minimalist jewelry doesn’t necessarily mean you only need one piece of jewelry. Definitely play around with different pieces that you can stack, layer, or wear on different parts of your body. 

Whether you like layering or stacking your jewelry, you can style your go-to minimalist designs in a way that doesn’t give off a cluttered look. 

However, don’t feel as though you need to wear multiple pieces of minimalist jewelry. A simple necklace, bracelet, and ring design can look incredible without the need to add more.

Does The Minimalist Jewelry Need To Be The Same Metal?

Playing around with different metal colors is your prerogative, and no one should say otherwise. 

You can mix and match your minimalist jewelry to your heart’s content, but do keep in mind that when you pair the pieces of the same metal color, it really does make a statement. What you want to avoid is over cluttering your look with too many different colors. So we suggest you stick with two metal colors max. 

Most people with warmer skin tones can pull off a darker metal combination of yellow and rose gold. Whereas those with cooler skin tones look great in white metals like silver, white gold, and platinum. The key is to play around and see which metals look best on you. This can also vary for your day or night looks. 

Related Post: How To Choose The Right Jewelry For Your Skin Tone

Minimalist Jewelry: The Classics

When it comes to minimalist jewelry, invest in the essentials. Add a few classic pieces to your jewelry box for a chic minimalist style that works every time. Timeless jewelry pieces will always pass the latest trends. Whether it’s a pair of gold hoops or a cuff bracelet, you can wear these items to give your everyday look a contemporary spin. 

Classic or vintage jewelry can be bought for absolutely any occasion and will stand the test of time. They also make for the best gifts and are perfect for both casual and formal environments.

Minimalist Jewelry To Make A Bold Statement

The key to a minimalist style is an outfit that has one showstopping jewelry piece. Whether it be a sleek pair of thick huggie hoops or a chunky signet ring, a single jewel can keep you looking fashion-forward. Nothing screams minimalist chic more than one impactful piece of jewelry to keep all eyes on you.   

To get that big and bold look with one piece of jewelry, you’d do best by investing in some solid gold pieces. Modern minimalist jewelry trends all point to yellow gold jewelry, a warm and versatile metal that looks good on any skin tone. 

Minimalist Jewelry: Simple, Yet Sparkling

Just because you’re going with minimalist jewelry doesn’t mean you need to lose your shine. Diamond jewelry is still the perfect choice for a polished and sparkling aesthetic, like diamond pendants or diamond tennis bracelets. Our only advice here will be to stick to one kind of metal if you wear more than one piece of diamond jewelry. 

If you’re looking for just a hint of sparkle, a modest bezel set or dome ring could be the perfect asset to your minimalist collection. 

Keep Your Jewelry Box Light

Minimalist jewelry can serve you time and time again. Stick to a few flexible pieces that you might wear for both informal and formal occasions with any type of outfit. Here, we suggest starting with precious metals. These metals often appear as clean, sleek lines with smooth satin surfaces.

This type of jewelry is a staple of simple elegance and is easy to throw on at a minute’s notice. Take a pair of simple stackable rings or a medallion necklace, for example; put them on, and you’ve gone from casual to polished in an instant. Plus, it’s a long-term investment in quality and style you’ll get to cherish and wear any time you want.

Related post: Minimalist Jewelry: Back To Basics

Spice Up Your Minimalist Jewelry With Gemstones

A pop of color may be just what the fashionistas ordered. If your outfit of choice happens to be a simple white, beige or black ensemble, gemstone jewelry will serve as your ideal accessory. 

What we love about gemstones is their ability to look fabulous in whichever fine jewelry piece you prefer. Their color will give you the extra finesse your outfit needs to make a statement; from gemstone rings to a chic gemstone necklace or bracelet, your options are endless. 

As a minimalist rule, it’s less complicated to stick to your favorite type of gemstone and avoid unnecessary mixing and matching.

Avoid Complicated Designs

Minimalist jewelry can be fun and explorative, from asymmetric lines for abstract simplicity or perfectly symmetrical pieces that give you a sleek look. Try to avoid designs that are too intricate and move towards more opulent jewelry with clean cuts and smooth surfaces.

You don’t want to take away from the curated minimalism that comes with uncomplicated jewelry designs.

Buying A Piece of Minimalist Jewelry For Someone Special

If you’re thinking about getting a piece of jewelry for someone special, but you want it to be affordable and not over the top, minimalist jewelry is the way to go! 

We all like adding accessories to our jewelry boxes that we know we can wear every day no matter the occasion, so trust us when we say your gift will be appreciated and worn often!
Go for a simple stackable birthstone ring, a plain medallion necklace, a simple pair of hoop earrings, or a cuff bracelet to let them know you care and that you have great taste in jewelry.

Closing Thoughts

We at JamesAllen.com hope you enjoyed this article as much as we loved writing it. Our archives are brimming with fun and helpful tips about fine jewelry. Learn how to match your personality and style with the jewelry of your dreams. You can find our selection of reads below. 

If you have any questions about our products or you’d like to design your own earrings or pendants, visit our website here or get in contact with one of our 24/7 customer service agents here.

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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Unique Christmas Gift Ideas for 2021

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for that special someone? Or maybe you’re looking to reward yourself with some end-of-year sparkle? James Allen is here with the best holiday gift ideas for 2021.

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas for 2021

The 2021 gift-giving season is a complicated one. Supply chain issues and shipping delays have made it even more difficult to find – and receive – great gifts in time for the holidays. But no worries! Below you can find a list of unique Christmas gifts that, yes, will ship in time for you to put them under the tree.  

For the 2021 holiday season, we’re focusing on gemstone jewelry sets. Gemstone holiday gifts are particularly popular this year, and as you read on you’ll learn why.

What Are Jewelry Sets?

What’s a jewelry set? It’s a pair, or trio, or quartet of matching or complementary jewelry pieces. Any combination of earrings + necklace + ring + bracelet counts as a jewelry set. 

Why Should I Purchase Jewelry As a Set? 

Purchasing a few pieces of jewelry at once is a greater commitment than purchasing them one at a time. So why do it? 

  1. Because wearing matching jewelry makes a much larger visual impact than wearing disparate pieces. Jewelry sets look extremely professional, put-together, and they take the stress out of coordinating your jewelry “wardrobe.” Just throw on the matching set and you’re good to go!  
  2. It’s a versatile purchase. Any jewelry set can be worn separately for any occasion. 
  3. Gifting a jewelry set is guaranteed to drop some jaws. Unwrapping multiple pieces is an experience that any gift recipient will remember for ages. 

How Should I Gift a Jewelry Set?

Holiday jewelry sets are a way to take your gift-giving to the next level. We recommend gifting them one of two ways. 

Option 1: gift the whole set together. You can wrap them in a single package or draw out the excitement by wrapping each piece individually. Now that is an unforgettable Christmas jewelry gift!

Option 2: gift the set gradually over the course of a year. For example, gift the necklace during the holidays, then give the matching earrings on Valentine’s day, and finish with a bang by wrapping up the matching ring as a birthday present. 

The Pros of Colorful Jewelry

Diamonds are a classic choice, and purchasing them as a set is a great way to ensure their wearability across a variety of wardrobes. However, don’t be afraid to go for nonstandard pieces or ones that feature a bit more color. 

While the disadvantage of colorful gemstone pieces is their suitability with only certain outfits, the main advantage is the statements that they make. As a rule, matching gemstone pieces make a greater impression than matching colorless pieces thanks to the striking effect of their unique hues.

The Affordability of Gemstone Jewelry

Another advantage of gemstone jewelry sets as Christmas gifts is their relative affordability to more expensive stones. Usually, your budget will go further when you buy gemstone jewelry as compared to diamond jewelry – meaning that for the price of one diamond piece you can often buy a couple gemstone pieces. 

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas:
Diamond Jewelry Sets

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas:
Ruby Jewelry Sets

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas:
Pearl Jewelry Sets

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas:
Emerald Jewelry Sets

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas:
Opal Jewelry Sets

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas:
Diamond Jewelry Sets

More Gift-Wrappable Ideas

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Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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Our Most Popular and Most-Reviewed Jewelry

Sure, the jewelry looks fantastic online…but what do customers really think? Read on to find out! We’ve arranged a lineup of the year’s most-reviewed items: engagement rings, wedding rings, and fine jewelry. 

Most-reviewed wedding rings and engagement rings

The reviews are in! Which items are James Allen customers totally in love with? The trends are clear: rose gold, pavé, and classic settings are in.

Rose gold jewelry

Rose gold jewelry got the lion’s share of rave reviews! Our lineup below includes rose gold engagement ringsrose gold wedding rings, and a rose gold necklace.

Pavé jewelry

This glittery lineup of popular jewelry is studded with pavé settings. Not only does pavé add sparkle, but when designed in a halo it makes its center stone appear larger!

Classic jewelry

Simple, unadorned jewelry makes a strong showing alongside its sparkling peers. Solitaire engagement rings, minimalist stud earrings, and gold-forward pendant necklaces are clearly popular.

Read on for a snapshot of our most-reviewed items…

Engagement Rings

Rose Gold Petite Pavé Engagement Ring

The Petite Pavé is one of our most popular engagement ring styles, and it’s clear that rose gold is rising in popularity. This delicate, feminine ring has just the right amount of sparkle…and it had our customers raving!

“The ring was perfect and my fiancé loved it and hasn’t stopped looking at it since.”
-Aaron B.

most popular engagement rings: rose gold pave engagement ring
14K Rose Gold Petite Pave Engagement Ring (Flush Fit)

White Gold Knife Edge Engagement Ring

A simple solitaire engagement ring – with an edge. The strong lines of this unique solitaire engagement ring draw all eyes to the featured center stone. Affordable, minimalist, and stylish, this engagement ring drew a storm of chatter.

“My fiancée loves it! The simplicity of the ring is amazing and more! It shines so big!”
– Jahaira C.

most popular engagement rings:  white gold solitaire engagement ring
14K White Gold 2mm Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring

Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
with Oval Diamond

This yellow gold engagement ring is an utter classic. It’s designed for comfort – not only is it beautiful, but you can wear it all day. And customers loved it! This setting is suitable for mounting with any cut of a diamond – and customers took advantage of this, choosing (for instance) the oval diamond featured below. 

“Bought this beautiful piece for my wife and she was super happy! The quality of the style and cut is amazing!”
– Alessandro B.

most popular engagement rings:  yellow gold solitaire oval engagement ring
14K Yellow Gold 1.5mm Comfort Fit Engagement Ring

White Gold Pavé Rope Engagement Ring

This white gold engagement ring really puts a twist on pavé. It’s composed of two thin bands – one pavé and one classic – twirled together for just the right amount of subtle shimmer. 

“Loved the ring! Shines a ton. She loved it.”
– Chris F.

most popular engagement rings: white gold twisted pave engagement ring
14K White Gold Pave Rope Engagement Ring

Rose Gold Cathedral Halo Engagement Ring

With an arching, many-armed backet, this rose gold engagement ring is pure royalty. Its unique halo is slightly almond-shaped, tapering gracefully into the curved pavé-set band. This is a super-sparkler! And thanks to the surrounding small stones, the center stone actually appears larger than it is. 

“My now fiancée absolutely loves the ring and loves adoring the size of the diamond.” 
– Jonathan V. 

most popular engagement rings: rose gold pave halo engagement ring
14K Rose Gold Cathedral Pave Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

Wedding Rings

Platinum Flush Fit Pavé Wedding Ring

This is a timeless wedding band that adds a good amount of sparkle. The pavé-set diamonds are set perfectly to allow the maximum amount of light to hit their facets. And if that’s not enough, it’s also effortlessly comfortable to wear. 

“Absolutely love my wedding band and engagement ring. My diamond is stunning and customer service was exceptional.”
– James S.

most popular wedding rings: platinum pave wedding ring
Platinum Flush Fit Pave Wedding Ring

Thin Pavé Wedding Ring

For those who love a solid stack of sparkle, this delicate pavé wedding ring is a perfect choice. Slim enough to accommodate both an engagement ring and an anniversary ring, this adds a graceful line of complementary glitter to any ring compilation.

“She said yes! The ring is absolutely remarkable and super elegant!”
– Andrew H.

most popular wedding rings: white gold pave wedding ring
14K White Gold Thin Pave Set Diamond Wedding Ring

Platinum Prong-Set Diamond Wedding Ring

This platinum wedding ring is set with 10 sparkling diamonds that cover half the band’s length. This wedding ring is gracefully bold. Its stones are larger than that of a pavé and, as such, they capture a good amount of light.

“Beautiful! Looks great with my engagement ring (which is also from James Allen).”
– Anne W.

most popular wedding rings: white gold prong-set wedding ring
Platinum Prong Set Diamond Wedding Rin

Rose Gold Vintage Marquise Wedding Ring

A wedding ring with all the romance of vintage jewels, but made to modern quality standards. The entire length of the rose gold band is set with alternating round and marquise diamonds that give off an uncommonly romantic whimsy.

“Exactly what I envisioned for my wedding band. Amazing quality too.”
– Justin L.

most popular wedding rings: rose gold vintage marquise and round diamond wedding ring
14K Rose Gold Vintage Marquise And Round Bezel Diamond Ring

Fine Jewelry 

Yellow Gold Four-Prong Diamond Earrings

These diamond studs became many of our customers’ go-to earrings this year! With their sturdy yet vanishing prongs, these yellow gold earrings upgrade your wardrobe for any occasion. You really can’t go wrong with diamond studs, especially these. 

“The 4 prong looks great!! Happy to have them!”
– Maria J.

14K Yellow Gold Four Prong Stud Earrings (Mounting)

White Gold Four-Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Diamond tennis bracelet: the ultimate in shine! This bracelet is straight-up, elegant, in-your-face sparkle. A continuous line of diamonds makes this bracelet shimmer from every angle on your wrist. Sturdy four-prong settings hold 53 brilliant-cut diamonds in a single, beautifully-crafted row. 

“The diamonds are bright and sparkly!”
-Yenny C.

14K White Gold Four Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Rose Gold Curved Bar Diamond Necklace

A minimalist piece with personality! This diamond necklace features a curved row of round-cut diamonds gracefully suspended by a rose gold chain. The delicate line of glitter brightens up the wearer without being too in-your-face, and the rose gold lends this necklace a feminine touch.

This item is unique and beautiful. What a wonderful gift.”
– Shirley P.

rose gold curved bar diamond necklace

Yellow Gold Bezel Diamond Pendant

A minimalist diamond pendant necklace with an understood, practical grace. This diamond pendant necklace takes your everyday wear to the next level. The thin bezel setting makes it a fantastic option for active lifestyles, thanks to its strong, no-snag mounting and comfortable flattened back. 

“This necklace is perfect for my everyday life, a very classic and timeless piece.”
– Isa L.

14K Yellow Gold Bezel Diamond Pendant (Mounting)

Platinum Milgrain Bezel Diamond Pendant Necklace

This milgrain setting keeps your diamond secure and stylish. Its beading is the perfect mix of modern and vintage jewelry design. The smooth, curved back adds a gorgeous element of movement, ensuring that your pendant will always move slightly to catch the light and your diamond’s facets will sparkle.

“Awesome quality!  Very happy with my purchase.”
– James W.

Platinum Milgrain Bezel Diamond Pendant (Mounting)

Customer-favorite jewelry styles:

  1. 2021 Engagement Ring Trends
  2. Trending Yellow Gold Engagement Rings
  3. Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas
  4. Engagement Ring Advice From Real Couples

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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Trending Gold Necklace Styles of 2020

A rich gold necklace makes its wearer an instant queen. Check out our most popular yellow gold necklaces, as well as tricks for wearing them like a pro!

Layered yellow gold necklaces

What’s so special about a gold necklace? Well, what isn’t? Yellow gold is a luxurious, warm metal that has been prized for millennia for its undeniable luxe, thanks to its elegance, maturity, and style. Gold necklaces elevate absolutely any outfit. You can wear them constantly. And there are SO many styles to choose from!

Keep scrolling to discover our most popular gold necklace styles.

The Diamonds

Diamonds + yellow gold is a classic combination. This is a style that you can wear anywhere, anytime, for an immediate boost of professionalism. With a gold necklace like these below, you’ll always be that person who knows exactly what they’re talking about.

Bezel-Set Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace

Triple-Layer Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Triple Layer Pierced Diamond Specks Necklace By Brevani

Pear Halo Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Pear Halo Cluster Necklace

The Gemstones

Colorful gemstones and yellow gold make for playful pieces that are packed with personality. Choose a gold necklace with gems that complement your colors, match your eyes, or hold a special meaning. 

Ruby Sugarloaf Yellow Gold Necklace

18K Yellow Gold Ruby Pave Sugarloaf Necklace

Amethyst and Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Classical Amethyst And Diamond Necklace By Brevani

Bezel-Set Sapphire Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire Bezel Set Bar Necklace

The Divas

Oh HELLO now! Imagine walking into a room flaunting a ripper of a gold necklace like one of these show-stoppers! Wear your style and wear it LOUD.

Diamond Sunburst Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Sunburst Diamond Circle Necklace

Amethyst Cabochon Yellow Gold Necklace

18K Yellow Gold Oval Amethyst Cabochon And Diamond Necklace

Octagon Citrine and Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace

18K Yellow Gold Octagon Citrine And Diamond Necklace

The Minimalists

Shhhh now…these simple styles radiate calm. An elegant gold necklace is a perfect choice for daily wear. It’s also the most versatile! These minimalist necklaces move effortlessly from the office to afternoon coffee, to a night out.

Infinity Pavé Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Infinity Pave Necklace

Lightning Bolt Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bolt Necklace

Diamond Starburst Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Starburst Necklace

Go bold, go GOLD

More gorgeous pieces for gold aficionados

  1. #Winning yellow gold engagement rings
  2. Yellow gold wedding bands for men
  3. White gold engagement rings
  4. Rose gold wedding bands

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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Diamond Pendants: The Essential Guide

Designed to be worn close to your heart, diamond pendants are among the most romantic gifts you can give or receive.

diamond pendants milgrain bezel pendant cover

Diamond Pendants: Necks Appeal

Few accessories have the ability to light up an outfit quite like diamond pendants. They’re perfectly positioned for maximum impact and come in a range of eye-catching styles.

Whether you’re after a piece that complements your everyday jewelry collection or a glamorous gift for special occasions, our guide has got you covered. So pop on some peppy music and get your jewelry to browse on.

Browse Preset Pendants

Diamond Pendants: Dangling Designs

Looking to treat your SO to a diamond pendant? Consider which style will best suit her personality. For the classic woman, a solitaire pendant adds a touch of refinement to any outfit.

14K White Gold Diamond Scroll Key Necklace
Diamond Scroll Key

If it’s a statement piece you’re after, key pendants are a popular choice, along with nature-inspired motifs such as hearts, flowers, and butterflies.

diamond pendants pavé butterfly pendant
Pavé Diamond Butterfly

If, on the other hand, she’s the artistic/creative type, a more whimsical or abstract design might be preferable.

Traditional

diamond pendants wire pendant
Wire Diamond

Solitaire diamond pendants are the ideal way to showcase a single stone. Opt for a prong mount if you wish to highlight the stone while concealing the metal behind it.

Pro tip: Less is more when it comes to choosing a diamond solitaire pendant. Go for a simple setting and pair it with a good quality diamond, focusing on clarity and cut for extra shine.

14K Yellow Gold Round Halo Cluster Necklace
Round Halo Cluster

For a more contemporary look, choose a bezel-set diamond pendant that surrounds the centerpiece with a thin band of metal.

Pavé-Set Frame

diamond pendants princess pavé set frame pendant
Princess Cut Pavé-Set Frame

Pavé-set frame draws more attention to the setting itself. It’s often accented with ornate filigree borders.

diamond pendants round pavé set frame pendant
Round Cut Pavé-Set Frame

Pavé Bail

diamond pendants pavé bail pendant
Pavé Bail Diamond

Pavé bail features diamond detail on the metal loop that connects the pendant to the chain.

Design Your Own Pendant

Diamond Pendants: Don’t Leave Us Hanging!

All the women who are into pendants! Let us know which neck candy you’re sweet on in the comments below or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat.

Find out which pendant styles will be the necks big thing for 2019 and see why diamond cluster is setting hearts aflutter.

Keep this pendant inspo firmly within your clasp (Pin it!)

diamond pendants essential guide pinterest pin

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Jonny Hart

Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.

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