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The 53 Best Jewelry Pieces for the Most Meaningful Gift

From affordable fashion pieces to future heirlooms and everything in between.

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Best Jewelry Gifts of 2023

InStyle / Brian Kopinski

Jewelry has been a go-to gift for centuries, and though the type of jewelry we give our loved ones may have evolved, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. That’s because so many of us, whatever our style, love a nice piece of jewelry — and coming from a partner, friend, or family member, there’s so much meaning to be infused in it, via birthstones, initials, and other meaningful symbols of our diverse identities and relationships.

Whether you’re looking to make a small or grand gesture, and whether you’re thinking cool-girl fashion pieces or future heirlooms, and whatever your budget, there are seemingly infinite options out there. To help you wade through the sea of jewelry that would make the ideal gift to celebrate someone you love, we conducted a ton of research, and narrowed down our selection of the best jewelry to gift, hailing from bestselling and indie brands alike. Keep reading to find the perfect jewelry gift for any occasion.

Earrings

The most romantic among your friends are sure to fall head over heels for these beautiful and affordable studs. These sweet flower-shaped earrings from Lonna & Lilly feature petals made from imitation pearls and centers made from silver crystals and gold metal. They’re a lovely way to add a little glitz to an everyday ensemble without being too loud. As such, they’ll take your giftee from work to happy hour and even to the gym seamlessly.

Make sure you know your giftee is into heart-shaped jewelry (and, well, has their ears pierced) before you buy them these earrings, but other than that, these are a true crowd pleaser. Since these are tiny studs and come in a selection of rose gold, gold, or silver-toned metals, they’ll fit nicely with any outfit under the sun and for any occasion too. They’re also engraved with the brand name and come in a lovely pastel jewelry box for a little taste of something designer but at a fraction of the price.

For your more glamorous friend who always seems to get invited to galas, premieres, and private social clubs, nothing less than this pair of glitzy drop earrings will do. Despite being very shiny, thanks to their selection of pavé crystals set in gold or silver metal, these teardrop jewels aren’t actually over the top at all. They simply say “sophisticated party.” Plus, you get that high-end effect for a really reasonable price, so we’d call that an all-around win.

While you have to know your recipient quite well to decide whether they would like these funky earrings, what’s for sure is that we really do. Made from polymer clay, they consist of a circle on the lobe, then drop down into an upside down U shape, in bright, contrasting, swirly colors that are ready to party. Also, Swanky Designs is Black- and woman-owned, and each piece is handmade in the USA, which is just really cool and always a selling point in our book.

If your giftee is graduating from an academic program, has just gotten engaged, or has just received a promotion, chances are they’ll already be getting given more bubbly than they can handle — but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in on the fun. These drop earrings from BaubleBar are shaped like full champagne flutes, and are embellished with the panoply of crystals and imitation pearls to match their whole aesthetic. They also come ready to present to your loved one in a fun gift box with a cute celebratory message inside.

Hoop earrings are a great option for the more classic of your friends and some huggie earrings might very well be the way to go. Made from silver-plated brass and embellished with pavé and baguette-shaped cubic zirconia crystals, these ones from Ben Oni are both easy to pull off for just about anyone and still a lot of fun — the best of both worlds, basically. Also, these look luxe as heck, but keep the price tag down by not using actual gemstones. Last but not least, we appreciate that the brand is Black- and woman-owned.

There’s nothing quite like the rush of discovering an indie brand with a beautiful concept and even more beautiful products. That’s how we felt when we first heard about Duruyeh, a Ghana-based brand whose guiding principle is “art for your ears,” creating small collections of luxurious earrings, all coming in at under $100. As well as being a gorgeous earring made from 18K gold-plated sterling silver, the Foldover also has a gorgeous significance, symbolizing “bending but not breaking” in the face of life changes. Ideal for your friend who’s just entered a big new chapter.

Danielle Jonas is perhaps best known for the projects she’s undertaken alongside husband Kevin — the reality show and the kids’ books — but she’s also a jewelry designer, focusing on creating special pieces at approachable prices. The Daisy is a pair of earrings with an irregular O shape on the lobe, embellished with a faux freshwater pearl, and falling down into an upside down U below. They’re available in just solid sterling silver or in gold-plated sterling silver, to suit your giftee’s tastes in jewelry.

A single stud can make an especially thoughtful present for a friend who’s just gotten a new ear piercing — especially when it’s as lovely and special as this one, made from solid 14K yellow or white gold and adorned with three little diamonds. Amer New York is a wonderful brand to have on your radar as well: The label was founded by two sisters, who use only ethically sourced gemstones and handcraft each piece in New York City. All of Amer’s jewelry is designed to become future heirlooms, meaning your giftee can wear these studs for years and think of you every time.

Some earrings have the power to make an entire outfit, and these by Lele Sadoughi are one such pair. Made out of acetate and 14k gold-plated brass, they are shaped like lilies in a swirly shade of turquoise that looks like someone’s pool in the Hollywood Hills. Paired with a natural linen dress or white palazzo pants, they scream summer vacation, but they can also complement a darker fall look beautifully. They’re also available in faux tortoiseshell, orange tones, or gold-plated if you're not sure your recipient is much of a turquoise person.

Fans of simple, pure lines will absolutely swoon over these “tribar” earrings from NYC-based sustainable brand Aurate — a wonderful woman-owned label. Available in more affordable vermeil, or luxe 14K or 18K gold, you also get to choose between gold, silver, and rose gold colors according to what your giftee likes best. These earrings consist of three metal bars of different lengths, with one resting in front of the lobe and two in the back. They’re also super versatile, since the middle bar can be worn by itself, sans the other two. Love.

You know what we love? Sticking our tongue out to so-called fashion rules. Gone are the days of never mixing metals, with the trend for two-toned jewelry gaining tons of traction among fashion girls. These earrings by Missoma hit the nail on the head with their two intertwined chunky chain links, one in 18K gold vermeil and one in silver-toned rhodium-plate. These make a perfect present for your loved ones who are always ahead of trends and love to look really cool for brunch as much as they do for work. As for us, we’d wear them with a pair of mom jeans and a black bodysuit.

Elegant women with a penchant for a more classic, retro style (think: coastal grandma) will adore these pearl earrings with a twist. Set with one smaller and one larger freshwater cultured pearl, these are made from 14K solid gold and can be worn just as well for casual occasions as they can for fancier evening events. Since they come in neutral colors, they’ll also match pretty much any color clothing, too.

Adriana Orsini is a go-to for elegant, romantic jewelry at great prices, and we find these chandelier earrings particularly stunning. They’re made from 18K gold-plated sterling silver and feature different shapes of cubic zirconia imitation diamonds, arranged to look like vine leaves falling from a branch. Ideal for pairing with a dressy evening look, they would make a fantastic present for any lover of wine or the Mediterranean.

It doesn’t feel like we need to sell you on these earrings, since they easily sell themselves — thanks to their stunning multicolored design, which is meant to evoke the sight of an Indian market. These are handmade by artisans in India from precious stones as well as zirconia and set in brass plated with 24k gold. The brand takes measures to ensure their workers are well treated and fairly compensated, and all pieces come in responsible packaging.

Rings

Customized gifts show your recipient you’ve really thought about them during your search for the perfect present, and thanks to the magical land that is Etsy, they don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. This little ring is so discreet yet so pretty, and is therefore sure to suit any of your loved ones’ style. Available in an impressive range of ring sizes, this piece of jewelry comes in gold, silver, or rose gold metal, and is adorned with a selection of between one and four birthstones. Choose one for a friend’s birthday, two for an engagement present, three for their first child or their three children, four for your group of friends, etc., etc., etc.

This ring makes initial jewelry look decidedly cool, with its chunky asymmetric silhouette and large graphic letter. Plated with genuine gold, it makes a perfect fashion piece for your friends who work in a big city and have cultivated a sophisticated, badass vibe for themselves. It’s also great if you feel strongly about buying someone a ring but don’t know their size, since this one’s open design means it’s adjustable.

If you prefer to purchase jewelry made from genuine precious metals and embellishments, but don’t have a huge budget, this ring makes the perfect compromise. While it is made with a small cubic zirconia crystal, this petite number features a genuine freshwater pearl set on a ring made from sterling silver and plated with 14k gold plate. This ring is beautifully dainty and will suit those with even the most sensitive skin.

You know when you love someone so much you want to gift them the sun, the moon, and the stars? Well, since you sadly can’t, like, literally do that, we can only suggest the next best thing: a piece of jewelry that shines just as bright. Enter this flashy bauble by Kenneth Jay Lane, which is crafted from 22K gold-plated metal and features a medley of faux gemstones. The center stone is a gigantic emerald cut orange gem, which is surrounded by rounded faux peridot stones, which in turn are interspersed with small glass crystals, for a flower-like shape. It’s so loud, and it’s so great.

This is called the Power Cocktail Ring, so you really know what you’re getting yourself into here. Spring for this piece by Monica Vinader for your friend who never takes any crap from anyone and always chooses the restaurant for your friend group (is she a Leo, by chance?). Available with a pink, yellow, green, or blue hand-cut stone, it’s made from a big ol’ piece of recycled 18K gold-plated metal — which contributes to the brand having received a Butterfly Mark, indicating that they do their utmost to commit to environmental and ethical best practices throughout their business. Love that for them and for us.

One great thing about shopping for jewelry in particular is that there are so many incredible woman-owned brands in the space — Bario Neal being a wonderful example. The label’s small-luxury pieces feature unique designs and are handmade in Philadelphia using sustainable processes. This lovely and unexpected ring is available in a choice of fairmined or reclaimed 18K yellow gold or reclaimed sterling silver and has a simple yet different rectangle of tomato red enamel in the center.

While we could totally see this ring serving as a less conventional engagement ring, it’s also a thoughtful way to mark someone’s birthday or other milestone. It’s named “Ava” after Ava Gardner, embodying the Old Hollywood aesthetic with its round and lozenge-shaped stones. It alternates white diamonds and pink sapphires and is set in sterling silver. Since it’s such a delicate piece, it can easily be stacked with other precious or semi-precious rings.

Bracelets

When looking to make a small gesture of appreciation towards a loved one, this stylish bangle set is sure to do the trick. Made from super cool hammered metal, this bracelet duo makes the ideal accessory to polish off a simple but fashion-forward outfit. We also love that they’re open at the back so they can be adjusted to fit a wide range of wrist sizes. Just make sure to stalk a few of your recipient’s social media pics to check whether they’re more of a gold or a silver person before hitting “add to cart!”

Let’s face it: We’re all high key obsessed with astrology these days, so your friend who’s always explaining that she’s “not a workaholic, just a Capricorn” is bound to love this cute personalized zodiac bracelet. Available in all 12 star signs, this bracelet consists of a dainty metal chain and a constellation charm with crystals for stars. It comes in either gold, rose gold, or silver to suit every preference as well. Last but not least, this is a great small gift, since it comes nestled in a little card that says the sign’s name, birthday range, and three of its best and most defining qualities. With the packaging's square shape, it will be super easy to gift-wrap, too.

Here’s another small gift for the fashion girls who love nothing more than to make a statement. Available in two fun prints, each of these cuffs features different contrasting colors and patterns, at the intersection of subdued and super bright shades. They open and close via a magnetic system. While each resin bracelet looks fabulous individually, they’re also affordable enough that you could spring for both if you can picture your friend wearing them as a set (and you have a slightly larger budget for their gift).

Thanks to Taylor Swift, colorful beaded bracelets with messages on them are all the rage right now. These three from Madewell make a fantastic smaller present, especially for your friends who like to dress colorfully, die-hard Swifties, or your younger family members. With their elastic string, they’re easy to put on and take off and will fit a variety of wrist sizes. We also love that these are made from part recycled materials, so you can feel great about the purchase knowing they have a reduced environmental impact.

Speaking of customized friendship bracelets, BaubleBar has an offering we think you’ll love. It’s made from the woven thread many of us used as children and comes in a great range of color palettes; multicolored, ombré, metallic, and more. The thread is then overlaid with gold metal letters to spell out a name or other message. You can also add hearts for an extra special touch.

We’re obsessed with the fact that all our favorite things from the ‘90s and early 2000s are coming back with a vengeance these days. We get to embrace our nostalgia while not actually dressing like we did in that era. It’s in that frame of mind that a violet crystal-encrusted butterfly bracelet makes a beautiful present for anyone in your life. This one hails from fan-favorite label Kendra Scott, and its delicate chain is made from 14k gold-plated brass.

First things first, we love Nest Jewelry’s concept. Founded by two Texas-based sisters, the brand takes vintage and/or organic raw materials and crafts them into unique pieces fit for the modern world. This stretchy bracelet is made with magenta agate beads, meaning it features shades of hot pink and red for a welcome pop of color. It’s finished with a 22K gold-plated brass bead with “NEST” engraved on it and will seamlessly complete any outfit your recipient puts together.

Your friend who loves a little logo action will undoubtedly appreciate a sweet yet simple Tory Burch bangle. The Kira is made from gold-tone metal and embellished with a strip of colorful enamel, with a choice of black, ivory, tomato red, pine tree, bright yellow-green, or (our favorite) orchid pink. The design is topped off with a glitzy golden Tory Burch T logo. It’s both statement-making and subtle enough to pair with any everyday outfit.

As you may have gathered from this bracelet’s epic name, it’s cleverly made to look like plastic bubble wrap — though unfortunately there’ll be no popping here. This large, eye-catching cuff by Completedworks is available in more affordable silver or more splurgy gold, and is a very cool piece that’s also really special for gifting purposes. It’s best suited as a present for those with a keen sense of whimsy and a seasoned eye for fashion.

Whatever the season, adding a little brightness to someone’s day via colorful accessories can go a longer way than you might think. Nobody does this better than Roxanne Assoulin, whose literal tagline is “jewelry that makes you smile.” This set of three enamel bracelets features bright beads of different sizes and is designed to be stacked with a bunch more jewelry for a super fun, “rainbow brite” maximalist vibe.

Here’s one for the cinephiles. This bracelet hails from Alighieri’s “5.6/60” collection, which celebrates film photography and is intended to remind its wearer of the “beauty of capturing a moment in time.” Besides being poetic, it’s also a fairly sustainable pick, since it utilizes recycled silver to form the medallion, with the “claws” and chain made from gold-plated metal.

While we love heart-shaped jewelry, some people do find it a bit childish — which we get. But what if we told you there’s such a thing as heart-shaped jewelry that’s not overly sentimental or on the nose? That’s what designer label Oscar de la Renta has achieved here, with a row of gold-tone brass hearts made to look like they were “crushed,” which also allows them to reflect the light better since there are more angles to play with. Believe us, it will be a hit with your recipient.

Necklaces

This Free People necklace turns the classic initial necklace on its head with its preworn, antique look and engraved patterns. Not only does it feature your giftee’s first initial (or yours, if this is a gift for a partner!), but it’s also a real locket, so you can insert a miniature meaningful picture for your loved one to carry close to their heart. With its larger size and heart-shaped design, this won’t be to everyone’s taste, but those with hippie, literary, or goth tendencies will adore it.

Whether you decide to grab this gold pendant necklace in your giftee’s birthstone or simply their favorite color, we love how many options there are and how pretty they all look. The stone is cut in a fun and unexpected shape, though overall this is quite a classic necklace, so any recipient will love it. The chain and setting are made from brass and plated with 14k yellow gold. If we really had to choose, we’d say our favorites are the hot pink, the turquoise, and the berry, but truthfully you can’t go wrong here.

This one’s easy: if there’s someone in your life who literally cannot stop speaking about her favorite Victorian author or novel, she’ll fall head over heels for this thoughtful gift. This locket necklace comes in three declinations, with a book cover on the front, and that book’s most memorable quote written inside. The Jane Eyre option comes with the words, “I would rather be happy than dignified;” the Pride and Prejudice version says, "To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love;” and the Little Women one reads, "Don't try and make me grow up before my time." Perfection.

Ana Luisa is a favorite of ours for affordable jewelry that feels luxurious. This flower-shaped pendant makes such a lovely gift for a friend with a feminine and romantic sense of style, with its delicate mother of pearl inlay and dainty chain made from recycled sterling silver coated with 14k gold. Because the necklace is made from precious metals, it’s also durable and water-resistant and won’t cause any of those funky green-ish stains on the skin. That means it’s perfect if you’re not sure whether or not your recipient has any skin sensitivities, as well as being super pretty, of course.

Memento Mori creates all sorts of mystical jewelry for the witchier ones among us, with each piece infused with magical symbolism. This tarot charm necklace makes a beautiful present for your friend or family member who’s always trying to pull some cards for you or starts every other sentence with “my psychic says…” — but even those who’ve never had a tarot reading in their lives will love this necklace’s message. It represents the Strength card and is meant as a reminder to the wearer that they are more powerful than they know.

A gift from Awe Inspired is bound to score you a few friendship points: The brand is LGBTQ+-founded and has a mostly minority-identifying team at its headquarters in Los Angeles. It’s also beloved of celebs including Taylor Swift, Meghan Markle, Halle Bailey, Selena Gomez, and Billie Eilish. The Goddess Collection is the bestselling line, featuring images of powerful emblems of the divine feminine. This necklace depicts Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and is an invitation for your loved one to embrace self-love and confidence. It’s made from ethically sourced metal and pearls.

Yes, luxurious pieces can totally still be fun as well as beautiful. Exhibit A: This tongue-in-cheek necklace from Aliita, which features a stylized duck pendant crafted from yellow and orange enamel, which comes on a delicate 9K yellow gold chain. While this necklace puts fun first, its dainty dimensions mean it’s not at all garish or hard to pull off. Might we suggest this one for your friend who collects rubber ducks?

Nothing symbolizes joy and light quite like the sun — for obvious reasons. Make that sun out of 10 lab-grown diamonds, and you’ll be sure to bring some extra brightness into your loved one’s life. The hollow sun pendant comes fixed to a fine 100 percent recycled 14K solid gold chain, making it the height of elegance, as well as a conscious choice. If your friend already wears necklaces regularly, it can easily be stacked with them. Just make sure to think ahead here, as this one is made-to-order as to avoid unnecessary waste.

For giftees who like their fine jewelry to come with a bit of an edge, Alan Crocetti has just the thing. We find this necklace completely awesome, with its string of shell pearls and its pendant made from sterling silver and gold vermeil in the shape of flames, finished with quite a large purple amethyst. This piece certainly isn’t for the faint of heart, but is also remarkably pretty. As for the brand, it’s an indie gem whose products have been worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, Kylie Jenner, and Dua Lipa.

Jewelry Above $500

For those of you who are looking to invest in a long-lasting piece for someone special in your life, it doesn’t get much better than a diamond necklace. This Bony Levy design features a delicate 18K yellow gold chain with a trio of flowers created from clusters of VS-clarity diamonds. Available exclusively at Nordstrom, this necklace comes in a gift box that makes it feel extra treat-like, but because it’s so discreet, it can easily be worn every day — not just for special occasions.

Take wear his initials on a chain ‘round your neck to a new level with an astrological sign necklace. The diamond dusted design comes in rose gold, gold, and white gold in all of the zodiac signs and can be worn at 16”, 17”, or 18” on the chain.

Pacharee’s jewelry marries luxurious materials with loud, statement-making designs, and we love them for it. This necklace is made from gold-plated silver, and its pendants are hammered for a cool, light-catching, unfinished look. The heart “lock” is inlaid with mother-of-pearl, while the key is embellished with the sweetest tiny little freshwater pearls we’ve ever seen. As a gift, this piece is full of symbolism, like you’re offering your loved one the literal key to your heart (!).

Jalnar is yet another fantastic indie brand founded by a Palestinian-American jeweler raised in Chattanooga, TN, and educated at New York City’s prestigious FIT. Working out of Chattanooga today, Jalnar creates unique pieces unlike anything else out there. This arch earring is made with a 14K white gold chain and features a round green Beryl stone in its center. It’s sold as a single earring, designed for your recipient to wear on their right ear so the longer chain sits towards their neck, but you can contact the seller if you prefer to purchase it as a pair.

We’re high-key obsessed with everything Jennifer Meyer puts out into the world. These small heart-shaped stud earrings are so simple yet so striking, thanks to their bright turquoise center set in 18K gold. The deep blue lapis lazuli option is equally striking, as the color contrasts with the gold border. Looking for something even more luxurious? The lapis option also comes surrounded by tiny diamonds, if you prefer your gift to be extra shiny.

These Reeds earrings rated super highly in our lab grown diamond test as the most universal piece to buy. The screw back closure ensures your investment won’t accidentally fall out and get lost. The 1 ctw solitaire stone with 10k white gold setting is gorgeous and classic to be worn for years to come.

This is jewelry to make your recipient feel like an extra on The Great Gatsby (well, or The White Lotus). It doesn’t get much more luxurious than a diamond tennis bracelet, but because this one is so fine, it’s also easy enough to wear a lot without attracting too much attention. Available in 14K yellow gold or rose gold, this is the type of gift your loved one can keep for a lifetime and pass on to their children and grandchildren.

Other Accessories

Thanks to a slew of newer luxury jewelry brands, you can now purchase diamonds without dropping thousands in the process — a welcome innovation which comes courtesy of new ways to source precious gemstones. Here, Catbird has used recycled diamonds and recycled 14K gold to create their aptly named Tiniest Alphabet Charm, available in any letter you desire. Purchase it alone to add to your recipient’s existing charm-adorned jewelry, add a chain, or spell out the name of a significant place or concept. The possibilities are endless.

This charm has been spotted on self-love queen Miley Cyrus, the knowledge of which may well help your giftee embrace their inner power and confidence when they wear it. Made from 14K yellow gold and surrounded by seven tiny diamonds, this charm can also be engraved with your loved one’s first initial if you like. Once you’ve decided on this tiny sun piece, the next step is to pick a necklace or bracelet chain to hang it from. You really can’t go wrong, though, TBH.

Prevent arriving at your destination with tangled necklaces and broken earrings with this sleek envelope fold jewelry organizer. There’s larger pockets for watches or statement necklaces, smaller ones for studs, and straps for bracelets and delicate chains. There’s even a larger size for long trips or the truly accessories obsessed.

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Iris Goldsztajn is a Paris-born, London-based freelance writer with 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle for the likes of InStyle, Marie Claire, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Refinery29 and many more. In order to write this gift guide, Iris drew on her personal experience with many of the brands and styles on this list over the years, and conducted extensive research into the most coveted jewelry gifts that are sure to make a lasting impression.

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