Nothing adds a touch of last-minute elegance to an outfit like the best fine jewelry. You could be wearing the most gorgeous emerald party dress, and a tasteful diamond pendant will still elevate the look. Or, you could be taking your dog out for a Sunday stroll in a wool coat and grey sweatpants, and a gold cuff will make your walk just a tad classier. It’s the little touches fine jewelry adds that really take an outfit to a new level.
The most high-end of accessories—but not always the most expensive—fine jewelry is comprised of precious metals and precious and semiprecious stones. The category includes everything from big name classics (Tiffany, Cartier, Chopard) to smaller up-and-coming brands (Khiry, Roxanne First)—and both have places in our jewelry boxes. Natasha Colvin, a celebrity stylist for clients like Irina Shayk, says it’s the “best quality stones and precious metals” that sets the fine jewelry brands worth shopping apart from the rest. According to Colvin, leading brands “value quality over quantity, which allows them to source and create one-of-a-kind pieces.”
When you're ready to take a ring or bracelet out of the box and into your outfit, Colvin loves “elevating a more casual look using fine jewelry. A T-shirt and trousers with small diamond hoops and a tennis bracelet is so timeless.” Below, shop the 14 best fine jewelry brands with elevated pieces for that exact look and so many others in your outfit rotation.
Brilliant Earth is all about joyful jewelry made sustainable. From their rigorous protocol for diamond sourcing and use of one hundred percent recycled metals, the brand doesn’t compromise on quality or beauty. Bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, cufflinks—you name it, Brilliant Earth has an ethically-sourced version of it. For a first introduction, put on the moon stud earrings with a winter sweater for the office.
Price range: $75–$80,000
Founded over 20 years ago, Sydney Evan has bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, and even anklets. The brand pulls on references from travel to the arts to California culture, in 14k gold and diamonds. Sydney Evans was also an early adopter of the elevated beaded bracelet—and it still makes a chic layering piece. Wear it stacked with other gold bracelets, and pair it with a simple linen outfit.
Price range: $145–$74,000
No fine jewelry conversation is complete without Cartier. The French house has been creating covetable jewelry since 1847, and they make everything from traditional rings and bracelets to bags, eyewear, perfume, and even pens. Our first love is Cartier’s Love collection, worn with casual denim or dressed up with an elegant outfit.
Price range: $550–$496,000
Cultured pearls were first created at Mikimoto in 1893, and it's been the definitive brand for fine jewelry adorned with pearls ever since. They're placed into necklaces, earrings, bracelets, ear cuffs, rings, and brooches in equal measure, all with a sophisticated air. Choosing just one pearl piece? The studs make a fabulous everyday earring, while strands of pearls in a necklace dress up any party outfit even more.
Price range: $450–$350,000
Known for those signature robin's egg blue boxes, Tiffany has been on fashion lovers' wish lists since 1837. While it now sells everything from porcelain to crystal to fragrances, its jewelry is still one of our go-to's for a reason: the quality is exceptional, and the pieces are timeless.
Price range: $100–$190,000
This label is all about inspiring and celebrating women, where earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings with a dose of empowerment await. It even has an initial jewelry collection, with delicate charms and earrings that feature a gold letter. Throw on the initial earrings with a little black dress for a pop of playful extravagance.
Price range: $150–$6,000
Khiry is an afrofuturist luxury brand founded to channel the beauty, art, history, and culture of the African diaspora into modern vermeil jewelry. The earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings are sculptural statement pieces with wear-everywhere appeal.
Price range: $140–$28,500
Another recognizable name, Chopard is the standard bearer in ethically-sourced luxury. Standard jewelry to watches to megawatt accessories are adorned with diamonds and gold—all statement pieces for when a gala's on the agenda.
Price range: $840–$101,000
This brand is the embodiment of everything whimsical. Diamond smiley faces and rainbow arrays of gemstones are the specialty. Let these pieces be the star of the outfit: Wear something monochrome or subtle, and the jewelry will speak for itself.
Price range: $111–$7,889
All of Logan Hollowell’s jewelry is handcrafted in Los Angeles, using 14k and 18k recycled gold and ethically sourced gemstones. The diamond zodiac constellations pair perfectly with a simple silk slip, while the moonstone collection can be worn with everyday attire.
Price range: $200–$10,000
Started in Brooklyn, Jolly Bijou draws its inspiration from the Art Deco movement. Yellow, white, and rose gold alternate with stunning gems to form sophisticated bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings. The pieces are dainty, and they add just a touch of color to a minimalist look.
Price range: $775–$6,015
Despite its name, Ring Concierge actually carries jewelry of all types: rings, of course, as well as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, anklets, cufflinks, and so on. They have everyday pieces like petite gold beaded bracelets to wear with slacks, and then they have dazzling tennis bracelets for festive occasions.
Price range: $42–$17,900
This label creates timeless, yet contemporary luxury jewelry and watches defined by inspiration, innovation, and consummate craftsmanship—plus cable chains, the brand’s artistic signature.
Price range: $200–$50,000
Type Jewelry
If you haven't heard of Type Jewelry, you have surely been missing out. The brand's rings, bracelets, and earrings are radiant and stunning, and the Puffer Name necklaces are a specialty.
Price range: $380–$6,318