Jewelry

The Types of Jewelry: Everything You Should Know

From the various styles to the difference between fine and high jewelry, our guide to the types of jewelry covers it all.

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Types of Jewelry

Jewelry has long held significance in society, dating back to prehistoric times. On the surface, we wear jewelry to elevate our outfits and showcase our personal style. On a deeper level, though, jewelry can also hold sentimental value for us, reflect our social status, and channel different cultures. Whatever reason you decide to don your precious jewels, it’s important to familiarize yourself with jewelry terminology to make more conscious and informed choices about collecting, styling, and gifting pieces to your loved ones. For instance, a “suite” in high jewelry refers to pieces the designer intended to be worn together, such as a necklace, earrings, a brooch, and a ring. Since we know the world of jewelry can be daunting at first, we’ve created this guide to help you understand the main types of jewelry, including the various metals, styles, and quality types, among other illuminating categories. 

In This Article

What Are the Different Types of Jewelry?

Time Periods

Ruby and diamond brooch and hair ornament
Ruby and diamond brooch and hair ornament, circa 1900

Before we delve into the types of jewelry, let’s first contextualize them broadly from a time perspective. In the industry, antique jewelry refers to pieces that are at least 100 years old. This type of jewelry is typically made of high-quality materials and reflects the style and traditional jewelry-making techniques of its time. Antique jewelry is incredibly rare and valuable because of its historical significance, usually connected to important periods. For example, during the Victorian Era (1837-1901), jewelry showcased elaborate details, floral motifs, and the use of gemstones. Vintage jewelry is also historically significant but comprises pieces that are between 50 and 100 years old. Art Deco jewelry (1910s-1930s) is a fabulous example of vintage jewelry, known for its geometric designs, colorful gemstones, and clean lines. 

You can acquire antique and vintage jewelry through a jewelry dealer, an auction, or an estate sale — although estate jewelry doesn’t necessarily fall into those categories. Estate jewelry simply refers to pieces that have a previous owner. The final and most common type of jewelry is contemporary; contemporary jewelry is made in modern times and embraces jewelry trends and sometimes historically inspired designs. 

Types of Metal

Every metal is defined by its composition, physical attributes, and longevity with wear. Here are the most important types of metals you should know.  

Gold 

Gold Types of Jewelry
Emily P. Wheeler yellow gold and Mattia Cielo white and rose gold bracelets

Gold is a yellow precious metal used in many pieces of jewelry. Jewelers can combine it with other metals to create a cooler or warmer color and increase its hardness, since gold is a relatively soft metal. The ratio of pure gold to other metals is measured in karats, with 18K yellow gold comprising at least 75% pure gold and 14K yellow gold having at least 58.3% pure gold. The other alloys can change the color of the gold. This is how jewelers achieve white and rose gold.

White gold contains pure gold and nickel, palladium, and silver. It still has a hint of yellow, so most jewelers coat white gold jewelry in a thin layer of rhodium to achieve a shiny silver appearance. Rhodium is a type of platinum that can wear off over time, revealing the warmer hue beneath. Rose gold comprises pure gold and copper, which gives it a pink hue. 

The color isn’t all that matters; the higher the karat weight, the more expensive the gold jewelry will be. For example, 9K jewelry appears in demi-fine jewelry, 14K in less expensive fine jewelry, and 18K in high-quality fine jewelry and high jewelry. Jewelers don’t frequently work with 22K or 24K gold because it is soft and scratches easily. However, some specialty jewelers love the rich yellow hue and the patina that develops over time in 22K or 24K jewelry, so you can find some pieces in the market. (Learn more about the different jewelry quality categories here.)

Palladium

Palladium Types of Jewelry
Fantasia by Deserio bezel-set round pendant necklace

Palladium is bright and silvery but is a paler color than platinum and white gold. It’s stronger than gold and silver but less durable than platinum. The metal is lighter than platinum, so it’s an alternative to platinum wedding bands. Palladium also appears in some high-quality handbags as hardware because it’s more corrosion resistant than white gold; it is often used in the most rare types of Hermès handbags

Platinum 

Platinum Types of Jewelry
Jade Trau Poppy loop earrings

Platinum is considered the most “noble” metal because it’s extremely difficult to work with, so only highly skilled jewelers can create complicated pieces using platinum. It is very durable and has a silver-white color, making it a popular metal for engagement and wedding rings, as opposed to white gold, which requires rhodium replating over time. Platinum is hypoallergenic, and platinum jewelry comprises at least 95% platinum, with the remaining percentage made up of alloys such as ruthenium and iridium. In addition to its popularity in engagement rings and wedding bands, platinum is used in high jewelry. 

Stainless Steel 

Stainless Steel watch
Rolex Oyster Perpetual in stainless steel with a black dial and a 31mm case

Stainless steel is a type of steel containing at least 10% chromium. It’s scratch resistant and doesn’t tarnish, making it durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. It appears mostly in inexpensive costume jewelry — which we discuss in this section — to simulate the appearance of white gold. In the watch world, high-quality stainless steel is more common and is used in sports watches.

Sterling Silver 

Sterling Silver necklace
Heart tag toggle necklace

Sterling silver is an alloy comprising 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals — in most cases, pure silver is mixed with copper. It has a bright white appearance with silver undertones. Silver jewelry will tarnish over time but can be cleaned with polishing products. It’s commonly associated with Tiffany & Co. and, more specifically, its iconic heart tag jewelry, originally offered in sterling silver. Sterling silver is common in less-expensive fine jewelry, but the best jewelry brands use only gold or platinum. 

Titanium 

Titanium Types of Jewelry
Nouvel Heritage Midnight in Manhattan bracelet

Titanium is a gray-white metal that’s more durable than stainless steel. It’s lightweight and hypoallergenic, explaining why it’s considered the best material for new piercings. Some high-jewelry designers, such as Chopard, use titanium in their work because it’s incredibly lightweight, allowing them to create large, elaborate pieces that are wearable and won’t cause pain. These jewelers can work with a rainbow of colors when creating titanium jewelry, which is another reason they choose it over gold for certain designs. This metal is also a popular choice for men’s wedding rings. 

Quality Types

Costume Jewelry 

Costume Jewelry
Imitation pearl necklace

Costume jewelry is made of inexpensive materials such as stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and glass to mimic the look of high and fine jewelry. Legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel helped popularize this term in the early 20th century by creating long imitation pearl necklaces, which were eagerly received by women then.

Fashion Jewelry 

Fashion Jewelry
Floral earrings

Fashion jewelry is similar to costume jewelry because it’s made of non-precious materials. However, rather than focus on simulating the appearance of high and fine jewelry, fashion jewelry channels jewelry trends. 

Demi-Fine Jewelry 

Demi-Fine Jewelry
Virginia vermeil paperclip necklace

In terms of quality, demi-fine jewelry is a step higher than costume and fashion jewelry, although it’s significantly lower in value than fine jewelry and worlds apart from high jewelry. It’s often made of more affordable materials such as sterling silver, gold vermeil (silver covered with a thin layer of gold), and 9K gold (an alloy of 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals). 

Fine Jewelry 

Fine Jewelry
Alexia Connellan Queen of Hearts pendant necklace

Fine jewelry is made of high-quality materials, including precious metals such as 18K or 14K gold, silver, and platinum, and is suitable for everyday wear. It can also incorporate precious gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds

High Jewelry

High Jewelry
The Collerette Mystérieux with an emerald-cut 51.18-carat diamond

High jewelry, or haute joaillerie in French, is made of rare and expensive metals and gemstones. Originally, this term was used to describe one-of-a-kind pieces, but now high jewelry represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship at major jewelry maisons such as Bulgari, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Graff. Highly skilled jewelers create these masterpieces to showcase magnificent rare gemstones and intricate details that render them wearable works of art. 

Styles

Now that we’ve discussed the different metals and quality types, we can focus on the types of jewelry organized by their purpose. Here, you’ll learn all about the various types of necklaces, earrings, rings, ring settings, bracelets, and more. 

Necklaces

A necklace is a piece of jewelry that adorns the neck. Necklaces come in various lengths, with the most popular options being 16 and 18 inches. Before purchasing a necklace, you’ll want to assess your preferred necklace length to ensure it sits nicely around your neck. You can do this by using a flexible measuring tape, wrapping it around your neck, and identifying the necklace length you like. The second option, which we recommend, is laying ribbon or an unfastened necklace you already have on a flat surface, measuring its length with a ruler or measuring tape, and trying on the necklace to ascertain whether you prefer a longer, shorter, or exact necklace length.

Now that you know how to determine your ideal necklace length, explore the different types of necklaces below. 

Beaded Necklace
Beaded Necklace

A beaded necklace is made of a cord, string, or chain with more than one bead strung onto it. The earliest known beads, which were made of snail shells and are an estimated 100,000 years old, were discovered in a cave in Israel. Beaded jewelry has origins in several cultures and regions worldwide, including Africa and South America. 

Bib Necklace Types of Jewelry
Bib Necklace

A bib necklace has several strands of beads or gemstones that create a semicircle shape — hence its name, which references the cloth a baby wears while eating to avoid staining their clothes. In ancient Egypt, pharaohs wore elaborate bib necklaces as a show of their wealth and authority. 

Chain Necklace
Chain Necklace

A chain necklace is composed of connected metal links. These links range from small to large, with daintier chains considered more classic and timeless and larger ones considered more fashionable and edgy. Pendants and charms are sometimes attached to the links in a chain necklace to create a charm necklace (see below).

Charm Necklace
Charm Necklace 

A charm necklace has more than one decorative element attached to its base. One should not confuse a charm necklace with a pendant necklace, which has one primary adornment hanging from it (read on for more).

Choker Necklace
Choker Necklace

A choker necklace is short and close-fitting, and usually made of metal, fabric, or ribbon. Choker necklaces have been popular throughout history, most famously having moments during the Victorian era and the 1990s. 

Fringe Necklace
Fringe Necklace

A fringe necklace has several dangling elements or pendants. This style originates from ancient Egypt and became popular again in the 1950s. A notable example is Princess Caroline of Monaco’s diamond fringe necklace, a part of the Grimaldi collection and among the world’s most expensive jewelry, which she wore to the Rose Ball in 2015. 

Lariat Necklace
Lariat Necklace

A lariat necklace is long and has a Y-shape. It wraps around the neck and threads through a loop on the front rather than having a back clasp closure. However, some modern versions have a decorative element at the front and a traditional back closure. Lariat necklaces come in many styles and are chic and modern.

Pearl Necklace 
Pearl Necklace 

A pearl necklace, simply put, features pearls strung onto a chain or cord. La Patiala prefers Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls from reputable designers specializing in this important precious gemstone, such as Mikimoto. You can learn more about the qualities to look for in pearls with our guide to modern pearl jewelry.

Pendant Necklace
Pendant Necklace

Pendants are pieces of jewelry that hang from a necklace, referred to as a pendant necklace. In ancient civilizations, pendant necklaces signified wealth. During the Middle Ages, people wore pendant necklaces featuring crosses and other religious symbols to display their beliefs and affiliations. Pendant necklaces continue to hold personal meaning for the wearer, although they’re mainly worn for decorative purposes. 

Rivière Necklace
Rivière Necklace

A rivière necklace comprises gemstones of the same species and size, set separately. The word rivière means “river” in French, suggesting that this type of necklace resembles a river of jewels. It was prevalent during the Georgian and Victorian periods among upper-class women. 

Sautoir Necklace Types of Jewelry
Sautoir Necklace

Sautoir means “to jump” in French, referencing the movement of beads in this type of necklace. A sautoir necklace is long and has a tassel or other ornament suspended from it. In the 18th century, French aristocratic women popularized sautoir necklaces, which eventually became symbols of women’s freedom in the 1920s. Alhambra necklaces from Van Cleef & Arpels are beautiful modern examples of a sautoir. 

Station Necklace

A station necklace has evenly spaced gemstones, beads, or other ornaments — or stations — on a chain. Italian jewelry designer Elsa Peretti, famous for revolutionizing jewelry design at Tiffany & Co., helped resurge station necklaces in the 1970s with her Diamonds by the Yard collection.

Tassel Necklace Types of Jewelry
Tassel Necklace

A tassel necklace is often beaded and has one or more tassels hanging from it. In Buddhism, tassel necklaces represent a higher spiritual connection. Tassel necklaces are also associated with the Art Deco movement and the Edwardian era. They appear in high-jewelry collections by maisons such as Piaget, Chaumet, and Boucheron

Tennis Necklace Types of Jewelry
Tennis Necklace 

A tennis necklace is a continuous strand of individually set diamonds. Its name stems from the 1987 U.S. Open match where star athlete Chris Evert’s diamond bracelet flew off her wrist, which caused a pause in play until she found it (see below for tennis bracelet).

Torque Necklace
Torque Necklace

A torque necklace is a single piece of metal that encircles the neck. In ancient Celtic culture, the elite wore torque necklaces as symbols of wealth and power, often passing them down as heirlooms. A modern example of this type of necklace is the Cartier Juste un Clou torque necklace, showcasing the house’s iconic nail-inspired design.

Torsade Necklace
Torsade Necklace

Torsade means “twist” in French, and, accordingly, a torsade necklace has several beaded strands twisted together. This type of necklace usually comes in the form of a choker or sautoir, composed of pearls or gemstone beads. 

Earrings

Earrings are ornaments worn on the ear, most commonly on the earlobe. Most earrings require pierced ears, although there are clip-on and wraparound styles. Here are the most common types of earrings.

Chandelier Earrings
Chandelier Earrings

Chandelier earrings are long and comprise several tiers of gemstones or other elements. They earned their name in the 1920s because of their resemblance to elaborate chandeliers that hang from the ceiling. Previously, people called them girandole earrings; girandole is an English word with French roots, meaning “rotating firework.”

Climber Earrings
Climber Earrings 

Climber earrings, also called ear crawlers, ascend the earlobe. Though technically a type of stud earring (see here), a climber earring has a long, curved post to hold it in place. This varies from traditional stud earrings, which have shorter, straight posts secured by earring backs. 

Clip-on Earrings
Clip-on Earrings

Clip-on earrings have spring-loaded clips that allow you to wear them without ear piercings. They were popularized in the 1920s when women flaunted trendy short haircuts that showcased their ears. At the time, it was uncommon for women to have pierced ears.

Cluster Earrings
Cluster Earrings

Cluster earrings have multiple gemstones or beads set closely together. They were especially stylish during the Victorian era because of their ornate quality. Harry Winston is a modern pioneer of cluster earrings that feature diamonds of different cuts and sizes.  

Dangle Earrings
Dangle Earrings 

Dangle earrings hang below the earlobe and have a swinging movement. They’re particularly flattering for round-shaped faces.

Double-Sided Earrings
Double-Sided Earrings 

Double-sided earrings have two interlocking pieces that thread through the ear. A great example of this contemporary style is the Dior Tribales earrings, which have a small pearl on the front and an oversize pearl on the back. 

Drop Earrings
Drop Earrings

Drop earrings hang below the earlobe and have limited movement. This sophisticated style traces back to ancient Egypt. It disappeared during the Middle Ages and became fashionable again during the Renaissance era. 

Earring Jackets Types of Jewelry
Earring Jackets 

Earring jackets are decorative pieces that wrap around the post of an earring to create an entirely new look. Some encircle a simple stud, while others are modern designs that drop below or behind the ear to create a fresh look. 

Hoop Earrings
Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings are circular bands made of metal or other materials that loop through the ear. They originated in ancient Mesopotamia and Nubia, an African civilization now recognized as Sudan. You can learn more by reading our guide to hoop earrings

Huggie Earrings
Huggie Earrings

Huggie earrings are small hoops that fit snugly around the earlobe; there’s no piercing involved. They’re light and comfortable enough to wear every day. You can wear them on all parts of the outer ear. 

Stud Earrings
Stud Earrings 

Studs are the most classic style of pierced earrings. They sit on the earlobe with no dangling element. They’re minimalist but can still make a statement with dazzling gemstones. 

Tassel Earrings
Tassel Earrings

Tassel earrings are often beaded and, as their name suggests, have tassels hanging from them. In ancient Egypt and the Middle East, tassels were believed to ward off evil spirits, leading people to find creative ways to incorporate them into their attire, including tassel earrings.

Teardrop Earrings Types of Jewelry
Teardrop Earrings

Teardrop earrings are drop earrings with a tear- or pear-shaped body made of metal, sometimes adorned by gemstones. A pair of teardrop earrings often seen on celebrities’ ears are Bottega Veneta’s iconic teardrop earrings

Threader Earrings 
Threader Earrings 

Threader earrings are thin, lightweight chains or pieces of metal that thread through ear piercings and hang on both sides. They have a modern edge and elevate any outfit without the discomfort of heavy ornamental elements. 

Rings

A ring is a circular band, often made of metal, worn on the finger. From wedding bands to class rings, this type of jewelry can symbolize commitment, family heritage, and achievement or simply be a style statement. Here are the types of rings and their meanings. 

Band Ring
Band Ring

A band ring has a simple circular silhouette that can be plain or decorated. Band rings are often worn as wedding rings, representing the endless love between partners. 

Championship Ring
Championship Ring

A championship ring is awarded to athletes of a winning sports team. These rings typically feature the team’s logo or motif decorated with diamonds and colorful gemstones. 

Class Ring Types of Jewelry
Class Ring

A class ring is presented to students in their last academic year or to alumni after graduation. They usually take the form of signet rings, which you can read more about here.

Cocktail Ring Types of Jewelry
Cocktail Ring

A cocktail ring commonly has a large gemstone and other dramatic design elements. Cocktail rings are typically worn on the index finger and are designed to grab attention.

Engagement Ring Types of Jewelry
Engagement Ring 

An engagement ring symbolizes a person’s promise to marry someone. The tradition of wearing engagement rings started in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the first diamond ring to propose to Mary of Burgundy. Learn more with our guide to how to choose an engagement ring

Eternity Ring
Eternity Ring 

An eternity ring is a band with a continuous line of gemstones that are set separately. It’s the traditional gift for a 25th or 50th wedding anniversary, although many people use eternity rings as their wedding bands. They are also great statement rings and are good for stacking. 

Gypsy Ring
Gypsy Ring

A gypsy ring has one or more gemstones embedded into the band. It’s called a gypsy ring because of how the stones appear to float or wander in the ring, referencing how the Romani people, an ethnic group originating in India, migrated through Europe during the ninth century.  

Half Eternity Ring
Half Eternity Ring

A half eternity ring has gemstones set into half of the band. It’s a more affordable choice for someone wanting the look of an eternity band. Many people also find them more comfortable because the gemstones don’t go between their fingers. 

Mother’s Ring
Mother’s Ring

A mother’s ring has a classic band silhouette with birthstones belonging to the wearer’s children on it. It’s a lovely Mother’s Day gift because it represents the unconditional love between a mother and her kids. 

Multifinger Ring
Multifinger Ring 

A multifinger ring spans two or three neighboring fingers. This type of ring is considered a modern jewelry trend, offering a unique look across several fingers with one continuous piece. 

Ring Jacket
Ring Jacket 

A ring jacket comprises two rings, each on either side of a primary ring. It’s usually used to add visual interest to an engagement ring while keeping a simple silhouette for the primary gemstone. Maggi Simpkins, a Los Angeles-based jewelry designer, is an expert at crafting ring jackets. 

Signet Ring
Signet Ring 

A signet ring has a flat surface engraved with a family crest, initials, or another design. Signet rings originated in ancient Egypt, where pharaohs dipped them in wax and pressed their seal onto documents for authentication. Explore our selection of signet rings to learn more about their history and find one that suits you. 

Spinner Ring Types of Jewelry
Spinner Ring

A spinner ring has a rotating outer band that spins around the inner band. They trace back to medieval times when they were believed to have mystical powers and the ability to protect the wearer. Today many people use spinner rings to reduce stress and improve focus since they find playing with them to be relaxing. 

Toi et Moi Ring Types of Jewelry
Toi et Moi Ring

A Toi et Moi ring has two gemstones set side by side, typically in an open design. In French, toi et moi means “you and me,” giving this unique style a deeper romantic meaning. Read our guide to Toi et Moi rings to learn more. 

Ring Settings

Rings often have gemstones, which are held by a setting. Below, you’ll find the most popular ring settings. 

Bezel ring
Bezel 

A bezel setting comprises a continuous band of metal around a gemstone. Bezel settings are especially stylish these days, incorporated into earrings, pendants, and other pieces of jewelry beyond rings.

Cathedral ring
Cathedral 

A cathedral setting is a ring with two metal arches that rise from the band to hold the center stone. This type of setting originated in Europe during the Renaissance and has been popular throughout history, having notable moments during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.  

Halo ring
Halo 

A halo is a circle of gemstones surrounding a center stone. Halo settings are a popular choice for engagement rings because they make the center stone appear larger than it is. 

Hidden Halo ring
Hidden Halo 

A hidden halo is when gemstones surround the bottom of a center stone, so they are visible only from the side. This type of setting has become more popular in recent years.

Pavé setting
Pavé 

A pavé setting refers to small diamonds set closely together. In rings, they typically cover the entire band. It’s a great way to add more sparkle to a ring while accentuating a center stone.

Prong setting
Prong 

A prong setting consists of metal prongs that extend from the band and hold the center stone. A prong setting is simple, clean, and ideal for larger stones because it focuses on their cut and brilliance. 

Solitaire ring
Solitaire 

A solitaire ring contains a single diamond or gemstone at the center with a clean, unembellished band. Many people prefer solitaire settings because they’re understated and elegant. 

Bracelets

A bracelet is a piece of jewelry that wraps around the arm or wrist. Find the types of bracelets below. 

Bangle Bracelet Types of Jewelry
Bangle Bracelet

A bangle bracelet is firm and ring-shaped with no clasps or hoops. They have been worn throughout history. For example, glass bangles were popular in India during the Mughal period in the 16th century. Many modern bangles are made of plastic because they’re lightweight and less prone to breakage; however, we prefer solid gold bangle bracelets, especially those decorated with gorgeous gemstones. 

Bar Bracelet Types of Jewelry
Bar Bracelet

A bar bracelet has a flat bar, often engraved, in the middle of the chain. Bar bracelets are often newborn gifts that a baby wears; they’re typically engraved with the baby’s birthday or name, making them sentimental jewelry pieces. 

Beaded Bracelet
Beaded Bracelet

A beaded bracelet contains beads strung onto a cord or chain. Bracelets with jade, amethyst, and onyx beads are believed to bring balance to the wearer. 

Chain bracelet Types of Jewelry
Chain Bracelet

A chain bracelet comprises metal links connected to each other. Chain bracelets range from dainty to chunky styles. Chain bracelets with one or more pendants are considered charm bracelets (see below).

Charm Bracelet
Charm Bracelet

A charm bracelet is a chain with small decorative charms. The appeal of charm bracelets is that you can customize the chain with pendants or charms that speak to your personality and interests. They were especially popular during the 1950s and 1960s, when they were first marketed as birthday and anniversary presents. 

Cuff Bracelet Types of Jewelry
Cuff Bracelet

A cuff bracelet is rigid and fits snugly around the wrist with an opening on one side. Cuff bracelets have various meanings in different cultures; kings wore them in the Mayan civilization, and soldiers did so during combat in ancient Greece as a symbol of courage. 

Friendship Bracelet
Friendship Bracelet

A friendship bracelet is usually beaded or crafted from embroidery thread. It is often the first piece of jewelry a person receives from a friend in adolescence and is typically handmade and colorful in its design. Today, designers such as Caroline Bucci offer elevated takes on this playful style. 

Hand Chain
Hand Chain 

A hand chain is a bracelet and ring connected by a delicate chain. Belly dancers famously wear hand chains as part of their traditional dance attire. Hand chains gained widespread appeal in 2024 and continue to inspire jewelry designers with their whimsical appearance. 

Jewelry Watch


Jewelry Watch 

A jewelry watch is a watch that follows the aesthetics of jewelry design. Jewelry watches can be crafted from stainless steel or gold, and are frequently set with gemstones. 

Leather Bracelet
Leather Bracelet

A leather bracelet is made of one or more leather pieces, often woven together. They’re popular among men and women who appreciate bohemian jewelry. 

Pearl Bracelet Types of Jewelry
Pearl Bracelet

A pearl bracelet is a line, cord, or chain strung with pearls. Pearl bracelets are a timeless accessory that also doubles as June birthstone jewelry

Secret Watch Types of Jewelry
Secret Watch 

A secret watch looks like a bracelet at first but has a hidden, functioning watch dial. Many high jewelers create stunning secret watches with intricate designs and rare colorful gemstones, which you can explore in this guide.

Tennis Bracelet
Tennis Bracelet

A tennis bracelet, similar to a tennis necklace, contains a continuous strand of individually set diamonds. Some call it a line bracelet. It’s an excellent gift for birthdays and significant anniversaries.

Wrap Bracelet
Wrap Bracelet 

A wrap bracelet often contains beads and wraps around the wrist several times. The Bulgari Serpenti Viper is a gorgeous example featuring the maison’s signature snake motif (check out our guide to snake jewelry for more similar wrap styles). 

Head and Hair Ornaments 

Head and hair jewelry spans decorative accessories that adorn the head and typically symbolize royalty. 

Crown
Crown 

A crown is a circular headpiece symbolizing royalty. It’s made of precious metals and sometimes features the biggest diamonds in the world and other notable gemstones. 

Diadem
Diadem 

A diadem is a headband-style headpiece comprising precious metals and gemstones. It’s a common alternative to crowns and tiaras among royals. 

Hair Ornament
Hair Ornament 

A hair ornament is any type of jewelry that adorns the hair, such as a hairpin and hair pendant. They’re important in Chinese and Native American cultures, symbolizing a woman’s stature. 

Head Chain
Head Chain 

A head chain wraps around the head and typically drapes down the forehead. It was popularized during the Renaissance, inspired by the painting La Belle Ferronnière by the legendary Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci. 

Tiara Types of Jewelry
Tiara 

This bejeweled headpiece, usually with a semicircle shape, is worn by women at formal events — specifically, by members of royal families at balls, royal weddings, and other important state events. A bandeau tiara is a continuous band of gemstones with subtle height variation, resembling the silhouette of a headband. A separate tiara is a decorative headpiece worn alone, without a hair comb or other piece of jewelry attached to it. Some brides wear tiaras on their wedding day to evoke the stateliness of crown jewels.

Body Jewelry

Body jewelry is worn around various parts of the body, sometimes through piercings.  

Anklet
Anklet 

An anklet is a bracelet-like ornament worn on the ankle. In ancient Egypt, women of all classes wore anklets. Today, many regard them as a fun summer accessory. 

Arm Cuff Types of Jewelry
Arm Cuff 

An arm cuff, or armlet, is a cuff bracelet worn on the upper arm. People have donned them throughout history across the globe, notably in ancient Greece and Rome. 

Belly Chain Types of Jewelry
Belly Chain 

A belly chain, originating in ancient India, wraps around the waist and can contain charms and other adornments. 

Belly Ring
Belly Ring 

A belly ring is a piece of jewelry that goes through a pierced belly button; it was popular between the 1990s and early 2000s. 

Brooch
Brooch 

A brooch is an ornament or pendant that fastens to clothing with a hinged pin or catch. A famous brooch is Harry Winston’s Sierra Leone Brooch, comprising six diamonds cut from the 969-carat Star of Sierra Leone.

Chatelaine
Chatelaine

A chatelaine is a belt hook with chains that hang from it. It holds pendants and other decorative elements. In the 16th and 17th centuries, people used chatelaines to carry keys, scissors, and other household items.

Cuff Links Types of Jewelry

Cuff links are pieces of jewelry inserted through the holes in the cuff of a shirt to close the sleeves. They’re a wonderful luxury gift for him

Nose Ring
Nose Ring 

A nose ring is a piece of jewelry that goes through a pierced nose. Nose rings originated in the Middle East thousands of years ago, and biblical references indicate that this jewelry was used as a promise to marry a woman, similar to the purpose of an engagement ring. 

Shirt Studs
Shirt Studs 

Shirt studs are decorative fasteners used in lieu of buttons on a shirt’s placket. It’s a fantastic way to elevate an ordinary dress shirt for a special occasion. 

Toe Ring 
Toe Ring 

A toe ring is similar to a traditional ring, only you wear it on a toe instead of on a finger. Called a bichiya in India, toe rings were traditionally worn by married women during the Vedic period, between 1500 and 800 BCE. 

What Is the Difference Between Fine Jewelry and High Jewelry?

Still unsure about the difference between fine and high jewelry? We’ll break it down for you. Firstly, fine jewelry is made of precious metals such as gold (at least 14K), silver, and platinum and can contain gemstones. Secondly, fine jewelry can have intricate designs that are hand-finished, although it is manufactured in large quantities. 

High jewelry is entirely different from fine jewelry. It represents the height of jewelry craftsmanship. It showcases designers’ ability to use rare and exceptionally large gemstones to bring their imagination to life. These pieces are one of a kind and should be regarded as wearable art, which also makes them incredibly exclusive and, therefore, expensive.

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