It’s been another wonderful year in jewelry design (in my case, jewelry coveting), and I’ve got the list here to prove it.
Britt’s Pick in 2024 by the numbers: 19 rings, 12 pairs of earrings, 10 necklaces, seven bracelets, one charm, and one bejeweled handbag. There were plenty of diamonds, a good serving of turquoise and opal, and so many cabochons (apparently cabochons were my thing this year!).
Below, the 50 jewels that were a Britt’s Pick in 2024.
Ashaha’s Dehya Cuff Bracelet
“From Paris-based jeweler Ashaha, the Dehya cuff offers a big look that’s the epitome of modern chicness, with a plexiglass design that goes somewhere totally unexpected. We’ve seen clear jewelry before—a bangle or a ring, for example—but this style pairs the acrylic material with 10k yellow gold, combining a blue opal center stone with a flurry of diamond-dotted triangles for a striking style that feels fresh.”
Mindi Mond’s Ruby Spike Earrings
“The perfect combination of wintry weather and Valentine’s Day spice, these Mindi Mond beauties have the look of snowflakes without being strictly tied to winter, thanks to their fiery centers. Each earring holds an oval Burma ruby in the middle, surrounded by diamond-tipped rays and short spokes capped by spheres of gold.”
Dena Kemp’s Wintry Blue Topaz Earrings
“I’d seen Dana Kemp’s earrings well before I knew snow would come to enchant our long weekend, and I recall thinking how perfect they would be—icy and blue, with tiers of chalcedony, topaz, diamonds, and moonstone—to greet snow, if it were to finally happen this season. Elsa from Frozen couldn’t have magicked up a better pair herself.”
Yoko London’s Pearl and Bow Ring
“The pearl, being the 50-year-old London brand’s specialty, is a vital component of the ring, in the form of twin Japanese akoya pearls coming in between around 8 mm and 8.5 mm. But the centerpiece of this jewel is its diamond-decked bow, against which the pearls are nestled on either side.”
Type Jewelry’s Orbit Hoop Earrings
“I’d like to start my virtual (one day actual?) hoop collection with this pair of does-it-all danglers from Type Jewelry. They’re gold, chunky, statement-making. They’ve got diamonds, and an array of colorful gemstones. They are not quiet, but they are eclectic. They’ve got more of an egg shape than your typical pair of hoops, another defining aspect that sets them apart.”
Kurtulan’s Chain Mail Bracelet
“This is not the only chain-mail-inspired piece in Kurtulan’s repertoire, the brand a treasure trove for Old World–type jewels. Based in Istanbul, Kurtulan—which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary in business—features the hallmark 24k gold jewels often associated with Turkish jewelry, blended with beautiful blackened silver and bright, bodacious gemstones.”
Macadam’s Mirage Pendant
“While that sapphire is the centerpiece of the design, no detail was spared to complement it. Custom-cut diamonds accent the bail that holds the pendant on the chain. A dome-shaped back gives the piece its depth, with a row of sapphires and diamonds ringing the dome—which opens like a locket, where it can be inscribed to hold a private message for the wearer.”
Mysteryjoy’s Astro Ring
“Rich in yellow gold, the ring’s design catches the eye before one has the chance to dive into its symbolism. Ultimately, though, it’s the astromancy that gives the ring its pull—a sparkle-kissed sun and moon encircled by ancient astrological symbols.”
EF Collection’s Celebration Bracelets
“Customers can select the rainbow gemstone bracelet pictured above or have a bracelet customized…with their choice of letters, gemstones, and motifs. Customizable bracelets, which are finished with a special hummingbird box clasp, start at $5,500. Both types of bracelets feature links in 14k gold.”
Sorellina’s High Priestess Tarot Card Necklace
“The use of angelite, a gemstone said to improve spiritual awareness, is new for Sorellina, and is the reason for the absolutely heavenly blue background that provides the backdrop for the 18k yellow gold owl.”
Marie Lichtenberg’s Horseshoe Ring
“The ring was made by hand in the brand’s Italian workshop, in luscious 18k yellow gold and with 21 sapphires and 38 diamonds. There’s more to it than we see here, which is a view from the top. Along the sides, a golden art deco–esque structure of vertical tubular lines gives volume to the piece.”
Picchiotti’s Tsavorite and Diamond Rose Necklace
“The luscious green from the necklace’s botanical design comes from just under 35 carats of tsavorite, so springy and gorgeous and promising of the season’s eventual true arrival. Follow the stem, artfully decorated with diamond-dotted thorns, to reach an all-diamond rose, forever in bloom no matter the weather. It’s a piece worthy of red carpets, but I just want to wear it in the sun.”
Aurelia Demark’s Bunny Pendant
“A sign of spring, this gentle creature might get a lot of play this holiday weekend, but its lovely image is a classic, enduring one long after the chocolate eggs are gone.”
Alp Sagnak’s Persian Ring
“With his newest piece, which the designer named the Persian ring, I was drawn to its combination of color and shape. A heavenly blue flecked with gold, its turquoise appears straight out of a painting, and its pyramid-esque setting looks exotic. But it’s not merely the ring’s aesthetics that make it compelling.”
Andreoli’s Citrine Sunglasses Charm
“A made-in-Italy 18k yellow gold charm for a bracelet or necklace, these miniature sunnies have lenses of citrine, surrounded by diamonds that give the glasses a Hollywood starlet vibe. The frames can be opened or closed, adding to the tactile experience of this perfectly playful pair.”
Boochier’s Slinkee Drop Earrings
“The Slinkee style I am currently most enamored with is the huggie-like drop earring, delightfully coiled in gold and dangling round bezel-set gemstones. Boochier doesn’t make it easy to pick a favorite pair, as the earrings are available with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, or rubellite.”
State Property’s Edessa Mist Drop Earrings
“The pair is a colorful addition to State Property’s Arcane collection, inspired by the opulence of the Byzantine Empire and its blending of cultures and materials. Scalloped details and wavy lines dominate the collection, with a mix of colorful gemstone jewelry, diamonds, and solid gold.”
Ray Griffiths’ Regency Ring
“We’ll start at the center: A pink topaz that Barbie would long for sits in a gold four-prong setting, just above a wide rounded bed of diamonds and sapphires. The diamonds go in concentric circles around the pink topaz, as if someone dropped it into a lake and its ripples came in the form of sparkling gems.”
Alice Pierre’s Parallel Drop Earrings
“In solid 14k gold, the earrings are large enough to be noticed but not so large as to weigh down the ear (a photo of how they look when worn is on the product’s webpage). They really achieve a beautiful balance between old and new, with a luxury vibe that’s not quite quiet but also not loud.”
Yoko London’s Cleopatra Flower Necklace
“Is there ever a wrong time for pearls? Certainly not when it comes to this exquisitely luxurious—but ultimately cool—necklace from Yoko London’s Cleopatra collection, inspired by the beauty and grandeur of ancient Egypt. With three strands of pearls swooping down from the botanical centerpiece, the necklace takes on almost a bolo look—which plays beautifully into the currently hot Western trend.”
Jacquie Aiche’s Opal Inlay Curb Chain Bracelet
“A generous curb chain kicks off the shape of this jaw-dropping find, each trapezoidal piece of a link inlaid with glimmering blue-green opal and accented with diamonds on the ends. At the bracelet’s forefront, a large rectangular box clasp dedicated to opal, sitting between two rows of pavé diamonds on each side, like glittering bookmarks.”
Eriness’ Mixed Link Form Necklace
“In 14k yellow gold, the mixed link necklace satisfies that want for a substantial chain while providing a hint of something different—it’s that delightful designer take on a staple that we always find so compelling.”
John Hardy’s Naga Lariat
“The Balinese legend of the naga (‘dragon’) compels a deeper affection for the necklace: This creature that perches atop a volcano by day, guarding the people of Bali, dives below the depths of the ocean each night to visit his true love, Pearl. Every morning, the dragon returns to his volcano, bringing nourishment to the earth through the water that drips from his scales. And so, the Southeast Asian icon symbolizes love, protection, and prosperity.”
So-Le Studio’s Swirl Earrings
“The earrings are made with metal shavings recovered from machines that produce handbag hardware. Using leftover materials from Milanese workshops, including her family’s famous shoe brand, is a So-Le hallmark.”
Aziza Handcrafted’s Durag Pearl Pendant
“Originally worn to maintain and protect hair, the durag has become an emblem of resistance and cultural pride in the African American community. ‘Representing a deep connection to identity, fashion, and the celebration of Black beauty, this pendant honors the blending of timeless elegance with cultural resonance,’ says a statement by Aziza Handcrafted.”
Annoushka’s Rainbow Marguerite Bracelet
“The wildflower-inspired design reflects the London-based brand’s experience of a quintessential British summer in the countryside, rich with wildflowers and fresh open air.”
Cece Jewellery’s Meowsome, Superstar-Worthy Ring
“Within hearts on the shoulders of the ring are Swift’s famously favorite number (13) on one side and 87—the jersey number of the singer’s NFL beau, Travis Kelce—on the other. And on the inside of the ring, a nod to Swift’s most recent album: TTPD, standing for The Tortured Poets Department.”
Annele’s Wet ’n Wild Hoop Earrings
“Each piece makes a compelling argument for piling on plenty of jewelry this summer, but I’m partial to the hoops. Under fun names like Surf’s Up, Banananess, and Apple Dew, these earrings—available in gold- or silver-plated sterling silver—dangle with a bouquet of bulbous glass beads in shades of blue, green, yellow, or orange.”
Maison H’s Snake Scales Ring
“The snake (and anything to do with the snake) is a hot item in jewelry. There are a lot of feelings associated with this creature: boldness, bravery, a little devilishness, perhaps, and above all, complete and utter chic. As Maison H is inspired by its surroundings—the rich, cosmopolitan atmosphere of Dubai—its jewels sing serious luxury.”
Unhada’s Green Rails Earrings
“From Unhada’s Rails line, the treasures pictured above evoke a sense of adventure by paying tribute to the world’s railroads, which connect people with places near and far. ‘The chains are meant to mimic the tracks,’ [designer Jocelyn] Prestia tells JCK, making the earrings ‘a metaphor for the journey we must all take.’”
Brent Neale’s Peridot Cabochon Crown Ring
“The one-off ring, which comes from the designer’s Capricious Cabochons collection, is decorated with tourmaline cabochons and yellow and green sapphires, displaying a range of green that’s bound to please every palate.”
Retrouvaí’s Oval Diamond Impetus Ring
“Set at a slight angle, that luscious vintage diamond would have managed just fine on a minimalist band, but Stone’s superlative POV resulted in a vessel fit for its presence. Similar to the last piece that completes a jigsaw puzzle, the oval fits perfectly within its gilded picture, glittering with precious treasures of the past. And this ring, like many others in Retrouvaí’s Impetus line, is one-of-a-kind.”
Sorellina’s Cassette Tape Pendant
“Encased in 18k yellow gold and rich with sparkle—the spool of tape is made up of white sapphires and diamonds—the generously sized cassette charm is ideally paired, as shown at top, on Sorellina’s Playlist necklace with the brand’s golden pencil pendant, whose tip can be used to fast-forward or rewind the tape the way a real one would.”
Marrow Fine’s Black Diamond Thorn Tennis Bracelet
“Black rose-cut diamonds, gripped in thorny prongs that would make Maleficent herself blush. I love the contrast of the gemstones with the warm yellow gold, a touch of autumnal splendor against the mysterious realm of the black.”
Yvonne Léon’s Bague L’Horloge
“Available in 18k yellow or white gold, the ring incorporates the brand’s Berlingot gold texture, with a mother-of-pearl dial and four diamond hour markers. Diamonds surround the face, completing that antique look.”
Unhada’s English Rose Bow Earrings
“That otherworldly charm is what makes this pair—which is in Unhada’s Tea Party collection—perfect for the upcoming Halloween season, when supernatural mixes with magical, and a sense of whimsy rules.”
Bibi van der Velden’s Turquoise Scarab
“Atop the body of the scarab sits a sensational watermelon tourmaline (what’s more summery than watermelon?), framed in glittering lines of diamonds splayed out like the rays of the sun. ‘Adding precious, faceted gemstones to a design elevates a decorative hard stone, creating stylish color combinations by pairing the scarab-shaped hard stone with green or watermelon tourmaline,’ says van der Velden.”
Vale Jewelry’s Heart Lock Charm Earrings
“While the brand is most notable for its killer line of engagement and wedding jewelry, its Lock collection, which features an assortment of earrings, pendants, bracelets, and rings, makes up some of its newest, most tempting creations.”
Martha Seely’s Blue Hour Cuff Bracelet
“The cuff’s focal point: Seely’s signature celestial design, this one inspired by the time between the sun’s setting and the stars’ appearances. A crescent moon of diamonds gracefully cradles the center opal, a stellar gem in its own right with its galaxy of color. At each side, a row of five round, bezel-set tanzanites aligns in perfect succession.”
Lord Jewelry’s the Legends Handbag
“The 18k yellow gold handbag features the micromosaic work Lord Jewelry has made itself known for. It is packed with Greek gods and mortals: Ares, Dionysus, Apollo, Menelaus, Paris, Diomedes, Odysseus, Nestor, Achilles, Agamemnon, and Poseidon all make the scene here.”
Sean Gilson for Assael’s Diamond and Pearl Ring
“Its showstopping 5 ct. diamond pear is a divine sight all its own, but we’re taken to the next level with the designer’s setting of colorful, rare natural saltwater pearls kissing the curves of the center stone. And here’s the kicker—the pearls are actually the prongs.”
ZAHN-Z’s Diko Mou Ring
“An enamel mosaic in green and blue wraps around the ring’s shank, tucked safely within the palm of the person who closes their hand around it. While the ring certainly isn’t the first piece of jewelry to offer a hidden detail, it breaks the mold.”
Elva’s Petite Margot Green Tourmaline Ring
“…a handcrafted beauty in satin-finished 18k yellow gold. It boasts one of my favorite shades of green, thanks to a glossy green tourmaline cabochon center, with gloriously celebrated inclusions that make it feel like an unearthed treasure of the past. The design is dubbed the Petite Margot, though that tourmaline weighs a not-petite 7.04 cts.”
Januka’s Floating Marquise Diamond Ring
“Januka’s design shows a marquise-cut diamond framed in a rectangular arrangement of gold—like a precious item enclosed in a box. The rectangle’s corners are filled with ‘negative space,’ giving the diamond the appearance of floating. This mirror-finished box rests atop a wide band in matte brushed gold, an irresistible contrast that’s simple yet expertly done, exhibiting the nuances of Danish design Januka creator Jo Nakamura learned in New York and the Netherlands.”
Kika Alvarenga’s Tourmaline Coc Earrings
“Alvarenga creates an arc that builds on each stone’s size and color gradient, marking music with gems that you can practically dance to. The earrings have 13 cts. of tourmaline sourced from the Cruzeiro mine, a storied family-run operation in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The gemstones are are custom-cut and beautifully set in 18k gold bezels.”
Kia Schwan’s Coral Abacus Ring
“The Swiss designer takes inspiration from the art deco architecture of New York City—where she is based—and Miami. The collection’s name [Colorhythms] is an ode to French artist Robert Delaunay’s Rhythms painting, and you can clearly see its influence in the disc-based earrings, rings, pendants, and brooches.”
Vivaan’s Paraiba Cloud Ring
“The globular stone is held steady in a ring of diamonds—a dusting of fresh snow, maybe—and further down are four step-like rows of paraiba accents. On both sides of the ring, special-cut diamonds sit like the bows on gift-wrapped packages—just the finishing touch this perfect-for-the-season wonder warranted.”
Allison Quaid’s Murder Hornet Ring
“‘Replacing the hornet’s abdomen—its instrument of death—with a diamond is a means of reclaiming its power and transforming it into a vehicle of beauty,’ the designers say. ‘Crafting it in white gold and black rhodium underscores its menace. The hornet’s wings received extra attention, as we wanted to make sure the shadows they formed were both defined and elegant.’”
1970s Turquoise and Diamonds From FFR Vintage
“On this resplendent necklace from the 1970s, turquoise wraps around a diamond collar, with oval and round stones set in two snaking rows and three rows of turquoise at the necklace’s front.”
Forms’ Emerald Shakudo Ring
“Combining high jewelry design with a free-spirited aesthetic, Forms’ pieces are masterful and very interesting, as I’m sure you’ll agree about the ring pictured here, with an awesome cabochon emerald at its center.”
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