Let’s face it: No matter how beautiful it may be, uncomfortable jewelry doesn’t make sense. Nothing is promised a lifetime in the jewel box faster than a necklace that stabs a woman in the neck or chin, earrings that poke her in the cheek with each turn of the head, or a ring that slices skin on the surrounding fingers. Jewelry is, after all, an element of fashion—and stiff, painful jewelry is about as appealing as shoes that pinch.

It’s no surprise, then, that so many jewelry designers and manufacturers have been taking a softer approach to their collections. From flexible moving parts and woven, fabric-like designs, to pieces that incorporate actual fabric or comfy rubber and leather, this softer jewelry feels as good as it looks.