5 Minimalist jewelry brands you need to know about!

As a kid growing up, I’d tag along with my grandma and Aunt Mary to jewelry stores and estate sales. They both loved jewelry and that love wore off on me. Unlike them, my personal jewelry style is much more minimalist, and while I wore a good amount of jewelry into my teen years, as an adult, I barely wear any. But that’s changing. Here are my top 5 favorite places to buy minimalist jewelry online.

5 Fave dainty & minimalist fine jewelry brands I love

As you know, my mom passed away a few months ago and I’m honoring her by making a diamond from her ashes. Like my grandma and aunt, my mom was a huge lover of jewelry. She always had on a statement piece like earrings or a necklace and then a few other pieces for good measure. When I think of my mom, I always picture her wearing a beautiful, bold piece of jewelry.

My jewelry style has evolved over the years and is the opposite of my mom’s — 100% minimalist, understated and dainty. One thing that is kind of funny is that until just a few months ago, I never wore earrings for more than a day (like on my wedding day). Despite having my ears pierced in kindergarten, all earrings bothered my ears after about 10 minutes. Sensitive person, sensitive ears I guess.

My issue was that I always “felt” the earrings, no matter if they were silver or any type of gold. They’d be itchy and uncomfortable and trust me I’ve tried them all and gave up on earrings pretty much entirely.

My first pair of earrings I can actually wear!

But after talking to a jeweler about this last year, he asked if I had ever tried platinum. I hadn’t, figuring they’d be an expensive test to end up like all the rest I’d tried over the years. But I went for it and to my complete surprise, platinum earrings don’t bother me at all.

I am now the proud owner of two pairs of earrings that I can wear without issue. Yay! Hoping to add to that count. I can’t believe it took me decades to realize I can wear earrings — they just have to be platinum.

So long story short, to be more like my mom and feel close to her, I want to re-honor my childhood love of jewelry. I want to start wearing pieces that mean something to me, that are in my style. Dainty and minimalist jewelry only. But who knows, maybe I’ll be all blinged out in a couple of months.

I’ve never really cared for fashion or costume jewelry, so the minimalist jewelry brands below all fall into the minimalist fine jewelry category. 

I guess you can say my mom’s death reignited my own love of jewelry, so let me tell you about my favorite dainty jewelry brands.

Top Cartier Love bracelet dupes >>

1. Melanie Casey

I’m kicking off the list with the first jewelry designer I fell in love with on Instagram and the only one on this list that I’ve purchased something from (for now). Sparkly, minimalist, and unique designs make Melanie Casey, based in Massachusetts, an eye-catching choice for engagement rings, anytime minimalist stacking rings, and gorgeous EVERYTHING.

If stunning dainty jewelry is your thing, pretty much everything she designs will be up your alley. I’ve never been more happy to spend money.

Faves (which I own): Morse Code ring & Starscape necklace

2. Gemmyo

This French brand founded by Pauline Laigneau has been around for 10 years and they believe that jewelry should let us celebrate who we truly are. Amen to that! Pick out your perfect piece from a boutique in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse or Brussels — or shop online.

All of the beautiful Gemmyo jewelry is made in France and you can customize it with your choice of high-quality gemstones, metal and more.

Faves: MiniEverBloom earrings & Bracelet Paris 1901 Maillons

3. James Allen

If you’re looking to buy a loose diamond online, look no further than James Allen. When it comes to selecting the perfect stone for your special project, James Allen makes it easy. The special 360 HD diamond inspection feature sets James Allen apart from the rest. With up close views, you can carefully examine every angle of their diamonds and find the one that’s perfect for you.

The brand has a unique selection of colored diamonds of all cuts so if you’re designing a one-of-a-kind piece, you’ll find the right diamond. They also offer a fabulous selection of fine jewelry as well, but for diamonds, this will be your one-stop shop.

Faves: Diamond Tennis Bracelet & Diamond by the Yard Necklace

4. Myrtille Beck

Another French brand in the dainty jewelry category worth checking out is Myrtille Beck. The brand is all about creating delicate, beautiful pieces that embody timeless elegance. Just one look and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

The level of detail sets Myrtille Beck apart and she mixes modern and antique in a way I’ve never seen before. Responsibly sourced materials and quality craftsmanship make this brand one to add to your wish list.

Faves: Cassiopeia Ring Salt & Pepper Diamonds & Bracelet Nebula Diamonds

5. Vrai

Vrai (which means “true” in French) is another brand where you can find  minimalist jewelry online. They use all sustainably made, zero emissions, lab-created diamonds which I’m 100% on board with.

Founded in 2014 in Los Angeles, Vrai is all about preserving nature and taking care of the future, so their mission speaks to me. Like the others on my list, they use solid gold — no plating or vermeil — and it’s all recycled.

Faves: Tiny Station Necklace & Tennis Bracelet

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What minimalist jewelry brands do you love?

Disclosure: This is not sponsored.

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