If You Want Compliments, Elevate Your Jewellery Collection With These Cool Girl-Approved Brands
Our take
The pursuit of the "cool girl" aesthetic has always been a fascinating reflection of shifting cultural ideals. This latest piece, "If You Want Compliments, Elevate Your Jewellery Collection With These Cool Girl-Approved Brands," taps into that ongoing desire, suggesting that carefully curated accessories are the key to unlocking effortless style and, crucially, external validation. It’s a familiar narrative – the idea that the right pieces can transform an outfit, and by extension, the wearer’s perceived value. The article’s focus on jewellery as the primary vehicle for this transformation is interesting, particularly given the recent emphasis on quiet luxury and understated elegance. We’ve seen similar sentiments explored in our own publication, such as in "My Best Friend Asked Me to Create Her An Expensive-Looking Autumn Capsule—I Sent Her These 7 Affordable Buys," which highlights the power of key staples to convey a sense of refined taste without breaking the bank. The connection is clear: it’s not about flashy displays of wealth, but about intentional choices that communicate a certain sensibility. This approach echoes the broader trend of prioritizing quality and timelessness over fleeting trends, a move away from the maximalism of previous years.
The article's framing of the "cool girl" – the effortlessly chic figure with the tousled hair and razor-sharp denim – is a deliberate construction, a visual shorthand for a specific type of understated confidence. It's a look that has been meticulously cultivated and reinterpreted over the years, borrowing from various icons, from Serena Van Der Woodsen to contemporary influencers. The emphasis on accessories, then, becomes a way to participate in this carefully constructed image, a shortcut to achieving a desired aesthetic. It’s worth noting that this pursuit often intersects with the broader conversation around self-expression and identity. While the article frames the quest for compliments as the primary motivator, the underlying desire is often to project a specific version of oneself to the world, one that is perceived as desirable and stylish. This is further amplified by the influence of brands like Oliver Peoples, showcased in "Oliver Peoples Fall 2026 Delivers Hollywood Glamour," which consistently positions itself within a realm of aspirational, classic style. The jewellery brands highlighted in the article are, in essence, selling more than just adornment; they’re selling a lifestyle, an aesthetic, and a promise of elevated style.
The broader significance of this trend lies in its reflection of a consumer culture increasingly driven by visual cues and social media influence. The “cool girl” aesthetic is, after all, largely a product of Instagram and TikTok, where images are carefully curated and filtered to create a sense of aspirational perfection. Jewellery, with its inherent visual impact, becomes a powerful tool for conveying this perfection. The article’s suggestion that elevating your jewellery collection is the key to earning compliments speaks to a desire for external validation, a desire that is often amplified by the constant stream of curated content we consume online. It's not necessarily about genuine self-expression, but about performing a role, adopting an aesthetic that is perceived as desirable by others. This speaks to a larger societal trend of seeking external approval through material possessions and carefully crafted online personas. Even the exploration of "This Drapey Athleisure Has Cracked The Code On Chic Off-Duty Dressing" reveals a similar impulse – the desire to appear effortlessly stylish, even when relaxing.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the definition of the "cool girl" continues to evolve in response to changing social and cultural landscapes. Will the emphasis on accessories remain central to this aesthetic, or will the focus shift to other areas of personal style? As consumers become increasingly discerning and aware of the performative nature of online culture, will the desire for external validation diminish, or will it simply manifest in new and more subtle ways? The ongoing pursuit of effortless style, and the accessories that purportedly unlock it, will undoubtedly continue to be a fascinating barometer of our collective aspirations and anxieties.
There’s a certain image that comes to mind when you hear the term cool girl. She is probably dressed in something effortlessly elegant, like a pair of razor-sharp straight-leg jeans and a slouchy V-neck jumper with a glimpse of a crisp white T-shirt peeking out from underneath. She might even have messy hair, but in that Serena Van Der Woodsen way that proves her life is too full to bother with brushing her tousled curls. Still, her looks are always punctuated with an enviable collection of jewellery. Even then, you can count on the fact that she only shops at jewellery brands known exclusively by other cool girls like her.
Offering pieces as unique as the women who wear them, these brands fill the gap in the market for women looking for unique and distinctive pieces that set them apart. In fact, one could even argue that these cool girls relish knowing these brands aren’t household names, known by only a few through word of mouth or a shared taste level.
Speaking to Ruby Beales, Liberty’s jewellery buying manager, she explains that “something is appealing about jewellery that feels discovered rather than obvious. For the uninitiated, the legacy department store has just opened up a gallery wing dedicated to showcasing the most in-demand contemporary and demi-fine jewellery brands, proving how lucrative this category really is.
“Customers increasingly want pieces that say something about their taste - a distinctive shape, an unusual material, or a designer someone else might not immediately know,” Beales continues. “They’re discovering designers through social media, travel, independent retailers and the people they follow, so recognition isn’t necessarily dictated by the biggest houses anymore. At the same time, people have become much more confident in their own taste, so there’s less pressure for jewellery to communicate value through an immediately recognisable name.”
Still, given the covetable nature of this segment, these brands aren’t going to stay hidden for long. So, to get ahead of the curve, scroll through for a fashion editor-approved guide to the cool girl jewellery brand every chic dresser knows about. As you’ll soon realise, these pieces are too good not to share.
16 Cool Girl Jewellery Brands to Shop in 2026
1. Tyger
Style Notes: “Pieces that have enough personality to stand out, but still feel effortless enough to become part of how you dress every day” is how Amelia Heard, founder and creative director of Tyger, describes the brand. The London-based label offers made-to-order and hand-sculpted designs that champion individuality. The designs have a vintage quality, with organic shapes finished with high-octane stones and a chiselled effect that denotes the artistry behind each design. Earrings, in particular, are a standout performer for the brand, with Heard revealing that these are the pieces her customers gravitate towards first. From bespoke mini hoops sprinkled with vibrant peridots, citrines and pink zircon to cross-shape studs in blue topaz, these are pieces intended to be piled up the ear and bring a playful, mismatched effect to your stack.
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2. Chloe Charlton
Style Notes: After cutting her teeth in London as the Global Brand Marketing Manager at Net-A-Porter, Chloe Charlton launched her eponymous jewellery brand last year in Sydney to critical acclaim. Already adorning the wrists and necks of local tastemakers, the label evokes a sense of mundane glamour with dazzling tennis necklaces, radiant bracelets and drop earrings, the latter being a trend frequently spotted on members of the celebrity style set like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. Utilising using lab-grown moissanite, valued for its diamond-like brilliance, these are pieces that can be seamlessly incorporated into the modern woman’s well-edited wardrobe, sitting pretty alongside her collection of The Row tailoring and Rise & Fall knitwear.
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3. Jessica McCormack
Style Notes: Like how every modern bride wants a Danielle Frankel gown, every soon-to-be fiancé wants a Jessica McCormack engagement ring. However, the New Zealand-born, London-based designer offers more than stunning rings designed for a lifetime of love. Her fine jewellery pieces are woven with antique references to Edwardian-inspired blackened gold and traditional Georgian goldsmithing techniques, but the pièce de résistance is her resolute belief that diamonds should not be reserved for special occasions. From sculptural 18K white gold torque diamond necklaces to tactile gold orbs shaped into a graceful string, these pieces adorn the most stylish and sophisticated women the world over, from Māori royalty to Oscar winners.
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4. Completed Works
Style Notes: A pillar of London’s creative community for over a decade, Completed Works is a jewellery, homeware and accessories brand synonymous with the eclectic and artistic inclinations the city is revered for. Mixing Virginia Woolf pearls with Siouxsie Sioux spikes, the brand is constantly in a dialogue with heritage and rebellion, resulting in resin necklaces that look like oversized popping candy and crinkled dangle earrings that look like a piece of silver was crumpled up by Marcel Duchamp. The brand’s distinct methodology has made it a favourite for poets and pioneers, including Jemima Kirke, Sofia Coppola and Jodie Comer.
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5. Heaven Mayhem
Style Notes: With a clear adoration for the surrealist pieces made famous by Elsa Peretti at Tiffany & Co., Heaven Mayhem has carved a niche for itself for elevated essentials that pay homage to, and make accessible, the most iconic pieces of design. From watches that emulate the shape of the Cartier Tank to cuffs that derive inspiration from the ridges of the famed mid-Century modern Eames chair, these are pieces anchored in a vintage sensibility from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Indeed, if Carolyn Bessette Kennedy were alive today, you can rest assured that she’d be wandering through New York wearing the brand’s signature Knot earrings.
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6. Jennifer Behr
Style Notes: Flourished with tassels and pearlescent shells, Jennifer Behr is a mecca for ornate pieces that bring an old-world elegance to the everyday. Think of the Brooklyn-based brand as the Gilded Age for today, with the jewel tones and ostentatious shapes of the glamorous decade made anew for the Dimes Square set. Originating as flouncy headpieces, the brand expanded into jewellery in 2017 and never looked back. From elongated fringed necklaces made from a shimmering expanse of tempered glass beads to French-style hairpins finished with tortoiseshell and tiger eyes, these are pieces that will have you feeling your most regal self.
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7. Lucy Folk
Style Notes: By way of Byron Bay, Lucy Folk is a nomadic jewellery and ready-to-wear brand designing pieces for the contemporary boheme. Each piece is inspired by the natural world, from her signature anchovy cuff that brings new meaning to the word essential, to the kaleido ring that brings the full spectrum of the rainbow to your fingertips with multicoloured precious stones like green garnet, ruby and yellow sapphire. Totemic by nature, these pieces are often inspired by ruins and talismans collected on her travels to sun-kissed alcoves, including Mallorca’s artistic alcove and the northern hills of Ibiza.
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8. Erede
Style Notes: Rigid lines and bold geometry inspired by Art Deco architecture lay the foundation for Erede, a jewellery brand founded by two Sydney-based designers and best friends, yet made ethically in New York. Under the shadow of the Empire State Building, Erede offers domed studs indented with sharp spheres that evoke the imagery of vintage buttons and hinged drop earrings reminiscent of the grates on classic elevators.
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9. The Ouze
Style Notes: The Ouze takes its name from the River Ouse, which flows through founder Toby Vernon's hometown of Lewes, East Sussex. Sinuous and fluid, these pieces are hand-carved and dotted with fingerprints, almost emulating a hidden treasure you’d find buried beneath the stream bed. Still, Vernon’s rings, necklaces and objets d’art are more precious than anything you’d uncover whilst mudlarking. Deriving from the ancient wax technique of jewellery making, you’ll find anything from a hair clip to a table knife rendered in his signature raw and unpolished style.
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10. Lucy Delius
Style Notes: As a brand that calls its customers ‘The Coven’, it was assured that Lucy Delius would be heralded as the vanguard of cool jewellery from the outset. Her magic lies in her ability to transform the essence of the old and make it new, with fine jewellery inspired by vintage codes and emotional currency. Her latest collection, Scuria, is inspired by the well-heeled and well-dressed women of Milan, contextualising their adoration for glamour into Victorian-set pavé and bamboo bands. Because isn’t there something totally witchy about wearing something that stylish women have been wearing for centuries?
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11. Laura Vann
Style Notes: “My earliest memory is trying on my grandma’s ring, an opal cluster surrounded by sapphires,” says Laura Vann. “Seeing how beautifully those stones sat together taught me not to be afraid of bold, unexpected colour combinations, and that confidence runs through my collections today,” she adds. This instinct for unexpected combinations runs in Vann’s family, with over 35 years' experience in the jewellery industry. Today, you’ll find this natural gift for pairing contrasting shades in delightfully unexpected placements underpinning all her designs, from domed signet rings to column necklaces punctuated with Indian Agate beads and white topaz.
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12. Heavenly London
Style Notes: “When I’m designing, the question I keep coming back to isn’t, ‘Is this on trend?’, it’s, ‘how will she feel when she puts this on?’” explains Heavenly London’s creative director, Maddy Sangster. Still, there’s an impulse to know what designs are bound to prove popular, given the fact that the best-selling designs are all that people with taste are wearing, from east-west-set rings to drop earrings and rope pendant necklaces.
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13. Anoushka
Style Notes: Jewellery holds personal meaning in multiple ways. A canvas for self-expression, it can both mark life’s significant moments and reveal the most intimate parts of yourself through what you wear; a ring passed down from your grandmother, a necklace you received at graduation, an earring that hides the piercing you got with your first paycheck. Throughout it all is Annoushka. With delicate charms, thoughtful pendants and vibrant cocktail rings, each style makes a statement of its own.
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14. Pilgrim
Style Notes: As the name suggests, Pilgrim’s jewellery is imbued with a sense of wanderlust. Eclectic by nature, the Danish brand offers pieces that defy genre and style, including earrings that look like ancient Roman coins to necklaces that are made up of asymmetric stones like turquoise, red agate, amethyst and malachite to resemble a pair of Rosary beads. After all, as it was written in Romeo & Juliet, “saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch”.
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15. Sophie Bille Brahe
Style Notes: As a descendant of 16th-century astronomer Tycho Brahe, Sophie Bille Brahe has always had a fascination with the sky. Fitting then, should the Danish jewellery designer take up a vocation that renders the scintillating glimmer of stars wearable through her fine jewellery. A constellation of diamonds, her pieces often rival the celestial configurations that inspired them, let alone compare to the starry clientele who wear them. (Her universe of customers includes Dree Hemingway, Dakota Johnson and Kirsten Dunst.) Still, despite her noble pedigree, Brahe’s pieces feel down-to-earth. She also makes up one of Copenhagen’s coolest families, with her brother the culinary wunderkind and founder of contemporary bakery Atelier September, and sister-in-law the model-turned-designer behind maximalist Scandi fashion brand, Caro Editions.
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16. Julietta
Style Notes: If Rose from Titanic was wearing the Heart of the Ocean necklace in 2026, you could probably bet that it would be from New York-based brand Julietta. (After all, she did wear it when docking there in the film). The maximalist jewellery brand uses colour and shape in a way that makes it feel like an extension of the vibrant Brazilian art movement Tropicália, with chunky resin beads and rhodium-plated glass offset by oversized shells, geometric pendants and tassels.
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