Many would agree that fashion trends resurface in cycles, and that couldn’t be more true of ’90s style. With the resurgence of certain trends, thanks in part to recent pop culture moments—including reignited interest in Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic wardrobe following FX’s limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette—along with the return of silhouettes like capris and pedal pushers, it’s clear many of us are once again looking to emulate the elegant, sophisticated style of decades past. And while ’90s fashion is often defined by minimalism, when it came to jewelry, there was also a love of statement-making bling.
Shop the Best ’90s Jewelry Trends
To uncover the trends we’re seeing today, I looked back at some of our favorite stylish celebrities of the era, and it’s clear just how enduring certain silhouettes truly are. To this day, sparkling diamond drop jewelry—from dangling earrings to pendant necklaces—along with classic strands of pearls and glittering tennis necklaces remain the epitome of glamour. For a more minimalist approach, à la Bessette Kennedy or Winona Ryder, a single piece of jewelry, whether delicate studs or a timeless tennis necklace, seemed to be the only accessory needed.
Curious about how to shop those same looks now? Read on to discover the jewels you’ll want to wear on repeat.
Glamorous Stud Earrings
Sometimes, a chic pair of earrings is the only jewelry you need to pull off a polished, pulled-together look—and in my opinion, it’s a beautiful way to draw attention to the eyes. Whether you choose bold pearls surrounded by glittering diamonds, like Winona Ryder’s captivating look at the 1996 John Huston Award for Artists Rights, or Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s minimalist studs at the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation dinner in 1999, the right pair lets you forgo a necklace and show off your décolletage. A little body shimmer oil never hurts, either!
Vrai Exclusive Solitaire Studs
Shashi Empress Pearl Earrings
Ana Luisa Pearl Stud Earrings
Gabriel & Co. Stud Earrings 14K White Gold Diamond and Pearl 0.14ct
Heaven Mayhem Prize Stud Earrings
Dazzling Drop Jewelry
Whether it’s pavé diamond earrings that graze the collarbone, like Mariah Carey’s statement-making pair worn at the 33rd Annual Grammy Awards in 1991, or Cindy Crawford’s high-glam pairing of oversized diamond earrings and an equally showstopping pendant necklace, diamond drop jewelry is a guaranteed way to dial up the drama and ensure all eyes are on you.
Nowadays, you can shop similar maximalist styles that emulate the same opulent look, or pare it back with smaller, more understated iterations.
Jennifer Behr Mariza Silver-Tone Crystal Earrings
Nadri Delphine Oval Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings
Grown Brilliance 2 ctw Round Lab Grown Diamond Curved Drop Earrings
CompletedWorks Rhodium-Plated Silver Cubic Zirconia Earrings
Blue Nile Mixed Shape Diamond Drop Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
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Multi-Strand Pearls
Strands of pearls, often finished with a statement jewel or pendant at the center, feel quintessentially ’90s. In my research, I discovered a slew of style icons who embraced the trend, including Princess Diana, who repeatedly wore a stunning seven-strand pearl necklace clasped with an oval sapphire-and-diamond brooch. She famously paired it with her “revenge dress,” and the piece itself was a gift from Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother before Diana’s wedding. Other fans of the trend included actresses Drew Barrymore and Halle Berry, as well as singer Whitney Houston.
Today, you can shop both vintage-inspired and more modern, wearable interpretations of the look that still offer a graceful, extravagant way to play up your evening attire.
Petit Moments Adelaide Necklace
Lele Sadoughi Pearl Estate Layered Pearl Necklace
Ettika Freshwater Pearl Luxe Choker
Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearl Choker Necklace
Anita Berisha Pearl Cluster Collar
Timeless Hoops
Hoops will never go out of style—and their appeal lies in just how versatile they are. Diamond-studded styles instantly elevate a date-night or event look, while more minimalist pairs can be dressed up or down depending on your mood. They also come in virtually every size imaginable, from large-and-in-charge statement hoops you could practically wear as bracelets to tiny, delicate huggies that sit close to the lobe.
Vrai Eternity Hoop
Alexis Bittar Brut Gold Skinny Hoop Earrings
Dean Davidson Mini Dune Huggie Hoop Earrings
Lili Claspe Becca Hoops
Spinelli Kilcollin Ara SG Deux Hoop Earrings
The Statement Necklace
A statement necklace is a truly alluring focal point for any look, especially when it incorporates diamonds or semi-precious stones. Turn heads with a glittering chandelier-style diamond arrangement, reminiscent of the piece Kate Moss wore to the VH1 Fashion and Music Awards in 1997. Or channel Jennifer Aniston’s more extravagant approach with a multi-strand tennis necklace finished with a diamond pendant. And if you’d rather keep it simple, one standout pendant or bundle of charms will do the trick, too.
Lili Claspe Raya Pearl Wrap Necklace
Unode50 Multi Strand Necklace
Dorsey Bellamy Rivière Necklace
Hysteria Keeper of All Treasures Charm Necklace Set
Adriana Orsini Stunner Layered Necklace
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