The 90s was an iconic era, where fashion was accessible to everyone. It was an exciting time for fashion that brought grunge, glamour and hippie looks together, characterised by overlapping and contradicting looks. 90s jewellery trends were a major aspect of fashion during this time and were highly inspired by music genres and pop culture.
The decade experienced evolution throughout the years too. At the start of the decade, emerging from the 80s, fashion was heavily influenced by rock bands and hip-hop artists. This resulted in grungy, emo looks with chokers, leather cuffs, gothic crosses and oversized earrings.
By the mid-90s, the grunge aesthetic eventually faded into a need for glitz and glamour. Think hoop earrings, chain belts, gemstone pendants, anklets and hair jewels. All-in-all, this time was monumental in fashion and was defined by bold choices, expressing your true personality and stepping outside the box.
Some of our favourite jewellery trends from the 90s are taking the world by storm again with a 2022 twist. We've curated some of our favourite 90s jewellery trends and how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe.
90s Jewellery Trends:
Necklaces
If there's one thing about 90s jewellery trends, it's that necklaces were at the centre of every cool look. A necklace can really make or break your outfit and the necklace options are truly endless. While many stylists will say that necklaces should only be worn on skin, the 90s proved that you can pair them with turtlenecks and high cut necklines.
Chokers
Any and all chokers were popular in the 90s with many celebrities sporting them. They were considered a must-have accessory and instantly could make any outfit instantly cooler. A choker is a short necklace that sits flush against the neck and can look like many different styles. Because the necklace sits so close to the skin, comfort is also a contributing factor. It's best to choose a chain with smooth links and an adjustable clasp so you can customise the length.
Many people also chose to wear strings of beads, sometimes with dangling pendants rocking anything from gemstones to characters. Pearl chokers were also very common, taking inspiration from 80s fashion trends, where pearl popularity was at an all-time high.
Get The Look:
Rose Gold Plated Cubic Zirconia Fancy Choker Chain
$249.50
$499.00
Choker is simply a close-fitting necklace and can be a way to highlight beautiful neck or could be like any other piece of jewellery worn to make you look and feel beautiful. This exquisite design in rose gold plated Sterling… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Sparkling Memory Omega 33+5cm Choker Chain
$1,299.50
$2,599.00
A stunning piece, this 9ct Yellow Gold Sparkling Omega 33+5cm Choker Chain is a must-have. Crafted in the warm tones of yellow gold with a luxurious and classy tone that makes it perfect for any occasion. Perfect for layering, this… read more
Name Necklaces
The 90s saw a push for name necklaces. Whether it was your own name, that of your bestie or your lover at the time, this style was unmissable. The original name necklace featured a cursive font cut out metal plate fixed on a chain. Today, we are seeing this trend resurging as initial jewellery. Adorn a special letter with an initial necklace and rock a piece that is not only meaningful but also trendy!
Get The Look:
Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Initial "E" Pendant
$19.99
$39.99
Wear your personality on a chain with this initial 'E' pendant. Crafted in sterling silver and cubic zirconias.… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Pendant Initial C set with diamond
$249.00
Wear your personality on a chain with this initial 'D' pendant, featuring a sparkling diamond. Crafted in 9ct yellow gold.… read more
Layering
Now, if you are looking to embrace real 90s jewellery trends, there is only one way to wear necklaces and that is all together! Layering your necklaces will take your look from drab to fab in seconds. The key to mastering a good necklace layer is to ensure you have between 2-4 necklaces, each with different chain patterns and weights.
Get The Look:
Sterling Silver 45cm 40 Gauge Curb Chain
$19.99
$39.99
The perfect layering necklace, this Sterling Silver curb chain is the ultimate staple. 45cm in length, easily add your favourite pendant or simply wear by itself.… read more
Sterling Silver Diamond Cut 40cm Curb Chain
$29.99
$59.99
This diamond cut curb chain in 40cm is perfect for when you just cannot decide. Add your own unique touch, or layer the sterling silver chain with other chains.… read more
Gemstone Jewellery
Possibly one of the hottest trends in the 90s was the gemstone pendant which was considered the finishing touch to any look. Inspired by the era of Harry Potter, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and an array of mystical inspired pop culture, it's obvious why gemstone jewellery was so popular. There was one rule when it came to rocking a gemstone and that is, the more colourful, the better.
Incorporate colourful gemstones into every aspect of your jewellery wardrobe with gemstone rings, gemstone necklaces and gemstone earrings. Enjoy the vivid red tones of ruby, the dreamy tones of sapphire or the sweet reflections of morganite, no matter what colour you prefer, there will be a gemstone to suit.
Today, gemstones are not just for aesthetics, but almost every gem has a meaning that transcends its physical looks. From good fortune, health and wealth to luck and protection, the magical properties of these stones are especially desirable today.
Get The Look:
Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Purple Oval Ring
$74.99
$124.99
With a sparkling purple cubic zirconia as a centrepiece, this sterling silver ring will add just the right amount of colour to every outfit.… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Garnet Pendant
$699.00
This stunning 9ct Yellow Gold Garnet Pendant takes the form of a beautiful flower, sparkling and bursting with light like the sun. A gorgeous oval cut garnet takes centre stage, cut to perfection and full of deep red colour. This… read more
Sterling Silver Amethyst Oval 10x12mm Pendant with 45cm Chain
$29.99
Adorn the beautiful hues of amethyst in this stunning Sterling Silver Amethyst Oval 10x12mm Pendant with 45cm Chain. The focal point of the piece is a dazzling oval amethyst that has beautiful facets and wonderful sparkle that is sure to… read more
Bangles
Nothing says 90s jewellery trends quite like a plethora of bangles clanging together on the wrist. The 90s saw a surge of chunky, colourful bangles paired together to create a rainbow of bracelets that is instantly fashionable. From plain round bangles to bangles embellished with an assortment of stones, these bracelets were the epitome of style.
Today, bracelet layering is especially popular, however, it has taken a step away from the traditional plastic bangles. Elevate your look with a beautiful silver bangle or yellow gold bangle that has a shiny lustre and classy look that is sure to impress. Today, bracelet and bangle layering is the most trendy when paired with dainty chains of various weights.
Get The Look:
Sterling Silver Milgrain ID Plate Expandable Baby Bangle
$79.50
$159.00
This Sterling Silver Milgrain ID Plate Expandable Baby Bangle is a comfortable and easy choice for a little one. This bangle is flexible and adjustable, so it won’t even bother your baby and you can enjoy their adorable silver look.… read more
Sterling Silver Shell Butterfly 60mm Bangle
$229.50
$459.00
Butterflies are a profound and clear representation of life. The butterfly is said to represent hope, change, and the cycle of nature. This exceptional Sterling Silver Shell Butterfly 60mm Bangle is both playful and elegant. This bangle comprises an abalone… read more
Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings are an earring trend that seems to get reinvented with every decade, while the premise stays the same. The 90s brought oversized hoops and chunky hoops to the forefront of jewellery trends and took a step away from the bold colourful look of the 1980s.
Oversized hoops have never gone out of style, and probably won't ever. A versatile piece that you can wear to many occasions, from adding style to a casual look to giving your going-out look an edge, a pair of white gold earrings or yellow gold earrings is a must-have.
To do a modern take on hoops for 2022, you should try layering your hoops in an earring stack. Pair together 2-3 hoops of various sizes and create a trendy, effortless look.
Get The Look:
Sterling Silver 40mm Plain Thin Hoop Earrings
$49.99
$99.99
A wardrobe staple, we love these sterling silver plain hoop earrings.… read more
Sterling Silver Floating Heart Hoop Earrings
$19.99
$39.99
For an adorable twist, you cannot go past these heart hoop earrings. Crafted in sterling silver, the earrings are a must-have.… read more
We see time and time again that jewellery trends reinvent themselves with every new generation. The 1990s were a monumental time in fashion that has influenced our style today and paved the way for personal expression. In current trends, we can see a direct link to popularised trends that first hallmarked the 90s runways, magazines and streets.
You can elevate your jewellery game by taking a page from the book of the 90s, with a modern twist. Everything from earrings and necklaces to bangles and gemstones, nothing says style like a perfectly curated jewellery collection.
