Minimalist vs. Statement Jewelry: Which Is the Best Fit for You?

Just like clothing or makeup, jewelry can be a great way to express your personal style. The two main approaches to jewelry styling are minimalist and statement (sometimes also called maximalist). Determining which style is best for you really depends upon your personality, your lifestyle (professional and personal), as well as where you’re wearing the jewelry. Let's dive in and explore both options to see if you can decide if you’re more into minimalist jewelry or statement jewelry.

What is minimalist jewelry?

Before you can determine which jewelry style you align with, you need to get to know each style in more depth. Minimalism in general is typically associated with the “less is more” approach, which would lead you to believe that just owning or wearing less jewelry is how you accomplish this.

But that’s not quite accurate in this case. Minimalist jewelry style is more about being subtle and simple with your jewelry choices. Some examples would be diamond or gemstone stud earrings, thin necklaces and bracelets, and narrow, simple rings. Each of these pieces are versatile and can be worn for many different types of occasions, from the office to a wedding. Since these pieces are fairly simple, you want to make sure they are excellent quality so they last a good while and can be worn over and over again.

Why choose minimalist jewelry?

Minimalist jewelry is the epitome of elegance and simplicity. They tend to be jewelry pieces that don’t follow trends, but instead could have been popular 50 years ago and will likely still be in style 50 years from now. They are timeless designs such as stackable gold, diamond, or gemstone bands that you can wear with your engagement ring, or as a fashion ring on the other hand. It can be a gold chain that is appropriate to wear daily in your office, as well as at a bar for a night out. Or consider a silver bangle bracelet that can be worn to a wedding, as well as to a business lunch–without being distracting. One of the main reasons to choose minimalist jewelry is its versatility—it can be worn daily and pairs well with nearly any outfit in your closet.

Another great reason to choose minimalist jewelry is how comfortable it can be to wear. Due to the narrow widths, these pieces tend to weigh less, which can make them easy to wear and almost imperceptible in terms of weight. These types of pieces also lend themselves to layering easily, so you can stack multiple rings or chains together to create a bolder look for certain events. And due to the fact that they typically have less detail and stones, they tend to require less repairs and are easier to clean. Additionally, there are occasions when you want to wear your jewelry as you usually do without drawing unnecessary attention. For example, at a wedding, you might prefer the focus to remain on the bride, or at a funeral, you may wish to be respectful rather than drawing attention to yourself.

What is statement jewelry?

Quite the opposite of minimalist jewelry, statement jewelry lives up to its name and makes a statement. Statement jewelry is meant for individuals who want to stand out and grab attention, likely people who wear clothes with bright colors and patterns, or have bolder hairstyles. Some examples of statement jewelry are cocktail rings with large or bright gemstones, necklaces with wide chains and large pendants, and drop earrings. While some people choose to wear statement jewelry on a daily basis, it is especially good for special events and can serve as the focal point to your outfit if thought out well. There is an endless amount of gemstones to choose from, and many of those have bright colors and interesting patterns that can create beautiful statement jewelry. 

Why choose statement jewelry?

Subtlety isn’t for everyone, and it sometimes doesn’t have the impact that you would like. With statement jewelry, you’re sure to make an impression. Think along the lines of wide gold chains with an interesting link pattern such as figaro or herringbone, or a ring set with a drusy agate or rutilated quartz. Both stones have interesting color and texture patterns that are sure to draw attention. These designs can showcase your style and add personality to any outfit. It can elevate a seemingly simple t-shirt with a blazer over it, or dress up a little black dress that has seen better days. 

Statement jewelry can also serve as a conversation starter. Perhaps your jewelry carries a unique story—it might have been passed down from a family member or purchased at an estate sale. Either way, you have a fascinating tale to share with anyone who takes notice. If it was a custom design, you can talk about the design process. Truly, anything that assists in starting conversation in today’s society is very welcome!

Which style suits you more?

Not sure which of these two styles works best for you? Start by evaluating your personal style–clothes, makeup, hair, home decor, etc. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. What do the contents of your closet look like? Is it mostly full of neutral colors and basic pieces that can be styled in several different ways? Or do you have a lot of bright colors and patterns that are on trend?

2. Is your hair its natural color? Or do you sometimes experiment with vibrant shades like blue, pink, or green?

3. Are the textiles in your home (curtains, rugs, blankets, pillow covers) solid and neutral or brighter and patterned? 

4. Do you prefer subtle, lightweight jewelry that goes unnoticed? Or do you favor pieces with a substantial weight that you can truly appreciate?

5. What is your occupation and how often do you have the opportunity to wear jewelry? At what types of events do you wear jewelry?

When choosing between minimalist and statement jewelry, you really just need to evaluate your own personality and style. But what happens when you’re somewhere in the middle, or your style depends upon the day? Don't worry—it's perfectly fine to mix minimalistic jewelry with statement pieces. You don’t necessarily have to choose just one style and stick with it. You can also switch back and forth whenever you’re feeling inclined, and you can also combine both looks. There’s nothing wrong with wearing a cocktail ring on one hand and a few stackable bands with your engagement ring on the other hand. Or layer a few thin chains with a bolder pendant. Regardless of your jewelry style, be sure to fill your jewelry box with pieces you love—items you'll enjoy wearing for years to come.