FASHION WORLD: 11/02/22

RITU KUMAR	PAYAL SINGHAL	SANGEETA BOOCHRA	ASHIMA LEENA	AHILYA	SATYA PAUL	SHAZE	AZA	RINA DHAKA	GLOBAL DESI	ZARIIN
Dresses	Dresses	Designer Piece	Kurtas & Kurtis	Kadda	Sarees	Jewellery	Ethnic Wear	Designer	Women's Shoes	Sportswear
Kurtas	Western Wear	Jewellery	Salwar Suits	BangleSet	Printed Sarees	Earnings	Sarees	Dress Material	Jewellery	Sports & Shoes
Jackets	Tops	Bangles	Tops	Pendants	EmbellishSarees	Bangles & Bracelets	Kurtas & Kurtis	DesignerSaree	Fashion Jewellery	Gold jewellery
Tops	Ethnic Wear	Coin & Bars	Leh Cholis	Kadda	Handbags & Clut	Rings	Salwar Suits	Blouses	Bridal Set	Pumps & Pee
Skirts	Salwar Suits	Earings	Western Wear	Acessories	Bags & Luggage	Jewellery Sets	Chunnis & Dupattas	Gowns	Jeans	Spectacle
Jumpsuits	Sarees	Chains	Dresses	Earings	Top-Handle Bags	Sunglasses	Bottom Wear	T-Shirts & Shirts	Jeans & Jeggings	Nightwear

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Where To Shop The Best Gold Jewelry Brands

Let it be known: There are endless retailers and designers that offer dazzling gold jewelry — and the list below is in no way an exhaustive one. However, if you’re in the market for some good ol’ fashion bling that’s unique, a bit off-kilter, and straight-up fabulous and don’t know where to start, this story may be able to shed some (twinkling) light on some glistening options. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite destinations for unique, one-of-a-kind, and even affordable gold and gold-colored jewelry, with something at every price point and style. Whether you’re purchasing an heirloom piece or just your next statement necklace for an impromptu night out (Yes, you can Prime real gold, too), we have something for you on the list. Still feeling lost? We’ve included a guide to gold and its many buzzwords at the end, too. You’ll be ready to answer the question “Where’d you get that?” and “What is gold plating, anyway?”

Catbird

Catbird Dewdrop Ring, $198

Brooklyn-based Catbird is a purveyor of mainly dainty, stackable, and delicate everyday jewelry — the brand carries its own line of Catbird jewelry and stocks a bunch of emerging and established designers like Wwake, Jennie Kwon, Faris, and Digby & Iona. The Catbird wedding and engagement ring annex is also where you’ll find an array of unique gold rings worthy of getting hitched with.

Shop all Catbird

SSENSE

Mondo Mondo Gold Tropicana Earrings, $325

Toronto fashion retailer SSENSE may be known for its well-stocked high-end clothing options, but its jewelry hub is also not to be snoozed on. Poke around and you’ll find a delightful mix of both fine jewelry (Gucci, Moschino, and Sophie Bille Brahe) and “regular” jewelry (Roussey, Mondo Mond, and Laura Lombardi) at all price points.

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Miansai

Miansai Herringbone Choker Gold Vermeil, $135

Because Miansai was initially launched as a men’s jewelry label, the golden stuff you’ll find here are super classic and very utilitarian. Expect the likes of low-frills herringbone necklaces and simple signet rings — lifelong keepsakes that punctuate your everyday look with hints of gold.

Shop all Miansai

Nordstrom

Ettika Double Piercing Chain Drop Earrings, $40

As you may already know, Nordstrom is the mega destination for the fashion person on the hunt for affordable, special gems (pricey investment pieces abound too). Take, for instance, these $40 chain drop earrings made for people who have multiple earlobe piercings. Nordstrom, if you take the time to scroll enough through its endless digital racks, will turn up some delightful gold jewelry.

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Nordstrom Rack

14K Yellow Gold Plated 10mm Pearl Heart Pendant Necklace, $44.97

Obviously, when Nordstrom is on the list, Nordstrom Rack isn’t too far behind. If you’re searching for gold jewelry on a budget, the Rack is where you’ll find a ton of options that are both under $50 and under $25. This gold-plated pearled pendant surely looks more premium than its price tag.

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Shopbop

Cult Gaia Karina Earrings, $168

Because Shopbop is owned and operated by Amazon, Prime shoppers reap the benefits of quick shipping and returns while getting a more boutique experience. When it comes to its jewelry selection, you’ll find all sorts of gilded beauties like quirky hoops, diamond-encrusted necklaces, and chunky cocktail rings.

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Mejuri

Mejuri Croissant Dôme Cuff Bracelet, $148

This jewelry brand, especially beloved by influencers and fashion editors, is a go-to source for traceable gold pieces that are meant to be mix-and-matched and stacked together. Prices range from under $100 to over $500, with most of the everyday pieces nestled somewhere in between. If you’re a pastry lover, Mejuri’s collection of croissant-like jewelry is particularly delish.

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Liberty London

Seb Brown 9ct Gold Neapolitan Multi-Stone Signet Ring, $755

If you’d like to discover and add more international jewelers to your collection, Liberty London is a tightly curated resource for many Europe- and overseas-based metalsmiths. There are folks like Melbourne-based Seb Brown, the Danish jeweler Anni Lu, and Alex Monroe from the UK.

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Stone and Strand

Stone and Strand Noble Diamond Tennis Earrings, $850

If you’re into the high-end sparkly stuff without looking too over-the-top, Stone and Strand is a quality brand to check out. Suitable for everyday wear, Stone and Strand is where you can find something luxe and special at any price point. Personally speaking, its collection of tennis jewelry — diamond gemstones in a chainlike formation — is particularly spectacular.

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Monica Vinader

Monica Vinader Siren Stacking Ring Set, $360

We’ve been huge fans of Monica Vinader ever since we’ve been tipped off to the label’s vast collection of fine and affordable pieces, its piercing salons, and its sustainability mission. Gold pieces are plentiful at Monica Vinader, and you can find anything from special-occasion earrings to daily-wear gemstone rings.

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Etsy

YourNamesJewelry 14k Solid Gold Name Necklace, $30

Etsy, of course, is a no-brainer when it comes to sourcing handmade, artisanal goods. Because independent jewelry designers flock to this online marketplace, you’re bound to find some incredible golden treasures at wildly gentle price points. Etsy is also where you’ll find the most amount of personalized jewelry options if you’re looking to gift something incredibly thoughtful.

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Erica Weiner

Erica Weiner 14K Yellow Gold Snake Threader Earring, $280

If you’re a history buff who also loves gold jewelry, look no further than Erica Weiner, maker of antique-inspired fine jewelry and dealer of stunningly storied pieces of Art Deco engagement rings, Victorian-era mourning jewelry, ouroboros threaders, and more. Perusing Erica Weiner is like getting a dose of world history through the (golden) lens of jewelry.

Shop all Erica Weiner

Things To Keep In Mind When Shopping For Gold Jewelry

For the purposes of our particular story, “gold jewelry” includes all forms of gold and other gold-ish metals: real gold, gold fill, gold vermeil, gold plated, and even brass (which, if maintained properly, can emanate the luster of gold). As you can surmise, the gilded universe is an expansive one!

“Real Gold” & Karats

On the deluxe end of the spectrum is fine jewelry and “real gold” — but I write that in quotes because no piece of jewelry is actually pure, solid 24K gold, which is a metal that’s way too soft to be fashioned as jewelry. Instead, jewelers will list “real gold” as pieces made of 18K gold (about 75% gold) or 14K gold (roughly 60% gold). The purer the gold, the more malleable and prone to warping it becomes (and more expensive). If, say, you’re on a treasure hunt for a never-take-off wedding band made of real gold, you may want to consider a 14K piece, which may be slightly cheaper but more durable than 18K.

Breaking Down The Budget Options: Plating, Vermeil, & Fill

If you’re looking for a piece on the more affordable end, you’ll want to seek out jewelry listed as gold plated, gold vermeil, or brass. Gold plating is when a very thin layer of gold covers up another type of metal like copper. Gold vermeil is similarly plated but it’s a slightly thicker layer of gold over a base metal of sterling silver, which is considered precious (and tends to be more expensive). These types of finishes are cost-effective but a major downside, especially for plated pieces, is the risk of chipping over time. Brass, a common metal you’re probably familiar with, is an alloy of copper and zinc that has a gold-like appearance. Brass is usually an affordable option when it comes to jewelry but the cons, of course, are skin discoloration (if you’re sensitive to brass) and patina over time.

Somewhere in between the fine jewelry and the plated stuff is gold fill, which is an alloy I’m personally a huge fan of. Gold-filled jewelry is when a bit of gold is mixed and bonded together with another metal like brass or sterling silver. Then that mixture is used as a thick outer layer of a piece. As such, gold fill pieces are not as nearly expensive as 14K or 18K but have the appearance of the real stuff. There’s no chipping, no skin discoloration, and no patina with even some of my oldest gold fill pieces I own.

Not All That Glitters Is Gold(ish)

Finally, while this story focuses on yellow gold, we have a quick note on white gold and rose gold and what they are. White gold is gold that’s mixed with palladium, nickel, or manganese to achieve the look of platinum, which is an extremely strong metal that’s even more expensive than gold. The “silver”-like metal is a popular choice when it comes to wedding bands since platinum is known for its durability and luxury. Rose gold is when copper is mixed in with gold to beget that pinkish, warm hue. Now, take your lessons in gold and put them to the shopping test.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Catbird Is Having A Rare Sale On Its Dainty Personalized Jewelry

Listen up all minimalists and hopeless romantics, we’ve got a sale that’s right up your aesthetically pleasing alley. Catbird, the Brooklyn-based sustainable jewelry brand, just surprised us with its Made Just For You sale event. Today through November 6, you can get 15% off select styles, including a range of monogrammed and engravable pieces. Plus today only, get free shipping on the already-on-sale pieces. We rarely see Catbird mark down its sparkly options, so we suggest jumping on this one as quickly as possible — whether you’re gift shopping for yourself, your significant other, or anyone else you hold dear.

Tiniest Name Necklace, $298 $253.30

This all-lowercase minimalist personalized name necklace features a maximum of 10 letters on a 100% recycled solid 14k yellow gold chain and nameplate.

Nagini Letter Ring, $320 $272

Traditional monogrammed jewelry can feel overly sweet, but leave it to Catbird to add a little bit of danger to even the daintiest of pieces. These rings feature little snakes twisted into each letter and are made from 100% recycled solid 14k yellow gold.

Dollhouse Heart Locket, $168 $142.80

This heart locket is the sweetest old-fashioned jewelry to gift, whether to yourself or your significant other. Choose from any letter in the alpabhet as well as numbers 0-9, and get the locket by itself or add a Catbird high-quality chain for $148.

Grand Cygnet Ring, $234 $198.90

A modern take on the classic signet ring, the Grand Cygnet Ring is the perfect gift for lovers of the Dark Academia aesthetic. It’s made from 100% recycled solid 14k yellow gold and can be left blank or engraved with a number or capital letter.

Cygnet Bracelet, $258 $219.30

If engraved bracelets are more your vibe, this Catbird Cygnet one is a tiny and shiny romantic gifting option. You can personalize it with up to 9 characters and, of course, it’s made from recycled solid 14k gold.

Tiniest Alphabet Charm, $48 $40.80

Whether you choose to get Catbird’s chains alongside it (for an additional $148) or add it to an existing one, these cute and tiny charms feature lowercase Baskerville letters for all your customizing pleasure.

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I Said I’d Never Wear Dresses Over Pants Again, But Here We Are

In the long list of “worst outfits I’ve ever worn” — which I run in my head at least once a week — a single dress-over-pants ensemble stands out. The year was 2007, a time when Disney channel stars like Ashley Tisdale and Miley Cyrus, as well as now-established actresses like Anne Hathaway and Zoe Saldana cemented dresses over jeans as the must-have look of the era. And so, as the trendy kid I’ve always been, I tried it for myself via an aqua blue, spaghetti strap, babydoll dress, paired with straight-leg jeans and silver ballet flats.

This memory alone was jarring enough to make my body shake in fear when TikTok started welcoming back the trend. Much like your elderly neighbor telling you to get off their lawn, I kept having fantasy arguments in my head with TikTok creators young enough to have never lived through the style’s original era, always thinking back to that one awful outfit. But when designers also started embracing the styling trick, I had to — if only for the sake of my profession — keep an open mind.

Take, for example, the fall 2022 runways, where designers like Nanushka, Chloé, and Givenchy included dresses-over-pants ensembles in their lineups, and spring 2023, for which New York-based wunderkind Peter Do featured the controversial trend en masse. Yet, they were worlds apart from the iterations popularized by Disney channel starlets. Chlo é ’s fall 2022 collection showcased neutral leather shirt dresses over wide-leg pants, while Nanushka paired a jumpsuit with a pencil skirt, leaving just a tiny peek of the pants around the ankles. Then, there was Givenchy, which opted to have models wear boot-pant hybrids with flirty, ruffled frocks.

These versions alone were enough for me to take another jab at the trend. After all, much like corsets, butterfly tops, whale tails, and micro mini skirts, everything old (and embarrassing!) can be made cool again.

Here’s how I’m updating the trend for 2022…

Turn up the volume

Voluminous frocks and wide-leg pants have been defining trends of the 2020s so far, which is why pairing the two is not such a bad idea. Since dresses over pants is already a fabric-heavy trend, going for a ‘more is more’ approach gives the trend a modern update.

Go asymmetrical

The reality is, that styling a dress over pants is a daunting task. After all, the latter was meant to be worn by itself, so it can feel a tad jarring to have it suddenly serving as a top. Thankfully, asymmetrical hemlines are currently on trend, which makes the transition a bit easier.

Maxi is the new mini

In case you missed it, mini skirts are on their way out. Maxi skirts and dresses are the preferred hemline for the upcoming months. And while you may think that a maxi dress can’t be paired with pants, I’m here to change your mind. Let a bit of your jeans peek underneath the dress for an unexpected twist in a casual outfit.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Upgrade Your Black Blazer From These 33 Picks That Feel Anything But Meh

For such a widely respected wardrobe staple, the black blazer can start to feel, well, pretty lackluster. Of course, it's a timeless item — and if you work in a traditional work environment, might even need. Plus, street style stars have influenced the casual blazer to be part of everyone's daily 'fits. However, if you're still wearing the same old piece that you bought at your local mall in 2010, you may be due for an upgrade.

It only takes a few standout variations to restore your faith in this trusted closet essential. Lately, we're seeing fitted styles mixed with oversized cuts, double-breasted fronts, boxier silhouettes, and even fresh fabrications like corduroy and faux leather. If you're feeling extra bold, you can go totally untraditional with a sleek long version. Maybe even cropped? All we're saying is, if the first word you think of when you look at your black blazer is "underwhelming," you're not alone. That's why we've found the next best thing.

Click on for 33 styles that will restore your faith in black blazers, we swear.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.