Jewelry, also called ornaments, have been in existence since ancient times, with tweaks to design and material for the modern world. Many types of jewelry have moved from being strictly cultural pieces to being worn for aesthetics.
Accessorizing with jewelry pieces can take any outfit from 0-100! People also use jewelry to showcase their personality or as a social status symbol, like married individuals who wear a wedding band.
As a jewelry lover, you should know all your options, and you’re at the right place to find out.
What types of jewelry are there?
There are different types of jewelry available. Some are common, while others are not popular. However, you may find them interesting options in your dressing. We’ve categorized the jewelry types based on where you wear them on the body.
Head and Hair Ornaments
There are so many gorgeous jewelry pieces for your hair and head. Since they’re such focal points of your appearance, you should pay attention to them.
Crown
A crown is a traditional piece of jewelry worn on the head to symbolize royal authority. Those worn by royals of lesser ranking are called a coronet. A diadem is a type of crown worn as a symbol of royalty and typically has precious stones. It is a name used interchangeably for a tiara.
Royal symbolism aside, there is the nuptial or bridal crown a bride wears on her wedding day. This was formerly a practice by women in central and Northern Europe alone, but today, it is worn by brides worldwide to complete a princessy look for their wedding.
Hairpins
Hair pins are decorative and highly functional jewelry pieces. Women use them to keep their hair in place in a fashionable manner. They are U-shaped and can secure a large amount of hair.
A similar jewelry piece is bobby pins, which hold a smaller portion of hair and secure it tightly.
The significant difference in their design is the tightness of the lower part of the bobby pins. Hair pins and bobby pins are made with metals and may have decorative pieces like pearls, glitter, and buttons attached to them.
Barrettes
Barrettes, also known as hair clips, are usually made from metals. They were initially two simple metals, with the metal underneath as a fastener that helps secure the hair.
These days, different decorative methods include adding fabrics for a vintage look, rhinestones for dazzle, and pearls for a classy finish.
Hair Rings
Hair rings are small metal rings used for hairstyles like braids, locs, updos, and cornrows. They look similar to the rings used in piercings. Some may be a simple metal open circle, while others may have charms or cowrie shells added.
Face Jewelry
While there are other ways to beautify your face, facial jewelry is hard to miss. You can create a subtle or bold look based on the jewelry or combination of pieces you choose.
Earrings
Ear piercing is one of the oldest forms of body piercing, and earrings have existed ever since. They decorate the ear and are made from different materials, including metals, plastic, precious stone, and beads. Earrings come in various designs, including hoops, studs, and dangles.
💡 Take Note: Earrings usually require piercing, either on the earlobe or other part of the ear, which is called cartilage piercing. However, clip-on earrings can attach to the lobe without a need for piercing.
Ear Cuffs
Ear cuffs are jewelry for decorating the ear, and you do not need any ear piercing to wear them. They are worn on the outer edge of the ear in a slip fashion.
Cuffs can make a statement with an elaborate design, but designs are available to suit any taste. Wearing ear cuffs is an easy way to imitate cartilage piercing without the commitment.
Nose Ring
Nose rings are small hoops worn in a nose piercing. There are different types of nose rings, with some resembling studs. Wearing nose rings is popular in Indian culture and an essential part of the bride’s jewelry at Indian weddings.
Neck Jewelry
Your neck is another focal point that can make or break your outfit. There are a few jewelry options for your neck.
Necklace
A necklace is a piece of jewelry worn around the neck. They are typically made of precious metals like gold and silver and may or may not have pendants attached to them.
Necklaces can be categorized based on their length, and the neckline of your outfit usually determines which is best suited. There is a wide range of choices with necklaces, like necklace chains, and many styling options.
Choker
A choker is a close-fitting necklace, and it is quite a versatile piece. It can be made from ribbons, leather, and gold. Chokers are popular with the DIY jewelry community.
Arm and Hand Jewelry
There are several arm and hand jewelry options, both in style and material.
Armlet
An armlet, also known as an arm cuff, is a bracelet worn on the upper part of the arm. It is typically made of precious metal and may have a precious stone attached.
Armlets have been worn since ancient times, particularly among the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Men and women wore it, but in today’s modern world, it’s usually worn more by women.
Bracelet
A bracelet is jewelry worn on the wrist. There are different bracelet types, based on their structure and the material used.
Bangle bracelets are solid bracelets that you can slide over your hand. Cuff bracelets are solid bracelets with an opening that allows you to wear them from the side of your wrist. Other bracelets include charm bracelets, chain link bracelets, and beaded bracelets.
💡 See our list of recommended bracelets for small wrists
Ring
Rings are small circular jewelry pieces worn on the fingers. They can be worn as a fashion statement and social symbol.
There are different types of rings, including birthstone, promise, engagement, and wedding rings. Asides from the standard rings, which you wear close to the base of the finger, there are knuckle rings you wear above the middle joint of your finger.
You can wear rings on any finger of your choice and stack them. They are made with various materials, including silver, gold, platinum, tungsten, and titanium. They can also have precious and semi-precious stones like diamonds, emeralds, ruby, aquamarine, and peridot.
Types of Body Jewelry
These are jewelry pieces that are worn on the other body region.
Belly Button Rings
Belly button rings, also known as navel rings, are worn in a belly button piercing. The piercing can be on the upper fold, around the edges, or underneath the belly button.
Belly button rings can be made from surgical steel, sterling silver, gold, and titanium. Titanium is the least likely to cause an allergic reaction. Many designs are available with gemstones, but the curved barbell remains the most common.
Belly Chain
Belly chains, also known as belly beads or waist beads, can be traced to Indian and West African cultures, where women have worn them for centuries. It was worn to symbolize femininity, sensuality, and fertility.
In today’s world, in Africa and the west, it is now also worn for aesthetic purposes and can be used to monitor weight changes. Belly chains can be made with silver or gold, but it is common to see them made with other materials like crystals, beads, and charms.
Thigh Chain
A thigh chain is a piece of upper thigh jewelry that resembles a garter. It is usually made from rhinestone and crystals. People typically wear it with dresses that have a high slit or shorts.
Feet Jewelry
Feet jewelry was first observed amongst the Egyptians and Southern Asians but are now a common piece of jewelry in the western world.
Anklet
Anklets are a type of bracelet worn on the ankle. They are usually made from precious metals and other materials such as leather. However, some people choose to have it as a piece of permanent jewelry by having a gold or silver anklet welded together.
Toe Ring
Just as there are rings for the finger, the toes can sport rings. Although you can wear them on any toe, they are usually worn on the second toe because it is typically long and gives more room for the ring.
Like finger rings, they can be adjustable or fitted. Getting a ring that fits right is important to prevent losing it or making your toe hurt. Toe rings are best worn with slippers or sandals.
Barefoot Sandal
Barefoot sandal, also known as hippie sandal, combines an anklet and a toe ring. It gives the illusion of a sandal which means although it looks like one, it does not have a sole. It is commonly worn in summer when most people visit the beach.
Adorn Yourself
As a jewelry lover, finding more ways to adorn yourself should always be on your to-do list. Did you see anyone you’re missing? From your head to your toe, there is jewelry for you, whether your style is minimalistic or you’re one to make bold fashion statements.
If you’re trying to step up your jewelry game, you can start by incorporating them one after the other. You may eventually discover that some are not your style but knowing the types of jewelry available is a step in the right direction.
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