When someone takes a quick glimpse in the mirror, or someone takes a quick glimpse at them, what is the first thing their outfit says? For a lot of people, a graphic tee might show an interest in a particular band or movie. A designer bag might show off knowledge on the fashion scene. However, when people look closer, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings might say a lot more about people than the flashy clothing pieces they wear up front and center on their bodies. It really is all about the details.
The concept of personalized jewelry originated in the 1960s, when people started getting different names and dates engraved on their intricate accessories, but a lot of historians believe that jewelry in ancient times had definitive purposes and powers. It was around the end of World War II that people’s taste in jewelry became more artistic and less simplistic.
As a society, we’ve always craved a personal connection to our jewelry. Think about how children might’ve dug through endless displays of different keychains or water bottles at tacky beach shops just to find their name on one. For decades, family heirlooms, gifts, even special souvenirs from vacations or significant times in people’s lives have been purchased and worn, simply because they mean something to them. If someone were to ask their mom, grandma, or even older male relatives if they have an intricate piece that is really important to them, odds are they probably do.
When layering jewelry became really popular over the last few years, designers saw the opportunity to create high-quality, unique pieces that could be highly customized to the consumer’s liking. This is why personalized jewelry has really taken off lately. Not only are popular chains and chokers from brands such as The M Jewelers, Adina’s Jewels, or Shami Official trendy, but their customization abilities and simplicity make them pieces that are worth investing in, and can be worn daily. These specific shops have had pieces spotted on countless fashion bloggers and influencers, but also high-profile celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa.
These trending online shops specialize in religious-esque jewelry, name or initial plated chokers and necklaces, and pieces that can have anything from a year or date engraving to a zodiac sign or symbol. These small, high-quality, and meaningful accessories are a great alternative to getting a tattoo. They can be worn every day and can carry a similar amount of importance or significance, but ultimately aren’t permanent.
An amazing, cheaper alternative to these higher quality shops would be Etsy—Etsy has hundreds of independent online boutiques that specialize in customization. You can find pretty much anything you’re looking for. If you don’t care about your jewelry being 14KT, the variety of shops give you the opportunity to find something completely unique and special to you.