Fashion was on full display at the presidential inauguration in January — particularly in terms of statement jewelry. Inspired by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s very prominent birdcage ring (that she was given by Oprah, no less) and Lady Gaga’s massive gold dove brooch, we wondered where to find some dazzling statement jewelry of our own here in Nashville. From pieces we can’t wait to add to our collection to a few we can only swoon over (you’ve been warned!), here are some statement pieces recently spotted from local designers and boutiques.
Locally Found Statement Jewelry We Love
The “Lily” Necklace from Hearne Dry Goods Company
This custom-made piece from the Hearne Dry Goods Company workshop sells for $110 and offers a beautiful layered look with white wood beads and an ivory-colored ox bone cross pendant — a neutral combination that pairs well with ensembles for both work and play. A best-seller since 2019, it’s appearing again in the 2021 spring collection. “The ‘Lily’ can be dressed up and worn to church or a fancy dinner, or you can throw it on with a sleek blazer and wear it to work,” offers designer Leigh Hearne Hillenmeyer. “This necklace is very versatile and can be part of a more laid-back look, too. I’ve worn it many times with shorts and a cute top. It makes a statement all on its own, so keeping it simple will allow the necklace to take center stage!”
The “Lily” necklace, $110, at Hearne Dry Goods Company | Image: Mary Craven Dawkins Photography
The Gold Diamond Montana Wrap/Choker from Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry
Designed right here in Music City by native Nashvillian Vincent Peach, this stunner is one we’re dreaming about. It can be worn as a choker or double-wrapped around the wrist and worn as a bracelet. Part of his Equestrian Collection, the piece resembles a horse bit. There are also several bracelet variations, ranging in cost based on the materials used, but this one is the crème de la crème — and with a price tag of $16,000, it should be! It boasts 14k gold hardware and 4.1 carats worth of diamonds. The South Sea Tahitian pearl clasp is one of its most notable features, offering a classic look that works for any occasion, be it an afternoon of horseback riding or a night on the town.
The Gold Diamond Montana Wrap/Choker, $16,000, at Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry | Image: Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry
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Diamond and Opal Ring from Walton’s Antique and Estate Jewelry
Estimated to be from the 1950s, this gorgeous platinum, diamond and opal ring is sure to attract some attention. The sizable opal, which is thought to be from Australia, features a dazzling display of color surrounded by round, brilliant-cut diamonds. Offering quite a few eye-catching shades, the opal can complement everything from an elegant black dress to a bright, casual sweater. Walton’s Antique and Estate Jewelry Manager Julie Walton Garland shares, “Harkening back to the days of lavish soirees, this fabulous dinner ring in platinum features a kaleidoscopic round opal cabochon, weighing 18.40 carats.”
Diamond and opal ring, $5,800, at Walton’s Antique and Estate Jewelry | Image: Mary Rozas
Nest Rings from Judith Bright
Handmade to order and ranging in price from $53 to $238, the Nest Ring from Judith Bright offers a dynamic splash of color to any ensemble. With the ability to choose your own metal, gemstone and even gemstone size, you can create a fun and colorful statement that ranges from subdued to bold depending on which piece you’re drawn to. “Our nested jewelry pieces are delicate mini sculptures,” says Becca Farris, Director of Operations at Judith Bright Jewelry. Hand wrapping around the gemstone offers a modern touch, and stone selections such as amethyst, aquamarine and carnelian make for an attention-grabbing art piece on your hand.
Nest Rings, from $53 to $238 depending on gemstone size, at Judith Bright | Image: Judith Bright
Silver Overlay Cuff from Carden Avenue
In wonderful vintage condition, this elegant silver overlay cuff bracelet from Carden Avenue was once a belt buckle. “It found its way to us and became the perfect wrist accent,” says one of Carden Avenue’s founders, Suzanne Crook. “The beauty and femininity of the profile, surrounded by swirls, is a reminder of the elegance of the period. The cuff is completed with an oxidized, sterling silver chain and oxidized sterling silver lobster clasp.” Find it for $188.
Silver overlay cuff (top), $188, at Carden Avenue | Image: Kelsey Cherry
Cuff Bracelet with Vintage Pieces from Gas Lamp Antiques
Handmade by designer Bonnie Simmons, a GasLamp Antiques dealer, this glitzy statement cuff bracelet is a mixture of ornate brass stamping and vintage Czech glass cabochons. For a woman with bold style, this may be just the piece to pair with a blazer and jeans or to accent a simple black dress.
Cuff bracelet, $110, at GasLamp Antiques | Image: Bonnie Simmons
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Pont des Arts Necklace from Margaret Ellis Jewelry
This wonderful and timeless piece was handcrafted of sterling silver and bronze at the Margaret Ellis Jewelry studio. Though it is a one-of-a-kind piece that has already been sold, we would be remiss not to include it. The craftsmanship is simply extraordinary — every single piece on this necklace was made by hand! Originally custom-made for an art show in New York City, for which it became the signature piece, it gets its name from the famed bridge in Paris that boasts hundreds of “lover’s locks.” “This stunner would be perfect with a little black dress or white t-shirt,” offers Margaret Ellis Jewelry Owner Mclaine Richardson. “It needs to be paired with something simple so that all eyes are on it.”
Pont des Arts Necklace, $3,750, from Margaret Ellis Jewelry | Image: Margaret Ellis Jewelry
Alice Star Ring from Minnie Lane
Designed here in Nashville, the Alice Star Ring is one of the first pieces stylist and art director Minnie Lane Phillips (Mimi) created for her Minnie Lane collection. “This piece is all about connection,” she tells us. “Named after a starry sky in Alice Springs, Australia, it nods to the notion that there is nothing that connects us more than the stars.” If you’re looking to make even more of a statement, try stacking several rings together for an edgy, attention-grabbing look. Find it for $250.
Gold Alice Star Ring, $250, at Minnie Lane | Image: Darian Chloe
We hope you’re inspired to make a statement of your own!
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