Photo via Gorjana
When it comes to jewelry, there are two types of women in this world: those who love dainty, delicate pieces, and those who prefer large, chunky rings, statement necklaces and flashy earrings. If you haven’t figured it out from my blog by now, I happen to fall into the latter category. Unfortunately for me, dainty jewelry has been all the rage the last several years, with my beloved over-the-top pieces coming few and far between. There’s one jewelry trend on the rise that manages to cater to both types of women, however: ladies and gents, say hello to coin jewelry.
Inspired by simple coins, these throwbacks to ancient classic Roman and Egyptian civilizations come in all different forms, from understated, gold signet-style rings to loud, oversized neck pieces that are exaggerated enough to satisfy even those like myself with a penchant for the flamboyant. With options available in both warm golds and cool silvers, they’ll also suit any skin tone.
Keep reading for nine of the best coin jewelry pieces I’ve spotted in the wild that you can scoop up just in time for summer.
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1. Uncommon James La Veretana Earrings ($29): If you’re looking for a more affordable way to dip your toe into the coin jewelry trend, check out these coin earrings from Uncommon James. The brainchild of Laguna Beach and The Hills’ Kristin Cavallari (read my 2017 interview with her about the line here), Uncommon James jewelry isn’t exactly built to last—the All Eyes on Me necklace I purchased a few years back hasn’t fared so hot, truth be told—but the reality star always has her pulse on what’s in-the-now and you can be sure her line, including these 14K gold-plated pieces, will reflect that.
2. Ben-Amun Jovana Bracelet ($195): This over-the-top bracelet marks the epitome of a classic coin jewel. Inspired by the city of Morocco, it’s made of 24K gold electroplated metal and feature replicas of old metal lamps, adding a bit of cultural flair into the mix. Sure, it’s not exactly made for everyday wear—it looks heavy enough that your wrist might be screaming for a break after just a few hours—but in my humble opinion, it’s totally worth it.
2. Awe Inspired Medusa Coin Necklace (from $135): This necklace is one I’ve had my eye on for several years now, making waves with A-listers such as Kristen Bell and Selma Blair as far back as December 2018. Representing 12 legendary female figures throughout history—Florence Nightingale, Aphrodite, Artemis, Athena, Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo, Harriet Tubman, Joan of Arc, Marie Curie, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Mulan and Medusa—these pieces have a natural link to the vintage style, as many of the figures featured hail from early Egyptian and Greek culture. The simple design features a 20mm diameter coin and comes in solid sterling silver, 14K gold vermeil, 14K solid gold or 14K solid white gold. You can also choose between a 16- to 18-inch or 20- to 22-inch chain.
4. Julie Vos Coin Hoop and Charm Earrings ($85): One of the more eye-catching options on this list comes from designer Julie Vos, who put her own a unique twist on the fad. These hoops are comprised of 24K gold-plated removable coin charms that feature a knight on a horse and are decorated with a single CZ stud. That means you can take the charm off and wear them as simple huggie hoops. Genius, n’est ce pas? You can also pair them with a matching bangle (from $95).
Photo via Sterling Silver
5. Sterling Forever Beaded Chain Layered Charm Necklace ($64): Much to my aggravation, silver jewelry has been next to impossible to find as of late (I’m a cool skin tone through and through), but Sterling Forever can always be counted on for inexpensive, of-the-moment silver baubles. Case in point? This layered charm necklace, which has an engraved coin disk that’s front and center. With a second shorter chain adorned with smaller, more delicate silver discs, it’s the perfect pick for a night out on the town (you know, when we can actually have those again).
6. Gorjana Ana Coin Bracelet ($55): I’ve always loved charm bracelets: One of my favorite pieces of jewelry I’ve ever owned was actually a charm bracelet my mom and stepdad got me from Guess in the ‘90s. Despite the fact that I misplaced it years ago (RIP), I still remember how excited I was to receive it. This coin bracelet from Gorjana reminds me of the bangles of yore that were so cool in my youth, albeit with a modern twist. With nine coins made from 18K gold-plated brass, it’s representative of designer Gorjana Reidel’s homeland of Serbia and is “very dainty but sturdy,” according to reviewers.
7. Greek Roots Sterling Silver Coin Bracelet (from $164.05): A coin trinket with a more traditional feel comes in the form of this Etsy find, which is laden with 11 ancient Greek coin replicas. Each one bears a different symbol representing the country’s history and mythology (my fave!), including Athena, her pet owl, Alexander the Great (a.k.a. the late king of Macedonia), Medusa, the Parthenon and the Phaistos Disc symbol from the “Minoan palace of Phaistos on the island of Crete.”
8. Cleopatra’s Bling Byzantine Coin Art Earrings ($140.02): Born of creator Olivia’s wanderlust, this entire collection has been handcrafted using ancient jewelry-making practices that give this brand a truly authentic vibe. Take these head-turners, for instance. Available in both sterling silver and 18K gold plating, they’re crafted with rare coins sourced from the Grand Bazaar in Instanbul, Turkey. Ooo la la!
9. Rachel Jackson London Queen of Revelry Coin Ring Gold ($197): You can release your inner free spirit this summer despite quarantine festival bans with a little help from the Egyptian goddess Hathor, who ruled over festivities, music and dancing. Depicted in this 22-carat gold-plated sterling silver ring, her likeness, which is etched onto its coin-shaped surface, is large enough to be noticed from afar. This ring also comes in silver ($136).
What do you think of the coin jewelry trend? Let me know in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
