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9 jewelry trends that make us nostalgic for the 2000s

Which of these do you remember?

2000s jewelry trends Credit: Urban Outfitters/Baublebar

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In fashion, what goes around comes around. Lucky for us, the Y2K vibe has returned for 2022. The late ‘90s to early ‘00s were supercharged with turn-of-the-century excitement, and its jewelry mirrored all of that colorful confidence. It was a time that was all about bold oversized pieces and daisies and smiley faces galore. And after the year we’ve just had, this positivity couldn’t have come at a better time.

Brands like Madewell and H&M are reinventing nostalgia with modern twists. The easiest test to tell if you should dare to wear something off this list: Would Cher or Elle Woods approve?

1. Daisies

Daisy jewelry
Credit: Etsy/Pura Vida

Florals aren't just for clothes—they're all over our jewelry, too.

Everything’s coming up daisies in 2022, with the sunny flower reinventing herself into daisy chains for necklaces and bracelets. Even single blooms are popping up on earrings and rings for head-to-toe (or rather, head-to-finger) flower power.

2. Smiley faces

A split of a gold smiley face ring on a hand and gold smiley face earrings on a white background
Credit: Etsy/Saks Off Fifth

The OG emoji is cool again.

Returning 2016 emoji jewelry to its roots, the simple smiley face is on everything this year. After all, after the mess that was 2020, we could all use some extra positivity, and an extra little reminder to smile.

3. Chunky rings

Chunky rings
Credit: Madewell/Etsy

Finger candy is the new arm candy.

Whether it’s one spotlight piece or stacks on every finger, chunky rings are heavy hitters in our jewelry arsenal this season. You can find them handcrafted from resin—a crossover material that pops up in the super colorful Y2K trend—like these ones from Etsy or in traditional precious metals, like this set from Madewell.

4. Chains

A split of a gold chain bracelet and a woman wearing a green dress and three gold chain necklaces
Credit: J.Crew/Madewell

Go for big and bold or delicate and dainty.

With links (pun intended) to Rihanna and Jennifer Aniston, chains—be it in the form of necklaces, bracelets, or even face mask holders—are very in this year. However, instead of being the vehicle for your cutest charms, today’s chains are without pendants and instead are front-and-center in their own right: the bigger the better.

5. Butterflies

A split of gold butterfly earrings on a pink background and a woman wearing a yellow dress and a silver butterfly choker
Credit: Urban Outfitters

Give a nod to nature with this Y2K trend.

Fluttering their way into the style scene, butterflies are taking their cue from the sweet hair clips of the late ‘90s and settling on our necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in the daintiest of styles. Tip: Opt for understated butterfly accents in gold or silver for a look that's more elegant than costumey.

6. Pearls

A split of a woman wearing a pearl necklace and two classic pearl stud earrings
Credit: Baublebar/J.Crew

Pile on the pearls for an elegant yet on-trend accessory.

Maybe it was Harry Styles' viral choker or Vice President Kamala Harris' signature necklace. No matter the influence, pearls are once again chic. Layer on strand atop strand of pearlescent orbs with Baublebar's extensive collection or keep it classy with J.Crew's timeless pearl studs.

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7. Hoops

Two women wearing large gold hoop earrings
Credit: Forever 21/Mejuri

There's a hoop for every personality and outfit.

Miniature or oversized. Beaded or sleek metal. Circular or oblong. Regardless of the shape or size, hoop earrings are everywhere right now. Snag a budget-friendly pair from Forever 21 or spend a little extra on a quality set from Mejuri, the Instagram-famous jewelry brand we've tried and loved.

8. Padlocks

Padlock jewelry
Credit: Etsy/Stella & Dot

Rock your lock in earring or necklace form.

The padlock trend, which started with Louis Vuitton's iconic lock, has recently made a resurgence. But you don't have to spend thousands on a designer piece to wear it. Nail two fads in one with a pair of mini padlock hoops from Etsy or this luxe necklace from Stella & Dot which you can personalize with the charms of your choosing.

9. Rainbow

A split of a woman wearing a rainbow gummy bear charm necklace and a colorful rainbow beaded necklace on a bright yellow backgroud
Credit: Amazon/H&M

The more colors you're wearing, the better.

Too much of a good thing is apparently a very good thing when it comes to color and your jewelry. Enter 2022's playful rainbow trend. Think: gummy bear chokers, oversized chain links in every color, and bright beads that resemble candy necklaces.

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