Fashion styles from the 70s and 80s are back again. Making a statement with jewellery is one of the top trends at the moment. Many celebrities and fashion bloggers these days wear statement and unusual silver chunky jewellery to express their bold attitude and differentiate themselves.
From thick chain necklaces to cuff bracelets large enough to use as bookends, oversized jewellery is dominating runways, red carpets, and the streets.
The popularity of chunky pieces first started bubbling up a few years ago, but 2023 saw the trend hit a fever pitch. Runway shows from the likes of Gucci, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta featured all manner of bulky baubles. Chunky jewellery offers a way to add drama and presence to ensembles without going over the top. A single eye-catching choker or pair of hoops can pull together an entire look.
So if you’re looking to refresh your accessory collection with of-the-moment statement-makers, it’s time to go big and bold.
Here are the top 10 chunky jewellery trends you need to know about for standout style.
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Top 10 Chunky Jewellery Trends
Chunky jewellery provides a stark contrast to the delicate jewellery and clothing that dominated mainstream fashion for the past decade. The tide has decisively turned away from dainty pieces and towards bold stylistic statements.
Chunky earrings, thick bangles, wide cuffs and other substantial accessories lead the charge.
Compared to the whisper-thin bands and barely-there studs of yesteryear, chunky adornments practically shout for attention. They convey confidence and power rather than demure femininity. No longer viewed as gaudy or excessive, these plus-sized jewels feel excitingly fresh and new.
Oversized jewellery also pairs perfectly with athleisure and streetwear-inspired looks. A chunky chain necklace can add edge to a relaxed hoodie-and-leggings outfit. Stacked cuff bracelets toughen up a soft maxi dress.
By straddling glamour and urban grit so successfully, chunky accessories enjoy enormous versatility.
Trend #1: Oversized Chains
Nothing says “bold style statement” quite like an oversized chain necklace. Massive linked chains swinging around the neck and chest area make an eye-catching impression. Runway versions from Balmain featured links nearly an inch wide.
Besides necklaces, chunky chains also appear on swinging statement earrings and stackable bracelets. Silver and gold remain classic oversized chain metals, but bright stainless steel offers a sleek, modern look. For pendant necklaces, a substantial chain provides the perfect counterbalance to highlight a striking centre focal point.
When building outfits involving mega-chains, keep the rest of the look slightly minimalist. Let the beefy metal links take centre stage against a simple T-shirt or Little Black Dress. Sticking to one oversized chain piece at a time will prevent you from venturing into flashy “Mr. T” territory.
Trend #2: Statement Earrings
Earrings serve as the classic chunky jewellery gateway. Their smaller real estate compared to necklaces or bracelets makes them easier to pull off. Many fashionistas start their big jewel journey with a bold pair of hoops or chandeliers.
Thanks to their eye-framing placement, statement earrings reliably grab attention. Spanning four or five inches in length, sweeping geometric dangling earrings make quite a visual impact. The same goes for broad, ornamental hoops that could almost double as bracelets. Cluster earrings featuring layers of chunky chains and strung charms also qualify as an of-the-moment look.
When selecting chunky statement earrings, consider your face shape. Long cascading styles flatter oval or long visages. Large hoops work wonderfully for diamond faces. As for what to wear, keep the rest of your look simple and let the earrings claim the spotlight. A sleek high pony shows them off beautifully.
Trend #3: Layered Necklaces
Fans of accessorizing love layering dainty necklaces together for a stacked effect. The chunky jewellery movement puts its substantial spin on the practice. Combining multiple plus-sized chains, chokers, amulets and beads makes for an eye-catching statement.
When attempting the chunky layered necklace vibe, curate your pieces carefully. Mixing metals, chain lengths and jewel shapes creates intriguing contrast. But make sure the palette remains cohesive through similar tones. If adding a pendant necklace to the pile, place it in the centre as a focal anchor.
The layering possibilities become even more intriguing when you incorporate chains and chokers of various widths. Skinnier pieces contrast with broader links creating dimension. Feel free to get creative – long necklaces over cropped tops are another hot trend. Stack away until you reach the optimum wow-factor boldness!
Trend #4: Bold Cuff Bracelets
Cuffs worn as arm candy provide another conduit for displaying chunkier jewels. Silver chunky bracelets make for an industrial style statement.
Massive moulded cuffs featuring floral, geometric or Art Deco designs attract attention through sheer visual volume. The substantial presence wrist-cuffs project drives home that crucial “don’t-ignore-me” aesthetic.
For true chunky decadence, stack multiple cuff bracelets up and down your wrist and forearm. Mixing metals, textures and shapes will make your jewellery pop even more. Throwing some beaded boho bracelets into the vertical mix adds hippie flair.
When building chunky cuff-based looks, avoid surrounding rings to allow the bracelets to shine. Roll up your sleeves to prevent covered-up cuffs from going unnoticed and unseen. By calling attention to your wrists and arms, cuffs make them as much of a fashion asset as your shoes or bag.
Trend #5: Geometric Shapes
Chunky jewellery leaning into bold geometric shapes feels cutting-edge and modern. Hexagon pendants, cubed charms and octagonal rings offer a powerful visual statement.
Graphic triangular earrings and trapeze necklaces also qualify. Anything that looks like it was fabricated using protractors rates as a chunky geometric win.
Beyond providing visual pop, chunky geometric adornments also rate as mathematically chic. Their precision suggests higher-level thought compared to amorphous pieces. Geometric jewellery choices suggest an analytical yet aesthetically avant-garde wearer. Like couture equations, they amazingly fuse brains and beauty into statement accessories.
When building looks around graphic jewellery shapes, streamline the rest of your ensemble. Let those angular earrings and polygon pendants shine without busy prints or patterns competing for attention. Friendly advice: wearing chunky geometric jewellery qualifies you to use the word “parallelogram” in casual conversation.
Trend #6: Chunky Rings
Given their prominent positioning, rings serve as ideal vehicles for delivering dialled-up chunky dazzle. Bulky bands, substantial stones and thick settings attract the eye to the digits like Party Rings. Pop one of these puppies on and suddenly that handshake seems far more intriguing.
Go for substantial surface area rather than vertically thick rings to maximize perceived chunkiness. Wide bands and horizontally oriented ovals appear more prominent. Large princess-cut gemstones surrounded by halos of tinier diamonds project a majestic wow factor.
When sporting chunky rings, editing counts. One statement piece per hand to avoid overkill – no need to channel Liberace. Also, consider ring location for ideal chunky aesthetics. An attention-hogging cocktail ring flows better on ring fingers and middle digits. Nose and septum rings are also rated as primo chunky real estate.
Trend #7: Ethnic and Tribal Designs
Non-Western ethnic cultures excel at jaw-dropping jewellery. Indian necklaces intertwined with layers of colourful stones and enamelled charms project divine richness. Similarly, Native American and Southwestern designs feature chunky silverwork augmented with turquoise chunks.
These ancient cultures perfected statement adornments millennia before chunky jewellery roared back into vogue. Flowing, intricate metalwork that demands a closer look strikes the ideal balance between opulence and wearability. Tribal patterns that have stuck around for ages (possibly for good supernatural reasons!) shuttle lovely vibes sure to attract positive attention. Consider it metaphysically optimizing bling.
When folded into runway looks, ethnic jewellery additions channel exotic locales and spiritual awakenings. Fear not cultural appropriation – brands like Bhava, Laxmi and Purvi Desai obtain proper permissions and fairly trade for their traditional designs. Follow their enlightened lead to manifest good karma alongside your killer style.
Trend #8: Mixed Materials
Beyond carats, gold and silver, the chunky jewellery trend also encompasses all manner of materials. Wooden beads, shells, seeds and animal bones offer unique organic texture. Contemporary plastics and acrylics contribute bright pops of colour. Unexpected mixes like metals fused with clay or fabric project arty sophistication.
Labels like Pared, Muzo and Article 22 specialize in unexpected chunky jewellery combinations that stimulate visual interest. Leather cords strung with calcite chunks project earthy authenticity. Plastic layered with aluminium creates budget-friendly sci-fi worthy glam. Unexpected permutations keep these statement pieces feeling fresh.
Smooth wooden beads suspended from knotty leather ropes play up tactile extremes. Hammered copper earrings lined with sleek enamel create dimensional magic. Embrace both ends of the jewellery spectrum for pieces that practically vibrate visual intensity.
Colour contrast also deserves exploration. Pair cool silvery metals with warm earth tones for multi-dimensional appeal. Or go full-spectrum with a Roy G. Biv approach spanning bright jewels in every shade. Either way, let your materials motivate the statement.
Trend #9: Vintage Revival
Chunky jewellery styles first peaked during the Bohemian era of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Necklaces made of wooden beads, bell sleeve blouses overflowing with bangles and fur vests layered over paisley prints defined the fashion ethos. Music festivals helped spur artisans towards wonderfully weird jewellery creations.
Current vintage lovers and thrift store enthusiasts help bring that free-spirited attitude and style back into focus. Rummaging through estate sales and grandma’s old jewellery box turns up all manner of charmingly chunky pieces. Kitschy plastic pop art and cocktail rings, Bakelite bangles and patina-laden silver express a pleasantly retro personality.
Runway designers also dive into the archives to resurrect vintage chunky shapes and details. Bell bottom sleeves get weighted down with intricately crafted cuffs once again. Chokers snug tight to the neck conjure up imagery of the Velvet Underground strumming away at Andy Warhol’s Factory parties. It’s hippie with a splash of punk and a whole lot of Statement.
To organically incorporate vintage chunky finds, create cohesion colour-wise. Mustard yellow chains and brown wooden beads share autumnal harmony. Mixing silver with other neutrals also encourages unity. When conflicts occur between jewellery and apparel shades, let the former lead the way style-wise. They hold seniority.
Trend #10: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Options
With our planet and its limited resources held in higher regard than ever, eco-conscious jewellery now captivates countless consumers. Fairtrade gemstones are ethically sourced from small mines and carbon-neutral production processes offer feel-good appeal. Natural materials organically salvaged like bamboo and sea glass rate major positives as well.
Forward-focused artisans adopt sustainability measures spanning recycled precious metals to biodegradable packaging to uphold values. Statement jewellery that makes ecologically-minded statements? Now that is a mega-trend with legs fit for long-term strutting down runways and red carpets alike!
Brands that shine brightly here include WRÅD, Tiphany Burks, Graziela Gems and AUrate New York. Their substantial, eye-catching statement pieces hit the sweet spot where ethics intersect with excellent aesthetics. Chunky accessories consciously created that doesn’t require compromise regarding killer carat counts or jewel cuts?
Final Thoughts
Clearly, chunky jewellery shows no signs of surrendering the spotlight anytime soon. Oversized chains, intricately carved cuffs and substantial hoops currently anchor luxury house offerings and paparazzi snapshots alike. Yet plenty of room remains for personal flair and curating wow-factor wrist stacks.
When venturing into the world of bulky bracelets, glitzed-up chokers and bright baubles galore, ensure the bold jewellery makes the intended stylistic statement. Avoid overshadowing your innate magnificence with excessive accessorizing overload.
