September 23, 2025

The Edit: Adorned with Emotion

Words by: Michelle Orman

W
hen we talk about jewelry being “emotional,” which we do often, we’re referring to any number of things. It could be the connection one feels with the materials in a piece, say, the draw of the metaphysical properties of gemstones or precious metals, the stories inherent in vintage designs. It could be the sentiment behind obtaining the piece; a gift from a loved one, an heirloom handed down from a beloved family member, or a piece purchased for oneself to mark a milestone or accomplishment are all replete with emotions, yet each hits a little differently.

Header image courtesy of Loquet

Sometimes it’s simply how a piece makes one feel, and that doesn’t have to have a rhyme or reason.
Marie Lichtenberg

Image courtesy of Mason and Books evoking Joy

Sometimes it’s simply how a piece makes one feel, and that doesn’t have to have a rhyme or reason. When you put on that collar necklace you might feel ready to take on the world, while a meaningful charm or talismanic pendant might bring a different feeling of empowerment. Bright, colorful gems might spark a sense of joy, and specific motifs from the past may recall simpler times from childhood.

Image courtesy of Marie Lichtenberg evoking Nostalgia

We reached out to our designers and brands and asked them to submit pieces that embodied one of four emotions—Joy, Love, Confidence and Nostalgia. For some, like the number of heart designs showcased here, the nod to the emotion was pretty straightforward. In others, like Eden Presley’s “Joy” pendant or Sydney Evan’s “Love” collar, the meaning is quite literal. Still others found meaning in the narrative, as in LALAoUNIS’ “Swan” pendant, with Demetra Lalaounis telling us, “Swans are the embodiment of Grace, Beauty and Elegance and symbolize Love due to their elaborate courtship and lifelong mating habits.”

Sprinkled throughout this display of emotional jewelry you’ll also see how many of our designers finished the sentence, “Jewelry makes me feel…” which captures a range of sentiments, from sexy to centered.

Nostalgia:

“Jewelry makes me feel nostalgic,” Lizzie Mandler.

“Jewerly makes me feel empowered. It’s the ultimate keeper of secrets…a secret language of self-love, and if one looks just close enough, it often reveals something unexpected about the wearer.” Susan Cohen, CIRCA 1700

Image courtesy of Anzie
Image courtesy of Circa 1700

Image courtesy of Fred Leighton
Image courtesy of GURHAN

Image courtesy of Denise Cassou @ JULLS
Image courtesy of Maria Eulalia @ JULLS

"Jewelry makes me feel seen. For me, it's a form of creative expression; my inner thoughts made visible, worn outwardly on my body."
Lauren Godfrey, Harwell Godfrey

Image courtesy of Harwell Godfrey
Image courtesy of Mined & Found

Image courtesy of Lizzie Mandler
Image courtesy of Michele Watches

Image courtesy of Maria Eulalia @ JULLS
Image courtesy of Andrea Matos Lopes @ JULLS

“Jewerly makes me feel like I can carry the past forward with joy and elegance.” Jenn Breznen, Mined + Found.

“Jewelry makes me feel connected to my story, because each pieces is a reflection of who I am; each piece carries a memory or a milestone.” Kristy Stone, Retrouvaí

“Jewelry makes me feel like I have superpowers. Charged by the stories it carries and the memories it keeps alive.” Tini Courtney, HOWL

“Imagine life as a puzzle, a collection of precious moments to piece together.” Caroline Gaspard, AKILLIS

Image courtesy of HOWL
Image courtesy of Retrouvaí

Image courtesy of Pomellato
Image courtesy of AKILLIS

Image courtesy of JV Insardi

Confidence:

“Jewelry makes me feel exquisitely bold, where elegance meets rebellion.” Jen Insardi, JV Insardi

“Jewelry makes me feel extraordinary.” Peter Schmid, Atelier Zobel

“Jewelry makes me feel centered.” Mara Kotsoni

Image courtesy of Salima Thakker
Image courtesy of Etho Maria

Image courtesy of Jacquie Aiche
Image courtesy of Atelier Zobel by Peter Schmid

Image courtesy of Gayan Jaipur
Image courtesy of Rosario Navia

Image courtesy of talkative
Image courtesy of Maria Kotsoni

"Jewelry makes me feel the nature!"
Carole Salamoun

Image courtesy of K Salamoon
Image courtesy of Maison H

Image courtesy of Yeprem
Image courtesy of STATEMENT

Joy:

“Jewelry makes me feel connected to life’s vibrant moments,” Sophia (Dardashti) Karmel, Sophia D.

“Jewelry should make you feel joyful with a free, light, happy spirit. Jewelry should make you smile,” Tatiana Van Lancker, VAN.

“Just as sunflowers thrive in adversity, embrace your journey, celebrating the beauty in strength,” Jamie Books, Mason & Books.

Image courtesy of Eden Presley
Image courtesy of Kabana

Nelly Rojas
Image courtesy of VAN

Image courtesy of Verragio
Image courtesy of Sophia D

"Jewelry makes me feel joy because many of my designs pay homage to Mother Nature, the giver of life, wonder and delight. Who can gaze upon bees, butterflies or birds and not feel their spirits lifted?"
Stravos Eleftheriou, Kabana Jewelry