If you, like me, are one of those magpies who grew up rummaging through their grandma's jewellery box, I've got some great news – granny jewellery is having a major moment on the red carpets right now. Decadent, delicate and inspired by vintage silhouettes, these pieces are the epitome of classic elegance and a perfect way to style modern silhouettes with a bit of retro inspo.
Whether or not you believe in embracing the habits of our elders as a way to prolong your life, it might be time to indulge in their lifestyle – starting with the jewels. But what does granny jewellery actually look like? Well, it's the idea of delicate but luxurious pieces that look like they came from Elizabeth Taylor's archives with a sprinkling of chic boho vibes. They're either executed in natural materials, like wood or brass, or totally blinged out in crystals and metals – obviously, there's different types jewels for different types of grannies out there.
Pieces that fall into this category were key elements of some of our favourite recent red carpet looks. Maya Jama, Nicole Kidman and Barbie Ferreira all embellished their modern silhouettes with a sprinkling of dainty jewellery. Their secret? The jewellery isn't dominating the look but adding a sense of old-school glamour that instantly elevates the full outfit. But how do we non-celebs find a way to incorporate this same approach into our everyday wardrobe?
Well, there are a few different methods to nailing the granny jewellery look without looking like you stepped out of a vintage photo. Scroll to find out our favourite combos, inspired by fab celebrity looks.
Solitaire rings with stark black
Is simplicity your favourite way to go? Well, this might be the one for you. Solitaire rings, or rings with a one major stone in the centre of the band, are a staple of granny's jewellery box. I can't count the times I asked a friend about their stunning ring and they answered ‘it was actually my grandma's'. Well, now you can make the magic yourself instead of relying on heirlooms. Pieces in classic black – tailored in textured fabrics like satin or linen – are the perfect canvas for the power of the ring to come through. Opt for irregular, organic ring shapes if you consider yourself a modernist, or go for a traditionally crisp silhouette if you're a classicist. Either way, elegance is guaranteed.
While the most obvious route with strands of pearls might be an evening look, I think there's something really chic about wearing them during the day. Pair a maxi trench coat – a true workhorse of the transitional wardrobe – with a pearl necklace for that relaxed but chic Parisian vibe. Either tie the trench as a dress and pair it with some heeled boots in a contrasting colour, or leave it open and wear with some straight jeans and a simple t-shirt. The pearl necklace will be the perfect final touch that will make every choice feel more purposeful.
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While you might not have a global premiere to go to – this might be your way of updating your go-to ‘jeans-and-a-nice-top’ outfit. A plunging halter top is a great way to offset a pair of delicate dangling earrings. The key is to go for minimal shapes and maximum bling, for that ultimate Hollywood combo. A look that emulates 1990s via 1970s – it really doesn't get much better than this duo.
Save when you shop with these Swarovski discount codes at checkout.
Wooden bangles with yellow
The idea of a wooden bangle might sound a bit crunchy granola at first, but let Keke Palmer show just how sexy it can look with the right combo. Yellow is the answer – ideally in a soft shade, but a brighter one will work too. A chunky cuff, like this below one from COS, will perfectly offset a cut-out dress silhouette for an off-the-beach summer look. For a daytime variation, reach for pieces in butter yellow linen and stack a few different bangles. Same vibe, different setting.
True obsessives and collectors will protest against watches being considered as a piece of jewellery, but stick me on this one. A bracelet watch is admittedly a hybrid of the two worlds – and it's one I've personally been obsessed with for years. Resale platforms like eBay and Vinted are rife with vintage pieces, but modern watch brands have embraced this trend, too. Pair a bracelet watch with bold, contrasting pieces – like those in black and white. This might be a maxi striped dress that works for both day (Grecian sandals) and night (strappy kitten heels), or a short-sleeved rugby shirt that seems to be taking over the street-style world. And if you're ready to invest into a bracelet watch – don't look further than the Gucci Play. New or vintage, this is the granny jewellery staple for 2026.
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