Back-to-School Jewelry 2019

Like a vacation romance, or a popsicle in the sunshine, all good things must come to an end. The same’s true of summer break – but hey, we’re optimists, and in the spirit of making the best of things, we’ve put together this guide to the best back-to-school jewelry 2019.

We’ve covered tips for girls on necklaces, pendants, and earrings, and tips for guys on choosing a classy Swiss watch that complements a preppy back-to-school style.

Back-to-School Jewelry Trends

The hottest girls’ jewelry trends in 2019 include bold statement pieces, handcrafted styles, and shells, shells, ‘n’ more shells. But wait – when it comes to back-to-school jewelry, you’re probably looking for something low-key and elegant.

If you’re in high school, it’s even more important to keep it simple and pick jewelry that’ll make you feel special, without getting confiscated. Silver, platinum, and white gold are all a little subtler than yellow gold. And if you love diamonds, then choose a piece that’s set with just a few small stones.

If you’re in college, you can probably be a little bolder, but subtle looks normally sit best in any academic setting, so we still say keep it simple.

Necklaces and Pendants

This white gold women’s pendant is a perfect pick. Classy but understated, it’s discreetly set with diamonds and measures less than an inch. For an equally simple look, check out this 18k white gold women's necklace – featuring diamonds set in a super-elegant wave pattern. Feeling braver? Try this 14k white gold and diamond pendant – the floating-leaf design is perfect for fall and makes clever use of negative space for a light, graceful look.

Earrings

Even if your school’s jewelry restrictions are a little tighter, most will still allow earrings. Studs are usually the safest choice, with some schools hating on hoops and drop earrings.

These white gold ladies’ stud earrings have a geometric shape that works perfectly with the four princess cut diamonds set into each. For more choice, try these ladies' white gold and diamond earrings – with the option to pick the carat weight of the diamonds yourself.

Preppy Watch Brands

Ralph Lauren jumper: check. Beige chinos: check. Tan loafers: check…

OK, you’ve covered your classic preppy clothing – but wait, how about a watch to set the whole look off? For guys, the back-to-school preppy style’s all about being effortlessly elegant (in a masculine kinda way), so a $30 quartz watch won’t cut it here. But Swiss-made mechanical watches – like Rolex, Breitling, and Hublot – are all established Ivy Leaguer’s favorites.

This white-dialed Rolex Datejust with brown-leather bracelet is high-end without being flashy, but if you’re looking for something closer to an entry-level Swiss watch, it pays to look beyond Rolex. This Breitling Chronospace isn’t just more affordable; the pitch-black dial contrasts with the stainless steel bezel and bracelet, making it more of a head-turner too.

Want to step back up a level – but still stand out from the Rolex-wearing crowd? This Hublot Classic Fusion has a style that’s simplicity itself, with a large-sized black dial that perfectly complements its black alligator-leather bracelet.

Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Extra Homework...

Before you dive in, take some time to explore our guide to buying your first luxury watch, or discover how to care for your new timepiece in our watch-care guide.