A Jewelry Minimalist's Honest Review of Brilliant Earth: The 5 Pieces I Reach for Every Morning

I didn’t expect this 14K yellow gold medallion necklace to become my everyday go-to, but I find myself reaching for it, even on days I do drop off in my favorite Vuori sweats. The medallion feels more distinctive than a standard pendant, and the double-sided design means I don’t think twice when it flips (a small detail that makes a big difference). You can customize it with one of 12 gemstones, and the adjustable chain (16, 17 or 18 inches) makes it easy to style. Designed by Brigette Pheloung, the medallion symbolizes the sun and her mother’s warmth. As a mom myself, that added layer of meaning makes it feel even more covet-worthy.

I’ve been casually considering a tennis necklace for well…forever. But I could never tell if it would become a true staple or just a fleeting “shiny object syndrome” moment. That changed when I found Brilliant Earth’s ⅓ Coverage Petite Lab Diamond Tennis Necklace, which I am slightly obsessed with and wonder why I didn’t purchase it sooner. The low profile combined with the diamonds wrapping ⅓ of the way around feels elevated and honestly, a bit more unique than the traditional tennis necklace. And because it sits low and close to the skin and can be adjusted to 16, 17, or 18 inches, it’s incredibly easy to layer.

I wear the same simple gold huggie hoops on repeat, so I was ready for something that felt like a step up, but not a total departure from my everyday style. The Lab Diamond Tube Huggie Earrings in 14K yellow gold ended up being exactly that. They keep the easy, close-to-the-ear silhouette I love, but with a sparkle that makes them feel more polished. The latch backs of the earrings are incredibly secure and I never worry about them snagging or falling off, even after a day chasing around kids and attending multiple little league and soccer games.

While necklaces and earrings may be the star of the show, don’t count out the classic tennis bracelet to really polish an everyday look. I love how low-profile and delicate this one is; the diamonds feel like they’re floating with minimal metal, giving it that barely-there look that still sparkles in the light. It’s classic without feeling stuffy, and I’ve been wearing it more casually than I expected—typing away at my laptop or out to dinner. The only caveat: the clasp can be a bit tricky solo, so I’ve learned to grab a quick assist, but once it’s on, I don’t think about it twice.

On the surface this necklace looks like an ordinary modern cube embedded with a shining diamond. But on closer examination, the word “LOVE” is subtly encoded into the design, with each letter imprinted on a side of the cube. Since I’m not exactly an oversentimental person, especially when it comes to my jewelry taste, I like that it’s meaningful without being too obvious. This would make a great gift for yourself, your bestie or a beloved family member.