2024 marks the 25 years of Maya Brenner jewellery, which is quite the feat when you consider Maya's journey in to jewellery design began as a hobby, making bespoke beaded pieces for friends and family. Fast-forward over two decades later, and her 'delicate but makes a statement' designs are highly sought-after, and regularly seen on A-list celebrities.
"I’ve always loved jewellery, even from when I was a kid, I think it adds such a moment for a style and can really elevate an outfit," Maya tells me. "I love versatility, so when I’m designing, I’m not just thinking about my lifestyle, but all women – so if you’re going from drop off to lunch with a friend, to work – I love pieces that can be styled with a T-shirt or a sweatshirt, but can also be worn with a little black dress."
To celebrate the business' 25-year milestone, Maya has come full circle with her jewellery design, releasing a new beaded jewellery range, aptly titled Endless Summer, which would sit perfectly in any summer capsule wardrobe. Ahead of the launch, she was kind enough to share her top jewellery styling tips for anyone unsure of where to start.
1. Make it personal
As someone who doesn't wear much jewellery, but knows the added confidence even the smallest piece can offer, I was keen to lean on Maya's expertise on how to start building a jewellery collection. And just chatting to her for half hour made me think completely differently about how I will now choose the pieces I buy.
Jewellery can offer something clothes can't, necessarily. And that is a moment - a memory. "When I was designing the asymmetrical letter necklaces, I had young kids, I was in t-shirts and sweatshirts that had spit-up on them, I did not feel glamorous," Maya says.
"So I created that necklace as sort of a surprise in the design, and when I put it on, even though it was just a little sparkle at the neck, it just made me feel, in my t-shirt and sweatshirt and spit up and messy hair, just slightly more put together. And I love that about jewellery. So I think a meaningful, personalised piece is probably a great place to start."
2. High-low
If you're not sure where to start when it comes to styling jewellery and don't want to spend hundreds on pieces that might not suit, fashion pieces are a great affordable way to find what works. "I love high-low in anything – clothing, home etc – but I think it’s really important in jewellery too," Maya says.
"Experimenting with fashion pieces, like a gold chain that’s a little thicker that what you're used to wearing, but it’s plated (not the bad plating that comes off on your skin) and so more affordable. Then you can layer that with a more fine, delicate piece, like the asymmetric letter necklace. Fashion jewellery is a fun, easy and affordable way to help work out your style."
3. Throw out the rules
Growing up, I would often hear certain 'rules' about jewellery – never wear gold and silver together, don't wear too much, don't wear rings on your thumb or index finger. Some of them are pretty bizarre when I think about them now, but others have had a lasting effect on me.
And I'm not the only one, Maya has also come across similar regulations when it comes to accessories: "We’ve been taught things like 'I have pinkish skin so I can’t wear rose gold', or 'I have yellow undertones so only white gold looks good on me'. No. You wear what makes you happy, that feels good, that speaks to you personally. Throw out the rules and go with whatever you’re feeling."
Shop Maya Brenner jewellery
Released today, this stunning Coral Reef bracelet is part of Maya Brenner's all-new Endless Summer collection. A beautiful burst of colour for the season, it is packed with watermelon tourmaline stones and gold fill beads, each one handmade and one-of-a-kind with natural bead variations. It also comes with with a removable 2-inch extender to fit any wrist size.
Maya's iconic asymmetrical necklace has become one of her most famous pieces, worn by the likes of Meghan Markle and Mila Kunis to name a few. The unique design can be tailored specifically to individual requirements and taste, even down to the metals used.
Have you seen a better necklace combination recently? I haven't. The perfect summer look, this all-new Endless Summer Pink Sands necklace is beautiful, delicate and really versatile. Peruvian opal in shades from soft white to subtle pink, paired with gold fill beads are handmade into one-of-a-kind pieces you'll never want to take off.
