Ettika Jewelry: The Best Pieces Right Now

I will admit I am a sucker for jewelry that is a little too much, and Ettika has always been in that corner for me. Joey Rafaeli founded the label in Los Angeles in 2005, with Ettie Rafaeli shaping the early line, and it has stayed a family-led business with Natalie in the mix too. That matters to me, because it reads like a point of view and not a string of passing trend names.

 

The mood comes from an L.A. studio somewhere between the Malibu beaches and the bright city lights. Some pieces are long chains and bold pendants, others are small studs or cuffs that sharpen a plain tee, all in plated gold, rhodium and silver. I would start with one eye-catching chain, leave the rest of the look quiet, and stack another piece only when the neckline feels open. I went deeper on a related idea in 8 Other Reasons Jewelry & Bags: Best Buys Right Now. I went deeper on a related idea in Ancora Swimwear: The Best Pieces Right Now.

 

Imagine a Saturday beach walk that turns into dinner in the city: a lariat and a sculptural cuff can travel through both without asking for a new outfit.

I like that Ettika does not make every layer the same kind of jewelry. The Drift Bolo Necklace and Turquoise Bolo Lariat Necklace give a simple neckline a strong center, while the Pearl Coin Layered Lariat Necklace and Forever Multi Chain Lariat Choker add length and movement. For a closer line, the Forever Falling Multi-Chain Lariat Choker or the CZ Choker sits well with a crew or square neckline.

 

The Smooth Cuff Bracelet and Polished Pebble Stud Earrings make good punctuation when you want less shine around the face. Picture her in linen and a ribbed tank, the Wrap & Clip Dual-wear Waist And Necklace Chain doing double duty low over the waist. What I would skip: more than two neck pieces at once, unless the Rhinestone Hoop Earrings are the only other thing going on.

Ettika makes accessories I would reach for on an ordinary day, not only for a dressed-up night. The Polished Pebble Stud Earrings feel like an easy first layer, and the Midnight Solstice Bolo Necklace or the Smooth Cuff Bracelet can shift the mood when I want a little more presence.

 

In my fashion daydream, I am stepping out for a late coffee in jeans and a soft tee, adding one gold chain on the way out. The mix-and-stack spirit works best when one piece sets the pace and the rest stay personal. Although I know exactly how that ends, with three more chains by the door.