When I tell people I’m a shopping editor, their first question is usually “Where should I shop?” I almost always mention Reformation, whose sustainable, size-inclusive designs are elevated but wearable and accessible but not cheap. The L.A.-based brand launched with ready-to-wear in 2009 and, in the years since, has started selling bridal, denim, footwear, and a handbag line. The only category missing was jewelry — until now. (The brand partnered with designer and stylist Clare Waight Keller on a jewelry collection last fall, but it was a limited edition.)
Last week, Reformation launched a collection of rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pendants made with archival stones and 100 percent recycled metals, upholding the brand’s sustainable mission. The collection offers a variety of styles, from modern sculptural cuffs to vintage-inspired tassel necklaces, with prices ranging from $128 to $398. That means Reformation is entering an already crowded market of contemporary, high-quality jewelry that doesn’t break the bank from brands including Jenny Bird, Mejuri, Heaven Mayhem, Lié Studio, and Monica Vinader. I got my hands on eight pieces from the collection to see how it stacks up.
How did I style it?
The collection arrived during New York Fashion Week, the ultimate test of wearability and versatility. Most of what I tried was everyday jewelry. The Joan earrings, Carmel studs, and Joan cuff go with pretty much everything and didn’t require much thought in terms of styling. If you’re looking for occasion or statement jewelry, I’d recommend the Blanche cuff or any of the tassel pieces instead. The pendant cord necklaces fall somewhere in the middle — despite being trendier and eye-catching on the body, I found that they work well with most V-necklines and basic tanks and tees. The pendants also feature an adjustable closure, allowing for a completely customizable length. I wore the Carmel necklace and studs to a Dôen press preview on day two of NYFW, paired with a classic white button-down by Sézane and this brown maxi skirt by Acler. I aimlessly walked around the city for a while, then headed to a Byredo block party in the same outfit.
The next morning, I wore a monochrome gray outfit and accessorized with the Joan earrings. Most of my gold earrings are either studs or hoops, so I appreciate that these offer something a little different without overpowering an outfit. I kept them on for my nighttime events, to which I wore a Leset oversize cream blazer, St. Agni black Capris, and Suede Studio black sandals. I also wore them later that week with a denim jacket and chocolate-brown trousers from DISSH.
I wore the Joan cuff over this fitted cardigan from Align, but I think it looks best on bare skin with a shorter sleeve, that way the cool sculptural shape of the bracelet is on full display. This piece has an interior bow engraving that made me smile when I put it on. One thing to note, though: It doesn’t really work with billowy sleeves because it’s an open bangle that doesn’t wrap all the way around. I wanted to wear it over this blouse to the COS show but opted for my Jenny Bird clasp bangle instead.
How does it feel?
I was surprised that the Joan cuff is hollow and super-lightweight, considering it’s $148. What’s important, though, is that it feels durable and looks great on the wrist. The silver pieces I tried are mid-weight. The cord is made from what looks like tightly braided nylon or cotton to enhance durability. The ends are also coated in a metal to prevent fraying.
The Joan earrings are pretty heavy — and that’s coming from me, someone who does not prioritize comfortability and will endure horrible blisters if it means wearing the shoes I want to wear. If you’re sensitive to heavy earrings, I would save these for dinner dates or brief nighttime events. The Rosa gold chain pieces are also quite heavy and sturdy feeling, which is good because I nearly broke the damn bracelet trying to take it off (more on that, below).
How does it wear?
My main gripe is with the Rosa necklace. All three gold chain pieces (the Rosa necklace, earrings, and bracelet) feature really beautiful, intricate textural details. But the issue with the necklace is how easily it tangles; since the links are not connected on all sides, I can’t even pick it up or set it down without the individual C-shaped pieces falling out of place. Having to reconfigure the necklace every time you want to put it on is very annoying. Also, the butterfly back closure on the bracelet is sticky and hard to unclasp. The open chain design is nice in theory — it creates a fanned-out effect and allows the necklace and bracelet to lay flat against the skin — but it’s not practical.
Each piece from the collection comes in a black jewelry box with a note about caring for the 100 percent recycled metal material. “Try to keep us away from things like water, perfume, lotions, and chemicals. We don’t like getting dirty,” the note reads. “Store us in a fabric-lined pouch or box, with the tabs we included, so we don’t tarnish, and away from other jewelry so we don’t scratch.” TL;DR: It sounds like they are quite fragile and fussy, although I haven’t had any issues with tarnishing or scratching yet.
So, should you splurge?
Yes! I think most of these pieces are absolutely worth the splurge if you are searching for modern, everyday jewelry. The quality, aesthetic, and price point are very comparable to Jenny Bird, which is mostly cast in brass and dipped in materials like 14-karat gold or sterling silver. Although the internet’s favorite affordable jewelry brand, Heaven Mayhem, is slightly more affordable — offering stud earrings for $85 to $100 compared to Reformation’s $98 to $148 — I think Reformation’s selection is much more elevated. The sculptural designs are modern and stylish, plus they look high end.
What really gives Reformation jewelry a leg up on Jenny Bird, Heaven Mayhem, and other similar jewelry brands is the sustainability element. The price points are comparable, but Reformation is using 100 percent recycled metals. Metal mining is extremely energy intensive and contributes to things like deforestation, greenhouse gas admission, and soil erosion. The industry is also often associated with poor labor conditions and humanitarian issues. Recycled metals, in theory, help reduce the demand for new mining. And since gold and silver don’t really deteriorate over time, their quality is not reduced during the recycling process. Recycled metals are less harmful but just as beautiful as newly mined metals, and that makes them worth the money. (Except for the Rosa necklace and bracelet. I would definitely pass on those.)
