Maximalism vs Minimalism: Finding Your Jewellery Style Through the Generations

Find your tribe!

Kia ora beautiful soul, 

Jewellery is never just jewellery, is it? It’s self-expression, memory, energy, and a whisper (or a shout!) of who we are. 

Whether you adore layering amethyst strands until you jingle like a goddess or prefer a single silver pendant that rests gently against your skin, your style tells your story. 

Lately, I’ve been fascinated by how different generations lean into minimalism or maximalism—and how those choices dance with our personalities, lifestyles, and values. Let’s explore together, with a little boho spirit and a lot of love for our planet.

Boomers (born 1946–1964): Timeless Elegance with Meaning

Many boho-loving Baby Boomers tell me they want pieces that last—both in style and quality. After years of fast fashion and fads, minimalism often feels like coming home. A simple silver cuff or a single gemstone ring becomes their everyday companion, quietly elegant, kind to sensitive skin, and free from fuss.

But don’t be fooled—Boomers can still embrace a bit of maximalist flair when it feels right. A layered look with brass, turquoise, and silver tells stories of travel, freedom, and the flower-power days that shaped their hearts.

✨ Tip: Choose hypoallergenic silver or brass with a natural patina so your skin feels happy while your jewellery tells your story.

"Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There's no how-to road map to style. It's about self expression and, above all, attitude" 

―Iris Apfel

Gen X (born 1965–1980): Balance Between Bold and Refined

Gen X has this beautiful edge-meets-practicality vibe. They often float between minimalism for everyday (think sleek hoops, simple gemstone studs, or one statement ring) and maximalism for special moments—when they’ll happily layer necklaces, anklets, and chunky earrings with unapologetic confidence.

For this generation, jewellery is less about following trends and more about self-assurance. They know what they like, and they love pieces that honour their individuality. A boho soul in Gen X might collect gemstone jewellery as talismans, wearing them in subtle, minimalist ways most days—then layering them under festival lights or at soulful gatherings.

✨ Tip: Mix metals guilt-free. Gen X rocks silver, brass, and gold together with authenticity.

“When you finally accept that you’re a complete dork, your life gets easier. No sense in trying to be cool.”

―Reese Witherspoon

Gen Y / Millennials (born 1981–1996): Storytellers and Layer-Lovers

Millennials are the queens of maximalist layering. They’re not afraid to mix textures, gemstones, and finishes to create a curated chaos that feels personal and intentional. Think moon-stamped anklets, amethyst chokers, and feather earrings—all worn together to express mood, identity, and values.

At the same time, many Millennial women are eco-conscious (just like me!) and want jewellery that respects nature. Minimalism often sneaks in here too—choosing fewer but better pieces made ethically, sustainably, and to last.

✨ Tip: Honour both sides of your Millennial heart—invest in high-quality boho staples, then pile them on with joy when the mood strikes.

"Buy less. Choose well. Make it last." 

―Vivienne Westwood

Gen Z (born 1997–2012): Bold, Playful, and Ever-Changing

Oh, Gen Z—you magical chameleons! This generation is redefining what both minimalism and maximalism look like. One day, it’s tiny silver studs and a delicate chain. The next, it’s oversized brass moons, stacked rings, and gemstone everything.

Gen Z jewellery is all about play. They embrace maximalism with colour, layering, and quirky mismatches, but they also adore minimalism when they want their jewellery to whisper instead of shout. They’re not afraid to change it up daily, and they care deeply about ethical sourcing, natural materials, and protecting their beautiful skin.

✨ Tip: For sensitive Gen Z skin, Argentium silver or brass with a natural finish are perfect for both minimal stacks and maximalist statements.

"What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language"

―Miuccia Prada

So… Which Tribe Are You?

The truth is, none of us are just minimalist or maximalist. We’re both—depending on the day, the outfit, and the season of our lives. Jewellery is about connection: to ourselves, to the earth, and to the stories we carry.

So whether you’re a Boomer layering silver cuffs under the summer sun, a Gen Xer mixing metals with quiet confidence, a Millennial weaving sustainability into every boho stack, or a Gen Z darling dancing between delicate and bold—your jewellery style is perfect, because it’s yours.

✨ My advice? Follow your intuition. Choose pieces that feel good on your skin, honour nature, and bring you joy. Whether you wear one simple pendant or a whole galaxy of gems, let your jewellery be your freedom song.

With love and light
Amanda x

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