How to wear cottagecore jewelry (+ best indie vendors)

Cottagecore can be a great way to wear a vintage-style jewelry without going the mid-century retro way.

Cottagecore is known as the romantic aesthetic inspired by 18th and 19th century England. It will be a pretty good fit if you want to show off your jewelry, especially in formal settings.

The English cottage was traditionally a rural residence that might have been smirked at by the upper echelons of society. But as for balls and other events, even countryhouse residents would dress up in a style that could be summed up as “go big or go home”.

And you can be sure that indie jewelry vendors bank on that romantic vibe.

I’ve written on cottagecore gowns before, so let’s now look at cottagecore jewelry too.

The vibe that makes everyone love the cottagecore jewelry

These days, English cottages are romanticized as the last places where people could retreat into nature and escape from life’s busyness before modernity reached even the far corners of the world. In reality, they were cold countryside houses that offered very few comforts and were probably drowned in mud for much of the year, but you know that fashion aesthetics leave out the small realities of life to focus on the bigger picture.

So, it still makes sense that this type of fashion style should be perfect with some rustic flair added in via delicate earrings or an ornate pendant worn around neckline area, at least for the day.

Photo by OrticaBoutique on Etsy

For the night, as an accessory to a ball gown, the jewelry became far more intricate and in-your-face. It was the one time when cottagecore girls could show off their wealth and status with plenty of beautiful jewelry laid out on rich gowns full of lace and frills.

Some of the typical cottagecore jewelry styles:

• The “Victorian choker”, a satin or velvet choker with a cameo at front
• Pendant necklaces with a cameo or cluster pendant
• Gold chains with pearl accessories
• Short hoop earrings with cluster pendants or pearls

Photo and dress by wonderlandbylilian.com (Daphne Bridgerton-inpired ball gown)

No need to go full 1845, though!

In our present times, most people do not go for the whole, super faithful look of a cottagecore ball gown with pearls and diamonds. Most people these days feel like that would be too over-the-top and too busy.

I’ll leave that to your own judgement but either way, the splendor of the cottagecore jewelry creates the opportunity to use it as a statement piece. The rest of your outfit can be a single-color slip dress or even a pair of linen trousers with a white shirt. If you add an ornate vintage-looking necklace, the mood of the outfit instantly changes.

Minimalist nude velvet Victorian choker by ShopSaintStellar on Etsy

What to look for in cottagecore jewelry on Etsy

Whether you go for the traditional English look or something more modern, Etsy has them all.

Cottagecore necklaces are often quite intricate, featuring delicate designs and lots of sparkle. Again, great to wear even if you’re not into the whole cottagecore vibe. A cottagecore necklace will look amazing with a plain minimalistic outfit - for example, a black t-shirt and jeans - to really let the necklace take centre stage.

If you’re going for a more traditional English cottagecore look, try pairing a cottagecore necklace with a lace dress and some vintage-looking earrings. The overall effect will be elegant and very overdressed (not always a bad thing!).

While it’s true that whether you’re wearing a necklace, bracelet, or ring, each piece of cottagecore jewelry is sure to turn heads, necklaces are definitely the one jewelry item that you shouldn’t leave out in this aesthetic.

In terms of material, there are different chains for necklaces that can express the vibe well. Gold and silver plated chains are ideal for a vintage look. Additionally, chains with resin poured pendants featuring cottagecore-esque scenes can add a unique touch to your outfit.

Another option to keep in mind is layered chains. Consider pairing a dainty shorter chain with a longer one for a chic, vintage look. A delicate choker chain can be paired like this with a cameo pendant necklace to create the layered effect.

Below are some of the best find from April 2024:

1. Cottagecore earrings

Etsy: OrticaBoutique, Aqua blue hoops

Etsy: OrticaBoutique, Aqua blue hoops

Etsy: OrticaBoutique, Coral red earrings

Etsy: OrticaBoutique, Coral red earrings

Etsy: SilkPurseSowsEar, Pink opal earrings

Etsy: SilkPurseSowsEar, Pink opal earrings

Etsy: NestPrettyThingsShop, Black cameo earrings

Etsy: WorkshopZADE, Pearl grape 14k gold earrings

Etsy: AmbicaNewYork, Gold twisted hoops with pearls

Etsy: ArgentoGold, Regency era drop earrings

Etsy: RingDesire, Blue intaglio earrings

2. Cottagecore necklaces

Etsy: veronicarosedesigns, Soft pink Victorian choker with cameo

Etsy: FiEMMA, 14k solid gold cluster necklace

Etsy: UNICULUS, Barocco inspired cameo necklace

Etsy: AmbicaNewYork, 14k gold & citrin & pearls Victorian-style necklace

Etsy: oOMySweetNightmareOo, Cameo pendant with blood effect (great for cottagegoth)

The history of cottagecore jewelry goes back centuries, and each piece tells its own unique story. The function of cottagecore jewelry is to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or just going about your day-to-day business, cottagecore jewelry can elevate your look in an instant.

Also, keep on the lookout for the ‘Top Seller’ badge on Etsy as well as number of total sales. Experienced jewelers on Etsy do know how to create beautiful pieces that will last a lifetime.

To wrap it up, cottagecore jewelry is a great way to show off your favorite vintage styles. Whether you go for the traditional English look or something more modern, Etsy has exactly what every woman needs!