Butterfly jewellery is making a comeback for 2023: From necklaces to rings & cute earrings

Publish date: 2024-05-24

The latest comeback from the 90s hitting the mainstream? Like butterfly hair clips and bucket hats, butterfly jewellery is firmly back on our radar. Even Meghan Markle’s jewellery collection includes a pair of butterfly earrings (albeit once belonging to Princess Diana) and Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodriguez have been channelling their inner Naomi Campbell (wearing Versace in 1999) and Mariah Carey with sequin butterfly tops and plenty of butterfly-emblazoned jewels.

And who hasn’t played around with the Butterfly filter on Instagram? Seems we’ve all been going full Mariah 1999 without realising it. She is, after all, the queen of the 90s who brought butterfly prints and pieces to the masses in the first place. Mariah’s iconic sequin butterfly top was the stuff of 90s teenager dreams, and she was never without a statement butterfly ring or décolletage grazing butterfly necklace. Any MTV Cribs fans will recall Mariah’s NYC apartment and it’s guest room – decorated floor to ceiling with butterfly motifs.

Celebrities wearing butterfly jewellery

Meghan's butterfly stud earrings were reportedly a gift from husband, Prince Harry, to celebrate their first pregnancy with Archie. The studs once belonged to Princess Diana, and marked a touching tribute for the next phase of Prince Harry's life.

Olivia Rodrigo chose butterflies as the theme for her 2022 Met Gala look, adorned in a De Beers Portrait of Nature high jewellery butterfly ring, and wore butterflies in her hair to carry through the theme.

How to wear butterfly jewellery

This time around, butterfly jewellery isn’t a one-style fits all; there’s plenty of statement pieces adorned with coloured gems, but you’ll find the high street is packed with minimal earrings and tiny butterfly necklaces if big and bold isn’t for you and vintage-style pieces too.

Butterfly necklaces also make a lovely sentimental gift, thanks to the special meaning.

What's the meaning of butterfly jewellery?

According to bespoke jeweller Bianca Jones, butterflies represent "metamorphis, spiritual rebirth, creativity, potential, joy, ascension, change and the ability to experience the wonders of life." She adds that they have a "magical presence as they gently flutter from flower to flower."

How we chose the best butterfly jewellery

Trend: Anything goes with butterfly jewellery right now, and this edit includes the whole spectrum of styles - delicate and tiny motifs to big, bold OTT designs.
Brands: From high street brands to demi-fine and luxurious jewellery designers, I've included a wide breadth of brands to suit all tastes and budgets.
Metals: I've found both silver and gold pieces, as well as jewellery with semi-precious stones and coloured enamelled designs too.

Check out our picks of the best butterfly jewellery to shop to tap into the trend.

Etsy Tiny Butterfly Necklace
A teeny tiny pendant is cute for everyday wear. This Etsy necklace is available in gold or silver, and chain lengths 16-20inches.
Fable Butterfly Charm Necklace
Taking on the T-bar necklace trend, this pendant includes an enamel-painted blue butterfly, with vintage inspired botanical pieces including a gold leaf and pearl.
Chain length approx. 41cm
Lisa Angel Butterfly Necklace
If a pendant isn't for you, this Lisa Angel charm necklace should hit the spot. Adorned with mini butterflies on a slim chain, wear as a choker or layer with chains.
PrettyLittleThing Diamante Butterfly Necklace
Bring on the bling with this diamante-encrusted butterfly necklace - it's giving us major Love Island vibes. Wear over a white tee and jeans for the high-low effect.
Maria Tash Butterfly Stud
Maria Tash's 14 karat gold diamond stud earring would look incredible in a cartilage piercing. It's tiny, but perfectly formed.
Etsy Large Butterfly Earrings
Bold and beautiful, these earrings make a real impact! If you're looking for a pair of statement earrings, these are for you - great to elevate a simple black dress.
TK Maxx Butterfly Hoops
Or try these butterfly-decorated hoop earrings, measuring approx. 4.5cm and slim enough to wear everyday.
Lisa Angel Crystal Butterfly Stud Earrings
Made from silver plated brass with sparkling cubic zirconia crystals, these butterfly studs are dainty and make a great gift for any age.
Swarovski Butterfly Ring Set
In the prettiest pink pavé and rose gold-tone plating, this trio of rings can be worn stacked on one finger, or styled across both hands.
Thomas Sabo Butterfly Ring
Delicate but oversized, Thomas Sabo's butterfly ring is vintage inspired and features coloured zirconia stone embellishment.
Etsy Butterfly Ring Set
I love these chunky stylish butterfly rings from Etsy. Comes with two rings, one chunky band with a butterfly cut-out design and the matching butterfly ring. Would make a very sweet friendship present!