Jewelry influencers give their style tips, dream jewelry

Beyond their intrinsic beauty, jewelery holds memories, taking people back to important moments in their lives. Alexa talked to three gem-influencers about their treasured first gifts, their favorite red carpet wonders, and their style advice.

Jessica Wang | @jessicawang

The New York-based influencer delights her millions of followers with glamorous fits and collabs with Tom Ford, Bulgari and Fendi.

Instagram Followers: 2 million

Signature Style: I’m attracted to jewelery that feels edgy, feminine and a little cinematic.

Iconic Red Carpet Moments: A recent moment I loved was Anne Hathaway promoting “The Devil Wears Prada 2” in Bulgari’s high jewelry Serpenti necklace. It felt glamorous, modern and instantly memorable.

First piece of jewellery: My first meaningful piece of jewelry was a Cartier Tank watch. I’ve always loved how timeless and understated it feels. Looking back, it probably shaped the way I think about jewelery now. I’m always attracted to pieces that feel elegant, enduring, and deeply personal.

Dream Jewel: An extraordinary vintage high jewelery necklace or a historically unique piece with old world glamor behind it. It would be hard to beat something from Buccellati with that kind of artistry.

Style Tip: Think about balance. If the earrings are dramatic, I usually keep the neckline clean. For storage, I’m obsessed with keeping pieces separated so they don’t get scratched or tangled, especially chains. And for traveling, I always bring fewer things than I think I should, but make sure each one can work in multiple looks.

Bella Neman | @BellaNeyman

The founder of NYC Jewelry Week is also a curator, writer, and lecturer specializing in contemporary jewelry.

Instagram Followers: 10,200

Signature Style: Bold. I’m not afraid to experiment with pieces that stand out – whether through bright colors or unusual materials. I love jewelry that starts conversations.

First piece of jewellery: If I think back to my childhood, it would be a pair of earrings that my parents gifted me in Odessa, where I was born. They are very delicate – pink gold wires with tiny rubies – and I still have them.

Dream Jewel: When it comes to diamonds, I dream of Messika. I organize exclusive jewelry tours, and last May we visited their headquarters in Paris – there wasn’t a single piece there that I wouldn’t have liked to take home. This May, my group is going to Rome to visit Bulgari, and I would also love to find a vintage Monet coin bracelet.

Style Tip: When I travel, I pack my jewelry in Tupperware containers. The hard plastic shell protects everything, and I can store multiple pieces together. I wrap each item in tissue paper or bubble wrap bags – it’s not pretty, but it’s incredibly practical.

Anna Ruznikov @sothebyjewels

The head of Sotheby’s High Jewelery in New York recently oversaw the auction of a Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire ring for a record-setting $1.6 million.

Instagram Followers: 497,000

Signature Style: It has its roots in antique jewellery, particularly Victorian jewellery, which I am drawn to because of their character, craftsmanship and, often, their symbolism.

Iconic Red Carpet Moments: Elle Fanning wore a divine Belle Epoque Cartier diamond necklace at the 2026 Oscars. She made an antique necklace from the Cartier archives look fresh and youthful.

First piece of jewellery: I’d been playing with costume rings for years, but I asked for a “real ring” for my 7th birthday. I found a heart-shaped pink cubic zirconia set in silver, and I thought it was the most beautiful thing ever, even though it was too big for me!

First Jewel Expense: A beautiful old mined diamond set in a stunning men’s ring. I saved it and reset it in Edwardian mounting – my first time transforming a piece into something I loved.

Dream Jewel: Art Deco diamond “Tie” necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels – an extraordinary and rare design. The central pendant can be worn like a cravat, over one shoulder or even draped from front to back, and is a perfect blend of Art Deco style, technical mastery and high-wattage vintage glamour.

Style Tip: Pieces are meant to be enjoyed, so wear them!