Turning 25 felt like standing at the crossroads of “I should dress like a grown-up” and “but I still want to feel like me.” My jewelry box was a mess of college bracelets that no longer fit my style and overly formal pieces that felt stiff. Then, during a rainy afternoon wandering London’s Covent Garden, I stumbled into a tiny boutique with delicate gold chains twinkling in the window—Estella Bartlett—and suddenly, jewelry made sense for this in-between phase of life.
The “Not Too Grown-Up, Not Too Girly” Sweet Spot
What struck me first about Estella Bartlett is how their designs balance youthful whimsy with the kind of understated elegance that doesn’t scream “birthday present from mom.” Take their “Dainty Starburst Necklace”—a delicate gold star surrounded by tiny pavé crystals. It’s playful enough to wear with a graphic tee and jeans, but sophisticated enough to layer over a silk blouse for work. I’ve worn it to job interviews and weekend brunches, and it always feels like my jewelry, not something borrowed from a more “adult” version of myself.
Their “Initial Hoop Earrings” are another staple. I got mine with a tiny “L” for my name, but they’re not cheesy or oversized—just a subtle nod to personalization that feels intentional, not trendy. They’re the kind of earrings you forget you’re wearing until someone says, “Wait, are those your initials? That’s so cool.”
Quality That Doesn’t Break the 25-Year-Old Bank
Let’s be real: at 25, “investing in jewelry” usually means choosing between rent and a fancy piece. Estella Bartlett hits the sweet spot with materials that stand up to daily wear (hello, tarnish-resistant gold plating!) at prices that won’t drain your savings. My “Petite Moonstone Bracelet” has survived daily coffee spills, gym sessions (oops, I forget to take it off), and even a rainy bike ride across the city—no green skin, no fading.
And the packaging? It feels like unwrapping a little gift to yourself. Each piece comes in a soft velvet pouch with a handwritten-style note that says something like, “Wear this when you need a reminder of your sparkle.” It’s those tiny details that make it feel less like a purchase and more like a treat for the version of you who’s trying to adult but still needs a little magic.
Jewelry as a Language of Self-Expression
At 25, I’m all about pieces that tell a story without being too literal. Estella Bartlett’s “Celestial Layered Necklace Set” does exactly that—three delicate chains with a moon, star, and tiny diamond-shaped pendant. I wear them together for a “put-together” look that still feels effortless, or mix them with old bracelets for a layered, lived-in vibe. It’s not about following jewelry trends; it’s about creating a personal uniform that evolves with my mood.
I also love that their collection has subtle nods to nature—think tiny leaf charms, pearl droplets, and organic-shaped pendants. As someone who craves both simplicity and meaning, these pieces feel like wearable poetry. My favorite compliment came from a colleague who said, “Your jewelry always looks like it has a story.” Spoiler: it does—it’s my story.
Why It Works for the 25-Year-Old Vibe
If you’re 25 and tired of jewelry that’s either too “young” or too “mature,” give Estella Bartlett a try. Your future self (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.