Everything to Know About the 2022 Butterfly Jewelry Trend

90s trends are alive and well in the form of cardigans, midi dresses, thick headbands, and colorful clips. The next big 90s trend to hit the fashion world? Butterfly jewelry.

Much like other 90s accessories, butterfly jewelry represents the bright colors, free-spiritedness, and changing nature of the decade. Nostalgia has brought countless 90s trends back onto the scene, and butterfly jewelry is one of the latest and greatest.

While butterfly jewelry is still at the forefront of 2022 trends, several big names have already been spotted wearing butterfly jewelry, including Megan Markle, Dua Lipa, and Mariah Carey. Keep reading to learn more about the butterfly jewelry trend and how to style it!

When Did the Butterfly Trend Start?

Butterflies have long been one of the most popular motifs in the fashion industry. They’ve come and gone throughout the decades and found many different forms of expressions along the way. 

In the early 1990s, butterfly fashion started making its way onto the runway in the form of hair clips, graphic t-shirts, belt buckles, and platform shoes. This trend reached its peak in the late 90s and was characterized by colorful patterns and sparkly motifs. 

The butterfly trend wasn’t originally restricted to jewelry, and (most notably) Mariah Carey made this trend famous with her iconic beaded butterfly top, which she wore to her performance at the VH1's Divas 2000: A Tribute to Diana Ross.

What Does Butterfly Jewelry Symbolize?

In our culture, the butterfly symbolizes many things, including change, metamorphosis, creativity, joy, good luck, and rebirth. It’s no wonder that this winged creature has time and time again become a popular symbol in times of intense political and social change. 

Adding butterfly jewelry to your personal wardrobe can breathe new life into your ensemble. It will add a spark of free-spiritedness and a touch of refined femininity. Butterfly jewelry also makes a great gift for anyone embarking on a new chapter of their life.

Is Butterfly Jewelry Trending in 2022?

Yes! Butterfly clothing and accessories have cemented their place in the 2022 world of high fashion—namely Alberta Ferretti's Spring/Summer 2022 runway and Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection.

The current ode to the butterfly can perhaps be attributed to our culture’s symbolic reawakening after the lockdown of the 2020 global pandemic. Physically, mentally, and stylistically, our culture is yearning to transform and to find new sources of hope and freedom.

How to Wear Butterfly Accessories and Jewelry

Many people worry that butterfly jewelry will make them appear childish. While butterfly accessories can be associated with youth, there are so many ways to wear butterfly accessories in a sophisticated, fashion-forward way. These pieces can be as unique and timeless as the wearer herself.

Here are 8 stunning examples:

Delicate Butterfly Necklace

As seen with this Shy Creation necklace, a simple butterfly pendant can be worn on its own or paired with other pieces to create an elegant, layered look.

Drop Earrings

These marquise crystal drop earrings by Olivia Burton create a lovely stacked look that’s both captivating and timeless. White butterfly earrings are the perfect accessory choice for a summer wedding or garden party.

Gold Butterfly Earrings

These gold earrings by Shy Creation may be small, but they pack a punch. Intricate wing details create dimension that will add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

Bold Bracelet

This 18k Gucci bracelet features a bold, artisan-crafted butterfly adorned with breathtaking white diamonds. It rests on a delicate chain that boasts the initials of the house’s founder. This piece single-handedly proves that butterfly jewelry doesn’t have to be simplistic.

Statement Butterfly Ring

This statement ring by Shy Creation features 3 delicate butterfly motifs covered in 14k white diamonds. If you’re looking for something that’s both feminine and sophisticated, a butterfly ring is a great choice.

Twin Butterfly Charm Necklace

This pendant by Albert’s Collections features two butterfly silhouettes—one in yellow gold and the other in sterling silver, creating a playful, multi-dimensional accent piece.

Feminine Timepiece

This Olivia Burton watch features a champagne-gold watch dial and fluttering mother of pearl butterflies. Slipping on a butterfly watch in the morning is the easiest way to add a dreamlike elegance to your look.

Colorful Butterfly Pin

A pin gives you the freedom to place your butterfly motif anywhere you like. This Kelly Waters pin features a beautiful orange and turquoise pattern surrounded by cubic zirconium details that are sure to catch the eye.

Speak to a Jewelry Expert at Albert’s

The team at Albert’s Diamond Jewelers has decades of experience helping people find the perfect jewelry piece to match their style, personality, and budget.

Reach out to our team to schedule an appointment or visit our showroom in Schererville, Indiana to see our full collection of butterfly jewelry.