In a world where science fiction and fantasy collide, steampunk was born in the 1970s. Underpinned by Victorian themes, woven together with bits of technology, steampunk weaves a fascinating tapestry of imagination, rebellion and optimism. It plays out in steampunk costumes that are part goth, part science, and almost always daring and different. When it comes to steampunk jewelry, the designs reflect a reverence for things once handmade that have been kicked to the curb by technology.
Steampunk picks up its influences from literature, movies, and television shows. From Alice in Wonderland and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, to Star Trek, Harry Potter and Wild Wild West, these iconic stories all led to the increasingly popular design aesthetic that is steampunk. It embraces creativity, imagination, and over the top embellishments in everything from art to furniture. In jewelry, an emphasis on vintage components crafted shines through in fanciful necklaces, rings and earrings that feature clockworks, gears and other bits of industrial revolution design. If you’re not sure whether steampunk fits your style, it’s so affordable, you can try it out without breaking the bank. Consider adding a piece here or there to go along with your more traditional copper, amber and Egyptian jewelry collections.
If you’re game to wear a piece of steam punk jewelry, you can bet it will start a conversation filled with novel ideas, shared interests and a love of all things slightly weird and funky. Whether you sport it for cosplay, or it’s a regular part of your fashion statement, steampunk jewelry is a daring alternative to your regular old stuff. Give it a shot, and you may find you’re looking at life from a whole new, more imaginative perspective. Here are our favorite finds for Steampunk Jewelry: Top 10 Best Necklaces, Rings & More.
Best Steampunk Necklaces
1. Green Tree Handmade Steampunk Kinetic Main Gear Necklace & Earring Set
Green Tree Jewelry
This necklace and earring set sends you back to the industrial age with all of its gears, pulleys, and mechanical parts. Made with laser cut wood and metal, this steampunk jewelry is truly art in motion, because all of the pieces actually move. They evoke a cool vibe of connectivity and precision movement. The intricate, interconnected, laser-cut designs are made of lightweight very thin, strong multi-layer wood, that has been put together in a criss-cross fashion, meaning your necklace and earrings will be strong and durable, as well as sophisticated and colorful. The pendant is sizeable, measuring 3.25 inches by 2.5 inches. It comes on 30″ long ball chain that can be cut to your preferred length. The matching earrings feature silver-finished stainless steel, hypoallergenic, Euro-wires that are enhanced with an electrophoretic coating that resists tarnishing. You can also get this cool set in a yellow, orange and black color scheme. The Handmade Steampunk Kinetic Winged Gear Necklace and Earring Set features a double suspended pendant with a totally unique look and feel.
2. Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Steampunk Pocket Watch Necklace
umbrellalaboratory
You don’t need to go down a rabbit hole to get your hands on this clever and whimsical pocket watch necklace. It works perfectly as a single statement piece or wear it combined with your other steampunk jewelry. It’s delicate enough to use as an embellishment on a top hat or bag, but it’s adorable worn exactly as is. While the watch opens up, you can still see the pretty Victorian clock face when it’s closed, thanks to the openwork on the front. It comes on a 30 inch chain, so you can wear it long, or wrap the chain twice and wear it at neck length. A larger Alice in Wonderland Steampunk Pocket Watch Necklace also comes with a set of keys and other findings to string on the chain or combine with other jewelry. If you love lots of little additions hanging from your chains or your clothes, the Alice in Wonderland Steampunk Charms are a fun and affordable option.
More elegant than industrial at a distance, when you get a close up of this steampunk necklace it’ll be love at first cog. This necklace makes a dramatic statement, especially with low cut tops or steampunk corsets. The dangling cogs draw attention to your cleavage, while the main pendant features an interesting multi-strand embellished chain, connected by more cogs. It’s a killer deal and a perfect complement to any steampunk outfit. The Multi Gear Steampunk Necklace And Earring Set features mixed metal tones that let you coordinate with other steampunk jewelry pieces you already own. And don’t forget to add some jewelry for your hair with a cool steampunk hair clip or two.
4. Steampunk Time 2 Fly Jeweled Watch Movement Necklace
Glazed Black Cherry
Time flies, so this awesome steampunk necklace makes every minute count. This pretty piece is composed of a vintage watch movement, which is decked out with an array of cogs, gears and wheels. The watch element is mounted on two detailed brass angel wings and the pendant is suspended on an antique brass chain. The Timeless Flight Watch Movement Necklace features a slightly different, but equally interesting style that is perfect to wear as a choker. Speaking of chokers, the Antique Black Velvet Steampunk Gear Choker is especially cool and can be worn layered with a longer necklace. The Victorian Gothic Choker features a gear laden centerpiece along with gears dangling from tiny chains.
These multi-dimensional steampunk earrings fuse a modern twist and urban levity, with the darker and more obscure side of Victorian style. They feature brass gears that have been etched and antiqued, coupled with copper gears, as well as clock hands and beetles. They measure just under two inches long, including their solid brass leverback wires. Designed using turn of the century brass stamping techniques, all brass components have been antiqued or silver-plated, and coated with clear lacquer to ensure they don’t discolor your clothing or skin. The Tri-tone Steampunk Moon and Star Dangle Earrings are also nickel free, so they won’t irritate sensitive skin. If you’re looking for love at your next steampunk gathering, you’ll want to sport these clever Steampunk Cupid Dangle Earrings for extra luck.
Locks and keys are frequently represented in steampunk style. Whether they hint at unlocking some hidden secret, or they’re merely an expression of both the Victorian and industrial age, they’re a fun theme that gives all kinds of options to pair them with your regular jewelry as well as your steampunk pieces. These cool earrings feature an expressively styled cog, with a dangling heart lock and a tinkling key charm attached. The bronze and silver tones look vintage, yet modern. Another take on this theme features an open clockwork cog with a lock and key in smaller more dainty dangle earrings. Skip the lock and go for three dangling keys in another cool pair of steampunk earrings.
7. Steampunk Enchanted Golden Orb Snitch Bead Earrings
GBC
Think Harry Potter and you can immediately conjure up these steampunk earrings featuring the magical flying ball in the game of Quidditch. The golden snitch bead dangles between a pair of pretty wings, all strung from matching french wires. These earrings would make a terrific gift for all wizard lovers. A Quidditch Golden Snitch Ball Bracelet is the perfect companion to these earrings and at less than three bucks, you really can’t go wrong. The Angel Wing Steampunk Pocket Watch Necklace is would pair perfectly as well. Both the necklace and bracelet would also work as cool additions to embellish a hat or steampunk bag.
8. Alchemy of England Diving Helmet Steampunk Ring
Alchemy of England
Any Jules Verne aficionado would be proud to sport this awesome diving helmet steampunk ring from Alchemy of England. It features the most advanced hydro-submersion suit created. You’ll feel ready to plunge into the oceanic trenches beyond all known depths while you’re wearing it. Made of multi-toned pewter, the hinged front opens to reveal the true you. The Feromonic Field Detector Steampunk Ring features a brass plate, calibrated as a “gender gauge”, and a movable pointer. The face and sides are formed in classic pseudo-industrial art deco, as if it were a miniature working instrument. A book that opens to reveal a wealth of secret symbols inside is the lure of Dee’s Book of Angel Magic Stash Opening Ring.
9. Octopus Tentacle Adjustable Ring in Sterling Silver
Silver Phantom Jewelry
Huge tentacles that squeeze tighter and tighter, it’s the stuff of every submariner’s dreams and nightmares. Good thing this octopus can be adjusted to fit with perfect comfort on your finger, so no worries. The giant sea creature is scaled down to be a perfect complement to your steampunk jewelry or to wear at any other time you want to spark an interesting conversation about most anything. Cast in sterling silver, this ring will get a more delightful patina, the longer you have it and wear it. The Vintage Titanium Monster Squid Steampunk Ring has three swirling suction cup laden arms to caress your finger. Looking for earrings to match? Of course you can find Sterling Silver Octopus Stud Earrings that will have people dying to whisper into your ear, just to get a closer look at them.
Steampunk goggles are a must have for a time traveling crazy scientist like you. This awesome oculo-vision tool is, frankly, jewelry for your face. Anyone who might need to wear eye protection during a cosplay bomb blast, attack, war, or zombie apocalypse wouldn’t be caught without them. If you want more variety, depending on your steampunk outfit, why not get a five pack of steampunk goggles to give you complete flexibility as you accessorize? If you’re a minimalist, simple Aviator goggles are always a great choice. And if you’re throwing a steampunk bash, don’t just dress the part, make sure your party favors fit the bill. Give your guests some realistic looking (and mighty tasty) Schokolat Chocolate Steampunk Goggles as gifts.
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Steampunk jewelry is a collision of science fiction and fantasy that's funky, fun and affordable. You'll be the center of attention wearing these unique pieces.
