Gorjana is an affordable jewelry brand that makes some of the best layering necklaces and accessories we've worn

Though most of us are still mainly relegated to the safety of our homes, the jovial nature of the summer season does seem to bring out the desire to adorn oneself a bit. Seeing as most social and work engagements are now conducted via Zoom, there's no better way to show off a bit of style or flair than by adding a necklace to an otherwise normal everyday quarantine ensemble. 

If you're not yet familiar with Gorjana, prepare to become obsessed in short order. This jewelry brand was founded by a husband-and-wife team out of Southern California (Laguna Beach, to be precise). That laid-back, supremely cool beach vibe permeates all of Gorjana's pieces, making them ultra-wearable and easy to layer.

What started off as a small collection sold out of the couple's apartment has grown into a huge business with over 1,000 retailers nationwide as well as their own brick-and-mortar locations on both coasts. Gorjana prizes versatility, collaboration, and authenticity in their jewelry, and those values resonate within the company culture, which prioritizes giving back to the local community. The company routinely partners with local charities such as Children's Hospital of Orange County, With My Own Two Hands Foundation, various food drives, and more. 

We've tested several pieces of jewelry from Gorjana, but its necklaces are a particular standout.

You can shop all manner of jewelry at Gorjana: necklaces, earrings, rings — you name it, they've got it. All of them are versatile and effortlessly appropriate for all occasions. These are the kinds of pieces that can make any old outfit feel special. Their delightful earrings caught my eyes early on thanks to unique designs such as tiny bejeweled cacti and skull studs, but it's their necklaces that officially got me hooked on the brand.

Gorjana's necklaces were all made to complement each other, making them the perfect layering — whether you follow the rule of three or like to bedeck yourself in necklaces until you feel like you're going to tip over.

My personal favorite is the Parker necklace collection, which features a distinctive clasp that can be worn alone or adorned with charms.

Available in 18-karat gold-plated brass, the original Parker necklace is an elevated link chain with a slightly retro vibe that exudes freshness and originality. At just $65, this necklace looks much more expensive than it actually is. It adds a simple, yet bold, touch and looks beautiful whether worn alone or layered. The clasp is designed to look like it's part of the necklace, and you can add charms to give it a little extra something or leave it as-is.

The Parker Gem necklace uses the same clasp, and comes in three different stones: natural agate, turquoise, and opalite glass, for $75 each. Unlike the OG Parker necklace, this 18-inch chain can't be shortened, but you can add a charm to the clasp.  Some of the stones on these necklaces contain a slight color variance, but it only makes them more unique.

Senior editor Sally Kaplan has been wearing her original Parker link necklace for almost two years now. After rarely taking it off and showering with it almost every day, she says it still looks brand new. 

Other styles we love

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention that Gorjana's other jewelry styles are as special as the aforementioned necklaces. The brand does an equally wonderful job of elevating everyday basics when it comes to staples like stud earrings, simple bracelets, and rings. The ring sets, in particular, are especially stunning. We're partial to the Hudson set, which features three delicate gold and opalite rings. The limited sizing is a bit of a bummer, but getting three gorgeous rings in a single set for only $60 is pretty radical. 

A few other pieces that have us swooning include the Bespoke Plate Adjustable Bracelet, because a sweet ID bracelet never goes out of style, and the Farrah Huggie earrings. We're also obsessed with the fact that you can buy individual studs like the Palm Charm Stud to mix and match one's ear decor. Ease, elegance, simplicity, and charm permeates Gorjana's entire line.