If you wander through Cathays on a weekday morning—you’ll notice something besides puffer jackets and tote bags: Cardiff University students love their jewellery. The campus has many distinct styles, shaped by the city’s vibrant culture, its mix of local and international students, here’s what’s currently shining the brightest around campus.
1. Minimalist Gold
Minimalist gold remains a staple among Cardiff students, especially those who spend long hours in the library. Simple gold hoops, delicate chains, and understated rings can really range from 9 am lectures to late afternoon seminars. Part of the appeal is practicality—students can keep these pieces on through rainy walks across campus, late-night library sessions, or a spontaneous trip to the Taf, all without worrying about tarnish or overstyling. Many say that having one or two go-to pieces saves time on busy mornings when the Snooze button wins. These can easily be found in large retail shops like Urban Outfitters, to small vintage shops like Lucky Cow!
2. Silver for the Indie, Edgy, and Inspired-by-Clwb Crowd
Cardiff’s alternative music scene and the energy of venues like Clwb Ifor Bach have helped fuel a noticeable silver revival. Chunky silver chains, stacked rings, and geometric studs are especially popular with students who lean toward indie or alt fashion. You’ll see this look a lot among students who frequent vintage shops in the city centre. Silver adds an effortless edge that suits Cardiff’s rainy, moody weather—and pairs perfectly with the all-black outfits that appear en masse during exam season.
3. Statement Earrings for Nights Out
Students adore statement earrings, whether they’re prepping for a night or brightening up a Wednesday morning seminar. Resin shapes, colourful clay pieces, and artsy oversized hoops bring personality to even the simplest sweatshirt-and-leggings outfit. A unique feature of Cardiff’s jewellery culture is the number of students who buy from fellow student makers: societies like the Craft Society and pop-up stalls at the Students’ Union often feature handmade earrings that quickly become campus favourites. It’s style and community all in one.
4. Jewellery That Speaks to Identity, Culture, and Home
Cardiff’s diverse student population brings a beautifully wide range of cultural jewellery to campus. Whether it’s Welsh signet rings, Celtic knot pendants, family heirlooms, religious necklaces, or pieces brought from home by international students, these items carry stories and emotional significance. Many students say these pieces are grounding during stressful weeks—small reminders of family, traditions, or roots while studying far from home. They also spark meaningful conversations in seminar rooms and society events.
5. Sustainable Shopping in a Thrifty City
Cardiff is a treasure trove of vintage shops—from Riverside Market finds to shops in the Castle Arcade—and students make full use of it. Sustainable jewellery is becoming a campus-wide priority, with more students choosing recycled metals, upcycled vintage pieces, and second-hand rings or brooches. Beyond fashion, this trend reflects a growing environmental consciousness across campus, particularly among societies focused on climate action and ethical consumerism.
Jewellery at Cardiff University is more than ornamentation—it’s identity, community, creativity, and connection. Whether it’s something handmade in a Talybont flat, discovered in a Cardiff arcade, or rooted in home and heritage, every piece tells a story that brings personality to campus life.
Words by Blessing Ajiloseda
Image courtesy of Kaboompics. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence found here.
