Awe Inspired’s Ironclad Is for the Modern Warrior

By Brittany Siminitz | March 06, 2026

March 8, which is this Sunday, marks International Women’s Day—along with Women’s History Month (all of March), a time dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of women around the world. The jewelry industry has never been short on collections debuting in recognition of the occasion, and that’s fitting given the sense of empowerment the right piece of jewelry can bring.

In a new release that feels especially timely, Awe Inspired honors themes of female strength and protection through sculptural jewels with a distinctly Joan of Arc–like spirit. The collection, Ironclad, reworks medieval elements—chain mail, shields, and armor—into modern, everyday-wearable pieces imbued with goddess energy, drawing specifically from Freya and Durga, deities associated with sovereignty, protection, and divine strength.

Awe Inspired Chain Mail earrings — *Chain Mail dynamic hoop earrings in 14k gold vermeil and sterling silver, $370*

Awe Inspired Durga necklace — *Durga necklace in 14k gold vermeil, $315*

Awe Inspired Dagger brooch — *Dagger brooch in 14k gold vermeil with lab-grown white sapphire, $165*

Ironclad’s jewelry is available in sterling silver (with a selection of those pieces oxidized) or 14k gold vermeil and features lab-grown white sapphires or black tourmaline. A few styles are made with 14k gold, including the Woman Power necklace and spiked huggie earrings with diamonds and the emerald-accented Medusa ring.

Awe Inspired Athena and Flying dagger necklace — *Athena and Flying Dagger necklace set in sterling silver, $345*

Awe Inspired Warrior pendant — *Warrior pendant in 14k gold vermeil with lab-grown white sapphire, $145*

Awe Inspired sapphire Shield ear cuff — *Shield ear cuff in 14k gold vermeil with lab-grown white sapphires, $215*

I’ve noticed of late that jewelry crafted around symbols and meaning seems to be taking the form of statement pieces—like Ironclad’s—as opposed to the small talismanic charms of previous years. “What we’re seeing now is less a shift away from talismanic jewelry and more an evolution of it,” Awe Inspired founder and creative director Jill Johnson says when I bring up this possible trend. “Instead of a single small charm carrying private meaning, people are collecting multiple symbols and connecting them to build layered, highly personalized compositions.

“Those combinations can become quite sculptural. Different gemstones, sizes, textures, and symbols come together to form what is essentially a personal mosaic. The statement comes from the accumulation of meaning rather than from one oversized piece alone.

“That kind of hyperpersonalization feels very of-the-moment,” says Johnson. “It signals individuality and storytelling, which is a clear contrast to the ultraminimal ‘clean girl’ aesthetic that dominated for several years. People want jewelry that feels expressive and layered with meaning rather than perfectly uniform.”