Music has a way of shaping our lives, whether it’s blasting our favorite gym playlist, reminiscing about old-school hits, or discovering a new local band. From Beyoncé’s latest collaboration to classic rock anthems, our love for music never fades.
For me, music has always been a big part of life. I remember playing the cello in junior high while obsessing over REO Speedwagon and Cyndi Lauper. Like many girls back then, I was convinced I’d one day marry Rick Springfield—or maybe Jack Wagner, thanks to his hit song “All I Need” and his role as Frisco on *General Hospital*.
Michael Jackson’s *Thriller* was a masterpiece before we even had a word like “eargasm” to describe it. Anyone rocking plastic Madonna bracelets was channeling their inner material girl, and even my grandmother couldn’t resist tapping her toes to *Eye of the Tiger*. My friend MaryAnn and I would belt out Air Supply songs using jump rope handles as makeshift microphones, stopping only when our sugar rush from Strawberry Quik wore off.
Concerts have also played a huge role in my musical journey. My first show was a late-’80s Scorpions concert in high school, and a decade later, I found myself enjoying a Judy Collins performance. (And yes, I still sing *Send in the Clowns* in the shower—because let’s be honest, tile acoustics make everyone sound amazing.) These days, I’m into The Slakas, a fantastic classic rock cover band from southern New Hampshire. My phone’s music library is just as eclectic, featuring everything from Disturbed and Jewel to Bruno Mars and Bocelli.
Music has a way of bringing back memories and making us want to turn up the volume. To celebrate our love for all things musical, we’ve found 10 pieces of music-inspired jewelry that are both stylish and affordable—each under $50.
Which one is your favorite?