The earliest forms of jewelry was worn by cavemen. How it all developed into the business we have today is a rather interesting story. 
Our unique jewelry trade had its humble beginning in the very early days when the prehistoric people lived in caves. Today it is a massive and flourishing industry. Jewelry is worn with everything from casual to elegant formal evening wear.
This early jewelry was crudely fashioned of sea shells,animal teeth, claws and bones. The grave sites of the prehistoric peoples have revealed beaded jewelry as well as ivory jewelry, wood and metal jewelry.
Studies of the the ancient Egyptians revealed extremely well crafted unique jewelry. They were probably the first to combine gemstones with gold and other precious metals. The priests of Bible days wore breastplates made with many rows of diamonds, emeralds and other gemstones. We think that workers who made implements and weapons for battle became the first jewelry craftsmen. As they worked with various metals to make tools and implements of war, they discovered the fine art of using the metals to create precious jewelry.

The trade in fashion jewelry came to America with the first settlers. An artisan could repair a broken farm implement, a wagon wheel and even fashion a wedding ring. New York City became the leader of the precious metal industry in the 1890s with the first unique jewelry store opening at the beginning of the 19th century. New York City is still the headquarters in the United States for the leading designers and artisans of fashion jewelry.  The 20th century ushered in machines which created costume jewelry and mass production began in costume jewelry manufacturing plants. Fashion Jewelry became much more available and more affordable.  

During the mid 1900s jewelry artists from all over the globe began designing and creating their own special lines of unique jewelry. These are now sold from up scale stores, boutiques, galleries, specialty jewelry stores, department stores, mall kiosks, craft shows, etc.
Today the Internet and television shopping channels claim a large portion of fashion jewelry trade.

Today many celebrities have their own line of unique jewelry. These are mostly sold on television or in up scale department stores. Usually the designs create high fashion jewelry and are elaborately crafted.

There's no need to buy expensive branded jewelry unless you are making an investment. Consider affordable jewelry.There are all kinds of material used today in fashion jewelry making from wood, plastic and natural things like bamboo and sea shells.
Why not try different ideas such as wearing layers of necklaces of different lengths. Or go for chunky costume jewelry. You could wear an oversized Cocktail ring to attract attention.
You need to consider the color of your jewelry as well. The color of your jewelry depends whether you are a warm or cool person. The greatest part of all of this is you only need one or two pieces of the right unique jewelry to create that special effect you are looking for.