Some years, we’re hard-pressed to identify the key trends we saw at JCK Las Vegas because a bunch of mini trends have hit the market all at once, obscuring the big picture.
This was not one of those years. The styles that dominated JCK and the satellite jewelry shows in Las Vegas earlier this month were abundantly clear to anyone who spent a few hours or days perusing the designer jewelry selection.
Below, we’ve highlighted three major trends that we expect to hit big this fall. Ready, set, shop!
Lariats, Y-necklaces, and bolos
Call it a vestige of spring’s #cowboycore obsession or a reflection of Americans’ enduring love of all things Western, but diamond-accented lariat (or Y-shaped) necklaces and bolo styles were the single biggest trend we noticed in Vegas. Most can be cinched in different spots, allowing for a variety of looks. And they’re versatile: Worn alone or as part of a neck stack, lariats are the layerable, statement-making necklaces we didn’t know we needed but now can’t live without.
Bangle bracelets
The Cartier effect is real. The French maison’s classic Love bracelet, especially in 18k yellow gold, is beloved worldwide for its wearability, symbolism, and status-signaling powers. Is it any wonder that designers have responded to its success by creating their own versions? The best styles, in our opinion, retain the Love bracelet’s rigid oval-shaped design but add a splash of diamonds for an extra dose of pizzazz.
Snake motifs
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2024 is the year of the dragon. But ask anyone steeped in fine jewelry and you’ll realize that another reptilian creature is on the ascent. The amount of snakes and serpents that have slithered into fine jewelry collections this year cannot be overstated.
The symbolic creature lends itself well to jewelry. Its long and slender tail doubles as a sleek necklace, especially when styled as a lariat (trending!), per Jacquie Aiche’s seductive diamond-headed version below. It can also wrap around earrings and rings in myriad iterations united by a single quality: They are all beguiling.
Top: Gigi lariat necklace in 14k gold with 0.62 ct. t.w. diamonds, including 0.5 ct. center pear-shape diamond, $4,600; Jevela
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