5 Gold Trends Spotted at JCK Las Vegas and Luxury

By Victoria Gomelsky | June 14, 2023

They came, they saw, they bought. Buyers who attended the JCK Las Vegas and Luxury shows, which concluded June 5, were upbeat despite the uncertain economic forecast. Even if retail sales of jewelry have taken a tumble since their peak in 2022, plenty of buyers used the occasion of Las Vegas Jewelry Week to restock depleted inventories and prep for the upcoming holiday season.

Below are five gold trends we spotted at the shows. May they serve as a helpful cheat-sheet for your fourth-quarter shopping spree!

Mixed Metals

The two-tone trend we noted earlier this year continues to build momentum. Whether it’s a pricing tactic, designed to make a collection more affordable by combining karat gold with silver, or a bold style statement, à la the Ricky hoop earrings by New York–based Jevela, the mixed metals look is a sure bet.

Jevela Ricky hoops — *Ricky hoops in 14k yellow and white gold with hexagon rose-cut diamonds and salt-and-pepper diamond pavé, $9,240; Jevela*

Gold and Smoke ring — *Ring in 18k yellow gold with oxidized sterling silver flattened bullet and 0.24 ct. diamond, $4,200; Gold and Smoke*

Line Bracelets

Along with big gold hoops and big gold collar necklaces, big gold line bracelets are back, in a big way. The classic linked style features prong-set gems—diamonds or colored stones—for a timeless look destined to be passed down for generations.

Gwen Beloti line bracelet — *Woven Essentia Trio deluxe tennis bracelet in 18k yellow gold with 4.35 cts. t.w. bezel-set diamonds, $31,100;* *Gwen Beloti*

Birds

Last year’s animal jewelry trend has a splendid new spin-off: jewels featuring images of birds, including hummingbirds and swallows, as shown in Dorian & Rose’s new line of 18k gold medallions. Rife with symbolism (both hummingbirds and swallows are associated with good luck), the bird motif feels just right in a year when many of us simply want to take flight.

Dorian Rose swallow pendant — *Swallow pendant in 18k gold with diamonds, $2,550; Dorian & Rose*

Bugs

Jewelers are channeling the Victorian era’s obsession with nature in all its creepy-crawly splendor. At least that’s our takeaway after seeing a swarm of new insect-inspired jewels in Las Vegas. Bees, butterflies, and beetles—especially of the stag variety—are all trending. Not only are the pieces genderless, they make for excellent brooches, another style that’s in vogue (see Suree Jewelry’s charming critters at top and below).

Suree spider brooch — *Spider brooch in 18k gold with 0.10 ct. diamond and 1.8 ct. yellow sapphire on abdomen, $1,000; Suree Jewelry*

Chain Necklaces and Bracelets

Chunky handmade gold chains, in both necklace and bracelet form, were everywhere in Vegas. The chicest styles incorporate diamonds or charms, like Metal X Wire’s sophisticated toggle bracelet below.