Quiet luxury—you’ve heard the term ad nauseam in the past year. It is, without question, the headlining trend of 2023.
It’s a style I really love because it’s so easily accessible (despite its origins with the ultrarich). Zeitgeisty as it is, this concept isn’t new—we’ve been inundated with the notion of buying fewer, better things for years now, in an effort to limit waste. And that’s what quiet luxury is about for the average consumer: purchasing items that will last, both in quality and style.
Ultimately, quiet luxury in jewelry looks a lot like polished staples, but we’re fortunate to have so many different creators put their spin on them that the possibilities seem endless.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the year welcomed the return of statement jewels: collar necklaces, cocktail rings, and cuff bracelets—many of them in (gasp!) white metals. Consider it a result of ’90s and Y2K fashions making it back into our lives, as we revisit the style days when the Return to Tiffany silver line was all anyone ever wanted.
Speaking of history, the brooch had jewelry lovers salivating this year, especially when donned by one of Hollywood’s most stylish young men. (If you haven’t seen Tiffany’s Bird on a Rock brooch worn by at least one starlet this year, you must be actively avoiding celebrity fashion news.)
On the topic of men’s jewelry, this market continued its rapid rise, churning out new and interesting designs—many of them taking a genderless approach, eschewing the stereotypically masculine styles of the past.
This year we were very interested in stepping up our ear game, restless from years of tiny stud parties (though we’ll always love those, too). Ear cuffs made a welcome comeback, with a fresh crop of looks only modern designers could offer. We were also into threaders and shoulder dusters—swingy things to have us feeling chic and carefree.
As far as gemstones were concerned, if it was green, blue, or pink, it was all the rage (thank you, Barbie, for that last one). One stone that can do all of those very well? Tourmaline. The multitalented gem was the darling of 2023, and we have a feeling the love will continue straight into 2024.
Finally, versatile jewelry was a major theme this year. Convertible earrings, collar necklaces with detachable pendants, the aforementioned brooches (not strictly convertible, but as versatile as they come). While consumers are dressing for quiet luxury, they’re not spending as the aesthetic originally intended, and this type of jewelry really gives good bang for the buck.
Top: Oera ring in 18k Fairmined yellow gold with 0.18 ct. diamonds, $3,200; Tabayer
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
