While I delight in sharing the latest trends that can be gleaned from conversations with industry members, inbox pitches, and in-store (and online) browsing, there are so many perspectives—and geographical locations—that might point to differing demands for types of jewelry. This week I thought I’d try to get an idea of what others in the business feel are the dominant jewelry trends at the moment.
As always, a caveat: We’re not talking flash-in-the-pan fads. To be sure, jewelers can and do participate in TikTok-born “core” fashions and the like. But we’re looking for on-trend styles with enduring demand, ones that flow in and out of whatever wackadoodle look happens to be piquing the public’s attention. We love to play dress-up with the rest of them, but we know our jewels—however in they might currently be—are built for more than just a passing phase.
Below, we’ve got insights from PR pros, editors, those who work closely with independent designers, and indie designers themselves—all sharing their favorite current “it” designs.
“I haven’t been wearing any other rings other than my wedding rings, and I miss wearing statement rings! I’ve fallen in love with the new trio oval ring from Onirikka, a statement ring that commands attention and sparks conversation. The brand developed it for Couture.” —Jackie Lebental Jones, Barri Luxury Consulting
“I love stackable, juicy rings and layered necklaces you can pile on, as well as fluid, gemmy earrings with vibrancy and movement. Even if you have several [ear piercing] holes, this can be accomplished. Perhaps long, juicy earrings and studs coupled with huggies.” —designer Dale Novick
“In the coastal cities at least, the move toward nontraditional color seems to be growing again/still. Yellows, pinks, oranges are appearing almost as frequently as blues, purples, and colorless. It could be due to the prevalence of yellow gold, which begs the question of whether the spike in gold price will force a return to silver and therefore cooler tones.” —Caylee Kozak, Karat Cake Consulting
“Sustainability—although I hope it’s not a trend.” —Sogole Kane, communications executive
“I am currently obsessing over the Western jewelry trend. Following the trailblazing footsteps of the Louis Vuitton fall 2024 menswear collection and Beyoncé’s iconic Cowboy Carter persona, Western motifs are dominating the fashion landscape like never before. From turquoise accents to statement bolo ties, the trend is all about embracing the spirit of the frontier with a modern twist.” —Francesca Simons, Francesca Simons Consulting
“Bold silver. I’m also loving how all the TikTok girlies are styling their chains and charms.” —Liz Kantner, Stay Gold Collective
“Lariat necklaces. Sculptural silver, especially vintage—see Elsa Perretti, Robert Lee Morris, and Margot de Taxco. And long-line earrings—styles that are skinny and linear and just a straight drop down. More mass trends include toi et moi rings and thicker gold chain necklaces.” —Emili Vesilind, editor-in-chief, Gem + Jewel magazine at Jewelers Mutual Group
“The ‘hero cuff’. I saw them all over the runway and in several articles, and I love that they’re calling them hero cuffs, because they definitely give off a power vibe. They’re much easier than stacking lots of thin bracelets or bangles—just grab one big, bold, wide cuff and you’re all set. Or grab one for each wrist for an even more powerful Wonder Woman vibe!” —Jen Volkodav, designer
The anti-trend
Food for thought: If many clients are seeking individualized, artful jewels that don’t subscribe to any current fashion, does that make being anti-trend a trend?
Not for designers, who usually strive to avoid being influenced by “what’s hot” on the market and instead create based on their artisan skills, surroundings, and personal inspirations.
The desire for something “different” feels all the more prevalent among consumers, though. That means there isn’t a trend toward any one piece or style—but there is a need for increasing and diversifying designer points of view on the market (which is a very good thing).
Of course, a designer might create a jewel that just so happens to be en vogue. “I try to go the opposite way of trends,” Jocelyn Prestia, designer of Unhada (whose creation is pictured at top), tells JCK, “but I unknowingly used bows and they became trendy.”
“At Seal & Scribe we are all about the unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that you will not find on anyone else. For us, it is easy to follow the non-trend trend as we simply do not pay attention to what is ‘in’ or ‘out’ at any given moment. We create each piece to speak to someone who values individuality, rarity, and personal connection to their adornment. Each piece speaks to someone’s soul, and our job is to match make that piece with its intended person, so trends are not even on our radar, to be honest.” —Shari Cohen, Seal & Scribe
Top: Madeline convertible bow pendant in 18k yellow gold and sterling silver with (removable) agate, opals, sapphires, moonstones, and diamonds, $7,500; Unhada
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