As the year comes to an end, it’s time to check in with some of the busiest members of the industry—publicists. These PR pros help keep us connected to some of the hottest trends and newest brands to the scene, and they’re always there when you need them (and in the jewelry world, they’re needed a lot!).
For the past several years I’ve asked these jewelry pros for their dream wish lists during the holiday season—a monumental ask, probably, given the influx of treasures they encounter. But this year I, perhaps selfishly, wanted to try something a little different—to get a better grasp of the changing trends of the past year, so I can potentially suss out what’s coming for 2024. As always, the publicists delivered.
So below, our fabulous industry publicists on the hottest trends of 2023, as well as the trends that surprised them the most (and there’s one major theme where that’s concerned).
Francesca Simons, Francesca Simons Consulting
“My favorite jewelry trend goes without saying: white gold. I love wearing white gold solid pieces and on occasion adding some diamonds to the clean, punk-rock trend look. It definitely feels fresh and cool.”
“[During this] summer of ‘girliehood,’ bow jewelry was a surprising trend. Due to the hit Barbie movie, of course it makes sense. However, it was a trend that was not in line with some of the other jewelry trends, like chain link, oversized metal earrings, textured jewelry, and silver.”
Jessica Kiraly, Mega Mega Projects
“One of the main things I noticed this year was the demand and shift from yellow gold to white gold or silver. Yellow gold is still definitely the favorite out there, but [we’re] getting lots more requests for pieces that are silver and sleek.”
“I think the thing that surprised me the most was the rise of cord necklaces with 14k or 18k materials and precious stones. When we have seen cord necklaces in the past, they have primarily been in the fashion price point realm. It is definitely a ’90s trend that has come back, and it has been interesting to seeing it translated today. ”
Arianna Clemenza, For Future Reference
“2023 was the year statement jewels came back in a big way, and we saw chunky, gemmy cocktail rings take over delicate stacking rings. It was definitely one of my favorite trends because it’s such a fun way to add personality to any look.”
“I was most surprised by the increase in demand this past year for white gold or silver jewelry. While jewelry tends to lean more toward yellow gold, this past year we have seen white gold make its comeback. I have always been a fan of this metal since it really highlights the diamonds or gemstones, and I am excited to see this renewed love for it and how it can be layered with yellow gold pieces.”
Jackie LeBental-Jones, Barri Luxury Consulting
“Charms and drop earrings have been top of the list in style requests. Charms of all types—whether they be symbolic, motifs, or initials—have been taking center stage. Drop earrings, especially colorful stiletto shapes, have been continuously in high demand. The linear look of this style earring is a staple in a jewelry wardrobe—not only can they be worn casually or formally, but the design of the earring frames any shape face in a beautiful and feminine way.”
“The tuxedo palette of black and white is widely popular in fashion; however, in jewelry the color combination hasn’t been as prominent. This year in particular, it’s wedged its way into fine jewelry. Combos of carved gemstones, like black onyx or agate and white stones like mother-of-pearl, have made their way into the crowd.”
Yael Fraynd, YaYa Publicity
“I will forever love bold gold, and am loving that it’s so on-trend right now. A few years back I had Lauren Addison redesign my engagement ring to represent a bolder look. Big chunky rings, statement necklaces, bold textured earrings—love it all!”
“I have to admit that I didn’t really see the red trend coming. It’s not usually a color I gravitate towards, so even though I knew it was big on the fall runways, I was surprised to see so many women wearing it throughout the city. I found myself really getting into all the different shades and even added some to my bracelet stack with red beads and stones.”
Amalia Keramitsis, Amalia Keramitsis Consulting
“I loved seeing this floating diamond style—I think the look and feel is a nicer interpretation of pavé diamond jewelry [pictured at top, from Savolinna]. Also, personalized and customized jewelry—I think after the pandemic, a lot of people have been looking for pieces to gift or self-gift that have meanings and personalization to them.”
Sophie Louise Tomlin, Avenue Publicity
“My favorite jewelry trend of year would have to be bridal-focused, and I would have to say art deco engagement rings. I actually reset my own ring at the beginning of this year (designed by London-based jewelry-maker Jessie V E) to add a bigger center stone, but kept the art deco inspiration. I have seen a huge demand for art deco engagement rings, especially right now with proposal season in full flow.”
“The one to most surprise me would be white gold and sterling silver. It’s definitely made a comeback—not necessarily a bad thing, but in previous years it’s always been about yellow gold.”
Amy Wilson, AWPR
“As jewelry PR, I should be all about the piercings, right? And even though I love the stacked earring look, I’ve only ever managed to pierce my ears once, which explains my favorite trend of 2023—the ear cuff. What got me hooked—pun intended—was how these cuffs blend minimalism and edge effortlessly. Sophistication with a side of rebellion, and no extra piercings needed! They’re the cool kids’ club that welcomes everyone.
“In terms of design, ear cuffs weren’t just accessories but wearable art. Designers went all out, pushing the boundaries with innovative styles and intricate details. Their mix of design brilliance and my craving for self-expression turned the ear cuff into my go-to accessory.”
“I loved the surprising comeback of the horseshoe talisman. While it’s unusual for jewelry to follow the same trends as fashion, it feels like jewelers worldwide secretly agreed that it’s high time for the horseshoe to retake the spotlight.
“In a domain where classic pieces typically hold their ground, the unexpected return of the horseshoe brings a refreshing and delightful twist. With its traditional association with luck and protection, this talisman is making a stylish resurgence, seamlessly blending into the intricate landscape of modern jewelry design. It could be a tribute to the enduring appeal of symbols that transcend time or a shared acknowledgment of the horseshoe’s ability to infuse a sense of mystique and meaning into the wearer’s adornments. This unexpected turn of events sparks my curiosity, and I’m considering incorporating this symbol of good luck to carry me into, and through, 2024.”
Lauren Maxwell, Lauren Maxwell Public Relations
“While yellow gold has certainly had its time to shine, 2023 was clearly the year of silver tones. My favorite spin on this trend were the stunning two-tone styles that came from it. As someone who doesn’t typically mix metals, designs like this 18k gold and sterling silver diamond ring from Lagos [below] provide a sense of freedom to have—and wear—the best of both worlds.”
“This year I was amazed to see the use of pearls in edgy, contemporary designs. It was refreshing to see designers take something so classic and provide their own spin on it, while still ensuring the piece is timeless.”
Duvall O’Steen, Luxury Brand Group
“I love it that pearls are getting bigger. Pearls have been trending for a while now, worn every possible way—long, short, layered, baroque drop earrings, even worn in unconventional ways, as a belt or down the back. I love it that men are wearing pearls too. But this year in particular I love that big bold pearls are the statement makers. Bold pearl necklaces on the runways at Versace and Carolina Herrera, large pearl earrings at Gucci, Balmain, Chloé.
“Given the ‘quiet luxury’ trend, one might think pearls would get smaller. But pearls always embody stealth wealth anyway. They don’t shout like faceted gemstones; rather, they beckon with a whisper of elegance. There is something so magnificent about really large saltwater pearls—how long they took to grow, how incredibly lustrous with all that nacre. The trend is like a fun tribute to the glory of nature herself.”
“A lot of shorter necklaces appeared on the runways, especially chokers. I am not a big fan of anything up high or tight around my neck, so it surprises me personally. But it does look super chic. Love some of the chunky gold chain link chokers I have seen and the collar necklaces under cinched suits at Balmain and Saint Laurent.”
Top: Cigar band in 18k yellow gold with 1 ct. t.w. pear-shape diamonds, $8,390; Savolinna
- Subscribe to the JCK News Daily
- Subscribe to the JCK Special Report
- Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
- Follow JCK on X: @jckmagazine
- Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
