It may seem hard to predict an upcoming trend. Taking a wild guess you are just as likely to get it right as wrong. But jewelers can see trends as they start to gain momentum.
Five years ago few predicted that lab grown diamonds were going to take off and gain widespread acceptance. But the signs started to show in 2017. By 2018 it was clear that public sentiment had shifted completely and lab grown diamonds are now offered by many jewelers that previously shunned them.
So what’s in store for the coming year?
I think these jewelers got it mostly right, but we’ll see how things pan out, I’m sure.
Just a little note about the ads on this site: they are all for jewelers which I have personally vetted and can confirm that not only are they legit they will take good care of you.
Predicted Trends
Here are the points which the 800+ survey respondents brought up most often. They have been neatly compiled into a top 10 list for your reading pleasure:
1. Lab Grown Diamonds
Most jewelers mentioned the increased popularity of laboratory-grown diamonds and fashion jewelry. There was special mention of lab-grown diamonds set in both silver, gold and platinum. Instore Magazine also had this down as a predicted trend in their 2019 survey.
This is something I noticed starting to pick up years ago. I’ve been very proud to have directed a number of seekers to find beautiful lab grown diamonds at Vrai, Clean Origin, and James Allen.
2. Custom Jewelry
Jewelers consider custom jewelry to be one of the biggest drivers in sales moving in to the new year. “During the COVID-19 shutdowns our foot traffic diminished to a crawl, however our custom jewelry items took off,” said one survey participant. “We had a customer stationed overseas contact us for a very unique and beautiful piece.” This was confirmed with another jeweler saying that custom clients over industry trends are likely to be the drivers in business: “That’s the thing about custom. Our clients will let us know.”
3. Gold
Gold is a timeless look in jewelry even though its trendiness does fluctuate. Yellow gold jewelry in all styles is slated to be big in the coming year. Whether bold or more delicate and layered gold is in.
4. Earrings
All types of earrings were mentioned by survey respondents. Jewelers felt this would be driven in part by the fact women are looking for jewelry that looks goods in a zoom conference. “Something that has great movement and is good to wear during online meetings.” The specific types of earrings mentioned include: Large diamond stud earrings, dangle earrings with diamonds or color as well as smaller earring that do not catch on masks, but mostly statement earrings.
5. Female Buying Power
Female self-purchase trends featured in fifth place. Dainty bracelets and smaller necklaces, often worn layered, are all things that jewelers predicted to increase in popularity. Bezel-set solitaire pendants set in yellow gold is another trend that looks likely in the coming year. “Thin rings and delicate pendants in yellow gold with precious stones, turquoise, diamond beads and sapphires.” Both stackable rings and bracelets were mentioned as well.
6. Chains
“It’s already happening. Gold chains a la ‘80s style,” was what one respondent remarked. Paperclip chains with diamond accents, heavy curb and Cuban-link necklaces and all styles of link bracelets and necklaces for both men and women were all included too as potentially being of greater interest in the coming year.
7. Rough and Organic Look
Organic, rustic and rough-cut diamonds were often mentioned in the bridal category. Though almost as often mention of the polar opposite seemed likely too: simple, traditional solitaires will remain popular. More than one jeweler mentioned colored gemstones, with an emphasis on wedding bands, yellow gold, fancy shapes, bigger diamonds, estate diamonds and ethically sourced diamonds and, of course, gold.
8. Affordable Options
Survey respondents told Instore Magazine that there will likely be an increase in demand for gold-plated jewelry, lower carat gold, vermeil and mixed metals. The increase in gold prices was cited as a reason for this sentiment. Sterling silver set with precious gemstones will be a popular alternative to gold and platinum.
9. Personalized Jewelry
Emotionally inspired uplifting pieces, women’s empowerment jewelry, as well as push jewelry, family jewelry and commemorative jewelry will all likely do well in the coming year. “I recently sold a Covid cuff to a woman. A 30 mm cuff bracelet engraved with the initials of all the people who weren’t able to attend her wedding because of the coronavirus,” one respondent said.
10. Tech Jewelry
10. Tech jewelry. Men and women will increasingly look for smart wearable jewelry and seek out smart watch bands that look more like jewelry. They will also seek out jewelry related to personal electronics, such as Fitbit covers and thumb-drive pendants.
