The State of the Jewelry Industry Report 2021 indicates that despite challenges faced by the industry over the past two years, it is bouncing back, with around 82% of professionals feeling confident about sales in upcoming months. The industry has had to adapt to changing needs and pocket sizes. For instance, online sales are bigger than ever, attitudes have changed with respect to wedding items and other meaningful jewelry, and stronger demands have arisen for metals in new colors such as rose gold. Read on to discover the biggest trends that will be taking over the industry throughout 2022.
Embracing a Wider Range of Possibilities for Jewelry
Vogue predicts that one of the biggest demands for jewelry will come from the fashion sector. Indeed, recent Big Four Fashion Weeks have shown that designers are demanding new pieces that form an important part of clothing instead of being mere accessories. Firms like Blumarine, Acne Studios, and Altuzarra, for instance, are utilizing designs such as long necklaces that also wrap around the waist. Edward Crutchley jazzed up his models’ look with ultra-long dangling earrings that reach the chest, as well as ‘nipple jewelry’ worn outside clothing as part of necklaces, and Burberry dressed its models in statement hoops that reached down the neck, almost touching the models’ shoulders.
The Rise of Demi-Fine Jewelry
The burgeoning popularity of brands like Monica Vinader, which sells demi-fine jewelry for everyday wear, indicates the extent to which shoppers are interested in materials like vermeil—a more novel, higher-quality alternative to 18K gold plating. Paired with real diamonds, natural pearls, or gemstones, vermeil enables firms to significantly lower the prices of items that look a million bucks but are actually within reach of most fashionistas’ pockets.
Meaningful Wedding Jewelry
When it comes to wedding jewelry, classical wedding ring styles prevail. Thus, it can easily be said that a halo, princess cut, or Ascher cut diamond will never go out of style. However, wedding jewelry has also become more meaningful and modern day couples are interested in owning pieces that blend tradition and style to perfection. As such, many are opting for pave studded wedding bands, solitaire engagement rings with twisted bands, and colored gemstones like Tanzanites and Tsavorites with delicate transparent Diamond details. These days, it’s all about wearing something you really love instead of something ‘ordinary’.
Making a Statement
As many people are forced to tighten their belts owing to the current global health crisis, fashion lovers are demanding more statement pieces. The latter may be considered fashion pieces, but they are eye-catching designs that often take the starring role in an outfit or add a little color to an otherwise simple look. Chanel, Mossi, Giorgio Armani, and Coach all shone on the catwalk with models earring XXL pieces in materials like recycled plastic, glass, and resin. Think ultra-wide cuffs graced with baroque gold and pearl details, colorful 1980s style dangling earrings, or layered resin bracelets stamped with the name of the brands’ founders. The jewelry industry may have faced serious challenges in recent years but it is adapting to changing demands with aplomb. There is now a bigger demand for semi-fine or luxury costume pieces in materials such as vermeil. Jewelry is increasingly becoming an important part of fashion design, with many brands incorporating avant-garde jewelry pieces in a far more visible manner in their latest designs
