A new year calls for a fresh trend forecast, and there are a lot of predictions surfacing in major manufacturers’ crystal balls. From color trends to design directions, makers have a lot of ideas for you to unpack and ponder for 2024 sales.

                                     KP Sanghvi

First, consider metal trends—yellow gold is soaring back into style. Whether jewels be karat gold or gold-over-silver, the rich natural hue of gold is a total vibe among shoppers. In vermeil, value seekers can get a “large fashion piece with a diamond accent at an affordable price,” notes Jennifer Dressing, executive vice president of product development and merchandising for KP Sanghvi. The diamond jewelry maker has a slew of new offerings featuring florals, pyramid motifs, and plenty of bangles.

Others also see the yellow gold movement. Surbhi Jain, marketing director, Shefi Diamonds, calls its emergence “a cyclical pattern that occurs every few years.”

Valerie Fletcher, vice president of design and product development at ODI/Original Designs, maintains that her buyers want gold in its most natural hue—“rich, radiant, and yellow.” Theresa Namie, merchandise manager, Ostbye, agrees. “Yellow gold will continue to be strong as well as two-tone looks.”

On the flip side, Fletcher also sees platinum as being desired. “It’s naturally white and doesn’t require plating,” she adds about the rarest precious metal.

In gemstone colors, any shade of blue still moves, while others are predicting vibrant shades of green, teal, orange, and purple based on fall 2023 runway couture shows.

Lali Jewels

“In gemstones, we foresee emerald will be a standout as well as amethyst, aquamarine, and citrine in all shades,” says Namie. “We anticipate having new color designs by June 2024.”

Lali Jewels execs, meanwhile, are banking on pastel shades. “Yellow metal and pastel gems complement each other,” says Perilynn Glasner, marketing and design director. “We feel that aquamarine, morganite, green amethyst, and ametrine will be popular.”

In the wedding jewelry category, high-end classic styles and quasi-custom numbers should continue moving. Shefi Diamonds views its elevated classics, including center stone size-enhancing halos, as the “perfect blend of classic and contemporary,” according to Jain.

Ostbye’s Namie is unveiling new bridal styles executed to the exact specifications of her merchants. “Retailers have been asking for classic bridal and expanded designs in our wraps and inserts so brides can make a unique set without having to go custom,” she says.

And Imperial Pearl recently unveiled a wedding-inspired campaign that positions its fave gem as the ideal gift for brides and bridesmaids.

The “She said yes, now celebrate with pearls” campaign features two curated collections and “stunning displays,” says Kathy Grenier, vice president of business development.

           Imperial Pearl

“We’re encouraging retailers to merchandise the collections close to their engagement and wedding rings. We’ll build on this in 2024 with more limited collections and targeted social advertising.”

And though the lab-grown diamond (LGD) industry has been volatile, manufacturers still see a special place for the product: in fashion. Shah Luxury principal Neil Shah talks about high-profile jewelers who’ve bedazzled Air Jordans in diamonds as a perfect place for LGDs to shine.

“Whether in shoes or other accessories, there are all kinds of ways for lab-growns to collaborate with other parts of culture,” he says. “I think fashion will be big with lab-growns. I’ve not seen it yet, but over the next year or two, we could see it. Culture is trending toward more self-expression. The point of jewelry is self-expression, and that’s now happening with street wear and sneakers. Jewelry needs to be reconnected to that market.”