Jewelry Trend Takeaways
While overarching trends of enamel, oversize and mixed metal designs, gender neutral styles, lab-grown lines, and nature motifs like bugs and butterflies continue to dominate most jewelry design offerings, more new looks can be found in the bridal category, silver, price point pieces, and talismans.
IDD Luxe’s new SkySet line, which hosted a soft launch earlier this year at a smaller trade show and a full debut at JCK Las Vegas, offers fashionable silhouettes like line earrings set with lab-grown diamonds, one of the industry’s biggest trends.
Mixed-metal bracelet in sterling silver and 14k gold plate from Ania Haie of Chic Pistachio
“SkySet allows a woman to buy a big look for the money,” says Kendra Bridelle, president of IDD Luxe’s luxury division. (SkySet can also be ordered with mined diamonds.)
Not surprisingly, lab-grown diamonds are still trending in the wedding ring category, despite price drops. This is why Steven Lerche, chief operating officer of Goldstar Jewellery, offered more SKUs in bands and engagement rings that are ready made with the rocks. Theresa Namie, merchandise manager for Ostbye, confirms the significance of the category for her brand as well.
“Lab-grown diamonds are still selling strong,” she says. “As many are trying to navigate this category, they are finding that the key to selling is being honest about the product so customers can make informed decisions. Many consumers ask for lab grown and others never want to see them, so it is good to have options.”
Another popular item in the wedding category is jackets for engagement rings, particularly solitaires. “There is no better way to enhance an engagement ring,” notes Namie. “And if you have fickle customers like me, multiple ring jackets or wraps can be a great way to redesign your ring.”
Floral necklace in gold from Ostbye
Also, hot? Bold gold looks. These were another frequent seller at the Ostbye booth. Goldstar’s Lerche, too, is experiencing a growing sell-through of “chunkier” gold looks because they’re sturdy for everyday wear, and yellow is the preferred color for this aesthetic. Kat Whitacre, U.S. sales and marketing director at Chic Pistachio, owner of the Aurelie Gi and Ania Haie lines, says their offerings are also “very yellow gold focused,” with new designs featuring bulkier links and chains, including larger paper clips necklaces. Two-tone pieces, too, had a showing, not only in Chic Pistachio lines but in Prime Art & Jewel’s Charles Garnier. Prime Art & Jewel also had gender-neutral numbers.
Bug and floral motifs, permanent jewelry, and curated ear stacks are other quick sells, as is anything with symbolism. “It’s important,” confirms Namie. “And [symbolism] is an easy way to promote a special message.”
Whitacre sees a lot of interest in mix and match and customizable pieces as well as multiple piercings. Her firm beefed up offerings of earrings for the show and is even broadening its client horizons to more than just jewelry-only stores; Chic Pistachio is also reaching out to piercing studios. “We’ve seen a huge interest in body jewelry and ear curation,” she says.
And a super upscale trend is happening at Samuel B. Known for its Balinese-inspired silver designs, the U.S.-based manufacturer is seeing a huge interest in platinum bridal in its EverSpark collection. Why? The price of gold now versus platinum. “People are realizing they can spend just a little more and get platinum,” he explains. “So, over the past three months, we took every bridal style we make and are now offering a platinum option, whereas it used to be a special order.”
New gender-neutral jewels from Prime Art & Jewel
In the arena of trends, Heather Brown’s fave is encountering retailers looking for ways to use jewelry care products as giftables, not just retail items. “Offering a gift with purchase allows consumers to try out a jewelry care product with the promise of a return to the store to purchase more,” says the vice president of content and editorial for The Kingswood Company.