When it comes to gold jewelry, bold yellow gold styles are still in demand.

“Look at the mood boards and social feeds of the most-followed fashion bloggers and you’ll spot loud hoop earrings, layers of gold chain necklaces, and stacks of thick bangles,” reports Lauren Strapagiel, trends tracker for Spotify. She cites Cuban, curb and paperclip link chain among the most popular. “These styles can be worn long or as a choker, or with a charm to create a pendant necklace.”

The big gold jewelry trend has been growing for a while now, Strapagiel writes, thanks to the revival of ’90s and 2000s fashion (aka Y2K). “Gold chains were a staple look for both eras, and Gen Z in particular has started wearing these trends as a retro throwback. The return of hoop earrings also fits into this trend, worn by women and men.”

Piled-on jewelry looks that adorned the fashion runways pointed to several themes from flapper-era elegance to rebellious plays on punk and fresh takes on Y2K fashion, describes The Zoe Report (TZR).

Deco-inspired gold jewelry featuring cameos, filigree, and coins stood out on the runways, while layered pearls and gold chain covey a modern roaring 2020s feel. TZR also mentions sculptural earrings, chunky cuff bracelets, tubular collars, and big cocktail and multi-finger rings in gold adorning fall fashions.

“Worn on their own or layered, elongated paperclip links have been very hot the past few years,” Ross shares. “Their appeal is attributed to the combination of a contemporary sleekness along with their nostalgic nod to childhood crafts.” She adds that heart pendants and crystal embellishments are very on-trend now too!

Other link styles also mentioned in recent trends reports include San Marco and Mariner, even snake chain. Links as a whole are trending in all jewelry categories, says Ross. Not only in chain, but as design elements in earrings and rings. Next to links, she adds that fringe elements are popular in design — hanging from hoops, pendants and necklaces (trends in gold and silver).

Cora Lee Colaizzi, marketing director and senior merchandiser for Quality Gold, calls lariats, bolos, and Y-style drop necklaces a wardrobe staple for their versatility, on their own or layered with other necklaces.

Colaizzi also references station necklaces. “Gen Zs are rediscovering the timeless elegance of “Tin Cup” necklaces. We’re not sure the 1996 rom com still holds up to time, but the style is definitely part of the current ‘pearl core’ craze. Also popular are station chains with geometric links and pops of color or personalized with fancy initials.”

Demi-Gold

Chunky, bold gold looks are sharing the stage with demi-gold jewelry essentials that can be layered to create everyday luxury. This is especially true for Gens Y and Z, finds Alisa Bunger, vice president of Chic Pistachio Group (CPG), with the 14K recycled gold jewelry brand Aurelie GI.

Symbolic charms like heart, key, evil eye, initials, zodiac signs, and celestial motifs are favorites to hang from delicate chains, earrings, and safety pin-like brooches, says Bunger. She calls it DYI jewelry that’s fun, unique and customizable. 

A bestseller for Brevani has been its Dashing Diamond 14K gold line, with shimmering pierced diamonds dangling from delicate chain link necklaces, earrings and pendants. Many of the brand’s popular paperclip link styles have pierced diamond accents, and carabiner links to customize different looks. The brand’s three tier Dashing Diamond station necklace is a favorite, as it can be worn to in multiple ways.

Colaizzi notes that with layering still a top trend, and chunky neck-messes typically make a bold fashion statement, daintier chains have a broader and more timeless appeal. To make the trend easy and instant, Quality Gold offers prefab multi strands, with looks that include paperclip, pearls, or sparkly stations in single multi-colored metals.

Classic Gold Hoops
As all the fashion forecasters have hailed, hoop earrings, particularly in yellow gold, are the go-to classic jewelry style that’s always on trend.

“Hoop earrings sell day in and day out,” cheers Brian Fleming, owner of Carla/Nancy B, with a focus on earrings and gold jewelry. “Put it in and watch it sell!” He says round gold hoops are the most popular, and in a variety of millimeter sizes, including 15mm, 20mm, 30mm, and 40mm. Even 50mm and 60mm hoops sell in markets the jeweler never thought they would. “Unless you put it in, you won’t know.”

There is so much variety in hoops — sizes, shapes, textures, and finishes — no woman could own enough hoops. While Fleming acknowledges the boost earrings got during COVID and Zoom dressing, he underscores that 14K gold earrings, especially hoops are an attainable luxury, filling a great sweet spot below $500 retail.

With multiple piercings mainstream, Fleming says that stud and button style earrings in gold balls, pearls, gem-set, geometric shapes, hearts, moons and stars are among the favorites.

iStar — comprised of Stanley Creations, Candela Jewelry, and Roman and Sunstone — also has a large inventory of earrings in gold and silver. Among its latest hoop designs are tri- and two-tone gold styles, and hoops suspending pearl drops. The company has a wide range of stud earrings, too, in motifs from cats and dogs to bees and butterflies to good luck charms and spiritual symbols.

No Weak Links
The paperclip link style remains hugely popular, cites Laurel Ross, an independent account executive for Quality Gold’s Leslie’s Gold brand.

Ross reports that earrings are Quality Gold’s biggest growth category, underscoring that “new earrings make a new outfit!” She concurs that bigger styles are popular, primarily in yellow gold, and all Italian. She adds that next to hoop and link, fringe styles are trending.

Stackable gold bands remain a staple, from plain metal (and the mixing of different colors) to diamond and gem set. Signet style rings continue to attract both men and women, especially in gold, with carved designs, engraved initials, or set with diamonds, gemstones or enamel. Ross also mentions the enduring popularity of flexible bangles and bands in gold.

As Gem Gossip blogger Danielle Miele for May is Gold Month 2022 reports: “wear what you love,” “wear it all,” “there are no rules.” She sees the trend to layer what you love enduring, as people make their own statements with jewelry.