The 30th edition of JCK Las Vegas opened on June 10 to a throng of attendees—many of whom, it seemed, flocked to the Showcase Stage to hear about the latest jewelry trends.
The stylish panel was composed of Beth Jones, the fashion blogger and creator of B. Jones Style; cofounder of NYC Jewelry Week JB Jones; and Tracey Ellison, aka @thediamondsgirl—“some of the best trend whisperers in our industry,” as moderator and JCK contributing editor Amy Elliott put it.
Though trends were the order of the day, the group issued one caveat: These styles are no flash in the pan. Fine jewelry trends tend to stick around for a number of seasons, which should put retailers’ minds at ease when investing in new products for their stores.
“I’m seeing trends become a little less important in some ways,” said Beth Jones. “I’m seeing more people focus on the things that they really love.”
So what’s hot for 2022 (and beyond)? “Green, green, green,” said Beth Jones. And speaking of green: Did J. Lo’s green diamond engagement ring have any effect on the demand for colored diamonds?
“Fancy color diamonds were once seen as so rare, so precious—only saved for special occasions,” said Tracey Ellison. “Now we’re seeing them worn more every day, mixing and matching—an essential part of the collection.”
Other trend buzzwords included dopamine dressing—done with plenty of color and glamour to maximize one’s level of happiness—and Y2K. Yes, the early 2000s are back! “Paris Hilton, Britney Spears,” explained Beth Jones. “The body chains are coming back. Euphoria [the hit series on HBO] has played a big role here. The scrunchies, the claw clip, it’s really all back.” So think statement jewelry (e.g., large-scale animal pieces), mixed-metal styles, and hearts (puffy, chubby hearts are very Y2K).
In a round of “hot or not,” the panelists gave unanimous approval to styles including opals, men’s jewelry, and necklace layering. “It’s hard to actually imagine going back to wearing the single necklace,” said Ellison.
As for the trends currently percolating: brooches. “Men are really starting to break out this trend on the red carpet,” offered JB Jones, “and I think women are going to start moving into that space.”
Also on the verge of a reemergence: sterling silver. With the current high cost of gold, popularity of metal mixing, and desire to see something new after years of chunky gold, a new silver collection is a great investment for retailers.
Top: A tennis necklace—the perfect layering piece: 20.85 cts. t.w. pear-shape diamonds in 18k yellow gold; $99,000; Rahaminov
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