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My Favorite Jewelry Topics Of 2021

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When the 2021 calendar began, we hadn’t been a full year into the (still-ongoing) pandemic. Lockdowns and quarantine were changing the way we did things, and I wondered if jewelry trends would even be a thing this year?

I needn’t have worried, of course. We adapt, designers shift perspectives, manufacturers answer the call of changing consumer demand. Trends will always happen, and, sometimes, those that endure can define a specific period in time.

As not all of these items listed can be accurately named trends, I’ve opted to share my favorite topics covered on On Your Market this year.

Gigi Ferranti Graffito collection
Graffito collection pendants in 14k yellow gold with sapphires, amethysts, tsavorite, garnets, and diamonds, $1,700–$2,100; Gigi Ferranti

Demand for meaningful jewelry—talismans (like this eye jewelry and peace sign jewelry), initials, and other personalized pieces (number jewelry, for example)—never really slowed down, and brands answered that demand with exciting takes.

Milamore charm necklace
Charm necklace in 18k yellow gold with turquoise, opal, and pearl, $3,100 (classic chain), $750–$1,500 (charms); Milamore

In the same vein, charms were and still are huge, and finding different ways to wear them (on necklaces, even earrings), provided us with some fabulous jewels.

 

Melissa Kaye Sylvie stud earrings
Sylvie stud earrings in 18k yellow gold with neon green enamel and 0.48 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,950 (also sold as singles); Melissa Kaye

Providing us with the joy we all so desperately needed, designers did so with brightly colored styles, using enamel to achieve hues not typically seen in gemstones.

Vram Cosmos Atoll earrings
Cosmos Atoll earrings with sapphires and paraiba tourmaline, price on request; Vram

In addition to bright color, we sought to go bigger. For a brief period in the late spring and early summer, as people began to emerge cautiously from their cocoons, a desire to be bold was justified. That happened in the form of oversize stud earrings—a statement among curated ear parties—and bigger, bolder chain necklaces.

Robinson Pelham Arcadia bracelet
Arcadia collection bracelet in 9k yellow gold with Murano glass–sourced beads, $685 (Gecko sold separately); Robinson Pelham

The stay-home lifestyle of finding new hobbies crossed over into jewelry and fashion, where an arts-and-crafts vibe looked like the “summer camp for adults” trend. Beaded, woven, and crochet bracelets—but make it luxe—in particular were hot for a good moment, with plenty of color to kick off the summer season.

 

 

Cicada Jewelry brooch
Cicada brooch in 18k yellow gold and platinum with 4.47 ct. opal, 2.87 cts. t.w. emeralds, 1.7 cts. t.w. opals, and 4.28 cts. t.w. diamonds, $45,500; Cicada Jewelry

Cicada jewelry isn’t exactly a trend—in fact, it was fairly difficult to track down—but as the Washington, D.C.–area was knee-deep in the critters for about a month this summer, it would only make sense to feature it.

Feral Jewelry scarab ring
Scarab ring in 18k yellow gold with green tourmaline and diamonds, price on request; Feral Jewelry (photo via Squash Blossom)

Scarab jewelry felt like an obvious—and excellent—topic to cover next, given the many submissions I received featuring the storied beetle.

Sydney Evan Happy Face eternity bracelet
Happy Face eternity bracelet in 14k yellow gold with diamonds, $10,000; Sydney Evan

The appearance of smiley faces only intensified as the year went on, right down to my fuzzy fall slippers. It was a natural fit for jewelry, with plenty of brands having long provided the happy styles.

Pamela Huizenga fordite earrings
Earrings in 18k yellow gold with 14.26 cts. t.w. fordite and 2.14 cts. t.w. diamonds, $8,500; Pamela Huizenga

And finally, my absolute favorite topics to cover this year were ones in which I learned something new. I could argue that I learned something with every piece I wrote, but none more than these two pieces, covering sardonyx and fordite.

Top: Number charm in 18k rose gold with diamonds, $2,250 (chain not included); Walters Faith

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By: Brittany Siminitz

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