New Year Trends

Just as quickly as we noticed the holidays approaching, they’ll soon be gone, wrapping up as quickly as people unwrap their gifts. And so we enter a new year, one which typically brings thoughts of new possibilities — and of course, new jewelry and fashion trends.

Many of the trends that 2020 has inspired will continue into the new year, with people still keeping at home awaiting a big break in the pandemic. It will come — 2021 will be a year of transition, a year of action, and, ideally, a much better trip around the sun. But in these first few months, we look to what the previous year has taught us about how our customers are shopping, paired with the biggest looks to dominate the social media space and the virtual red carpets, to point us in the direction of what shoppers might want early in this new year.

Here are 4 trends to consider stocking early as you welcome the year 2021.

Men’s and genderless jewelry

Men’s jewelry took the trends scene by storm in 2020, with celebrities and influencers taking a genderless approach to their fashions and accessories. They wore pearl necklaces and bracelets, a range of earrings, and stacks of rings. These styles may be perceived as adventurous, fashion-forward, and certainly not for everyone, but it’s a clue that men are getting more comfortable with expressing themselves through style, even if it’s something as simple as a signet ring. In 2021, while you’ll want to keep a few options geared towards men on hand, don’t be afraid to take a genderless approach and encourage them to explore the store (or your website) by going beyond what would traditionally be dubbed the men’s section.

And on that note, as more people of all genders collected a range of charms and layered chains of all shapes and sizes this year, that showcase dedicated to male shoppers is open for all to explore.

Statement pieces

The new year shows promise that things may be on the road to getting better, and shoppers will want something that says “bam!” when they make their entrances back into the world. Whether it’s a party for loved ones to gather for the first time in a long time, a long-awaited vacation, or whatever the circumstance, jewelry like eye-catching earrings, cocktail rings, and big bracelets will tempt consumers. After a year of wearing minimalist pieces that feel low maintenance, it will feel good to have somewhere to wear jewelry that is anything but.

Sentimental jewelry — still

Despite the expected demand for big jewelry, small tokens will still be huge in jewelry—there is always cause for people to want to treat themselves, and self-purchases are more often seen in the form of things that can be worn daily. Talismanic icons will still be big, but things like initial pendants and engravable charms will give even more personalized meaning to purchases. Look for “blank” designs—jewelry with enough surface space to engrave upon—in the form of pendants, bracelets, and rings.

Unusual engagement rings

The term “alternative engagement ring” is part of the industry vernacular at this point, but its meaning varies with time. What was once deemed non-traditional is now nearly standard: rose-cut diamonds, colored gemstones, and the like. Today, your alternative styles are all the more “out there,” with styles that could just as easily pass for fashion rings as they could wedding jewelry, maybe even more so.

In addition, with the new season of Netflix’s The Crown bringing Princess Diana into the pop culture spotlight once again (in addition to a number of documentaries), interest in her famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring will spark more demand for similar styles.

Want to see more from these exhibitors? Save the date for the JCK 2021 Show, taking place June 4-7, 2021! Pre-register today.