The JCK Virtual Trends to Stock for the Holidays
JCK Virtual brought some of the most on-trend editors and thought leaders together to discuss what is new and next in the jewelry industry. Get inspiration from their insight as we move into the holiday sales season. JCK magazine’s editor-in-chief, Victoria Gomelsky, hosted a series of JCK Talks Trends sessions throughout the week-long event, speaking with some of the most knowledgeable members of the industry about everything from luxury to the gemstone market and more. These are the trends everyone seems to agree on—retailers, take note as the holiday revelers begin to make their shopping lists.
Personalization is number one, “whether it’s an initial piece or a signet ring or a pendant,” said For Future Reference’s Randi Molofsky. Consumers are responding to “the kind of pieces that feel personal and feel like something you can invest in, even though there’s a lot going on in the world and people may be a little freaked out to spend money. If they feel like it has this personal effect for them then maybe it’s worth it because it is a piece of jewelry, it will last forever, but it also speaks to them in a way that will help them remember this moment in time.”
In another session, Gem Gossip’s Danielle Miele echoed that sentiment. “People are looking for something to look forward to, something to bring them joy. Whether that’s sentimental or a little locket that’s engraved with something special, things like that people are really gravitating towards.” Miele also recommended jewelers have access to an engraver to ensure customers can get their jewels personalized.
In addition to sentimental, personalized necklaces, people seem to be wrapping anything and everything around their necks. Miele referred to the popular “neck mess” trend that has people gathering a mix of high-and-low necklaces from plastic beads to diamond pavéed chains—more is more. In another JCK Talks session, The Adventurine’s Marion Fasel cited pearls as a classic choice but discussed an updated look of mixing a simple strand of pearls with meaningful talismans and other pieces.
In terms of colored gemstones, bold color is in, and larger or more gemstones are overtaking heavy metal pieces at a time when gold prices are high. Idazzle’s Monica Stephenson and Diamondoodles’ Hannah Becker agreed that garnet will see a rise in popularity over time, as the underappreciated gemstone rises to the occasion in its surprising range of bright colors (as opposed to the one-note rusty red gem many people envision). “Having something beautiful, relatively durable—cutters love to cut garnet; there are a lot of reasons to love that gem,” said Stephenson.
Even in luxury jewelry, shoppers want value. Time-tested, enduring styles, as cited by Kareem Rashed, style editor for Robb Report, are in demand. “People are willing to spend as long as it’s something that has gravitas.” In the same session, Tracey Ellison, also known as The Diamonds Girl, referred to convertible pieces that allow wearers to experience versatile looks, such as detachable diamond drop/stud combinations.
The general consensus for what’s out? Anything that feels uncomfortable for time spent at home: chokers, heavy, clunky jewels. If you can’t throw it in and wear it with sweatpants and feel light, it’s not on top right now.
In case you missed our Trends Talks during JCK Virtual 2020, you can still view past sessions from the show.
Save the date! Join us at JCK & Luxury as we return to the Sands Expo & The Venetian in Las Vegas, June 4-7, 2021.