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What Came Before
Last year’s styles were all about symmetry and simplicity. But when everyone starts to look the same, that’s when the pendulum starts to swing back in the other direction. Additionally, Gen Z’ers (those born in 1995 or later) are starting to really become a force in the youth jewelry market, and they’re taking things in surprising directions.
The ‘80s and ‘90s are Back
Remember when it used to be chic to wear anklets on a hot summer day? It’s been a few decades, hasn’t it? This old fashion trend made a resurgence on the runways and now a lot of young women are wearing anklets again.
Another piece that was big in the ‘90s was the pinky or midi ring. Midi rings are rings that are worn above the knuckle where a normal ring would go and are often stacked with a normal ring. They’re lighter and thinner than a standard ring and make an unusual statement. This style of ring was often worn on the pinky as a normal ring just a few decades ago.
Charms and Glass
Far from being just costume jewelry, plastic charms have become big fashion statements in bracelets and necklaces. We can expect this trend to continue. It’s a cheaper way to make a bold statement with your jewelry and to personalize it to your taste. Expect charm bracelets to morph into charm necklaces this year.
Some designers also played with bouncing light by using glass as a medium, from droplets to even blown glass necklaces. Playing with the dazzle of light may be one reason why this next trend is making a comeback.
Ornate and Vintage Jewelry
The next thing to look for is a return to very ornate and complicated jewelry. Yes, it’s going to be fashionable to break out Grandma’s old brooch or that antique piece that used to scream gaudy again! But it’s not just the classics that are coming back. Huge layered necklaces and even earrings so long they skim the shoulders were seen!
With the growing acceptance of larger holes in the ears this was perhaps inevitable, but you might see a lot of women wearing very long earrings. Some of the materials in these uber-earrings included metal mesh, fur, and rhinestones. Certainly unusual materials for earrings! Don’t worry, if you’re not a fan of stretched ears. there will be plenty of smaller styles that can still take advantage of complexity.
For the younger generation, ornate might not mean complexity but sheer size. Tribal designs writ in large simple pieces are catching the attention of some of the youngest jewelry buyers. So if lots of tiny flower petals aren’t your thing, you might want to look for a piece like that.
Asymmetry
Another thing to look for in 2018 is asymmetry. 2017 was dominated by symmetry and now we’re seeing a strong turn away from that. Layered necklaces, midi rings, and asymmetrical hoops in earrings are all evidence that asymmetry in jewelry is going to be a trend for a while.
Stripped down, oversized, handmade jewelry that borrows from tribal decorative traditions are especially hot with millennials and Gen Z’ers.
If these trends aren’t your style, don’t worry. There will still be plenty of pieces available from previous years in our store. Some pieces and configurations never go out of style. But if you’re looking to ride the wave of the latest fashion, speak with our jewelers and we’ll be able to create or find something to your liking.