Trending in Jewelry: 2021

Much like the tides, trends in art, culture, and fashion rise and fall. Keeping your finger on the pulse of the *here and now* can be exhausting and with the rapid expansion of digital media ultimately futile. Being on trend isn’t always necessary. Sometimes you like what you like and that’s that. We respect personal style in this house. That being said, it’s almost impossible to ignore what’s trending (duh). We’d be lying if we said we weren’t at least a little bit curious and equally fascinated by what is currently on trend in jewelry fashion.

To put it plainly, today’s trends are all about updated classics. We are talking chunky gold and silver chains, pearls, oversized hoop earrings, and floral. Jewelry is a physical manifestation of art and culture, and trends usually reflect the zeitgeist of the era in question. Considering the current state of Usonian society, it’s not surprising to see a revert to the classics. We’re craving familiarity, longevity, and timelessness in our jewelry pieces. What is great about art is that it continues to expand and elaborate on old ideas; transforming them into something new.

Chunky Chains

Chunky gold chains exploded in the 1980s when hip-hop artists like Run DMC, LL Cool J, and the like made them a popular fashion accessory. Already a timeless statement, heavy gold chains are making a solid comeback. Dressed up with couture or dressed down with a grungy t-shirt; artists are finding new and interesting ways to manipulate the shape of the links as well as play with size and proportion.

Pearls

Did someone say Audrey Hepburn? I’m sure many of us picture the iconic scene from Breakfast at Tiffany’s when we think about the timeless elegance of pearl jewelry. However, pearls are more than just a classic round white strand or pair of round white post earrings. They come in many different colors, shapes, sizes and applications. Jewelry artists continue to come up with innovative ways to incorporate pearls in sleek, funky, or simple pieces.

Oversized Hoops Earrings

Spanning time and geography; the hoop earring has continued to be an undeniable staple in fashion and culture. Whether they’re trending towards understated and small or big and bold; hoop earrings are here to stay. Today they are trending towards large, heavy, and oversized. This allows for a piece that is not only versatile but also statement making.

Floral

Representation of nature in art is almost as intuitive as breathing. As participants in life, we are drawn to the all encompassing beauty of the natural world that surrounds us. Flowers in particular have been a frequent theme in art and fashion due to their abundance in color, shape, texture, and allure. One might consider the resurgence of the floral motif as a sign of the times. Flowers in art emerge during times of strife. Are they inherently a symbol of grief or is it their beautiful delicate nature that comforts and soothes us? Regardless of the reason, nature has so much to offer in content and inspiration; artists need not be without ideas.

It’s true. With the technology of today, digital/social media, and the rapid movement of art, style, and fashion it is near impossible to stay up on the latest trends. Although that could be an indicator that being “trendy” will soon be a thing of the past. No longer will we have to subscribe to what is touted as “en vogue” but push the envelope by indulging in complete fashion freedom.