6 Jewellery Trends I'd Love to Add to My Collection This Year

The words "jewellery" and "trends" really shouldn't be used in the same sentence in my opinion, as this is one area in particular where you want to buy with longevity in mind. Any additions you do make to your jewellery box need to feel really "you," because few purchases are as personal and sentimental as a piece of jewellery. For this very reason, the trends cycle in the jewellery world is much slower than we see with ready-to-wear collections, and there are items and styles that will always, always appear on a trend list. 

One of the most surprising shifts in spending behaviour since the pandemic began in 2020 has been the rise in fine jewellery sales. "We have had a brilliant reaction to fine jewellery, which has grown 150% year on year," says Natalie Kingham, fashion and buying director at Matchesfashion.com. There are certain jewellery trends that have been particularly popular over the last few years and are still proving a key inspiration for the leading jewellery brands.

Keep scrolling to see the six jewellery themes that are going to be popular in 2021 and that I would love to add to my own personal collection.

1. Malachite:

One of the properties of malachite is it is said to open the heart to unconditional love, so it's perhaps not surprising so many designers are enamoured with the mineral. You'll find the emerald-hued stone in many earrings, necklaces and rings and it looks really magical when set against diamonds and gold.

2. Long Pendants

For S/S 21, many designers introduced big, statement pendants on longer chains, from Victoria Beckham to Dior. 

3. Chunky Gold Rings

Chunky gold rings have been popular for the last three years, partly down to London-based label Daphine's Oli ring and Aligheri's re-imagining of a classic signet ring. 

4. Pearl Detailing

Pearl jewellery is a trend that has been gaining momentum over the past few years, and cult brands like Mateo, Alighieri and Shrimps are continuing to modernise pearls and move them away from their previous Stepford Wives rep. Pearls are now used in a less uniform way, whether that's an oversize chunk of pearl on a chain or teeny tiny pearls used as a choker. 

5. Chains

One of the most popular jewellery trends over the past few years has to be the use of chunky chains, and this is going nowhere in 2021. Either go for oversize, heavy chains or layer up bracelets and necklaces. 

6. Crystal and Glass

We have seen designers playing with crystals and glass as an alternative to stones or pearls, and this is an amazing option for those who want something a little more out of the ordinary. Mateo is one of the most celebrated new designers in the fine jewellery space, and his crystal rings and necklaces which have initials in the crystals are the "crown jewel" of his collections. 

Next up, see our guide to the key trends for spring/summer 2021.