Experts Tell Me These Are the Jewellery Trends to Invest in for 2022

Is it crazy to start thinking about next year? I don't think so. I hate to break it to you, but there are less than 40 days until Christmas, which means there are only a few more days than that until 2022. Yes, I know. Anyway, the reason I'm writing about the coming New Year is that I'm thinking about new trends, particularly jewellery trends for 2022. Ever since the pandemic started and we've been hooked to our computers and Zoom meetings, various luxury outlets reported a rise in sales of jewellery. Specifically, people are buying fine jewellery that's great for wearing every day. The idea being that people wanted to elevate their more casual WFH looks with chic necklaces and earrings—the Zoom-friendly options. 

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

In 2021, however, Gen Z jewellery trends started to take off. A proliferation of plasticky Y2K-inspired pieces became the items du jour. Pastel hues on necklaces reminiscent of sweetie necklaces you used to get from the corner shop, puka-shell anklets and necklaces, resin pieces and mood rings have been everywhere this year. So with 2020's and 2021's jewellery trends almost at opposite ends of the spectrum, what's in store for 2022? I spoke to a couple of jewellery experts to get a good understanding of what to expect. Jayran Zahedi, former head buyer at ASOS and founder of jewellery brand @pawnshoplondon, and Sophie Quy, executive vice president at Threads Styling, both told me that there are a few styles they predict will be big. Keep scrolling for 2022's biggest jewellery trends.

1. '70s Charms

It's unsurprising that the '70s have made their way into our jewellery boxes considering the decade has been such a big inspiration on the runways for the past few seasons. Zahedi, who's an avid collector of vintage jewellery, tells me that she's seen a lot of people keen on "thrifty" trends and that nostalgia features heavily, such as '70s charms. 

2. Signet Rings

I've spotted this trend already bubbling up amongst the Gen Z crowd, but Zahedi confirmed it, too, telling me that this is one of the biggest sellers on Pawnshop and that the more "Elizabeth Duke–inspired" pieces are doing the best. 

3. Large Stone-Set Rings

Perhaps the opposite of the plastic-jewellery trend is this: large stone-set rings. This look is all about multiple stones set in a large ring, essentially. Quy says, "Designers are starting to go big with the stones they're using, making bolder designs often set in bigger statement pieces."

4. Big Stones

Carrying on the above theme, necklaces are also getting the supersized treatment. Quy cites Harwell Godfrey's "amazing new pendants," Jacquie Aiche's eye pendants and Bayco's mega cuffs as pieces to invest in. She also says to look out for "really fun, big pieces with colourful stones, emeralds, opals and coloured sapphires."

5. Zodiac Jewellery

According to recent stats from Lyst, the global shopping platform, Zodiac jewellery is seeing a major increase. Demand for zodiac jewellery is up 29%, with necklaces being the most popular.

6. Nameplate Necklaces

The personalisation theme continues with the nameplate necklaces, with Lyst revealing that demand for "letter" and "nameplate" necklaces has increased 36%. And what with the return of Carrie Bradshaw, I can imagine this category is going to be even more popular once And Just Like That… airs. 

Next up, five of the best places to shop vintage jewellery.

Elinor Block