CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
EditorsOct 13, 2021
Alison Lou’s New Collection Is So Gen Z Appropriate
“Groovy” finds inspiration in the 1960s and ‘70s, but it’s equally of the moment.
You’ve probably seen large, amorphous cocktail rings made from resin and plastic all over Instagram. This is the fine jewelry antidote, featuring an on-trend kitschy shape courtesy of the heart-shaped, lab-created citrine, plus wavy enamel over 14-karat yellow gold. Part of Alison Lou’s new “Groovy” collection, it sells for $2,575.
New York—Alison Lou’s brand-new fine jewelry collection, “Groovy,” is inspired by tropes of the 1960s and 1970s, but it somehow feels most at home with the current Y2K resurgence.
Fashion’s current obsession with the 1990s and early 2000s is at its peak, with the spring/summer 2022 runways feeling like a blast from the very recent past.
Brands like Versace and Chanel need only reference their playbooks from the first time around, while newer tastemakers like Jacquemus and Kim Shui have been leading the era’s resurgence, making it their own.
SEE: Fashion’s Y2K Obsession
Fashion’s current obsession with the 1990s and early 2000s is at its peak, with the spring/summer 2022 runways feeling like a blast from the very recent past.
Brands like Versace and Chanel need only reference their playbooks from the first time around, while newer tastemakers like Jacquemus and Kim Shui have been leading the era’s resurgence, making it their own.
SEE: Fashion’s Y2K Obsession
Embed from Getty Images
Gen Z is easily the consumer demographic most enamored with these decades, having not experienced them as adults, or even at all. In terms of jewelry, we’ve seen lots of symbols like yin yangs and butterflies re-emerge from the early 2000s archives, mostly in costume form.
Wavy lines are on-trend. Here, they pay homage to all things psychedelic in the 1960s and ‘70s. These 14-karat gold “Trippy” huggies feature a mash-up of colorful enamel ($1,895).
A simple, joyful flower motif matches fashion’s current optimism. This multi-color enamel and 14-karat yellow gold band sells for $1,485. There are also peace sign and yin yang versions.
This custom date ring in 14-karat yellow gold features hand-painted tie-dye enamel and white diamonds ($2,970).
A 14-karat gold, pearl, diamond, and enamel “Magic Shroom” earring ($1,150)
But Gen Z is digitally native, so the symbols the demographic group favors have dovetailed with emojis, with smiley faces ubiquitous across not just jewelry but all manner of clothing and accessories. Add in unisex pearls—we’ll call it the Harry Styles effect—and that’s Gen Z jewelry in a nutshell.
Alison Lou is more tapped into these trends than any brand in fine jewelry.
Designer Alison Chemla successfully launched her brand on the novelty of emoji jewelry, and expanded into lots of happy, easy-to-understand color and more tongue-in-cheek items like studs and pendants depicting pasta.
This playful luxury epitomizes today’s young, fashionable consumer, and in the “Groovy” collection, Chemla again taps into her innate sense of what’s culturally relevant, rather than relevant in the fine jewelry niche (though her interpretation of the former guides the latter among her contemporaries).
In the “Groovy” collection, Alison Lou has debuted a new 1960s-esque font, seen in this 14-karat gold, diamond, and enamel initial necklace ($1,075).
The “Funky Flower” necklace features ombre enamel over 14-karat gold and an opal center stone ($3,775).
Less-than-stellar-quality costume versions of yin yang drop hoop earrings abound. Here’s Alison Lou’s 14-karat gold and enamel antidote ($425). There are also lots of yin yang and peace sign stud earrings and pendants in the collection.
A mix of symbols that star in the “Groovy” collection are pictured here in enamel on a 14-karat gold band ($1,485)
That means winding, wiggly-shaped stacking rings and hoop earrings, as well as winding rivers of pop-of-color enamel on wide bands and huggie hoops, called the “Trippy” pattern. (To me it feels right at home with the undulating curves and soft arches so relevant now in interiors.)
The psychedelic mood continues with 1960s-inspired florals with gorgeous ombre enamel, a peace sign pendant hero piece, and exquisite hand-painted “tie-dye” ombre. There is also a new range of initial jewelry in a delightful 1960s-esque font.
Yin yangs, peace signs, mushrooms, and simple florals—essentially, today’s biggest nail art trends—abound, as stud earrings, pendants, bracelets, and repeated motifs across wide band rings.
The enamel technicolor palette is totally in line with Alison Lou, which has massively embraced enamel from its inception.
The psychedelic mood continues with 1960s-inspired florals with gorgeous ombre enamel, a peace sign pendant hero piece, and exquisite hand-painted “tie-dye” ombre. There is also a new range of initial jewelry in a delightful 1960s-esque font.
Yin yangs, peace signs, mushrooms, and simple florals—essentially, today’s biggest nail art trends—abound, as stud earrings, pendants, bracelets, and repeated motifs across wide band rings.
The enamel technicolor palette is totally in line with Alison Lou, which has massively embraced enamel from its inception.
The “Peace and Love” necklace is a collection hero piece. It’s made in 14-karat yellow gold with multicolor enamel and diamonds ($3,255).
“The Ultimate Groovy Pearl Necklace” in 14-karat gold with freshwater pearls, enamel, and diamond and gemstone beads ($12,970)
“All You Need” necklace in 14-karat gold with hand-painted tie-dye enamel ($1,640)
Rounding out the collection are pearl necklaces and bracelets interspersed with enamel beads highlighting the aforementioned motifs.
“Groovy” couldn’t get any more on-trend, so expect to see pop stars and influencers donning these pieces in lots of magazine editorials soon.
It’s about time Gen Z had some real jewelry to aspire to buy.
More on Editors
The Latest
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and DesignA 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
SourcingFeb 25, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its MatriarchThe campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award WinnerRachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
