CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
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
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
