CollectionsDec 17, 2021
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s Leather BraceletEditorsDec 22, 2021
These Are the 5 Essential Jewels to Stock for 2022
They’re on-trend but not trendy, and suitable for all ages.
A variety of stud earrings from designer Mimi So, sold as singles
With the Omicron variant throwing a wrench in January jewelry industry plans, I feel particularly reticent to make any 2022 predictions. I have less of a chance of foretelling how the pandemic will affect the year ahead than I had predicting the recent Amanda Nunes versus Juliana Pena UFC upset—and I didn’t see that coming in the slightest.
The only mindset I can take into the new year is to expect the unexpected. That seems like a cop out, but it’s the best I can come up with.
What I know for sure is that that when I’m stressed I like to shop, and I’m not alone in that behavior, judging by the past two years of booming jewelry sales.
In that vein, one type of prediction very much within my wheelhouse is what jewelry styles people will want to buy in the coming year.
Trends come and go, but there are certain essential jewelry items to have in one’s wardrobe today, regardless of age or gender, that can be selected per an individual’s style and preference.
The following are the must-have categories I’m stocking in my imaginary jewelry store in 2022.
The Mismatched Studs
The only mindset I can take into the new year is to expect the unexpected. That seems like a cop out, but it’s the best I can come up with.
What I know for sure is that that when I’m stressed I like to shop, and I’m not alone in that behavior, judging by the past two years of booming jewelry sales.
In that vein, one type of prediction very much within my wheelhouse is what jewelry styles people will want to buy in the coming year.
Trends come and go, but there are certain essential jewelry items to have in one’s wardrobe today, regardless of age or gender, that can be selected per an individual’s style and preference.
The following are the must-have categories I’m stocking in my imaginary jewelry store in 2022.
The Mismatched Studs
Misahara “Minis” in 14-karat gold, diamonds and an assortment of colored gemstones ($120-$350 per earring)
A selection of Alison Lou studs in 14-karat gold ($140-$180 each)
Mimi So 18-karat yellow gold stud with emerald ($2,325), 18-karat white gold stud with emerald-cut pink sapphire ($635), 18-karat white gold stud with round white diamond ($2,975), 18-karat white gold ruby heart stud ($2,400), and 18-karat white gold emerald-cut blue sapphire stud ($3,375)
One of the smartest pieces of jewelry I saw in 2021 was Misahara’s “Minis.” They capitalize on the multiple piercing trend and make it easy for customers to style themselves.
Sold in packs of four, shoppers can choose from Misahara’s mix of individual earrings—stars, moons, snakes, infinity symbols, birthstones, and other timeless motifs—or if they’re not keen to mix it up too much, they can select two matching pairs.
Either way, the packaging is a clever presentation of a current jewelry trend. It does most of the thinking for the multi-piercing newbie while still allowing the fun of getting to play with different combinations.
Ear “stacking” if you will, has been a major part of the Alison Lou brand since it started, with a plethora of whimsical single earrings to choose from, while Mimi So offers a more elevated take that will appeal to the lover of classic luxury.
Each company sell studs individually for the utmost versatility.
The Personalized Pendant
Sold in packs of four, shoppers can choose from Misahara’s mix of individual earrings—stars, moons, snakes, infinity symbols, birthstones, and other timeless motifs—or if they’re not keen to mix it up too much, they can select two matching pairs.
Either way, the packaging is a clever presentation of a current jewelry trend. It does most of the thinking for the multi-piercing newbie while still allowing the fun of getting to play with different combinations.
Ear “stacking” if you will, has been a major part of the Alison Lou brand since it started, with a plethora of whimsical single earrings to choose from, while Mimi So offers a more elevated take that will appeal to the lover of classic luxury.
Each company sell studs individually for the utmost versatility.
The Personalized Pendant
Aurelia Demark “Medium Capricorn Pendant” in 18-karat yellow gold with diamond ($1,395)
Marlo Laz “Alphabet Enamel Coin Necklace” in 18-karat gold with enamel ($2,740)
Jemma Wynne “Small Capricorn Necklace” in 18-karat gold ($2,940 for version without diamonds)
Something about a jewel unique to the purchaser—courtesy of initials and zodiacs—tugs the heart strings just a little harder than simply a stylistic favorite.
Retailers should make it clear they offer engraving and custom design options through their designer partners. Personalization transports pieces to the sentimental heirloom category for shoppers and is perfect for gifting.
Aurelia Demark has an elegant collection of zodiac jewels with hand-drawn interpretations of astrological signs that communicate her signature childhood nostalgic aesthetic.
Most of the best contemporary independent brands, Marlo Laz and Jemma Wynne included, have personalized pieces in their oeuvres.
The Perfect Pinky
Retailers should make it clear they offer engraving and custom design options through their designer partners. Personalization transports pieces to the sentimental heirloom category for shoppers and is perfect for gifting.
Aurelia Demark has an elegant collection of zodiac jewels with hand-drawn interpretations of astrological signs that communicate her signature childhood nostalgic aesthetic.
Most of the best contemporary independent brands, Marlo Laz and Jemma Wynne included, have personalized pieces in their oeuvres.
The Perfect Pinky
“Alphabet Diamond Signet Ring” in 18-karat yellow gold with custom-cut diamond ($3,990)
Kamyen 18-karat white gold pinky ring with 1-carat heart-shaped emerald, diamonds, and enamel ($2,600)
“The One Evil Eye Ring” in 18-karat gold with diamonds and enamel by Susanna Martins ($1,737)
For centuries, men claimed the signet ring as one of their signature jewelry pieces, but in recent years, the pinky ring has been trending for women, too. As gender labels in jewelry become less relevant, the pinky remains a mainstay for all jewelry lovers. (It’s personally my favorite piece to wear.)
Lots of brands are doing exciting things with them.
K Kane has been having a love affair with diamonds custom cut in the shape of the alphabet, and its chunky pinky ring edition is the most compelling style yet.
Third-generation Indian brand Kamyen is captivating a new, fashion-forward audience with its delightful pinky rings that feature fun gemstone and enamel color combinations.
Dubai-based Susanna Martins, one of my favorite brands to follow at the moment, makes fabulous modern-feeling rings in a plethora of colors and shapes. Worn, her evil eye makes a huge impact.
The Never-Take-Off Bracelet
Lots of brands are doing exciting things with them.
K Kane has been having a love affair with diamonds custom cut in the shape of the alphabet, and its chunky pinky ring edition is the most compelling style yet.
Third-generation Indian brand Kamyen is captivating a new, fashion-forward audience with its delightful pinky rings that feature fun gemstone and enamel color combinations.
Dubai-based Susanna Martins, one of my favorite brands to follow at the moment, makes fabulous modern-feeling rings in a plethora of colors and shapes. Worn, her evil eye makes a huge impact.
The Never-Take-Off Bracelet
Nouvel Heritage “Picnic in Paris Mood Bangle” in 18-karat gold with diamonds ($5,900)
Sylva & Cie 18-karat gold and diamond bracelet ($13,000)
Yearly Co. 14-karat gold “The Original” bangle ($320)
Much like a pinky ring, there’s something reassuring about a bracelet one hardly removes. My current favorites run the gamut from attainable to ultra-luxurious, but all have an unfussy, go-with-every-outfit feel.
Nouvel Heritage is confident in its recognizable signature design, the Mood Bangle, with its clasp that one can put on and take off oneself. It’s this solution to an oft-overlooked pain point that makes it the most essential bracelet to have in any person’s jewelry arsenal.
Another put-it-on-yourself treasure? (Here’s to making PIOY the new DIY in 2022!) Sylva & Cie’s stretchy bracelets available in various diamond and colored gemstone iterations have the easy feel of a ponytail holder on the wrist, but pack a seriously glamorous punch, embodying today’s low-key approach to luxury.
I became aware of Yearly Co. this year via GemGossip while perusing Instagram. The young Nashville-based brand was born from a family tradition of wearing a gold bangle to mark each year of marriage. When they couldn’t procure the third-generation family accessory, they began making them in-house.
It’s the simplest design concept with such a touching story. I immediately messaged the company’s Instagram posts to my husband so he could belatedly snap up two for our two years of marriage. While I’m an ardent self-purchaser, this romantic tradition was one that resonated with me.
The Pop of Color
Melissa Kaye 18 karat yellow gold “Remi Huggie Hoops” with neon yellow enamel and diamonds ($5,250)
Nadine Aysoy “Catena Ring” in 18-karat yellow gold with 3.12-carat blue topaz ($4,440)
Gigi Clozeau short neon orange resin beaded necklace in 18-karat yellow gold ($350)
Perhaps there’s an inverse mood between the state of the world and fine jewelry: the more tumultuous the headlines the more ebullient the jewels.
Lots of joyful color is what makes jewelry feel like an antidote to the world’s doom and gloom and I’m loving all of it, whether achieved through colored gemstones, bright enamel, or a combination of both.
Melissa Kaye’s elegant pieces are decidedly non-traditional with her pioneering enamel shades. She’s proved how much color resonates with consumers, from neons to pastels. Kaye does the experimenting and a plethora of designers follow in her wake.
A fantastic, gemmy cocktail ring from Nadine Aysoy speaks to jewelry’s maximalist mood, while more demure gold and resin layering pieces from Gigi Clozeau feel like a second skin, perfect for layering in a #neckmess.
I’ve got a Gigi Clozeau purchased from fabulous Kansas City, Kansas store Pendleton Jewelry under my Christmas tree right now, though alas it’s not for me.
They say it’s better to give than to receive but I’ll blame Omicron if I’m sporting a matching version in early 2022.
Happy Holidays!
More on Editors
The Latest
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
