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!
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Editors
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
