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
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner AuctionThese jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ CollectionThe fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO BoardThe AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
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.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
