Technology

What Were People Googling in 2021?

TechnologyDec 30, 2021

What Were People Googling in 2021?

They were looking for jewelry stores and advice on how to style rings, among lots of other things.

20211230_EmilyPWheeler-styling rings.jpg
“How to style rings” was one of the top searches of the year, according to Google’s year-end roundup. Pictured here are some of the rings in Emily P. Wheeler’s new collection, “Dress Up.”
New York—Every year, Google publishes a list of the search trends that shaped the year, from the most googled athletes and actors, to the most searched for aesthetics, musicians and memes.

This year-end retrospective also gives visitors to Trends.Google.com the opportunity to explore the year in search around topics of their choosing, like jewelry.

Google’s data shows that searches for “jewelry” in the United States peaked at predictable times in 2021.

There was a jump between Feb. 7-13, just before Valentine’s Day, and an even larger spike in the run-up to Mother’s Day, from May 2-8.

After dropping off in late summer/early fall, searches for “jewelry” began climbing in early November, peaking right before Christmas, from Dec. 12 to 25.

Google’s data also shows topics and queries related to searches for “jewelry” that sparked interest in 2021.

The top related topics were, in order, searches for businesses that sell jewelry, followed by jewelry store, Pandora, gold and ring.

Rising related topics, meaning those with the greatest increase in frequency this year, were bridal jewelry, JTV and valuation, followed by searches for Icebox and Gorjana.

The top queries related to searches for “jewelry” indicated that people were looking for somewhere to buy jewelry, which is not surprising considering the bullish year the fine jewelry industry has experienced.

“Jewelry near me,” “jewelry store,” and “jewelry stores” were the top related queries, followed by Pandora and Pandora jewelry.

The top two rising queries were for Jaclyn Roxanne jewelry—a line of fashion jewelry from Jaclyn Hill, who rose to fame doing makeup tutorials on YouTube—followed by “I put on my jewelry just to go to the bodega,” a line from the song “Whole Lotta Money” by rapper BIA that went viral on TikTok. (And something almost everyone can relate to after nearly two years with few events.)

Rounding out the top five rising queries were Banter jewelry (Banter is the new name for Piercing Pagoda), Linjer jewelry and Triple Crown jewelry. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

So, what else were people looking for this year?

Well, when it came to googling for styling advice, “how to style rings” came in at No. 4, topped only by how to style straight-leg jeans, wolf haircuts (google it!), and corsets. Rounding out the “how to style” top five was “how to style a sweater vest.”

The top five most-searched-for aesthetics were: indie; dark academia, which involves dark colors and preppy pieces like blazers and plaid skirts (think Vivian in “Legally Blonde”); cottagecore; Y2K; and sage green.

When it came to searching “near me,” the Google trends data shows that, after addressing COVID concerns, people were looking to get out, eat and be entertained.

The top two “near me” searches in the U.S. this year were “COVID vaccine near me” and “COVID testing near me,” followed by movies, bars, bowling and brunch.

Rounding out the top 10 were COVID booster shots, massage places, aquariums and buffets. (“Jewelry stores near me” did not crack the top 10.)

See all the 2021 trending searches for the U.S. on Trends.Google.com.

The Latest

Jade Trau Constellation Plié Collar
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of Diamonds

The “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.

Former De Beers CFO of Brands and Consumer Markets Shaun Wills
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company

Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.

Brilliant Earth watches
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into Watches

In honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Boucheron Human Being Collection Tattoo Necklace
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch

“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.

Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Baume & Mercier watch
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & Mercier

Richemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.

Joopiter Logo
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch Division

Nate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Enoch Michael
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant Winner

Enoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.

Karen Fox and Jenna Siegel
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner

AGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

Kendra Scott
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor

The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.

Hands crossed with rings on
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers List

Plus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.

René Lalique “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum

René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.

Arien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 Execs

Arien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.

The Retail Smiths partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin Paradox

A podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.

Jewelers of America Impact Initiative Recipients 2026
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative Recipients

The association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.

Zahn Z In Rubies We Clicked
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue

Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.

Police van outside of Musée Lalique
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée Lalique

Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.

Robinson Pelham Summer of ’96 Campaign
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996

The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.

Sean Gilbertson
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps Down

After eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.

Bachendorf’s New Dallas Location Exterior Rendering
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In Dallas

The new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.

Jung Kook for Graff
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New Ambassador

The pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.

Pandora pearl jewelry campaign imagery
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’

One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.

London Diamond Bourse President Charlotte Rose
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female President

Charlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”

Bracelets_1872_1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet Trends

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

Oscar Heyman Flag Brooch
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates America

The American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.

D. Geller & Son store mural
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store Mural

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy