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

Anza Gems gemstones
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in Tucson

The new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for Success

In his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in January

The index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.

MJSA Apprenticeship Guide
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Foundrae Aspen Store
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store Opening

The new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.

Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Bulgari Gioco di Forme e Colori watch and brooch
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales Slip

The brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.

GemFair x DBL Toi et Moi Ring
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal Diamonds

The collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Montana sapphire
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana Sapphires

The initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.

Columbia Gem House celestial shapes
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Diamond center in Saurimo, Angola
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit

Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.

Francesca’s boutique
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All Stores

The retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.

Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, Lavina Hunt-Lewis
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board Members

The new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.

Tiffany & Co. Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837 Campaign
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love Stories

The jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.

DCA colored gemstone course
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone Course

The new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.

Deutsch & Deutsch jewelers team
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in Texas

Family-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

Baume & Mercier Riviera 10812 pink watch
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & Mercier

The Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.

Martin Katz snowflake earrings
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather

Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.

Ella Blum
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand Strategy

Ella Blum was appointed to the newly created role.

National-Jeweler_1872x1502_B copy.png
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone Market

Sponsored by RapNet

Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a Buyer

Investment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.

A Diamond Is Forever book
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ Book

It explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.

Sindhu Culas
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America President

Retail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.

Taylor Burgess
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales Officer

Taylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.

My Next Question podcast with Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s Next

Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Jules Kim of Bijules, Sophie Howard of By Pariah, Jade Ruzzo, Joy Haugaard of Lionheart, Vanessa Fernández of Vanessa Fernández Studio, Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Gavel and books stock image
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store Robbery

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.

×

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