CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Events & AwardsFeb 06, 2016
Global, digital influences to inspire design in ‘16
But just knowing the trends won’t be enough for jewelers to sell these pieces. They’ll need to market them accordingly too, said Jewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi.
New York--Movement, openwork and jewelry with an air of spirituality are among the trends expected to be big in the coming year, and retailers who want to capitalize on selling these styles will need to consistently engage with their customers so they know to come into their store for the hottest, latest looks.
“Trends are something that are so vital to our business,” Amanda Gizzi, director of public relations and special events at Jewelers of America, said during a jewelry trends seminar held Monday at the JA New York Summer show.
“What’s going to drive in customers? What’s going to hit that hot button and bring in people off the street? Especially with women, it’s all about that self-purchase, and that’s what makes trends so powerful,” she said.
Gizzi outlined four mega trends for 2016 and the micro-trends that fall under them.
1. Airy perspective. “These are pieces that are refined,” Gizzi said. “It isn’t minimalist, but one beautiful piece that has lots of movement and lots of open space.”
Micro-trends:
--Graphic illusions, or pieces with curves, waves and fluidity that offer lots of flowy lines and movement; these pieces don’t lie flat on the body
--Pattern evolution, which includes geometric patterns and cut-out effects that lets the skin show through
--Smooth intensity, using transparent metals or those with a high or glossy polish
Micro-trends:
--Mysterious boudoir, or lace, scrollwork and contrasting colors that “show the piece is feminine, but not overly girly”
--Dark glamour, including jewelry shaped as wings and feathers, vintage pieces, scale-inspired patterns and old Hollywood glamour; blackened materials work well here because the hue “gives a lot of drama.”
--Wicked garden, also known as nature-inspired pieces--think leaves, branches and thorns--done in a new way
RELATED CONTENT: Jewelry in hues that will be hot when the temperature cools down
3. Global delights. “This is all about how people’s obsessions with things outside of their normal world influence what they want to buy and wear,” Gizzi said. “It’s about going to exotic places and wanting to have a reminder of that with them at all times.”
Micro-trends:
--Exotic tales, referring to
“things that have spiritual influences all across the board, particularly in high-karat gold, but also in sterling silver and blackened metals as well,” she said. This scope also covers carved gemstones and cameos that embody cultural references and ethnic influences.
--Glitzy bloom, those bright floral designs that continue to stick around in glittering colors and bright gemstones
--Cracked origins, which is all about cracked surfaces and fossilized pieces in these “really organic, natural formations,” she said.
--Glitzy bloom, those bright floral designs that continue to stick around in glittering colors and bright gemstones
--Cracked origins, which is all about cracked surfaces and fossilized pieces in these “really organic, natural formations,” she said.
4. Digital East. Jewelry that takes inspiration from the Far East.
Micro-trends:
--Pixel collision, such as gemstone mosaics, pieces with an ombré or pixelated effect and multicolor pavé
--Urban pulsations, which includes emojis, wearable technology, digital pop culture and neon and primary colors. This trend is about “just having a little more fun with things,” Gizzi said.
When it comes to jewelers using these trends to their advantage, Gizzi said it’s not enough to just know what they are. Retailers have to be able to market the trends accordingly to help drive business.
Here’s what she recommends retailers do.
--Read and watch. Be vigilant. See what people are talking about, visit websites like TheCut.com and read InStyle magazine. See what’s happening and what designers are pushing; this is what women are aspiring for.
--Promote the trends carried in the store. Use email, the store’s website, tie it into social media accounts--and always be telling the same story.
--Connect and discuss on social media. “Use hashtags; it ties you and other people to a larger discussion. It’s all about connecting,” Gizzi said, using hashtag examples such as #trendy, #instajewels and #diamonds.
--Watch and join the conversation. “When we watch the red carpet (shows), we’re telling JA members to join us in that conversation,” Gizzi said, so all retailers need to get in on the action when these events happen and join the discussion. If a jeweler carries a style similar to what was seen on the red carpet, show it--this is a great way to reach new customers.
--Instagram. This is the most powerful tool a retailer or jewelry designer can have right now. “You’re simply telling a story through pictures and hashtags so people can find you,” she said.
--Invest. Invest time and tools into being able to share trends. Women need more reasons to come into jewelry stores and buy product, especially today. “This is where trends can really take your business to the next level,” Gizzi said.
--Refresh. Jewelers cannot promote trends with the same inventory they’ve had for the past two years. Make sure the store has something new that will allow it to be part of the discussion.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
