The Hottest Jewelry Trends for 2022
6 reasons to shop now.
IMAGE COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON / DESIGN BY MICHAEL STILLWELL
Sexy is back. From bold gold collars to big, playful earrings and pops of bright juicy color, jewelry is all about maximal fun right now. This is feel-good jewelry, the kinds of pieces that instantly boost your style and spirit. Call it jewelry therapy.
“People are done with their sweats; they want to get dressed up again, wear bright colors, and fun pieces that make them feel happy,” says celebrity stylist Jason Rembert, who just returned from January’s Paris Couture fashion and jewelry shows and said the trends call for sexy, statement looks.
The maximalist style is a welcome change from the minimalist aesthetic of recent seasons. “There’s a shift in jewelry, it’s bolder, stronger and more joyful,” says Alysa Teichman, an owner of the jewelry retailer Ylang 23. “The fun is in mixing it up—combining the new with older pieces, adding pops of color and pieces that you can live in.” So, whether you wear them with a party dress, power suit, or a tank top, these jewels, she says, will ignite joy.
Here are the 6 hottest jewelry trends that will elevate your style and mood in 2022.
The Choker
Spanish model and tv host Nieves Alvarez presents a creation by Stephane Rolland during the Spring-Summer 2022 Haute Couture collection fashion show in Paris.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT
It’s the power piece. Whether it’s a bold gold design, like Louis Vuitton’s new LV Volt Mesh necklace, or a slinky torque, the choker will elevate any look. It was one of the stand-out pieces at the Paris shows in January, says Rembert. “We just saw several jewelers, including De Beers, Boucheron, and Mikimoto, all unveil pretty spectacular collar necklaces, which will undoubtedly make their way to the red carpet this awards season.”
At the couture shows, he says, designers including Giambattista Valli, Fendi, and Elie Saab all featured plunging and strapless necklines lending to the trend and “leaving just the right amount of room for a killer collar.
Maximalist Earrings
Adele attends the 2022 BRIT Awards 2022 in London.
SAMIR HUSSEINGETTY IMAGES
Big earrings are always in style—but they have even more chutzpah this year. Think Silvia Furmanovich’s Egyptian-inspired designs or a chunky gold David Webb style, says Laura Freedman, owner of Broken English, a jewelry store with locations in Los Angeles and New York.
She’s also bringing back the jumbo-sized Italian gold hoop in a nod to the ‘70s and ‘80s. “Every jewelry designer is doing their version of the extra-large earring. It looks chic with everything.”
Bold Gold Chains
A model walks the runway during the Valentino Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2022 fashion show.
VICTOR VIRGILEGETTY IMAGES
There’s no shortage of luxury gold chains—from versatile long necklaces that can be wrapped twice for maximum impact to chunky bracelets and drop earrings. “It’s a nostalgic vibe and it ties in with the “dopamine” dressing trend that everyone keeps referencing,” says Rembert.
It reminds him of an early ‘90s feel, and he singles out Jennifer Fisher, Tiffany & Co., and Sophie Buhai as delivering some of the best styles. That ‘90s-centric is chain link is bigger and chunkier and is even more glamourous when it’s studded with diamonds.
“Chains are dynamic because you can link on lockets, charms, family heirlooms to a necklace, and make it your own,” says Teichman, who points to Marla Aaron’s stylized locks and Foundrae’s symbolic medallions as the best “add-ons.”
Candy-Color Jewels
A model walks the runway during the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring/Summer 2022 show as part of Paris Fashion Week.
STEPHANE CARDINALE - CORBISGETTY IMAGES
Vibrant, juicy colors give jewelry a blast of high energy. From bright enamels to mouthwatering gemstones, big color is everywhere. Teichman says she’s “obsessed” with Irene Neuwirth’s tropical carved floral pendants and Retrouvai’s chunky gemstone Lollipop rings.
Freedman favors Darkai, a new Italian collection with gold and rhodium-plated electric blue and red links that she’s bringing for spring.
Modern Riviere
Daniel Kaluuya attends the 93rd Annual Academy Awards at Union Station.
POOLGETTY IMAGES
The modern riviere is chic, versatile, and everyone’s new favorite. Sarah Jessica Parker— one of the great jewelry influencers—layered them in multiples in nearly every episode And Just Like That. Hailey Bieber posted countless Instagram selfies in tank tops with layers of diamond rivieres.
New styles show diamonds and colored gemstones in a variety of shapes, styles, and price points. “The riviere is like a second skin,” says Freedman. “You can wear it day to night, sleep in it, and it can be layered with longer necklaces and worn with pretty much everything.” Enough said.
Super Chic Signet Rings
Meghan shows off a dainty signet ring.
MAX MUMBY/INDIGOGETTY IMAGES
It’s a style we can’t stop loving. That’s because designers keep developing new takes on these classic gold rings. A favorite of men and women, new styles feature personal and sentimental motifs, and they can be customized with zodiac signs, birthstones, initials and just about anything.
“Personalization is baked into the foundation of jewelry,” says Freedman, “it’s what makes jewelry special.”
JILL NEWMAN Contributing Jewelry & Watches Editor
Newman writes about jewelry, watches, and luxury travel for Town & Country.
