Did you know that the global jewelry market was worth $249.02 billion last year and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% from this year to 2030?
According to Grand View Research, the anticipated growth is a function of increasing disposable income and cutting-edge jewelry designs. The research firm also cites a study from Plumb Club indicating that 30% of consumers say they bought additional jewelry during the coronavirus pandemic. So, not even COVID-19 lockdowns and mask mandates kept them from spending.
While COVID-19 isn’t over, things have improved–and here’s to hoping that pandemic lockdowns are a thing of the past. Whether you’ve spent on jewelry during the pandemic or have curtailed spending due to the economic uncertainty, you might be interested in spending now. What should you be looking for if you find yourself in the market for some jewelry this year?
Diamonds are becoming more popular, says Grand View Research, because of a boost in consumer disposable income. It’s said that diamonds are forever, and they’re sure built to last, as diamonds are one of the hardest substances in the world. Whether you like diamonds, gold, silver, pearls, or anything else, you’ll find many options. But what’s trendy this year?
Keep reading to see 5 jewelry trends you need to know about in 2022. The first entry, diamonds developed in a laboratory rather than deep under the earth, is one to pay particular attention to.
- Lab-Developed Diamonds
While lab-developed diamonds aren’t new, they’re becoming more popular. The first thing you need to understand is that lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. When most people think about diamonds, they envision the types that mining companies dig up.
Mined diamonds are formed under the earth when carbon deposits are subject to intense heat and pressure. Lab-developed diamonds, however, are formed in specially equipped laboratories. These facilities use technology that replicates the natural process of diamond formation. So, a lab-grown diamond is an actual diamond. But instead of being naturally formed underground, it’s made in a laboratory. The end product is the same as far as quality.
Why would you want a lab-grown diamond over a mined diamond? For one thing, it’s cheaper than a mined diamond. It’s also better for the environment since there’s no deed to excavate massive chunks of land to extract diamonds. This process devastates ecosystems and causes deforestation. Another benefit is that lab-grown diamonds are a great option to avoid so-called blood diamonds. This is a term that refers to diamonds that are sold to fund the waging of war against governments. You’ll know the origin of any lab-developed diamond you buy, so you can avoid blood diamonds.
- Recycle & Vintage
Another trend to be on the lookout for this year is a move towards recycling jewelry and going with vintage jewelry. In their quest to be more environmentally friendly, many lovers of fine jewelry are choosing to recycle jewelry they no longer use. And when the time comes to buy new pieces to add to their collections, many consumers choose antique and vintage pieces over new pieces. Ethically sourced and fair-mined jewelry is also popular. Going this route will also net you good deals since options like vintage jewelry are easier on the wallet.
- Large-Scale Earrings
The saying that one should go big or go home doesn’t usually apply to earrings. But it might as well be given the hot trend of large-scale earrings this year. They’re not just big earrings, mind you. They’re enormous, and sometimes a single one of them on one ear is enough. It’s the sort of statement piece that will add some pop to whatever outfit you put together. You’ll see plenty of options to suit your sense of style, whether that involves materials, colors, or size. If you’ve never seen large-scale earrings up close and personal, you should do so. It might be just the thing you need to pair with an outfit. You can stand out for all the right reasons.
- Pearlcore
Pearls have been a favorite among queens for a long time. In fact, some people mistakenly believe that pearls are for little old ladies like the Queen of England. The reality is that pearls can work great for anyone. Pearls were hot items back in the ’80s and ’90s before losing steam, but they’ve made a comeback this year. A hot trend for this year is pearlcore. It involves incorporating pearls of different colors, styles, and sizes into your outfits. Whether you’re getting all glammed out for a wedding, putting together an outfit for a night out on the town, or just getting ready to hang out with friends for any occasion, you can use pearls to up the look of virtually any outfit your put on.
- Big Gold Chains
Are you looking for more inspiration ahead of a trip to the jeweler? Consider big gold chains. Necklaces have always been in vogue. But the trend this year is for bolder statement pieces that really stand out.
Small, barely noticeable chains won’t cut it if you want to be on top of the trends for 2022. Oversized gold chains that have an in-your-face presence are what’s in fashion. You can wear the giant gold chain on its own or layer it with other pieces that add some extra pop. Gold is always in style. But going with a big gold chain will up the ante.
So, there you have it. These 5 jewelry trends for 2022 reveal some of the things to be aware of if you like to be on top of fashion trends. This is just the tip of the iceberg, however, as there are other noteworthy trends this year.
If you’re looking to start a jewelry collection or add to your existing collection, you’ll want to know what’s out there. The trends listed above will get you started. Figure out what types of jewelry you like and how they will look with your outfits. If you do your research and compare prices, you’re bound to find affordable pieces you love.
