Trends to look out for in 2021

Trends to look out for in 2021 – Working out of home may have been out of compulsion in 2020. We got into the habit of zoom calls with a formal shirt and pyjama bottoms. We got used to dressing comfortable and I think this is a trend that is going to stick. If you are going to go between one zoom meeting to the next all you need is a shirt and a pair of earrings or a lovely necklace. 

With the whole world in a state of financial crisis, people have started think of ways to spend more wisely: the trend is toward buying few things, but items that could last a lifetime and have meaning. Slow fashion and sustainability are not only trends that reduce our carbon footprint on this planet. They also come with the need to buy few, but buy good items that are valuable to us. 

Fine jewelry is one of the few luxury products that persisted doing well even through the pandemic. People saw the value in buying something that will last a lifetime and have appreciating value for generations to come. There are three sections that started doing really well:

1. Jewelry with meaning 

Someone close to you is getting married, or has a milestone anniversary or birthday this year. Social gatherings are at a minimum—how do you celebrate and let them know that they are special to you? Most people turned to personalized gifting. There are so many ways to personalize diamond and gold jewelry: monogram jewels, zodiac signs, constellation signs, Hamsa and evil eyes for good luck – these are just a few ways to gift something valuable as well as personal. Even if these were budgeted gifts, these jewels would last a life time and forever be a reminder of love and care.  

2. Jewelry that is comfortable to wear on a daily basis.

Apart from being really beautiful, the Cuban link bracelets, necklaces, rings and anklets are so comfortable to wear! They can add an accent of elegance to practically any outfit. They fit nicely into the comfort fashion that we all have gotten so used to. 

Ofcourse, the Cuban link jewelry gives quite a chunky look. If you are looking for something a little lighter- something you can fall asleep in, thin chains with a small pendant works beautifully. 

3. Opaque jewels 

There are 4 opaque stones that have been making their way into fine jewelry for daily wear: these are blue lapis lazuli, green malachite, white mother of pearl, and red carnelian. Used in watches and jewelry, these four opaque stones add a beautiful matt contrast to the otherwise shiny diamonds and gold. So many brands like Van Cleef & Arpels, Dior and Tiffany have introduced these stones to add a splash of colour to their plain diamond and gold line. 

So to sum things up, I think 2021 will be firstly about comfortable jewelry that you can wear on a daily basis. Fine jewelry is especially suited to fill this area because unlike other metals, solid gold does not discolour, and nickel free gold jewelry avoids allergic skin reactions which you may find common while using non precious metals. 

Secondly, 2021 will see a shift in what people choose to spend on.  Well-priced, personalized fine jewelry definitely makes this list. The pandemic has taught us two things: to show people important to us how much we love them, and to do it in a budget that doesn’t burn a hole in our pocket. Fine jewelry functions in a rather unique space – you have something that will remain of immense value over time, and something that can be passed down from one generation – age only adding more charm to the jewel. 

Finally, a trend to follow through to next year are opaque stones like malachite, mother of pearl, blue lapis lazuli and carnelian.

These are the trends to look out for in 2021