By analysing Google trend data and in-store interest, the team at Ernest Jones reveal the jewellery trends which are set to dominate 2022, including the wedding industry.
By Ernest Jones
The reoccurring theme of 2022, and one which unites most of the trends, comes from turning away from tradition. Whether it is a modern take on classic looks, for example, pearls or signet rings, Ernest Jones reveals the top jewellery trends which are dominating the industry. The team also reveal the modern take on engagement rings, including male engagement rings and an increase of coloured stones.
Personalised jewellery
Personalised jewellery – 430.4% increase in searches
Personalised jewellery is the perfect unique gift for a loved one. Instead of opting for a “one size fits all” policy when it comes to gifting, by personalising jewellery to best suit individual tastes you can guarantee something not only more personal, but more sentimental. Many pieces of jewellery from Ernest Jones are engravable and can be made unique for the individual wearer. From bracelets to necklaces and signet rings, you can engrave jewellery with special names and dates.
Birthstone and zodiac jewellery
Birthstone – 202.04% increase in searches
Zodiac jewellery – 230.2% increase in searches
Birthstones and zodiac jewellery have increased in popularity since the pandemic began in 2020, due to the growing awareness of zodiac and star signs. It is also thought that wearing your birthstone can provide good luck but wearing a different birthstone can cause the opposite, and this dates back thousands of years.
The National Association of Jewellers last defined the birthstones for each month back in 1912, and the list is as follows:
January – Garnet, provides strength and safety
February – Amethyst, represents purification and protection
March – Aquamarine, calming and cleansing
April – Diamond, provides strength and purity
May – Emerald, represents health and wisdom
June – Pearl, associated with purity
July – Ruby, represents protection
August – Peridot, attracts good luck
September – Sapphire, provides purity and wisdom
October – Opal, represents hope
November – Citrine, boosts good luck and confidence
December – Turquoise, provides happiness and fortune
Self-gifting
Investment jewellery – 9600% increase in searches
Who said you need to wait and be gifted a piece of jewellery? Instead, a popular trend is to simply treat yourself to your own presents. Although this isn’t necessarily a new act, one of the specific reasons for the rise of self-gifting is due to the pandemic, with self-gifting acting as a post-lockdown pick me up for many.
Another one of the reasons for the self-gifting trend comes from the possible returns on specific jewellery items. Now is a great time to invest in certain pieces of jewellery, such as watches and diamonds, as you are likely to see a good return on your money should you wish to sell later on.
Men’s jewellery
Men jewellery – 618.8% increase in searches
Fresh off the Paris Fashion Week runways, genderless or male-specific jewellery has become increasingly popular. This trend has also become popular thanks to celebrities and influencers, who can often be seen adorning accessories. The most popular accessories which have dominated this trend is chains as they are a simple yet effective way of adding another layer to your outfit. Ernest Jones provides various chains that best suit individual tastes, for example, a thinner chain for those who would prefer more of a simple look.
Bigger is better
Bold jewellery – 9900% increase in searches
Minimalism and simplicity are now a thing of the past, with one of the most popular trends of 2022 being bold jewellery. Whether it’s bright colours or chunky statement pieces, so-called “dopamine accessorising,” which essentially means dressing for pleasure, is a fun way to show your personality through your accessories. From gold chain necklaces and bracelets to statement rings and even cufflinks, big and bold jewellery is surprisingly versatile as it can be paired up with even more bold statement pieces or used as the focal point of the outfit.
Modern classics the pearl
Pearl jewellery – 253.8% increase in searches
There’s a common misconception that pearls are a more formal and conservative accessory, however many designers and retailers have reimagined the look and modernised them to suit the contemporary consumer. Pearls are versatile as they can be used to help compliment an outfit, for example in the form of a pearl and bead necklace, or the pearl can be the statement piece with large stud earrings or break the tradition even further with a black coloured pearl pendant.
Engagement ring trends
- Coloured stones
Coloured engagement ring – 9900%
While diamonds are the tradition, many couples are turning away from the norm and opting for coloured gemstones instead. Not only can a colour gem normally be slightly cheaper than a diamond, but coloured stones can hold more significance and meaning. You can choose your or your partner’s birthstone or even just opt for a colour which you tend to wear more often.
Male engagement rings
Male engagement ring – 9100%
Whether it’s a same-sex or opposite-sex relationship, engagement rings for men have been around for centuries, dating back to Ancient Rome. Typically, engagement rings for men tend to have a smaller stone than one for women, although of course this is completely down to the individual and are a great way to show individuality and style.
Truly unique engagement rings
Bespoke engagement rings – 9600%
For something truly bespoke, Ernest Jones offers a bespoke design service where you can create your own engagement ring and make it completely unique to you. From the stone type to the engagement ring metal, with the bespoke service, Ernest Jones can ensure an engagement ring which is perfectly individual.
