The jewellery sector, like many other parts of the larger fashion industry, is prone to the occasional shift. What was highly desirable one year might fall out of fashion the next – only to make a triumphant return, decades later.

Some styles and practices, however, have a more enduring appeal. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Bold colours, mixed metals and statement pieces

Mixing metals and stones has long been considered something of a faux pas. But that’s changing. Combining different materials on the same outfit, or the same hand, or even the same ring, is now a great way to draw attention. This is partly a reaction to a trend toward minimalism over the last few years. If you’re looking to express yourself, a colourful gemstone, or an unusual setting, might provide exactly the required ‘pop’.

Sustainability, ethical sourcing and the circular economy

Recent years have seen skyrocketing interest in the state of the natural world – and our impact on it, as a species. This trend has helped to shift our behaviour as consumers – and the jewellery we buy, in particular. We’re seeing more interest in heirloom items, and lab-grown gemstones. When we do buy natural gems, we increasingly want them to be traceable.

Many buyers now prefer to shop for an expensive, statement item that can be repaired and maintained over the years. It appears unlikely that the pendulum will swing back toward disposable jewellery until the world’s environmental problems are fixed.

Accessibility through pre-loved pieces and Second-Hand Jewellery

There’s another implication of the trend toward second-hand jewellery. This part of the industry tends to represent greater value for money. A pre-owned diamond ring will almost always be more affordable than a brand-new one of equivalent value. This, along with a resurgence of semi-fine lines of jewellery, has helped to make the market more attractive to those of limited means, which tends to mean younger people whose earnings don’t yet justify an investment at the higher end of the market.

Jewellery as personal storytelling: design, heritage & wearability

Increasingly, jewellery isn’t just being used as a means of displaying wealth, status, and commitment. It’s also a chance to tell a story about who the wearer is as a person, and where they came from. Charms and symbolic motifs are set to become a fixture on the landscape, and many brands are electing to move away from seasonal pieces in favour of specialised, or even bespoke, items that speak to a deeper sense of personal identity.