WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
When it comes to jewelry, we’ve all got our go-to investment pieces that we wear day in, day out, whether that’s a precious ring or a bracelet given to us on a milestone birthday. But the most modern of jewlery collections are those that mix the high with the low; perhaps teaming a diamond-embellished pendant with costume earrings, or a pearl necklace with a trend-led charm bracelet.
To get a sense of the metals, gemstones and designs we should be (treasure) hunting for in 2021, we spoke to jewellery aficionados Serena Goh, Sarah Mikaela, Lisa DiCicco Cahue and Michella Choi about the latest trends that have them yearning for the return of a social life — or, at the very least, a high-def Zoom call.
2021’s Key Jewelry Trends
The Charm Jewelry Trend: Serena Goh (@theserenagoh)
Talk us through your choice of product and the way you’ve chosen to style it.
I chose the Vivienne Westwood embellished orb necklace because I love layering jewelry. I always start with one statement piece that will take center stage, then I work around it with more minimal pieces. I do this until I feel like it’s the right combination of metals and textures.
Why do you think charm jewelry is currently trending?
A lot of us have recently pared down our wardrobes in one way or another. Bearing this in mind, I believe charm jewelry is trending because it’s classic, easy to style and adds instant flair to an everyday look.
Have you always worn charm jewelry?
Yes, I have a pretty big collection of designer charm jewelry, largely because you can wear it at any time of the day. I also love the range of charm jewelry styles that are available, which makes it easy to find something that fits your personal aesthetic.
Serena’s Charm Jewellery Edit
Paco Rabanne Laser-Cut Charm Necklace/ AMBUSH Mushroom Charm Earring/ Versace Medusa Charms Bracelet/ Goossens Talisman Charm Bracelet
The Pearl Jewelry Trend: Sarah Mikaela (@srhmikaela)
Talk us through your choice of product and the way you’ve chosen to style it.
I chose this beautiful Brinker & Eliza pearl necklace and styled it with a Positano Maria Black pearl bracelet and one of my favorite Jacquemus dresses. I decided to pair the necklace with a shirt-dress as I think it makes for an elegant, feminine look. Also, I wanted the necklace to really stand out, and the V-neck on the dress helped me accomplish this.
Why do you think pearl jewelry is currently trending?
Fashion is revisiting the delicacy of feminine beauty, and I believe pearls represent femininity. I’ve also noticed current trends focus on natural-shaped pearls in particular; I believe this is rooted in our desire for uniqueness within the copy-and-paste world of today.
Have you always worn pearl jewelry?
Almost every day, I wear pearls that I received from my grandmother. I use the gentle necklace to weigh out the masculine elements that make up my style. When I was younger, my mum would wear pearls whenever she went on a date with my dad, or whenever she was attending an event. For this reason, pearls represent absolute elegance to me.
Sarah’s Pearl Jewelry Edit
Prada Shell Drop Earrings/ Simone Rocha Baroque Pearl Earrings/ Givenchy Cloud Pearl Ring/ Chanel Pre-Owned Pearl Pendant Necklace
The Logo Jewelry Trend: Lisa DiCicco Cahue (@lisadnyc)
Talk us through your choice of product and the way you’ve chosen to style it.
I chose these beautiful Fendi gold baguette hoops because I love the size, the gold color and the details — they instantly elevate any outfit. My style is very minimal so these hoops make a statement (thanks to the Fendi logo) and pull my outfit together.
Why do you think logo jewelry is currently trending?
I think logo jewelry is trending because designers are reinterpreting the logo of major fashion houses in cool and unique techniques. Plus, I think the trend offers individuals the opportunity to add a luxury feel to their outfit in a way that’s subtle and affordable.
Have you always worn logo jewelry?
I've been wearing logo jewelry for a while now — usually to elevate a minimal look, or for special occasions. They’re a great way to wear designer without going full logomania, and a great conversation starter.
Lisa’s Logo Jewelry Edit
Fendi F Logo Earrings /Fendi FF Tassel Earrings/ Gucci GG Faux Peal Earrings/ Balenciaga BB Small Stud Earrings
The Party Jewelry Trend: Michella Choi (@michellaccc)
Talk us through your choice of product and the way you’ve chosen to style it.
I love wearing black dresses to parties, which means glitter accessories are essential. These crystal tassel earrings from Isabel Marant are guaranteed to attract attention.
Why do you think party jewelry is currently trending?
I think younger generations are enjoying getting creative with distinctive accessories. The exaggerated jewelry designs can make a simple outfit unforgettable.
Have you always worn party jewelry?
I've always loved wearing various styles of party jewelry to events, but only recently have I started pairing them with the simple outfits I wear while shopping and working.
Michella’s Party Jewelry Edit
Simone Rocha Beaded Drop Earrings/ Alessandra Rich Large Crystal Clip-On Earrings/ AMBUSH Crystal-Embellished Hoop Earring/ Isabel Marant A Wild Shore Earrings
2021’s Micro Jewelry Trends
Serena on statement jewelry: ‘I think there will be a shift from the minimalist jewelry that was favored while consumers stayed indoors in 2020 to exaggerated statement pieces in 2021.’
Lisa on chain jewelry: ‘I think we will see lots of chains in 2021. Chunky chains dominated SS21 runways and designers even added similar chains to their clothing and bags.’
Sarah on symbolic jewelry: ‘I think symbolic jewelry will be big in 2021; the kind of pieces that tell a story, like emblems and compasses.’
Michella on crystal and floral jewelry: ‘I think people will be swapping their metal jewelry for crystal and floral jewelry in 2021.’