Current Jewelry Trends: Holiday 2019 Edition

New York—Stocking up for the busiest time of the year—the winter holidays—retail jewelers have their tried-and-true fine jewelry staples ready to go: the diamond studs, the simple pendant, the stacking rings.

But where to direct design-conscious consumers buying something for themselves, or the gift-giving spouse who has exhausted the jewelry staples over the years?

National Jeweler has rounded up three trends that are fashion-forward and trending but totally timeless.

A heart motif is hardly new, but its latest iteration is different from hearts past in that it’s no longer sickly sweet but modern and cool.

Designers are applying their own signatures to the heart to make them uniquely and recognizably theirs.

Irene Neuwirth uses flat gold in a brushed finish to showcase exquisite gemstones, making each iteration one of a kind. Arman Sarkisyan, meanwhile, incorporates his signature hand-engraving and mix of 22-karat gold and oxidized sterling silver to craft heart-shaped lockets.

Yeprem’s take on hearts is totally true to the brand, rendered in a maximalist array of diamonds for a red-carpet worthy pendant, while emerging brand Imperfect Grace’s textured signet is a perfect everyday fine jewelry staple.  

A statement earring is a natural next step for the fine jewelry lover who already has her bases covered with studs and hoops.

Several designers have been embracing the collarbone duster—think shoulder dusters but even a little longer; the style is surprisingly wearable and flattering.

The styles currently available range from earthy to classic to bold. The former is best encapsulated in Pippa Small’s opal style, appealing to the gemstone or color lover. Mizuki’s pearl iteration or Lalaounis’ sleek gold drops are timeless and appropriate for all ages.

Kim Mee Hye’s evolving play of shapes, scale and finishes result in the statement earring ideal for the art lover and jewelry connoisseur while Lydia Courteille’s latest collector’s item, in blue titanium, is as head-turning as any fan would expect.

The resurgence of enamel in the last five years has exhibited considerable staying power, showing a demand from consumers. More contemporary designers are jumping on the bandwagon, livening up their best-selling styles in new colors or coming up with new ranges devoted to the material altogether.

This is a great trend in which to invest in some classic styles, like Melissa Kaye’s sophisticated hoop earrings or an easy-to-wear Bleecker and Prince enamel pendant from