Sexy and Strong: Hot Jewelry Trends for 2018

The new year is here, and for jewelry buffs, it’s time to look to the coming year and consider upcoming looks and trends. To help you know what’s in this year, we share some insights from JCK Online, a longtime authority on the jewelry retailing and design industry.

The overarching theme of 2018 jewelry represents women’s strength. Fashion jewelry buyers are gravitating toward pieces that reflect a woman’s strength and power with designs that include swords, shields, daggers, and royal crest motifs. This look is also certainly influenced by the HBO show and pop culture smash hit, “Game of Thrones.”

Pearls: always in style – Pearls have been in vogue since Coco Chanel wrapped herself in dozens of luminous ropes. And while they have never gone out of style, their popularity has waxed and waned over the years. If you’re a pearl lover, you’ll be pleased to know that pearls are back in a big way for 2018.

Playful plastic charm necklaces – Plastic charm necklaces are a trend that’s been brewing for some time. Colorful and playful—think multi-colored teddy bears—they can brighten up your winter wardrobe and inspire smiles.

DIY jewelry – Handmade quality and fabulously unique, DIY jewelry is still a big look this year. Stripped down, oversized, handmade jewelry that borrows from tribal decorative traditions is especially hot with millennials and Gen Zers.

Chain-drop jewelry – Chain-drop jewelry has become a celebrity staple on the red carpet and for good reason—it’s a refined, dramatic look that flatters universally. Pieces can vary widely style-wise, from a simple ball on a string to ornate detailed pieces suitable for a queen.

Cameos: Old World look back in – Cameo jewelry, known for its stylized silhouette profiles of a woman, is decidedly “Old World,” yet back in vogue. Look for unique pieces at estate sales, especially brooches.

The brooch is officially back on the runways and red carpets—and younger consumers are getting in on this jewelry trend by pinning bejeweled brooches to their jean jackets. The look is a mash-up of vintage and ‘80s style.

Enamel and inlay – Jewelry incorporating color and illustration, via enamel and inlay, is having a bona fide moment in the style spotlight. Look for unique handmade pieces.

Vintage is timeless – While sleek and simple styles have been popular in jewelry for a while, the romance and femininity inherent to vintage and vintage-inspired jewelry—mainly Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian—represent a pendulum swing back to a more romantic aesthetic. In 2018, look for dainty pieces; bold, geometric necklaces and bracelets; and clean, minimal metal cuffs and earrings. And of course, you can’t forget fabulous cocktail rings – not one, but several.

Post-back button earrings – This adorable coat button look hasn’t been in vogue in years, yet is suddenly all the rage with younger jewelry lovers. For a great winter look, choose post-back button earrings that match the buttons on your coat. Too cute!

Mix and match to combine styles – No matter what your jewelry preference, hybrid looks are completely acceptable in 2018. So, have fun setting yourself apart from the crowd by mixing and matching different jewelry pieces.

The best thing about this fashion concept is you don’t have to spend a lot of time, money and energy on shopping—just look in your box of jewels and take the first two contrasting earrings that you think will be fun to wear together.

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