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For most of us, jewelry is the last thing we put on before heading out for the day. It makes sense; even if you’re sporting the lingerie-as-daywear trend, you still need to prioritize covering your body before you accent it with glimmering baubles. But, rather than letting your earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings be an afterthought, consider positioning them as the heroes of your look—and the 2023 jewelry trends are ones not to overlook. Sure, they may still be the finishing touch, but when you’re styling each piece with just a little more intention than before, they may just take your ‘fit from impeccable to unparalleled.
Timeless, everyday accouterments will always have a space in our wardrobes, but it never hurts to see what’s trending, right? That’s precisely why we turned to Victoria Lampley, founder of The Stax, a jewelry and style advisory, to weigh in on the industry’s patterns for the new year, both from her meetings with designers of fine jewelry brands as well as experience with clients. Below, Lampley’s thoughts on the best jewelry trends for 2023.
Mermaidcore
Once a viral topic of discussion on TikTok and now among the best jewelry designers, mermaidcore—with its dreamy, oceanic, and beachy motifs—is becoming a mainstay in the fashion world. “I’ve noticed a major uptick in [the theme], something our New York editor, Harling Ross, and I have recently discussed when favorite jewelers perfecting this aesthetic,” Lampley—who mentions designers including Renato Cipullo—tells me. This year, give in to the trend’s siren call, whether it be in the form of molten seashells and aquatic creatures or baroque pearls.
Renna Single Aquamarine Bitsy Ursula Stud Earring
Brilliant Earth 14K Yellow Gold Seashell Pendant
Saint Laurent Dangling Seashell Bracelet
Buggy Baubles
When you aren’t daydreaming about lazing in a grotto, tap into your curious side with pieces from designers like Daniela Villegas and Harwell Godfrey that feel unlike your others. “I’ve had a lot of clients seeking investment pieces that are bespoke, opulent, gilded, and meaningful,” the jewelry aficionado shares. “These pieces are often based around a symbolic insect or creature with customizable stones to reflect family birthstones and significant colors.”
Foundrae Encrusted Butterfly Wings 18-Karat Gold Diamond Necklace
Sydney Evan 14k Gold Ruby Diamond Ladybug Single Stud Earring
Smila Brav The Beetle Necklace
Contemporary Relics
On that note, now’s the time to invest in modern heirlooms—or better yet, jewelry that feels as if it came from another era. Lampley cites Jenna Katz, Prounis, Darius Jewels, and Loren Nicole as designers who create pieces that look as if they belong in an art or history museum, attributing the look to 22- or 24-carat gold they work with.
Prounis Moonlit Mango Moonstone Earrings
Anthony Lent Celestial Cabochon Bead Ring in Rhodolite Garnet and 18k Gold
The Met Museum Medieval Stone Cuff Bracelet
Perched Gems
This year, according to Lampley, designers, both in the high and fine jewelry space, are creating styles with stones that could—and, in fact, do—practically stand on their own. “I’ve seen a big trend toward ‘perch’ rings, whereby the gem is perched on the band and/or enveloped by gold,” she says.
Katkim Floating Diamond Double Ring
Jemma Wynne Anniversary Marquis Diamond Wave Cuff
Arielle Ratner Tilted Perch Ring
Major Ear Cuffs
In tandem with the rise of oversized jewelry and accessories, ear cuffs are sizing up. “Ear cuffs are still a major trend, and getting bigger and bigger,” Lampley offers. Make a statement this year and add some edge to your earscape with an XL cuff from Ana Khouri, Natalia Pas, and other cool designers.
All Blues Almost Bold 18kt Gold-Vermeil Ear Cuff
Jenny Bird Tome Triple Ear Cuff
Soko Nyundo Ear Cuff
Found Objects
Embrace the world around you with jewelry made of bits and pieces of it. From Rondel’s seashells from the beach and sea glass (see: mermaidcore) to stone pendants à la CAM Jewelry, which are made using foraged from meaningful places, this is the trend to shop if you prefer one-of-a-kind stunners.
Rondel Seashell Charm
SVNR Oaxaca Necklace
CAM Studios Deep Grey Catalina Island Rock
The Power Pinky
“To me, the power pinky is the most feminist piece of jewelry,” Lampley expresses, highlighting styles from Nina Runsdorf, Jenna Katz, and Natalia Pas. “It really dates back to the 1920s and ’30s, when many suffragettes started wearing them to represent self-love.” Well, that’s reason enough for us to get on board.
EF Collection Rainbow Happiness Signet Pinky Ring
Boochier Orange Fruit Hoops Pinky Ring
Jennifer Fisher Globe Pinky Ring
Lab-Grown
You may be familiar with lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, which typically result in more sustainable and ethical methods than traditional mining for natural stones. Lampley shares that there’s been a bigger movement to embrace lab-grown stones in general, and some of her favorite designers in this space include Anabela Chan, Dorsey, and Or & Elle.
Dorsey Sofie Inverted Canary Sapphire Earrings
Clean Origin Certified Round Brilliant 4-Prong Diamond Stud Earrings in 14K Gold
Or & Elle Bracelet George Rivière
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.