Jewellery trends for 2018

Student Name: Rakshitha Deviah – Jewellery Design

2018 is set to be a big year for jewellery, “big” being the keyword. From bright and bold patterns to larger than life statement pieces, this year, jewellery is not going to be an accessory afterthought. Instead, it promises to be a year for fun trends that speak to the sentiment of individualism and storytelling. This moment belongs to an eclectic and unexpected aesthetic. JD Institute of Fashion Technology picks the Jewellery trends for 2018. Prepare to find yourself in the mood for…

1. Statement Earrings

To say statement earrings will be a big deal this year is an understatement. Here to disrupt the year’s accessories game are glitzy, shoulder-grazing, dramatic drop earrings. Earrings that stand apart from the rest have emerged as the biggest jewellery trend of the year. Sculptural shapes inspired by fine art and nature, chandelier and asymmetrical styles will be the go-to look for the year ahead.

Dries Van Noten/ Zimmermann/Stella McCartney

Images courtesy: Vogue and Imaxtree

2. Transparent Jewellery

Jewellery will be catching on to the trend of transparent shoes and bags that have made their mark on runways. Clear drop earrings, rock crystal pendants, Asscher cut diamonds and transparent cabochons will be key to get the see-through look. A combination of translucent stones and metal will also be popular options for spring and summer.

Balenciaga/Maryam Nassir Zadeh/Chanel

Images courtesy: Vogue and Glamour

3. Layered Necklaces

This year is about adding layers of interest by experimenting with different necklaces and pendant shapes. A series of delicate ultra-thin chains can turn into one statement piece. Mixing metals like yellow and rose gold layered at varying lengths makes for a glimmering, cascading look that is feminine and edgy. Ready to say goodbye to chokers? Not just yet. The popular trend gets a fresh update this season when paired with long necklaces.

Marchesa/Chloe/Versace

Images courtesy: Vogue and Getty Images

4. Bold Pearls

Universally flattering and grandma’s favorite, pearls are back this year and have never been cooler. To shake off their traditional image, pearls have been reborn in unconventional and theatrical ways with Baroque and Tahitian pearls taking center stage. The unusual organic shapes of Baroque pearls make them more appealing than their simple round counterparts. Growing exponentially popular thanks to designers like Sonia Rykiel and Celine, supersized versions will also be seen on earrings, rings and necklaces.

Sonia Rykiel/Marni/Valentino

Images courtesy: Vogue and Glamour

5. Neo-brooches

A personal favourite, the brooch is officially back in a big way. After a long hiatus, ornate pins are being seen all over runways and red carpets. Dramatic bejewelled ones or antique gold versions, worn together or as a single standout piece, brooches won’t just be limited to scarves and jackets.

Balenciaga/Marc Jacobs/Erdem

Images courtesy: Vogue and Getty Images

6. Rainbow Stones

2018 is all about embracing colour and what better way than to wear the bold shades of the rainbow. Basic rings, earrings and necklaces will be amped up by incorporating coloured stones in channel and pavé settings. Jane Taylor and Lydia Courteille have introduced designs that are vibrant, colourful and playoff other gold and silver pieces.

Gucci/Jemma Wynne/The Last Line

Images courtesy: Gucci, Jemma Wynne and The Last Line

7. Statement Necklaces

Gleaming clusters, quirky shapes, edgy wearable sculptures and architectural designs are picking up speed this year with the demand for distinct and exclusive creations being at an all-time high. Glamorous pendants and medallions will have a moment in the style spotlight too.

Prabal Gurung/Gucci/Roland Mouret

Images courtesy: Glamour and Imaxtree

8. Anklets

In keeping with the style revival of the glorious 90s, anklets are all set to make a comeback. From delicate chains to colourful beaded numbers, this time around anklets are going to be sleeker and more sophisticated. A moment of silence for the ubiquitous dolphin and star charm anklets from our teenage days. This summer, with shorter hemlines come dainty gold anklets with pearls and gemstones.

Zimmermann/John Galliano/Victoria Beckham

Images courtesy: Getty and Imaxtree

9. Mismatched Earrings

Mismatched earrings fit right into the concept of the curated ear which is gaining prominence in 2018. This style is all about having fun and creating an element of surprise. Designers Irene Neuwirth, Melissa Joy Manning and Alexander McQueen have made lopsided earrings that are eccentric, imperfect and rebellious. New shapes, colours and embellishments promise to make this style one with maximum impact and endless possibilities. Whether radically different or a cleaner, asymmetrical pairing, mismatched earrings are here to stay and – bonus – this is a very convenient trend if you lose an earring.

ADEAM/Missoni/Oscar de la Renta

Images courtesy: Glamour and Imaxtree

10. Pinky Rings

Micro size pinky rings will be packing a punch this year. Worn as a statement of emancipation or as a proclamation of self-love, modern iterations have made their way to the forefront of self-expression. Pinky rings ranging from monogrammed signets to contemporary cuts and diamond-encrusted styles will provide much-needed relief to ring layering and stacking.

Morphée Joaillerie/ Tadashi Shoji/Luna Skye

Images courtesy: Glamour

To sum it up, with the trends for the year ahead, excitement and spontaneity are the order of the day. With some being investment worthy and a few that are not for the faint-hearted, there seems to be something for everyone.