What’s hot and what’s not? It’s a big question with so many avenues to explore and almost infinite arguments for why one piece reigns supreme over another in the battle for our wallets. What should we look for? What’s a good deal? Even, where do I look? These are all important questions that need consideration, but in my opinion, jewelry should be viewed through a far different lens, as a personal emblem of our style and individual expression. It should speak to you with the way it looks, the way it feels, and most importantly, the way it makes you feel. It can be everything from the finishing touch of the perfect look to a gift for our loved ones or even ourselves. It can be a beloved treasure to make a heartfelt or royal statement or a savvy investment in the future with the side benefit of its beauty. As a jewelry advisor and the Founder of A2Z, where I match-make Middle Eastern clients with unique jewelry and art they’ll love from all over the world, I’ve gathered some unique insights from the conversations I have every day with many of the region’s most avid collectors. I’ve learned what they’re looking for and how it resonates with their evolving personal tastes. I see the trends appear through their collective voice and though it’s a gargantuan task to discuss it all, I thought I’d take you on a journey through some of the low-hanging trends that I believe will define this year in jewelry. From understated brushed finishes to bold statements and audacious designs, each of these trends is a reflection of a collective desire, where every piece is its own story, spoken through the universal language of beauty.
Destination Anywhere: One Statement, Two Worlds.
In 2024, there’s one overarching trend that I see as universally relevant. It’s more a sign of the times, signifying a change in work-life behaviors than the others. With the lines between these two, otherwise foreign worlds, continuing to blur, and entertainment and social time skyrocketing to the fore, we’re seeing more need than ever for versatile pieces that can make a statement anywhere, across a wide range of looks. Not too extravagant, but far from understated, these pieces are equally at home in the office or during a day out with friends and loved ones, ever ready for whatever comes next. So many of our community are looking for versatile one-off pieces that can instantly elevate an entire look, whether dressing up or down, anytime, day or night. They’re looking for a striking detail to cap any outfit; one that screams fashion-forward, turns heads, and starts great conversations.
Embracing the Imperfect: Brushed Finishes and Offset Stones.
This year, imperfection will take center stage. This fast-emerging trend puts the spotlight on raw, unpolished, and brushed finishes and asymmetrically set stones, giving off a quirky, authentic, and individualistic vibe. For collectors, this trend is about finding beauty in unique pieces that challenge traditional symmetry and ideas in a way that stands out. It’s a hot find for savvy clients who are always on the hunt for new frontiers and understand the long-term economic value in eccentricity as a way of distinguishing themselves from the ordinary.
Bold & Impactful: Architectural Designs and Statement Stones.
Get ready for bold contrasts this year. Think architectural designs and statement stones that grab people’s attention from the moment you walk into the room. This trend is for the creative and maybe a little daring among us, who aren’t afraid to show off their confident, unconventional jewelry choices. These pieces embrace the contrast between dark and light architectural structures, juxtaposed by contrasting stones set with non-conformist lines. Think ’80s revival with a 2024 twist. Again, these pieces are equally at home on a night out or at the office, designed not just to complement any outfit but, in this case, to define it. These are the year’s inescapable conversation starters. Whether it’s earrings, a chunky bracelet, or a striking pendant, you’ll see them in all the right places making a lasting impression.
Fusion of Art and Jewelry: The Age of Wearable Art.
As an avid art collector and advisor as well as a jewelry enthusiast, it’s exciting to see so many designers starting to look at their pieces as individual works of art. They understand that a story can be told through any medium and that art isn’t any longer just for walls; it’s for wearing. 2024 will blur the lines between art and jewelry, creating pieces that are as much a masterpiece as any painting or sculpture. These are the signature pieces that tell the story of the artist’s soul and vision. You’ll know them when you see them. They’re becoming extremely popular with many of my clients who see themselves as patrons of the arts, and who appreciate the story, creativity, and craftsmanship that goes into every piece. These pieces are this year’s ‘Golden Child’ to the tastemakers who we’ll see wearing them to many of the hottest gatherings, events, and parties in the world.
Sustainable and Ethical: The Conscious Choice.
No op-ed on trends could exist without mentioning sustainability and the environment. With so many of my younger buyers deeply passionate about climate change and the environment, they’re becoming ever more aware of the designers they wear. They represent the fastest-growing segment, with Millennials and Gen Z buyers in the Middle East understanding the right jewelry as a great investment and looking past other more traditional asset classes. As we become more aware of our impact on the planet, the trend towards sustainable and ethical jewelry is growing stronger and will get stronger still, driven by these groups. This year, it’s about making conscious choices, selecting pieces that are not only beautiful but also responsibly sourced and created. I’m excited to support this much-needed trend that aligns with our own values at A2Z. Beyond the pieces themselves, we’ll see companies giving back to conscious causes, offering these upwardly mobile consumer groups the opportunity to buy pieces they love that reflect a future and the values that are important to them.
The true essence of jewelry lies in what it means to you. It’s not just about following trends; it’s about finding pieces that resonate with your personal story and style. So, whether you’re drawn to the understated elegance, statement pieces, or bold architectural designs, whether you’re drawn to its story or excited by its message, let your jewelry be an extension of who you are and your biggest supporter and symbol of the story you want to tell. As we look to the future, let’s embrace these trends not just as fleeting fashions, but as expressions of our evolving identities and tastes, each piece a chapter in our own unique story.
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