Gemstones and Heirlooms: Accessorizing With High-End Jewelry

Earlier this year, the highest price paid at an online jewel auction was recorded when a consumer bid on an Indian-inspired, gem-encrusted art deco bracelet. According to reports, the collector paid $1.34 million for a 1930s Cartier Tutti Fruity bracelet at a Sotheby’s online auction back in April, but that record was soon broken when someone paid over $2 million for a 28.86 carat diamond at a Christie’s online jewelry auction in June. Indeed, statement jewelry has proven to be the top-selling items in both auction houses, and more people are predicted to invest in colorful and elaborate jewelry over the coming months. Here are the luxury jewelry trends to watch out for in 2021.

Gemstone engagement rings

Gemstone engagement rings are surging in popularity, as they allow couples to express themselves in a colorful way. In fact, the royals famously eschewed the classic diamond solitaire in favor of colorful rings, such as Princess Diana’s oval 12-carat Ceylon sapphire ring set in white gold, which now belongs to the Duchess of Cambridge. One great advantage to sapphire jewelry is that sapphire works for every occasion. Be it a small get-together or a red carpet event, you simply can’t go wrong with it.

Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring also made headlines back in 2018 after Jack Brooksbank gave her a ring that features a Padparascha sapphire, which is a rare gemstone with a pink tint. Meanwhile, celebrities such as Katy Perry have also been seen sporting a non-traditional engagement ring. Back in February, Orlando Bloom proposed to the singer with a ring that has an oval-shaped ruby surrounded by white diamonds. Because of this trend, it’s expected that more brides-to-be will be wearing engagement rings that feature Syberian amethysts, Kashmir sapphires, blue and pink diamonds, Burmese rubies, and Colombian emeralds, among others, by next year.

Chunky gold jewelry

For years, understated and delicate jewelry reigned supreme, as these were equated with having refined tastes. But as more of us are communicating via video calls, the quest for something that has a little more visual impact has resulted in the chunky gold jewelry trend. It’s predicted that delicate chains, thin stacked rings and bracelets, and minimalist earrings will be out, while chunky pieces such as thick, braided golden chains, wide gold cuffs, and vintage gold cocktail rings will be all the rage among tastemakers in 2021.

Breathing new life into family heirlooms

Some people who have been given jewelry that has been handed down through generations often keep them in a vault or safe as they don’t mesh well with their personal style. But as more jewelry enthusiasts are looking to breathe new life into their family heirlooms, repurposing vintage jewelry is likely to be a huge trend in the months to come. Repurposing jewelry is a fabulous way to practice sustainability, and it also allows one to showcase their connection to their ancestors. Gemstones can be taken out of old settings and can be used to make one fabulous piece, such as a gem-encrusted bangle or bib necklace, while old gold can be melted down to make jewelry that plays well with today’s fashion looks.

So don’t be hesitant to play with your best pieces. Whether it’s a formal or informal occasion, feel free to accessorize to your heart’s content.

Read more: Pandora Jewelry in 2021 – Is it Worth it?