The Natural Diamond Councilin India and the United Arab Emirates launched the second edition of the jewellery trend report offering insights into jewellery trends in 2022.
Trends within the jewellery industry see an evolution from previous years, according to the council. While classics make a comeback, iconic pieces like hoops and pearls get a modern upgrade.
Defining these very trends in the jewellery industry, the Natural Diamond Council report takes a deep dive into the world of jewellery design, speaking to experts like Rhea Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, HH Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda, Bibhu Mohapatra, Roohi Oomerbhoy Jaikishan, Katerina Perez, Sarah Royce-Greensill and Nonita Kalra. The women shared their insights on jewellery, along with styles they believe will be seen more often.
According to Global Fashion Designer, Bibhu Mohapatra, “Fine jewellery has the ability to tell stories — that’s what makes them heirlooms. They can be passed through generations, each time telling the stories of those who once owned and wore the pieces. It’s like the story of a natural diamond, which is formed over billions of years and lives eternally.”
A cultural transformation over the past year in the industry has inspired some to go back to the good old classics; timeless designs have been made modern with edgy, contemporary styles. The youth, of course, have an unending thirst for individuality. Combining these into smaller, more specific trends, the NDC confirmed three trends that will rule the jewellery industry for 2022.
Hoops with a Twist
Hoops are by far the most opted for pieces of jewellery. Their versatility allow them to be worn with pretty much anything and everything. However, straying far from bland, monotonous designs, hoops will seamlessly transform into something that has been designed with innovation, intricate detailing and lots of sparkle. Expect clustered diamonds, interlinked details, and a variety of shapes, not just plain circled designs.
Photo Courtesy: Natural Diamond Report
Rhea Kapoor, Film Producer & Stylist said, “A hoop is not an earring that takes itself seriously — and I love that! One of the first pieces of diamond jewellery I bought myself was a pair of diamond hoops. Even as a child, I would steal my mom’s gold hoops from the 1980s and wear them. I like classics but there is always a slight irreverence, so I gravitate towards irregular hoops, that have some personality and character, that are not perfect.”
“Diamond hoops were the first earrings my daughters wore — in fact, all of us did. When I was young, I would even hang another earring onto the hoop! The baali is also a big part of Maratha culture, and I used to wear one right on my top cartilage piercing,” added HH Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda.
Mismatched diamonds
Those who aren’t afraid to experiment, mismatched diamonds are for you. It is no longer about the (classic) identical diamonds, but a combination of different cuts.
Photo Courtesy: Natural Diamond Report
Katerina Perez, Gemologist, Journalist & leading jewellery influencer said, “From a designer’s perspective, it’s fun to mix different diamond cuts in one piece — it’s an illusionist’s game. It adds volume, helps play with proportions, creates different shapes and dimensions. Mismatched diamonds also show character and individuality.”
Roohi Oomerbhoy Jaikishan, Entrepreneur & Fashion Icon said, “The memory that a piece of jewellery holds is potent. In the past, we bought jewellery for an occasion, a birthday or anniversary, but now when I buy jewellery I’m constantly thinking about my daughter—what she would like, and what she would want to wear. I think that’s one of the differences between the old heirlooms and the new. In fact, new heirlooms are made to be personal, more wearable, and set with a purpose.”
Vintage cuts
Vintage cuts have been making a comeback for a while now, and have resurrected this year with a special focus on Rose Cuts and Briolettes, which were part of some of the most glamourous red carpet looks. Rose Cut diamonds, one of the oldest cuts in the world, exuberate an understated elegance and a vintage aesthetic. Unique, delicate, radiant and one of the most coveted diamond cuts, the rose cut has even become a special cut of choice for engagement rings.
Photo Courtesy: Natural Diamond Report
Sarah Royce-Greensill,Jewellery & Watches Editor, Telegraph (UK) said, “Rose-cut diamonds are so delicate, almost as if they are floating on the skin. There’s something romantic and feminine about them. Similarly, briolette diamonds have a softer look; the way they catch the light is really unusual. With these vintage cuts, it’s more about subtlety, the aesthetics and beauty rather than the bling.”
Richa Singh, Managing Director, Natural Diamond Council India & The Middle East agreed that natural diamonds continue to be the epitome of luxury and celebration of personal milestones. “The past two years have redefined the way we express ourselves through fashion and jewellery and our trend report conveys the invaluable experiences that have set the tone for the year.”
Photo Courtesy: Natural Diamond Report
Jewellery choices embody a whimsical spirit that is grounded in vintage choices, to create a means of self-expression, adding a sense of playfulness and glamour to your personal style; a true definition of the charisma that younger millennials and GenZ audiences demonstrate. They are ultimately, a reflection of the times that we live in, as the report corroborated.
