This Year’s Biggest Jewelry Trends Are So Joyful

Every so often you’ll get that itch to shop in order to refresh your wardrobe, whether that be investing in well-fitted jeans, a classic coat, or even an exquisite pair of boots. But one of the most exciting shopping categories to ensure fun and personalized looks are aplenty is to tap into the 2022 jewelry trends.

If one thing has been evident over the past year in the world of earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets, it’s the omnipresence of Y2K jewlery and the regencycore aesthetic. Think piled-on pearls, vibrant chunky rings, layers of crafty beads, resin bangles, and, yes, even body jewelry — hello, belly chains and anklets! The same goes for chunky gold jewelry à la the ’80s and early ’90s, from heavyweight chains and thick collar necklaces to substantially-sized rings and earrings.

The 2022 update? Nostalgia is sticking around, but not without a few refreshes. As indicated by the Spring/Summer 2022 runway trends, arm cuffs and more intricate body chains push the body jewelry trend forward, heavy metals are coming more often in silver than gold, and twists to playful aughts-inspired pieces make for elevated appeal. Think sculptural resin and acetate earrings to enamel rings and bracelets, all of which are sure to appear prominently on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. “Overall, there is a new playfulness to accessorizing and self-expression through jewelry, so in addition to bold pieces, customers are making their own trends and choosing what feels most personal to them,” says Steffi Lee, an editorial manager for fine jewelry and watches at The RealReal.

“Runway trends are very inspirational and directional, whereas social media trends are more approachable and inspire followers to feel like, ‘wow, I can rock that,’” Shopbop’s fashion director Caroline Maguire tells TZR. “I do love runway trends because it’s where the magic starts — I get tons of inspiration there that I can craft into my own style.”

Zoom dressing — and accessorizing — still plays a part in jewelry trends for the year ahead, too. “With many of us working from home, dressing from the shoulders up is a trend that’s here to stay, and jewelry is a perfect way to do it,” says Maguire. The fashion director identifies with genuine psychology behind dressing up for work on screen, allowing her to feel some normalcy while expressing her style. “I love wearing my favorite tee or cardigan and pairing it with chunky necklaces for my video calls. Take your outfit to the next level by throwing on a baseball cap or beanie, or even try wearing optical blue lens frames to switch up your look.”

With numerous bold and playful jewelry trends in this year’s forecast, Maguire is all about a embracing maximalism. “When it comes to jewelry, my motto is always that more is more,” she says. “[From] layering necklaces [to] stacking rings, I can never wear one strand of pearls or one thin gold chain.” Some tips: “If you’re going with an ‘80s-inspired chunky gold necklace, layer it with something totally different, like a dainty chain,” Maguire says. “I’m also loving the look of colored enamel at the moment.”

Keep scrolling to discover 2022’s biggest jewelry trends, and shop the edit to prep your looks accordingly.

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Pearlcore

Pearlcore, the buzzy Internet term, is one of 2022’s most prominent jewelry trends but in a new whimsical sense, as witnessed on designer runways like Valentino, Givenchy, Tom Ford, and Simone Rocha. “We’ll be seeing the return of pearls in new and unexpected ways,” Maguire says. “Think varied styles, sizes, and color combinations even paired together [with bright beads].”

Emily Ko, founder of Sit & Wonder, tells TZR that 2022 is leaning toward “imperfect” and organically shaped pearls. “Expect to see them in pearl strands, drop earrings, and set alongside other iridescent gemstones such as opals and moonstone,” she says.

Silver Metal

Yellow gold is all but fading away. However, silver is jumping to the forefront for 2022, not only in timeless forms but often with an edgy and punk feel. Think twisted, undulating metal-worked shapes and heavyweight chains made of pointed, arched, and toggled links. “Silver can be seen in bolder pieces, due to [its] affordability,” notes Ko. “[It’s also] being mixed with gold tones and gemstones.”

Fringe Elements

Fringe is a major trend for 2022, with details having flown freely on the ears and collarbones of the models at the spring and fall shows. To incorporate the look into your personal style, you can choose from beaded, pearl, stone, and mesh options. No matter the variation, all of the pieces will add a flirtatious swing to your look.

Statement Chokers

As seen on the spring runways of Givenchy, Miu Miu, and Tory Burch, subtlety is so passé. That means you’re likely to see the nostalgic, often understated choker necklace speaking for itself with hard-to-miss hardware that can tastefully embolden wardrobe staples and evening wear alike.

Bring On The Beads

Maguire highlights another Y2K-inspired jewelry trend for 2022: beads galore, similar to styles witnessed on Coach and Brandon Maxwell’s runways. While this trend is undoubtedly for the more-is-more tastes, appearing its most vibrant when piled on with pearls and gold, it can also skew simpler when done with a dash of color. Try a single short beaded strand with a long thin chain or a multicolored bead bracelet mixed with delicate metal.

Hoops, Here To Stay

Hoops are a jewelry collection staple and continue to evolve, with fresh iterations emerging in 2022. Sleek gold and silver styles continue to be everyday essentials, in various measures from small and chunky to oversize. “I love to play around with wearing multiple sizes or styles at once — like stacking for your ears,” Maguire says. Also on deck in a Y2K vein: playful designs in clear and colorful acrylic as well as enamel.

Floral Frenzy

Likely to the disappointment of fictitious fashion editor Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, floral motifs continue to be popular this year. (“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.”) Yet, designers took a different approach for their Spring/Summer 2022 runway shows, incorporating the blooms in oversized forms from a variety of materials, such as beads, enamel, and gilded metal.

Bold Bracelets

When it comes to wrist wear, more is more is more and bigger is better. On the Fall/Winter 2022 runway in particular, this looked like hefty-looking bangles worn alone and stacked together and sculptural cuffs, which can be surprisingly easy to incorporate. “Dressing boldly doesn’t have to be reserved only for going out and big events,” Lee says. “[For work,] I’d recommend simplifying the rest of your outfit to really let your bolder jewelry pieces shine.”

All In On Enamel

Speaking of enamel, bright and sleek jewelry pieces crafted with metal and a powder coating have been on the scene for a few seasons but show no signs of a slow-down in 2022. “Colorful enamel pieces are super fun and feel very ’90s,” says Maguire. “I like to add them in with my go-to gold layering and stacking to add something interesting to the mix.”

Mix Silver & Gold Jewelry

Mixing metals doesn’t have to be a scary feat. Not where 2022 jewelry trends are concerned, anyway. While silver metals are making a comeback, you can still rock your beloved gold pieces in tangent. Wearing silver and gold jewelry together is a low-key way to spice up your jewels if bright colors and baubles aren’t your thing. You can pull this off in several ways: Mix in both silver and gold when you layer on dainty stacking rings, bold bangles, chunky and delicate chains, or assorted hoops. “Having to choose between being a silver or gold person is a thing of the past,” Cara Hochhalter, the owner and founder of Maple & J, tells TZR. “If you like both, wear both. Mix your metals, throw together vintage and new — beads and chains. The more texture and contrast you can bring to your stack, the better.”

Body Chains

It doesn’t get much more Y2K than a good ‘ol belly or body chain to adorn your middle. There’s nary a celeb swimsuit pic of late that does not feature some kind of draping body jewelry — be it Hailey Bieber’s body chain, Lizzo’s bikini chain belt, or Rihanna’s diamond baby bump belly chain. Body chains can be worn with about any look, but jewelry brand West Angel tells TZR that they especially love “adding them to a swimsuit look or low rise denim/cargos with a crop top.”

Angel Number Jewelry

Starting as a sort of tangent from the personalized Old English necklace trend, angel number jewelry (hi, Kylie Jenner’s 222 necklace) has been flooding the social feeds of the spiritually-inclined and astrology-curious. According to Eileen Lofgren, CEO of Child of Wild, when you see repeating numbers or synchronicities, it’s “kind of a gateway into communicating with the universe.” Different number sequences are supposed to hold different meanings, she says, adding that often people begin by seeing 11:11 on the clock. “Once you really start to notice that ... you start to see angel numbers literally everywhere,” she tells TZR. When you wear a certain angel number that you connect with, you are “essentially matching that vibration,” says Lofgren. “You wear what you are hoping to receive ... It’s trending because our souls are yearning to communicate and expand consciousness.” Plus, many of the styles also play into that Y2K vibe that’s got everyone in a chokehold.