While 2020 was all about mindful spending and investment, 2021 would see the return of jewellery as an adornment, as people would embrace back socialising with fervent, say experts…writes Puja Gupta.
Jewellery in 2021 would be anything but boring and subtle. So we would see a ‘riot of colours’ expressed through unusual combinations of very different families of gemstones coming together, giving designers a very rich canvas to paint on, they add.
IANSlife spoke to industry veterans to look back at the trends that won 2020 and trends that will rule 2021.
Trends that ruled 2020
Federica Imperiali, Global Head of Product Development at Forevermark Diamonds tells IANSlife: “2020 trends were focused on the importance of protecting our precious planet, personal fulfilment, the value of empowerment and acceptance, and the choices we make. These inspirations brought to life jewellery that suggests a harmonious connection to the natural world: botanical forms combined with sculptural outlines to create a striking new design language. We have seen growing the interest in a multi faced spirituality and in the willingness to celebrate through jewellery with unusual diamond shape, or amusing hidden details, amulets to bring good luck in our lives.”
Abhishek Rastogi, Head of Design, Jewellery Division, Titan Company Limited says: “Trends in 2020 were largely influenced by Covid and we saw its widespread impact on our lifestyle choices as well. Thanks to the omnipresent mask we saw a remarkable shift to fuss-free jewellery especially around the face and in particular the earrings. Hence long flowy danglers and chandeliers gave way to the ‘Button-up’ trend, giving more power to the evergreen ear studs. Consumers across lapped up this trend and we noticed studs in all shapes and sizes, the larger the better!”
He adds: “With 24/7 video calls, conferences and webinars becoming the new reality in 2020, we saw an amplified need for making ‘above the keyboard dressing’ impactful. We call this trend ‘Zoom-groomed’ where less popular jewellery categories like brooches and high-collar necklaces became an instant rage. A must have to add zing to those never-ending lockdown meetings.”
Ketan Chokshi, Jewellery Designer & Co-Owner, Narayan Jewellers says: “2020 was an active year till the mid of March. However, things were put on hold till June-July and no trend was observed during that period. One most important observation that I would like to add here is that customers’ sentiment towards jewellery has become even stronger during these COVID times. We did not see any compromise when people started buying jewellery.”
Trends observed in 2020 are:
Chokers: Be it a casual choker, a gold one or a diamond choker, this beautiful necklace which fits on the neck is loved by everyone. Chokers have a tendency to add class to any outfit while defining your neck beautifully.
Gold tones: Long royal necklaces with earrings made of Kundan, Polki, and Meenakari were an important part of the jewellery trend in 2020. It included multi-layered necklaces, and pieces with delicate but detailed work that formed a part of the trend.
Studs: Stud is that piece of jewellery which will never go out of fashion. The availability of studs in various shapes, size, colour and the easiness to wear keeps the jewellery piece in trend always.
Accessories played an important role: This year has seen the use of a lot of accessories like maangtika, pasa, haathphool, light weight bangles and bracelets. Even if one is not wearing heavy jewellery pieces, accessorising your attire can change your entire look.
Trends that will rule 2021
2021 will follow a year of significant changes, so experts can forecast the desire to invest, now more than ever, in purchases that are meaningful and have enduring value.
Imperiali says once again nature will be the primary source of inspiration for 2021 jewellery and in particular rain as it can be associated with renewal, rejuvenation, and growth. “Silhouettes based on sculptural twists that thrill from every angle, dynamic and surprising jewellery pieces linked to the versatility of diamonds — in their cuts and the ways they are set — perfectly translate this concept.”
Adding: “Inspired by the patterns, motifs and symbols used by global cultures to express deeply held beliefs, jewels with tribal echoes speak to our renewed interest in traditions that celebrate belonging, identity and our place in the world.”
According to Rastogi: “The jewellery in 2021 would be anything but boring and subtle. So we would see a ‘riot of colours’ expressed through unusual combinations of very different families of gemstones coming together, giving designers a very rich canvas to paint on.”
“2021 would see return of jewellery as adornment, as people would embrace back socializing with a fervent. Minimalism would be an extinct word from our dictionaries for a while now and we would see rise of extremely bold and dramatical jewellery pieces, almost like a wearable art. So be open to embrace highly unusual silhouettes especially in the neckwear space,” he adds.
Chokshi lists down more jewellery trends that are going to go big in 2021.
Asymmetrical Earrings: This is a concept that was introduced by us in the year 2019 on the runway of New York Fashion Week. Since then, asymmetrical earrings have been in trend quite a lot and we expect them to be in vogue in 2021 also.
Florals: Floral jewellery with a pinch of colour will trend the year 2021. Flower jewellery has become common amongst brides that also include earrings, necklaces, and rings in gold and white gold.
Layered jewellery: Layering of necklaces is considered to be an art and if done in the right way can enhance one’s personality. The best part about layered necklaces is that one gets to play with its length, texture and mismatched design.
Detachable jewellery pieces: The best part about detachable jewellery pieces is that they can be worn according to one’s own convenience. Detachable diamond jewellery will stay in trend in the year 2021, especially amongst the brides, who will be able to wear the jewellery on several occasions.
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