5 Key Jewelry Trends To Know In 2025
Give your jewelry collection a glow up with chic and contemporary designs that match the moment, says CHARLIE BOYD
Layered necklaces
For SS25, maximalism has made a comeback. From opulent brocade and fluttery frills to punchy polka dots and full-on fringing, ready-to-wear trends for the year ahead are decidedly more optimistic – and, when fashion goes high energy, our jewelry must step up a gear, too. Necklace layering caters to the ‘more is more’ aesthetic in spades, and fine-jewelry designers have done all the hard work for us with ready-made double-loop styles, such as Marie Lichtenberg’s colorful cord-strung lockets or Lauren Rubinski’s braided leather necklace taking you well into summer-dress season. Ready-made chain stacks offer the same effortless aesthetic for after-dark dressing, with Marla Aaron and Foundrae both crafting double-strand designs adorned with chic charms – a no-fuss, no-muss approach to elevating beachwear once hotter temperatures roll around.
Striking statement pieces
If you invest in just one jewelry trend for 2025, buy an epic one-and-done design, the likes of which were championed by almost all of luxury’s leading maisons on the SS25 runways. Saint Laurent, Balmain, Loewe and Tod’s all showcased singular statement jewels. There is a clutch of talented jewelry designers especially renowned for their striking metal work, including London-based Fernando Jorge, which effortlessly injects dynamism into every design, and Nigora Tokhtabayeva – founder and creative director of Tabayer, which is new to NET-A-PORTER. Miami-based Tokhtabayeva is admired for her signature ‘Oera’ earrings, which have a sleek, futuristic feel. A necklace would only compete with their splendor, so wear them solo – they need no companion.
Pearls, pearls, and more pearls
The SS25 runways were brimming with more pearls than ever before. Many of the major maisons offered their take on the trend, with Bottega Veneta and Chloé presenting tassel earrings, chic arm cuffs and plunging pendants all bearing pretty pearls. The cult piece, if you must choose just one? Pearl earrings that look nothing like those that belong to your grandmother – consider modern and minimalist silhouettes such as Sophie Bille Brahe’s sleek single-earring design, or choose contemporary studs and stack them up the ear. If you are piercing-averse, invest in a chic necklace, bracelet or ring – Mateo and Mizuki frame gleaming white pearls with simple yellow-gold settings to ensure they remain timeless. Meanwhile, Sorellina’s string of pearls is irresistible – personalize its clever clasp with scintillating charms, adding a splash of color or lashings of diamonds.
Snake motifs
There are several symbols in the jewelry-making world that universally resonate, and the snake motif is one of the most potent. Synonymous with protection, snakes are also associated with rebirth and transformation because of the way these reptiles shed their skin, making them the perfect talisman to wear when ringing in the New Year. While many luxury-brand behemoths have famously interpreted the snake motif, independent designers offer unique and unusual designs tailored to their own design codes – Sydney Evan and Ileana Makri focus on lithe silhouettes that look life-like on the skin, while Anita Ko’s ‘Snake Coil’ gold bangle is a more subtle yet ultra-elevated way to add the motif into your existing stack of bracelets and bangles.
Beads
Ready-to-wear designers brought bohemian dressing back in a big way for FW24, and the trend continues to permeate jewelry styling well into SS25. At Ralph Lauren Collection, soft tailoring was accessorized with myriad layers of brightly hued beads that swung long and low, whereas Isabel Marant set thick block beads on chokers. It was Saint Laurent, however, that truly led the charge – the maison’s billowing maxi skirts were complemented by supersized gold, wood and jewel-tone beads worn two strands at a time, their souped-up scale echoing the collection’s oversized tailoring. While fine jewelers work on a smaller scale, the look need be no less impactful – Ananya’s cult ‘Chakra’ bracelets are crafted from intensely hued gemstones such as turquoise, lapis and malachite that chime beautifully when stacked, while delicate bead necklaces by Mateo and Suzanne Kalan will add a shot of summer into your necklace stack.
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