Last year has been one of reflection. Of review. Of remembrance. As we found ourselves isolated at home, I would like to believe that we realised the value of connection. From Zoom calls to socially-distanced walks in the park, little by little we have taken steps to come together. And from this slowness has come a renewed sense of hope, optimism, and strength. A gratitude for the present. So it is no surprise that the biggest jewellery trends for 2021 are a clear expression of this period. The lessons we learnt.
Take the case of shoulder dusters and statements cuffs—these attention-grabbing pieces are all about being in the present. Geometric design, another big trend, comes from a strong desire for order—and given the uncertainty we have faced, it makes sense that we desire the logic of symmetry. In an ever-changing world, I would also like to think that we have finally blurred the lines. Which is why Men and women wear the same pieces, but in a very individualistic manner. Diamond jewellery for men has evolved. It used to just be about the pavé link chains or tuxedo buttons. But today men are finding their own vocabulary in jewellery, often borrowing many ideas from women’s adornments. The line between masculine and feminine jewellery has never been more blurred, says Bibhu Mohapatra
But my favourite trend is the new heirloom. Jewellery is an emotion. It is handed down from generation to generation. Collected lovingly, polished carefully, every time you hold it or wear it you are reminded of where you come from. It is said diamonds hold memories. Today, diamonds also hold stories. Which is perhaps why, even during the pandemic, jewellery buying rose. There was a desire to tell a new story. Of a new aesthetic.
Whether worn as an accessory or an ally, diamonds express how we feel and who we are. Natural Diamond Council presented India’s first-ever jewellery trend report at the just concluded FDCI x Lakme phygital fashion week, which showcases diamonds as inspirational jewellery, which range from statement cuffs to geometric designs and illustrates the versatility of their central stone, the diamond. Natural diamonds have always been at the forefront of fashion, symbolic of timelessness and emotion. Whether worn as an accessory or an ally, diamonds not only impress but express how we feel and who we are, says Richa Singh, Managing Director, Natural Diamond Council.
From New York to New Delhi, from London to Paris, from Mumbai to Baroda, we debated the future of jewellery, with leading taste and style-makers, members of the royal family, renowned bloggers, and writers to determine the fine jewellery trends for 2021. From the likes of HH Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda, historian, writer, and authority on the heritage of Indian jewellery, speaks on the most iconic diamonds of the Baroda royal collection. One of the most prolific buyers was Maharaja Khanderao. In 1867, he purchased the 128.48 carat Star of the South, one of the most famous diamonds in the world, discovered in a Brazilian mine. Each has a special meaning to her—This is particularly interesting, although there is no official record that it ever belonged to Baroda. Legend has it that this yellow diamond, around 24 carats, was part of the Baroda vault, and in the 1700s gifted to Empress Maria Theresa, the only female monarch of the Habsburg dynasty. It’s said that it eventually came back to Baroda.
Collecting jewellery has always been about discovery, says Roohi Oomerbhoy Jaikishan, sometimes it’s about a new cut or a novel setting, but many times it’s about the older pieces that capture a moment in time. A brooch seen in an old family photo, or a necklace bought at an auction. Each piece tells a story, holds an emotion, a history
Katerina Perez, is a trained gemologist, and has championed the work of talented jewellers across the globe, from established brands to designers she has personally scouted. Cuff bracelets will never go out of style. They always make a statement. When you want to make heads turn, just wear a beautiful cuff. Simple and elegant, says she. Spanning cultures and centuries, geometric jewellery trend has cycled through history and is a precursor to Art Deco—the extremely popular and distinctive design style that was prominent in the years between the two World Wars. With bold patterns, natural diamonds, and stones in contrasting primary colours, this eye-catching aesthetic captured the spirit of the time.
Sarah Royce-Greensill is the jewellery and watches editor at the Telegraph. She writes about jewellery trends, and says natural diamonds exude a sense of permanence and order. They were formed hundreds of millions of years ago, and I feel that given so much uncertainty today, people gravitate towards that sense of something solid, tangible, and everlasting.
A 2020 global survey carried out by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) and Bain & Company found that consumers continue to value diamond jewellery, particularly for weddings and as gifts. It also found that consumers in India ranked diamond jewellery and watches as among the top two presents they would like to receive. Young consumers continue to show more interest in innovative designs, particularly if backed by a well known brand. Customers who do have money to spend are being mindful of how they spend it. And, according to the De Beers Sentiment Report, timeless classics such as diamond solitaire earrings, necklaces, and rings continue to have a strong appeal as proven designs. This indicates an ongoing emotional connection with the diamond story.
So what will diamonds look like in the coming year?
“Let it Shine” Chandelier earrings that cascade to the shoulders suit everyone, lift and brighten the face, and work with any look, from jeans and a T-shirt to an evening dress and Wonder Woman-style wrist cuffs, geometric jewels inspired by Art Deco and gender-fluid designs: These are the diamond jewellery trends for 2021.
Big, bold, and brazen—Anaita Shroff Adajania decodes the enduring appeal of statement jewellery. As a stylist, I’ve always been fascinated by a piece’s ability to communicate one’s personality, transform a look, or even lift a mood
However, When buying statement jewellery, it’s important to think of the longevity of a piece— will you still like it when you’re older? It’s not about liking it forever, but what about half of forever? Buy diverse pieces slowly over time. Try not to buy everything at once because you’ll end up with a collection of different versions of the same.
