Gift Shop Plus Spring 2024

Radiance, Redefined: 4 makers unveil top jewelry trends By Carly McFadden

At its core, jewelry is a form of self-expression.

In addition to accessorizing an outfit, jewelry can also serve as a sentimental representation of the wearer’s memories, milestones and relationships, making it a tried-and-true gift.

The winter markets were abuzz with the latest jewelry offerings for retailers — some trendy, some classic and some entirely original.

In the weeks following those markets, four of the industry’s jewelry makers met with Gift Shop® Plus to share what trends they’re seeing across the market, details of their latest collections and more.

&LIVY

The winter markets were met by a debut brand, &LIVY, a creator of American-made, eco-friendly, high-quality and meaningful jewelry.

Carolyn Rafaelian, former CEO of Alex and Ani, launched &LIVY this winter, named after her third daughter, Alivia. The brand is designed to combine beauty, size inclusivity and affordability, at price points ranging from $28 to $88 with retail margins of 56% to 59%.

The company, represented by Ivystone at Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas, plans to introduce additional collections at the summer markets.

How would you describe the &LIVY customer?

David Gallone, chief marketing officer: The &LIVY consumer ranges in age from 14 to 64 years. They purchase for themselves, and they purchase as gifts for others; there is something in the line for every person you know, from fashionable to sentimental to spiritual.

What is something unique that you bring to the saturated market of jewelry?

We are building a true brand around &LIVY. There are so many fly-by-night jewelry products in the market currently — one and done. Experience, deep resources and key network retail partners will play a big role in our success.

What trends are you seeing across the jewelry market as a whole?

We believe the human, in-person touch, mixed with great retail pricing and “every body” sizing will best give consumers what they are looking for. We see vibrant colors, statement pieces and everyday wearable, meaningful jewelry taking center stage on current trends.

Tell me about your debut collection. What makes it special or on trend?

We allow the retail partner to determine the best product for their stores. Out of our 18 collections, the retailer just picks any two, and they are up and running with &LIVY. All our American-made products are made eco-friendly, nickel free, hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant.

What do you anticipate being your bestsellers?

Current data (from new retail partners and reorders) shows us: the Posy bangles (sentiment-based category); Silk-Slider adjustable necklaces; Love knot bangle; and “Creda” stretch-bracelets.

What trends do you see taking hold of the market in the coming years?

Adjustable flex in sizing — one size fits all. Vibrant colors, with core finishes in gold and silver still leading the way. Crystals, raw gemstones and moldable mesh rings and cuffs.

JILZARAH

Jilzarah is a Chicago-based brand dedicated to self-expression through color.

The line specializes in jewelry composed of individually handmade polymer clay beads, so no two pieces are exactly alike. The base clay is dyed and combined until it reaches the desired design.

Jilzarah introduces new limited-edition collections and colors throughout the year. In addition to bracelets, necklaces and earrings, the brand creates giftables such as keychains and pet- themed items.

What is something unique that you bring to the saturated market of jewelry?

Jill Manzara, co-founder and creative director: We focus on creating pieces that resonate with people’s hearts. Our designs aren’t just adornments; they’re emotional anchors. Whether you wear our jewelry to celebrate love, remember a special place or find solace in faith, it’s more than fashion — it’s a personal expression.

What trends are you seeing across the jewelry market as a whole?

Layers of color and metals. The jewelry market is buzzing with creativity. Customers are drawn to pieces that allow them to express themselves boldly. Whether it’s layering necklaces or stacking bracelets, there’s no limit to mixing metals with other colorful materials. From stones and crystals to painted wood and, of course, clay, people want designs that make a statement. At Jilzarah, we embrace this trend by infusing our polymer clay beads with vibrant hues and pairing them with complementary metals.

Tell me about your latest collection. What makes it special or on trend?

This season, we’re thrilled to introduce three new jewelry color collections:

• Palm Beach: Our Palm Beach collection captures that coastal vibe. From playful bracelets to statement necklaces, each piece radiates the spirit of carefree days by the ocean.
• Maui Blue: Inspired by the crystal-clear waters of Maui, this collection features serene blues. Aquamarine beads, delicate seafoam accents and silver details evoke the tranquility of island life. It’s elegance with an oceanic twist.
• Seaside Green: Our Seaside Green collection celebrates nature’s beauty. Seafoam greens, soft pastels and organic shapes come together in pieces that feel both grounding and uplifting.

What are your bestsellers?

Our beaded necklaces and bracelets are true gems in our collection. These staple products not only showcase our creative patterns and color palettes, but they also resonate with customers seeking both style and substance. Whether it’s a vibrant statement necklace or a stack of playful bracelets, these pieces capture the essence of JILZARAH — unique, expressive and beautifully crafted.

What trends do you see taking hold of the market in the coming years?

As technology continues to impact every facet of our lives, I’m closely watching how jewelry design will evolve. New tools and materials are likely to emerge, driven by a younger generation of designers. Whether it’s innovative 3D-printing techniques, sustainable materials or unexpected combinations, the future of jewelry lies in embracing both tradition and innovation. Retailers should keep an eye out for these exciting shifts and adapt their offerings to meet the changing tastes and preferences of consumers.

QUDO

QUDO is a maker that specializes in classic, colorful and customizable jewelry.

A top-seller is QUDO’s Interchangeable Collection, where customers first select a bracelet, earring, necklace or ring base, then complete it with colorful gem toppers that are designed to be changed out to match any occasion, mood or style.

QUDO’s creative team is based out of Stuttgart, Germany, so its pieces are influenced by both European and American trends. The maker opts for a classic, affordable luxury look over fast-changing trends.

What is something unique that you bring to the saturated market of jewelry?

Angelina Blackmon, USA brand manager: We are great brand partners. On top of the fact that we have the customization opportunity, we have the ability to curate your own line. We also have a really quality product. We work with Polish stainless steel as the base for our rings, which means that it’s hypoallergenic. The gold is created with an ion coating so there’s no tarnishing. Our quality is outstanding. So when you collectively put all of that together, we have a lot to offer.

What trends are you seeing across the jewelry market as a whole?

We see a lot of trend toward color. Individuals are stepping away from neutral and brightening their offerings a lot. Also, we were really rock solid with gold for a while; now, some of our savvy retailers are bringing in a little bit of silver, so we’re seeing movement back toward the silver. We’re also seeing that high-end designer look come back again — wanting to dress up and have that luxury look is something that we’re seeing people really embracing again.

Tell me about your latest collection. What makes it special or on trend?

One of the things we always offer is 20 trend colors per season. So we have 20 trend colors that are happening from now until July; those 20 colors will go away and 20 new colors will come in. We had this gorgeous collection [for February and March] called Opulence, which had a lot of shimmer to it, and some deep reds and pinks. We’ve then moved into an outstanding fun spring break program called Hello Happiness. We then go into Sundrenched, which are just some deep, beautiful tones of colors of reds, turquoises and oranges that are going to be great for summer. So we’re going to drive a new customer back into your store every six weeks.

What are your bestsellers?

A ring called “basic small” is one of our bestsellers. It’s a simple band, and then it stacks where you can stack three of them together. It retails for $30, so it’s really a nice price point. It can be worn every day, constantly. It wears like fine jewelry, so it’s comfortable and durable. Once you have a ring on a hand, you got a customer coming back for color.

What trends do you see taking hold of the market in the coming years?

One of the trends in Europe that hasn’t quite hit in the U.S. is earring charms. If you go to Europe and you shop in any of their accessory stores, charms are a big deal. People are wearing two different [earring] charms and they’re putting charm bracelets together, and that hasn’t quite reached the U.S. yet.

DUNE JEWELRY

Dune Jewelry brings the elements to life with its experiential jewelry.

The New England-based company handcrafts jewelry using sand and earth elements from around the world. It procured its own sandbank, with elements from more than 5,000 locations across all seven continents such as Positano, Italy; the Outer Banks of North Carolina; Iceland; and the Bahamas. Retailers and customers can also send in their own elements for a completely customized jewelry collection.

What is something unique that you bring to the saturated market of jewelry?

Holly Daniels Christensen, founder and CEO: We capture your most cherished travel memories, transforming them into tangible reminders worn close to your heart. The options are endless. Most of our retail partners will embrace this idea and get super creative. They’ll find earth elements from iconic local destinations, like a beloved beach or mountain trail. Then, we incorporate the elements into designs that match the aesthetic and price point that’s best for the store or boutique.

What trends are you seeing across the jewelry market as a whole?

Personalization and customization continue to grow. This concept has been around for a while, and I see it continuing well into the future. Whether it’s engraving, birthstones, fingerprints and handwriting stamped into your designs, lockets and keepsake jewelry — it all feels a little more unique when you can put your own twist on it.

Tell me about your latest collection. What makes it special or on trend?

We just added over 20 new designs to our Boutique Collection. This is an entire collection that can only be sold by our brick-and-mortar retail partners. My sales manager is incredibly customer- focused and innovative. She came up with the idea about six years ago to create jewelry that will drive business into our boutiques, fine jewelry stores, museum stores and more. It’s such a great concept and has been extra beneficial because not only is it exclusive but also there is freedom of markup. You can mark up two to three times without any price comparison on competitors’ websites — or our website for that matter!

What are your bestsellers?

Our classic Wave Necklace in sterling silver has been a bestseller for the past five years, especially with our turquoise gradient technique. I think the turquoise adds a splash of color that draws people to our designs. Rings have also been incredibly popular. The Boho Ring and Rope 7 Sand Ring along with Rope 7 Sand Cuff Bracelet are really fun to design and choose elements for. We have some retailers that use sand and elements from all seven continents. We call that “The World is Yours Collection.”

What trends do you see taking hold of the market in the coming years?

My guess is that consumers will likely continue to become more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their purchases. This means growth for brands that use recycled and ethically sourced materials, and talk about their manufacturing practices openly and authentically.