2023 Holiday Gemstone Jewelry Trends

December 20, 2023

Jewelry might be a timeless holiday gift, but what sells changes with the times. So this year, we decided to speak directly with retailers across the United States to learn about what trends are shaping jewelry shopping and gift-giving for the 2023 holiday season. What we found was that there are twists on timeless classics, sparkling stacks, new color trends and animal inspiration. You're going to want to read on.

Bright White and Pearly White Classics

White, sparkling and precious, diamonds have been a solid, traditional holiday jewelry gift for decades. According to Edahn Golan of Tenoris.bi, a trend analytics company for the jewelry industry, this year will be no different. "We collect transaction data from 1,300 jewelry retailers across the US, and this year between July and October, diamonds claimed 41.7% of total jewelry sales." 

Jewelers like Jillian Sassone, the Founder and Creative Director of celebrated jewelry brand Marrow Fine, agreed, noting that timeless diamond pieces are doing particularly well this year. "This holiday season we've been getting a lot of requests for white diamond tennis bracelets which are such a classic and something you'll own and wear forever."

Pearls, which have been reinvigorated by progressive jewelry designers in recent years, are also having their moment this holiday season. Once seen as tired and dated, designers like Presley Oldham, the owner of her namesake jewelry brand, have been part of the trend that has celebrities like Kendrick Lamar and Gabrielle Union reaching for these "gemstones" of the sea.

"My full pearl strands continue to be high-selling pieces especially ahead of the holidays," Oldham told us. "Classics like a white pearl strand or simple chain necklace, are perennially popular pieces and seem to always be trending as the perfect way to complete any outfit."

Dustin Lemick, the CEO of the technology-driven BriteCo Jewelry Insurance has seen the same emphatic embrace of pearls amongst his customers. "Pearls came back into popularity a couple of years ago and are here to stay," Lemick explained. "Overly large pearl jewelry, mainly earrings and necklaces, will be seen as this winter season's statement pieces and items to show off."

Stacks on Stacks of Gems

"Layers layers layers!" Sara Tolchinsky, Founder & CEO of Trielle Fine Jewelry Subscriptions, told us that we're layering more than sweaters this season, but gemstones, too. "The everyday look now includes a 'neck mess' and an 'ear party', saturated with stacked gold chains and a ton of sparkling piercings."

Rachel Karcich, the founder of RG Jewelry, agrees, told us that customers of their timeless jewelry for contemporary people love to stack their 14k gold, but this season, are incorporating more gemstones, too. "We're noticing this season that stacking and layering is still in but one trend clients are leaning towards is to mix colors into their layers to break up the gold. For example, we've been seeing our permanent jewelry pick up quite a bit this year, and customers don't just stop at one. They come back to add additional bracelets to their stack, and we're able to offer customization like personalized charms and birthstone/gemstone connectors."

Green is Golden

Emeralds have been a popular gemstone around the holidays for years. RG first introduced the gemstone into their holiday collection a couple of years back and saw an immediate, positive response from their customer base. "Greens are still ever so popular to mix in, and we've continued to see emeralds be a popular choice amongst our customers in California," Karcich explained.

But, emeralds might not have the monopoly much longer. "Moss agate rings are by far our number one trend for 2023. Not only are they now a top-seller, they're our most liked posts on social media," Ty Wilson, the Co-Founder and COO of the popular custom jewelry brand CustomMade, explained. "We're seeing an explosion of interest in the nature-themed stone. It's unique, reasonably priced, and can be cut in a variety of shapes from hexagon to kite."

Haley Biemiller, Co-Founder of VENVS, an LGBTQ+-owned, all-inclusive jewelry brand specializing in unique stones and settings, has seen the same trend. "Moss agate has actually become one of our best sellers of all time, especially amongst Gen Z and Millennial couples. In addition to the uniqueness and versatility, the affordability of moss agate makes it a favorite with our customers."

And as for why this glittering, green gem might be having such a big moment right now, Biemiller has her own take. "Moss agate is versatile and looks beautiful with any metal color and in any cut you desire. And, if you are looking for a bit of sparkle, they pair beautifully with diamond side stones."

Gemstone Encrusted Snakes

This year, the famous snake motif by Bulgari celebrated 75 years of endless creative metamorphosis and eternal rebirth. And while Serpenti is a popular collection year in and year out, this momentous occasion can most definitely be credited to part of the rising trend of serpents in the zeitgeist, as well as gemstone-encrusted snakes taking center stage this holiday season.

But, as Page Neal and Anna Baris, Co-Founders of Bario Neal tell us, there's also a shift happening that is making consumers lean towards the powerful symbol. "As we approach 2024, we are eager to leave behind the turbulent cosmic energy of the past four years and welcome a time of rejuvenation and tranquility. Just as the snake periodically sheds its skin, we are reminded of our constant growth and transformative power."

With Prada also just debuting their first ever lab-grown jewelry collection and Taylor Swift rumored to be re-releasing Reputation with accompanying snake imagery, we can't help but see the parallels. But, boutique brands like Bario Neal are also charmed by the trend, releasing their own dedicated collection that features gold snakes encrusted with diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. "Drawing inspiration from the concepts of renewal, healing, protection, and duality, this collection pays homage to the historical symbolism of serpents in jewelry."