Jewellery to be ‘fusion of sustainability, personalisation’
ABU DHABI, November 20, 2024
Jewellery in 2025 is set to celebrate individuality, sustainability and cultural fusion. As more people seek pieces that reflect personal stories and ethical values, the industry responds with designs that blend tradition with modern innovation.
Next year’s trends showcase a world where sustainability, personalisation, and bold aesthetics converge, creating jewellery that resonates deeply with today’s conscious, style-savvy consumer.
With insights from leading jewellery designers and experts from Jewellery & Watch Show Abu Dhabi, 2025 promises a jewellery landscape defined by creativity, responsibility, and timeless appeal.
Sustainability leads the way
According to Colette Payen Marquez, a GIA-accredited Gemmologist and Founder of Colette Jewellery, sustainability is emerging as a foundational pillar in jewellery design for 2025, as both brands and consumers increasingly value ethical practices and transparency. This shift goes beyond aesthetics; it speaks to a global movement towards responsible sourcing and eco-conscious production.
Marquez, a leader in sustainable jewellery, explains that blockchain technology is now being integrated into the supply chain, allowing consumers to trace the journey of gemstones and metals from mine to market. This transparency provides reassurance for eco-conscious buyers prioritising brands that adopt recycled metals, lab-grown diamonds, and conflict-free gemstones.
In addition to ethical sourcing, brands are rethinking their packaging with eco-friendly materials and designing pieces intended for longevity to reduce waste.
Nosheen Bakhsh, a Saudi jewellery designer and member of the Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewellery Designers, adds that technological advancements like virtual try-on tools reduce the need for excessive inventory and help to cut down on unsold stock. The emphasis on sustainability is not only about materials but also about educating consumers to make informed, responsible choices. By aligning beauty with ethical values, the jewellery industry creates a lasting impact that resonates with modern, socially aware buyers.
Personalisation as a canvas for storytelling
The personalisation trend redefines the jewellery landscape in 2025 as consumers seek pieces that reflect their individual stories, values, and styles. Today’s buyers are not merely looking for beautiful pieces; they want jewellery that is deeply meaningful, one-of-a-kind, and uniquely theirs.
Tamara Al Shamari, known for her expertise in bespoke designs and a member of the Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewellery Designers, notes that customisation has moved beyond simple initials or birthstones. Consumers are now drawn to pieces featuring symbols, custom-cut gemstones, and engravings that hold personal significance, turning jewellery into storytelling.
With digital design tools becoming more sophisticated, personalisation has become more accessible than ever. Colette Payen Marquez points out that online platforms now allow consumers to bring their visions to life from the comfort of their homes, enabling them to select materials, styles, and details that best capture their individuality.
This trend signifies a broader movement in the jewellery industry towards self-expression and authenticity, where each piece is a personal statement rather than just an accessory. The demand for custom jewellery is set to grow, making personalisation one of the most compelling trends in 2025.
Vibrant colours and statement designs
2025 is also shaping to be a year of bold colours, and statement designs that stand out. With consumers gravitating towards expressive, eye-catching pieces, vibrant gemstones are taking centre stage.
Gemstones like sapphire, tanzanite, aquamarine, and morganite are expected to dominate collections, adding a rich palette of colours that bring energy and sophistication to any look. Statement-jewellery Designer Salam Swaid sees this resurgence in maximalism as an opportunity for wearers to make a visual statement that feels both powerful and personal.
In addition to colourful gemstones, Gemmologist Marquez highlights a growing trend of “tech-organic” jewellery, which merges natural elements with advanced technology. For example, wearable technology is seamlessly integrated into jewellery with features like health-monitoring sensors, allowing pieces to be elegant and functional.
Statement pearls, chunky chains, and geometric shapes also make a strong comeback, providing versatile options that appeal to minimalist and maximalist tastes. These bold styles embody confidence, allowing consumers to embrace a look that is as vibrant as it is unique.
Cultural fusion and heritage revival
In 2025, cultural heritage inspires jewellery designers to blend traditional motifs with contemporary aesthetics, creating pieces celebrating identity and legacy. This trend is particularly significant in the Gulf, where natural pearls and motifs inspired by regional architecture are gaining renewed attention.
Ghada Hussain Al Fardan, VP and CEO of Al Fardan Jewellery UAE, explains that Gulf-inspired designs are being reimagined to appeal to a global audience, blending timeless craftsmanship with modern design elements that resonate with consumers across generations.
This fusion of heritage with modern style not only honours cultural traditions but also offers a deeper, more meaningful connection to jewellery. Younger generations are particularly drawn to pieces that reflect their roots while also suiting contemporary tastes, allowing them to celebrate heritage in a fresh and relevant way.
By incorporating these cultural influences, jewellery in 2025 is expected to serve as a bridge between the past and the present, giving consumers pieces that are as rich in symbolism as they are in beauty.
Social media as the trend accelerator
Social media remains an unparalleled force in shaping and accelerating jewellery trends, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok transforming how people discover, engage with, and purchase jewellery.
For 2025, social media’s influence is only set to grow, offering a powerful direct-to-consumer path allowing brands to connect with global audiences. Vinita Michael, a member of the Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewellery Designers, explains that these platforms are not only reshaping the way jewellery trends emerge but also how they evolve, with influencers and user-generated content driving demand in real-time.
Social media has also made personalisation more accessible, as consumers now see and engage with unique, custom pieces that align with their tastes.
Through shoppable posts and live-streamed showcases, platforms like Instagram allow brands to reach consumers instantly, creating a sense of immediacy and excitement around new collections. As Marquez observes, social media fosters curiosity and connection, enabling brands to showcase their craftsmanship and engage with audiences meaningfully. By leveraging these platforms, the jewellery industry is tapping into a global community that values individuality and personal expression.
Jewellery in 2025
The upcoming year promises an array of standout pieces and innovative collections, each capturing the essence of 2025’s top trends. Statement pearls are expected to return boldly, offering a modern twist on a classic. These pieces will feature striking designs highlighting individuality and versatile styling options, as noted by Colette Payen Marquez. Chunky chains and oversized earrings are also set to dominate, allowing wearers to embrace dramatic flair and personal expression.
For those drawn to celestial influences, collections featuring zodiac-inspired designs and blue-hued gemstones like tanzanite and sapphire will be ones to watch. Le Vian’s anticipated celestial collection will bring a unique touch, celebrating the mystique of the night sky in elegant jewellery. Geometric designs will also play a prominent role, with pieces that incorporate innovative shapes and partial pave settings, creating a contemporary aesthetic that appeals to modern tastes.
Natural pearls remain highly sought after in the Gulf, as explained by Ghada Hussain Al Fardan. Local designers merge tradition with innovation, creating capsule collections that celebrate cultural heritage while adapting to modern design sensibilities. Al Fardan Jewellery, which pioneered the integration of natural pearls into watch designs, will continue this trend, making these pieces a symbol of elegance and cultural pride.
Another key trend is modular and transformative jewellery. As highlighted by Nosheen Bakhsh, these pieces offer multiple ways to wear a single item, catering to the modern consumer’s desire for versatility and functionality.
Lab-grown diamonds
With the rise in demand for lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, brands are expected to introduce exclusive collections that reflect this eco-conscious choice, blending luxury with ethical values. Additionally, tech-integrated jewellery, such as health-monitoring accessories and NFC-enabled pieces for secure data sharing, is poised to add a new dimension to wearable luxury.
For designer fans, Salam Swaid suggests keeping an eye on visionary designers like Julia Maria Kunnap and Amama Jewels, who consistently push creative boundaries. Their work epitomises a blend of artistry and innovation, setting the tone for what’s to come in the jewellery landscape.
The Jewellery & Watch Show Abu Dhabi will return to Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi from November 12 to 16, 2025, with an even deeper exploration of these trends. It will offer various workshops and collections celebrating sustainable practices, customisation, and cultural fusion. With immersive experiences and expert insights, Jewellery & Watch Show 2025 will be a destination for those passionate about the evolving world of jewellery.--TradeArabia News Service