Above: Double Orbit Hoop Earrings in recycled silver by Elin Horgan

Whilst I’m a big advocate for buying style over trend-led jewellery, it’s always interesting to see the key jewellery themes that emerge from the catwalk each year. Ultimately it makes sense to invest in those pieces that you know you’ll get lots of use from, but ‘classic’ doesn’t have to be boring. If a piece speaks to you in some way, whether it’s outsize gold hoop earrings or a brightly coloured gemstone bracelet, and it makes you feel amazing when you put it on then you’re likely to want to wear it again and again.

Picking up on a trend doesn’t have to mean buying lots of new jewellery. You can look at re-working old pieces or combining them in different ways. For example, threading a couple of different pendants onto a chain together or experimenting with different chain lengths and weights in a new and interesting way can breathe new life into long forgotten pieces. Who knows, you might even have some bits lingering at the back of your jewellery box that are back in fashion for the second or third time around?!

So, with that in mind let's take a look at the key jewellery trends for 2022...

The bold and the beautiful

Bold jewellery is where it’s at right now for sure. Whether it’s the rise of Zoom dressing (party on the top, slippers on the bottom anyone?!) or just that we’ve all been stuck inside for so long, jewellery is BIG this season and I am here for it!

The SS22 catwalks showcased plenty of statement jewellery – chokers, chunky chains and mega earrings – with Schiaparelli’s bold anatomical pieces standing out in particular. Another take on the bold trend is Edinburgh-based jeweller Grainne Morton’s beautifully intricate handmade designs incorporating gemstones and found objects. Her pieces are truly wonderful and it’s impossible to choose a favourite, but top of my list right now are these gorgeous Bird & Cloud Drop Earrings

If you love the idea of a statement piece with a more minimalist design that’s wearable for everyday then check out my Double Orbit Hoop Earrings (pictured above) or the Apollo Statement Earrings. Both designs are made from square section recycled silver wire so although they’re big they’re actually super comfortable to wear.

Hoop earrings are here to stay

They’ve been growing in popularity for a while now, but hoop earrings are definitely here to stay.

The most versatile of styles, there’s no doubt that popping on a simple pair of gold or silver hoops can instantly make you feel more put together. You can also play with scale and texture and they work brilliantly combined with smaller earrings for anyone with multiple ear piercings.

My current favourites are the Gold Twisted Maxi Hoop Earrings, handmade from recycled silver and hard gold plated with the 23.7ct solution that gives them a beautifully rich colour. These come in three different sizes - mini, midi and maxi so don't worry if you're not feeling in a big earring kind of mood! If you fancy something super versatile then take a look at the Large Luna Hoop Earrings and Large Nova Hoop Earrings which come in both recycled silver and gold plated silver and have a removable charm so that you can wear them as a plain gold or silver hoop should you so wish. There is also a smaller 2cm diameter version if big hoops aren’t your thing.

If you’re a texture fan then you’re sure to fall in love with Bristol jeweller Mim Best’s Large Stamped Hoops which are handmade in silver and 14ct gold vermeil. Delicious!

Above: Large Cluster Buoy Earrings by Heather McDermott

Technicolour dreams

Colour has been a major trend over the past few years. Whether it’s colourful enamelling, vibrant acrylic or embedded resin there’s something about a splash of colour in your jewellery that makes you feel seriously good. In need of a dopamine hit? Then check out Gem Lettuce’s sparkling resin statement rings, earrings and necklaces which are sure to lift your mood.

Of, if you'd rather something in metal then do take a look at Scottish jeweller Heather McDermott’s bold, bright and beautiful jewellery inspired by the Isle of Skye. These Large Cluster Buoy Earrings (pictured above in blue), come in a variety of coloured stainless steel with your choice of oxidised silver or gold plated silver tops.

Above: Meteorite Stud Earrings in polished recycled silver by Elin Horgan

Silver('s)back

Gold has been incredibly popular over the past few years, so it's about time silver got a look in again. There's something beautifully fresh and clean about silver jewellery, it's cheaper than gold and it genuinely does suit most people...what's not to like?!

For a minimalist geometric-inspired take on the trend try these Meteorite Stud Earrings which are handmade from recycled silver and are great for everyday wear. The soft facets on the surface catch the light beautifully so you get just a hint of sparkle.

For a more dramatic piece, what about Heather Woof's Grid Necklace 2 which is a seriously statement necklace handmade from interlocking silver circles which drapes beautifully when worn.

Above: Gold Orbit Slider Necklace by Hayley Kruger

The only way is ethics…

A focus on sustainability continues to be important jewellery buyers and rightly so. The environmental and human impact of precious metal and gemstone mining cannot be underestimated and consumers are becoming more and more interested in where, how and by whom their jewellery is made.

It’s not always simple to trace the origin of the raw materials used in a finished piece, but at the very least you can ask for as much transparency as possible around sourcing. All of my jewellery is now handmade from 100% recycled silver which is reprocessed from waste silver from the jeweller, giftware and medical industries.

One of the UK’s leading bullion suppliers Cooksongold recently switched up all their silver and gold to only those from recycled sources which is great news for those of us in the UK and means that many more jewellers can now offer recycled silver & gold as standard.

If you’re after an ethical investment piece then look for Fairtrade registered goldsmiths. Hayley Kruger is one such jeweller and her simple, striking designs like this Gold Orbit Slider Necklace set with a teal sapphire (pictured above ) are the sort you’ll treasure forever.

I hope you've found that round up interesting! I'd love to know which (if any) of the 5 key trends for 2022 you're going to be embracing.

Elin Horgan designs and creates handmade jewellery in her Bristol studio. Elin’s beautifully simple handmade jewellery is carefully crafted and designed to be worn every day. You can read more about Elin’s work and the ethos behind her understated jewellery brand on her About Elin Horgan Jewellery page.

If you’d like to enquire about a specific product or discuss a custom piece of jewellery, please have a look at the Bespoke Handmade Jewellery page or email info@elinhorgan.com