As the year draws to a close, it’s that time to pause and reflect on the year of jewellery making that was. Given we’re a jewellery studio that specialises in custom engagement rings, our designs are shaped entirely by what are clients are looking for, not by styles we’ve decided on beforehand. So, it’s so interesting to see the ebbs and flows of trends and changes in what people look for in their ring designs.
Here are the biggest shifts we’ve seen in engagement rings going out the door from our Canberra studio in 2023:
1. Traditional Yellow Gold
Platinum has been the most popular choice of metal for engagement rings for the last couple of years. With pricing basically on par with white gold for the first time in history, clients have been jumping on the chance to bring platinum to their jewellery collections.
Though this year, we’ve seen a huge interest in more traditional yellow gold for engagement ring designs. Almost half of our engagement rings have been handmade in yellow this year, which took me by surprise, but is a wonderful metal to work with. In timeless designs, yellow gold is a classic that will be worn an enjoyed for many years.
Almost half of our engagement rings in 2023 were handmade in yellow gold; a huge swing from almost-all-platinum designs last year.
2. Quiet Luxury
One of the biggest trends in fashion this year has been the ‘Quiet Luxury’ movement. People have been shifting away from statement clothing, with prominent brand names, and unique features. The shift has been more toward timeless designs, in understated styles that can be worn and enjoyed for many years to come.
If you’ve been following my work for a while, you’ll know that this has always been the style I veer toward here at Harlequin - ring designs that you can love and enjoy for many years, without the impact of passing trends and fashion tastes. So it’s wonderful to see this ethos bubble up in the fashion world too.
In 2023, we’ve seen a growing interest in classic, understated styles like solitaires using a variety of gemstone shapes, which blends ‘unique’ with ‘classic’. What a joy it is knowing my handmade rings will be loved and worn with pride for many years to come.
Timeless solitaires with thoughtfully chosen gemstone shapes have been nig in 2023, aligned with with ‘Quiet Luxury’ trend in the broader fashion world.
3. Thoughtful purchasing
This year, more than ever, the people that have walked through my doors have been the more conscious of the choices they make when they buy.
The idea of ‘sustainability’ and ‘conflict-free’ sentiments have been strong for a number of years, but the interest in thoughtful purchasing has gone much deeper than that this year. My clients are far more in tune with where their materials comes from, who makes what they buy, and the process of how it’s all made. Couples are more conscious of who they’re supporting with their purchase-of-a-lifetime. Be that their local makers, talented Australian based faceters, and miners that they can hear about.
As a jeweller, with a passion for old fashioned manufacturing techniques, skilful gem faceting, and unique gemstones, this shift has been wonderful for my work day. My days have been filled with deep chats with my clients about jewellery and gemstones, and it has been a great joy sharing the stories behind the making of all our pieces.
There is a growing interest in who couples are supporting with their purchases, and how things are made, which makes this custom jeweller very happy!
Each year - even each day - at our studio is entirely different. I can’t wait to see what projects and trends 2024 will bring through my doors.