The woman who buys jewelry for herself is becoming ever more prevalent in the fine jewelry space but when the holidays approach, gifting reigns supreme.

That’s when the importance of a high-touch retail experience, whether in store or digital, and jewelers’ expertise plays their most important roles.  

If I were advising on a fine jewelry purchase this holiday season, I’d direct gift-givers toward items that are classic and therefore good investment pieces to be worn for years to come, but with a contemporary edge that makes them exciting purchases now.

The following three jewelry trends perfectly capture that balance between timeless and modern.

Chains

The 1970s (think bold gold and hoop earrings) and streetwear (the ever-expanding athleisure market) combine to make a sturdy chain necklace the most cool and versatile everyday piece of jewelry currently on the market.

From heftier styles to more delicate, chains are the essential layering piece and a great purchase for the woman who already has a plenty of studs and hoops for multiple ear piercings or lots of stacking- style rings.



Enamel

Enamel has become incredibly popular with designers and consumers alike within a few short years, and the trend is not even close to dying down.  

David Yurman’s fall launch of a ceramic-coated range of candy-colored pinky signet rings proved so popular that they’ve launched a special diamond and enamel edition for holiday.

The technique allows for vibrant pops of color in a myriad of hues hard to find in nature, and, after being out of popularity for decades, feels like a fresh color alternative to gemstones.



The White Diamond Statement Piece

Whether cut in a fancy shape or covering a bold jewel with a sea of pavé, there’s a white diamond statement piece for every aesthetic.

Hoop and drop earrings continue to be hot for the holidays, and a statement cuff and edgy cocktail ring are always festive.

And you can’t go wrong with a gift that is not only incredibly chic, but gives back to its community.

Hearts On Fire’s ongoing partnership with Girls Inc., for example, gets a holiday push with 5 percent of sales of the Lorelei collection going to the organization from Giving Tuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving) through the end of the year.

This kind of corporate social commitment resonates with consumers, and is a great selling point for shoppers.