7 Hot Jewelry Trends to Watch for in 2025: What to Wear (With Photos)

Being in the jewelry business for over three generations has given us a lot of experience when it comes to identifying jewelry trends in 2025. We pay attention to what our customers are interested in, fashion styles that trickle down from the runway, and practical jewelry choices that meet people’s lifestyles.

In this blog, our very own Laura (Sales Associate) predicts the 7 jewelry trends she’s most excited to see in 2025! She covers settings, finishes, and jewelry pieces that adapt well to several looks.

Related: Trends come and go, but style is forever. Read our comprehensive jewelry styling tips to learn how to craft your personal look!

1. Bezel Settings

Bezel settings are making a strong comeback in 2025, especially for modern engagement rings! Unlike prongs that elevate and grip gemstones, a bezel setting is a simple metal rim that encircles the gemstone. As a result, the gemstone is fully secured, making it less likely to get caught on things or fall out as you move around.

Fashion-forward stylists love bezel settings because they bring an understated look with clean, simple lines. 

But don’t be fooled! “Simple” does not mean “unimpressive.” 

Gemstones in bezel settings are striking, and many gemstones contrast well with metal colors. There are no prongs to distract you from the gemstone, either. Explore bezel settings on rings, necklaces, and earrings for a chic look!

Why We Love a Bezel Setting:

• Adapts well to Art Deco-inspired or minimalist styles

• Emphasizes the gemstone and geometric shapes

• More secure than prong settings

• Perfect for people with active lifestyles

• Can be seen as more gender neutral

2. Cabochons

A cabochon is a gemstone that is polished and shaped rather than faceted (cut into flat, geometric shapes). Cabochons feature a soft look that lends an organic feel to your jewelry pieces. Think of it as a way of reimagining how we celebrate a gemstone’s unique characteristics. Instead of focusing on brilliance, cabochons emphasize a gem’s natural texture and color.

This makes softer gems like opals and translucent or opaque gems like turquoise ideal for a cabochon cut.

Why We Love Cabochon Gems:

• Adapt well to Bohemian, vintage, and modern styles

• Showcase a gemstone’s natural beauty

• Incorporate bold colors, organic textures, and warmth into looks

• Perfect for statement jewelry pieces, including rings, earrings, and pendants

3. High-Polished Finishes

Less a jewelry trend and more a timeless look, the high-polished finish continues to be one of the most popular metal finishes for jewelry. It’s a mirror-like polish that creates a visual impact by reflecting light. High-polished finishes work well with all metals, adapting well to both contemporary and classic designs.

Nowadays, jewelry fashionistas are inspired by mixed metal combinations. More people are pairing complementary metal colors for a playful look.

It’s important to note that high-polished finishes can scuff easily, so they require regular maintenance. For professional support, Forsythe Jewelers restores and repairs jewelry, keeping your high-polished finish in tip-top shape.

Why We Love High-Polished Finishes:

• Practically never goes out of style

• High-polished jewelry is typically easy to clean

• Works well with mixed metal looks

• Can instantly elevate any look (low effort, high reward)

4. Twisted Hoop Earrings

Twisted hoop earrings redefine the classic hoop, adding texture and dimension to an otherwise minimal look. It’s a fresh take! It’s a twist (literally) on an icon! Consider it a moment to assert more personality into your style without changing the overall vibe!

The best part? A twisted hoop earring is interchangeable with its standard counterpart. Wear a twisted hoop whenever you’d wear a classic hoop. If you want to mix things further, experiment with twisted hoops in various metals, sizes, and textures.

Why We Love Twisted Hoop Earrings:

• Versatile enough for everyday wear or special occasions

• Playful but classic

• Perfect for people with a minimalist style

5. Shrimp Rings

Shrimp rings have seen a steady resurgence in jewelry trends for a while because of their bold, playful shape and adaptable aesthetic. (That, and the much-needed appreciation for ‘80s looks!) Their ribbed shape tapers into a band, adding visual interest to an otherwise simple silhouette. This makes them capable of standing alone as a statement piece or pairing well with chunky chains.

When shopping for shrimp rings, it’s always a good idea to check the estate jewelry case for heirloom or restored pieces.

Why We Love Shrimp Rings:

• Easily bridges vintage and contemporary styles

• Like twisted hoop earrings, they reimagine a classic

• No need to layer to make interesting

6. Chunky Chains Worn Alone

The ‘90s called to say chunky chains are still in! But, now, more people are wearing them solo to maximize their visual impact. Chains come in several lengths and styles, including cable-link, box, paperclip, classic rolo, puffy Gucchi, curb link, and more. Each brings a different flavor to your look.

You want to style a chunky chain as a dramatic power statement in your outfit—it’s the focal point. It can add a much-needed edge to an otherwise tame look. Go for simpler tops that accentuate the chain instead of competing with it. Try pairing chunky chain chokers with dresses or a button-down to anchor the fit. Or add an oversized jacket to frame the chain.

As always, pay attention to your neckline and other metallic accessories in your outfit to coordinate!

Why We Love Chunky Chains (Worn Alone):

• Bring visual impact to minimalist styles

• Add a touch of rebellion to any look

• Bold metallic choices ground your outfit

• Work best when elevating outfits with simple color palettes

7. Cleopatra Necklace Layered with a Pendant

Layering a Cleopatra necklace with a pendant is an easy way to create depth and add movement to your look. It’s also a chance to repurpose jewelry pieces you may already have (cabochon gemstone pendants, anyone?) and develop a custom jewelry look.

But how do you know which necklace and pendant pairing work?

The basic principle of layering is to balance contrast and cohesion. Start by listing the qualities of your jewelry pieces—length, color, material, visual thickness, and texture are good starting points. Then, pair items that share at least one category and differ in another. 

We recommend starting with your Cleopatra necklace since it’s usually the focal point in the pair. Thicker Cleopatra necklaces pair well with pendants on thinner chains. For thinner Cleopatra necklaces, try playing with your pendant’s chain length instead. You can explore colors from many angles—we like pairing complementary gemstones together or experimenting with mixing metals.

Why We Love a Cleopatra Necklace Layered With a Pendant:

• Works as an elevated Bohemian or artsy look

• Adds color and movement without overwhelming your color palette

• Easy to find new pairings to adapt to your outfit

• Best for the “more is more” crowd

Expand Your Style With 2025 Jewelry Trends

The verdict is in: updated twists on classics and reimagining vintage silhouettes in modern interpretations are the way to go! 2025 jewelry trends favor bold, high-polished statement pieces like twisted hoop earrings, shrimp rings, and chunky chains (worn alone). 

Bezel settings bring back Art Deco vibes while cabochon gems introduce softer shapes, organic textures, and warmth to contemporary pieces. Finally, layering pendants with Cleopatra necklaces takes a dramatic maximalist approach.

Not sure if a trend is right for you? Book an appointment with Forsythe Jewelers to explore our wide jewelry selection, including unique antique jewelry in Pittsford, NY!